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City Administrator Norman noted that staff could move rather quickly on the issue if there was a <br />consensus of the Council to proceed with the cluster development concept. <br /> <br />Jim Brown, Dynamic Land Company, representing Monarch Homes, explained that the property <br />was looked at and purchased with the proposed density in mind because the character of the area <br />is 2.5-acre developments. He stated that his company has done six cluster developments in the <br />Elk River area and he agrees that clustering has a place, but he did not know if a cluster <br />development would be appropriate on this particular piece of property. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kurak stated that in order to develop the property as being proposed, they would <br />need to receive a variance to the cul-de-sac length requirement. She felt that it would make more <br />sense to consider a cluster development on the property instead. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman replied that the City has granted many variances for cul-de-sac <br />lengths. <br /> <br />Mr. Brown noted that one option they have not proposed is an access onto Armstrong Boulevard. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that one of the biggest problems the City has had is making connections to <br />existing neighborhoods. He felt that if the development is to proceed, the connection to Nutria <br />Street has to be constructed. <br /> <br />Councihnember Kurak stated that they are talking about 11 homes not 100 homes and it is not <br />the adjoining neighbors problem that the new development cannot derive another access. If the <br />development is to go through, it should be done with the future intention of connecting the street. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler noted that staff is proposing to take care of two <br />problems at once. He explained that the existing development to the east is a single access <br />development with 26 homes, so the connection to Nutria would provide for a secondary access to <br />both developments. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman stated that the City has approved many plats with the extended <br />length of the cul-de-sac. <br /> <br />Councihnember Kurak felt that it was premature to impact the adjoining property owners for a <br />development they have nothing to do with. <br /> <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler noted that constructing the temporary pathway across <br />the Anderson property would provide a secondary access for both developments without <br />impacting adjoining property owners. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig suggested constructing a road through the corner of the existing park. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Wald explained that the City Attorney has advised that it is very difficult to <br />construct a road through dedicated parkland. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/April 1, 2003 <br /> Page 3 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />