Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/10/2006

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density residential. In addition, the Planning Commission was concerned about the one access point that would serve the proposed development off of 151st Lane. Mr. Schmidt advised Skyline Pointe revised the sketch plan and is proposing to add single-family homes along 151st Lane to blend into the existing single-family neighborhood, offering a smooth transition from low density residential to medium density residential. The revised sketch plan proposes 8 bungalow homes and 46 townhome units for a total of 54 units on the 9 buildable acres site. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated staff is requesting that the Council review the proposed development and offer an opinion of the general layout and concept of the proposed sketch plan. He explained this site is challenged with access and includes a temporary access point onto Nowthen Boulevard, which is pending approval aRer a traffic study is completed by the Anoka County Highway Department. Representatives of Skyline Pointe and LHB were present to provide a presentation on the sketch plan for the proposed development and to answer questions of the Council. Brace Chalupsky, LHB, provided an overview of the sketch plan. Councilmember Jeffery expressed concern with one access emptying 56 units of traffic onto 15 l~t Lane. Mayor Garnet stated the sketch plan that has been presented is a nice development and the developer has done a good job of trying to buffer the existing homes, as well as moving the road over to accommodate concerns of the neighbors. He expressed a preference for single family homes in this area. Tim Korby, LHB, explained townhouses in this area are clustering around the busier intersections. Single-family homes built on these intersections would have a depressed value. Councilmember Cook stated he tends to agree it is less desirable to build single-family homes on busier, arterial roads. He likes that the developer listened to the neighbors by providing the buffer and moving the road. He expressed his agreement with the green space and open space, and the trails included in the plan. He expressed concern with the single access and noted the density may be a little high. Councilmember Elvig concurred with Mayor Gamec and Councilmember Cook. He stated this is a nice plan, utilizing things like the road as a buffer from Nowthen Boulevard and creating the buffer zone from the single-family homes. He expressed concern with the west side of the plan. He suggested the townhouses planned on the northwest comer, which back up to single-family homes, be changed to cottage style homes. He expressed concern with the single temporary access, and stated the traffic in this area is very dangerous. Mayor Gamec indicated he would be more favorable to the plan if the town.houses in the southern area were to be changed to 7 or 8 single-family homes. Councilmember Strommen commented she is happy to see there is not a townhouse wall along Nowthen Boulevard. She indicated she also envisioned the southern area to include single- City Council Work Session / March 14, 2006 Page 2 of 4 47