Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/24/2006 - Special Meeting

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eliminates the need for a variance to cul-de-sac length for Erkium Street N.W. The revised plat relocates some of the proposed lots to the north side of 177th Avenue N.W. The alignment of Erkium Street and the communal septic system location are the same as the previous plan. The access to the project area is 177th and Erkium, which is also the sole access to 25 lots in the adjacent neighborhood. A variance to the 600 foot length restriction was granted for 177th Avenue; all of the lots platted on 177th will be within the 600 foot range. Information has been received regarding soils and the septic system was reviewed based on Chapter 7080 and MPCA Design Guidelines for large systems. The Engineering Department finds the septic system design and location acceptable. The cluster ordinance states that when siting lots, consideration should be given to location of existing houses. Twelve of the 16 lots are adjacent to existing homes. Of those 12, 3 are on the eastern edge of the property and density transitioning requirements are met. Nine lots (6 on 177th and the other 3 on Erkium) need to satisfy density transitioning through tree plantings. A major issue affecting tree planting is the 50 foot power easement on the 6 lots on 177th. Trees in this easement are subject to removal by thc power company, which reduces the effectiveness of the density transitioning. City Staff is recommending denial of the preliminary plat based on the following: 1) density transitioning not adequately addressed through landscaping and siting of lots; 2) lack of a second access. Public Hearing: Chairperson Nixt called the public heating to order at 7:09 p.m. Bob Longfield, 5751 177th Avenue N.W., stated that he heard that the City intends to condemn his property for right-of-way to extend 177th Avenue N.W. from Shade Tree Creek towards Hwy. #47. He thinks that it is so wrong of the City to think they can just take property to help developers without regard for the person losing the property. Patrick Rosen, 1750 Argon Street N.W., stated that he is physically challenged and uses a powered wheelchair to get around the neighborhood. He wonders if it will still be safe for him to use it to go to the park with the additional traffic added by the development of Shade Tree Creek. Karen Glosimodt, 17500 Erkium Street N.W., stated that there are many issues related to the proposed project that have been discussed prior to this time and there is a reason for the moratorium. In this case, there are safety issues brought up by the Fire Chief that haven't changed with the new plan. The sewer and water study north of Trott Brook has not been completed. There are still lots of concerns with adding more traffic to a one-access neighborhood. Ken Thomas, 17655 Argon Street N.W., stated the new plan still doesn't address greenspace or density transitioning. Residents on the north property line will have 3 homes in their back yards, and 50 more homes later. Disagrees with planning another outlet to Hwy. #47 for these additional homes because Hwy. #47 is already a dangerous corridor. This parcel is too much of a landlocked area for this many homes. Questioned whether the developer will be required to escrow money for future sewer and water utilities in the event the septic system fails; who knows what the cost will be for sewer and water in the future. Planning Commission/April 24, 2006 Page 2 of 5