Agenda - Council - 09/26/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-260- combination of additional plantings and tree preservation will also be used to provide a density transition. The architectural renderings have also been revised, and Staff has some concerns with the newly proposed detached townhomes including the massing and layout with respect to the other homes in the Fox Knoll development. Staff is working with the developer to resolve these issues. The Council met on August 8 2006, and recommended tabling the application to work with City staff and the County to address the following items: Concern: Increased pressure on Alpine Drive and County Road 5, an intersection with already higher than normal accident counts. Mitigation: The, City would participate in re- aligning Alpine Drive to approach County Road 5 at a more reasonable angle. This required land from the proposed development. The applicant is willing to provide the right -of -way (ROW), and has revised the plat to indicate this. The plat has re- positioned some of the townhome units farther south, and is proposing the construction of a pond in the new ROW until the street is re- aligned, at which time the pond would be re- located into the existing ROW. It is estimated that it would be possible to schedule this improvement for 2007 or 2008, depending on budgeting. As part of the Meadow subdivision, turn lanes are to be required at the intersection. It is anticipated that the improvements to the intersection would be cost- shared across the three developments that are occurring currently near the intersection, including Meadow, Shade Tree Cottages, and Rum River Estates. Some land acquisition will be required east of County Road 5 as well to make the re- alignment improvement. Concern: Increase in traffic on 151 Lane, resulting in an increased likelihood of a conflict with pedestrians, especially children. Proposed Mitigation: The City is requiring the construction of sidewalk on the south side of 151 Lane along the extent of the plat; (approximately 550 feet) and on the north side of 151 Lane from proposed Pointe Drive to the trail located along Nowthen Boulevard to provide children with an alternative to walking on the street as they near the intersection. Also, the City is requiring the construction of a crosswalk at proposed Pointe Drive and 151 Lane, to encourage children to cross 151 Lane before reaching County Road 5. The County has not submitted written comments regarding this plat at this time, but has been in contact with staff about its requirements. Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval, contingent upon submitting a satisfactory revised engineering plans and compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated June 30, 2006, revised September 22nd 2006. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on July 10, 2006 and recommended that the City Council deny the plat because of the projected traffic concerns and the inadequate justification for an increase in density.