Agenda - Council - 12/12/2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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developers then came forward. He stated that for this site there were two townhome developers that came forward with proposals, one of which did not want to follow the COR-2 standards while this one did follow those regulations. He stated that the luxury apartments also came forward with its plans. He stated that the EDA and City Council review a high-level concept similar to a sketch plan and as they delve into the details of a site plan, a proposal will then be reviewed for approval or denial. He noted that the bank followed that same process and was ultimately denied. He asked that the Commission focus on this project tonight and he can speak with the Council to determine if the Commission could be looped in better in the future. Commissioner Heineman commented that this entire site has dirt moving, so it is understandable how residents could think that all the plans are already approved and stated that perhaps staff could provide an explanation of what is occurring in this area today. Planning Manager Larson stated that waterfront park was proposed as a centerpiece for the area, which will require a large hole to be dug to create the lake. He stated that the dirt removed is then being spread onto the other sites in order to bring them to grade for future development. He noted that any future development would be easier. He confirmed that this is just site preparation using the material that is being excavated and no development plans have yet been approved. Commissioner Anderson commented that he has heard from some of his neighbors and came to the conclusion that the process is not clear to the residents as they think the Council has approved these things without the review of other commissions. Commissioner Van Scoy commented that he likes the general layout for the area and asked about the setback for the wetland. Chairperson Gengler invited the applicant to come forward. Paul Tibone, Centra Homes, stated that the standard setback from wetlands is 15 or 16 feet and they have taken that into account, with the trail and then buildings behind that. He noted that they could meet the required wetland setback. Commissioner Van Scoy asked if the setback would be to the trail or building. Planning Manager Larson replied that the setback would be to the trail. He stated that for this purpose they would consider the trail to be the street, under COR standards, and therefore there could be no more than 15 feet between the trail and the home. Chairperson Gengler asked for more details on the construction materials for the trail. She commented that it appears the trail that goes between the wetland and homes has an abrupt end and does not go to the street. Mr. Tibone commented that the trail would be bituminous, and they have been working with the City on the storm drain that prevents the connection of the trail to the road. He stated that as they go into preliminary plat, they will finalize the details on location, and they would connect the trail to the road. He stated that he is present to receive input from the Commission, noting that he does Planning Commission/ October 26, 2023 Page 5 of 9