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

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Mr. Bruce Chalupsky, IHP Corp., representing the applicant, explained the first issue is the screening from the headlights with the road parallel with Nowthen Boulevard. The advantage is that the trees in this area are mature existing trees, and many of them are evergreens so their branches go all the way down to the ground. To move the trail over they would need to remove those existing trees. He explained there is a sidewalk running through the plan, and they could take the trail off the right-of-way and direct it through the neighborhood. Regarding the second issue of the original sketch with a single family development according to current zoning standards, zoning would allow 33 lots, but due to ponding and right-of-way requirements they would be lucky to get 20 lots. Of those 20 lots 14 would be abutted on both sides by public right-of-way. This would allow about three lots that would be marketable that abut to the wetland. Public Works Director Olson indicated the trees could also be infilled to block out the headlight interaction where the road is parallel to Nowthen Boulevard. Councilmember Jeffrey stated it should be recognized the yards along 1515t Lane are very well groomed and the use of the open space is premium. Councilmember Elvig noted the 80 foot lot widths on 1515t Lane are close to the size of the lots across the street. He asked if the section of the road that is parallel to CR 5 is at a lower elevation or the same elevation as CR 5. Mr. Chalupsky replied there is a low point in the elevation of the road in this area. Councilmember Elvig stated this is very nice project. Clusters create amenities of greenspace and trails, and this developer has done a nice job of clustering this development. He understands Councilmember Jeffrey's comments that this is a great plat, but maybe not here. He could agree or disagree with the lot footage on the front homes. These townhomes are detached and on 80 foot lots, while across the street the lot sizes are similar, so he is not so concerned about 6 homes versus 4 homes. The rest ofthe project is what they have been trying to strive for in clustering to create open spaces, amenities and walking trails. The transitioning is the biggest issue for him. Along with that, these developers have come up with a major catch of CR 5 and Alpine Drive, which is a major dilemma for the City. The Council has tried to have development fix problems as it occurs in the City. He applauds the neighbors for coming in and being as involved as they are. This plan has changed a great deal from when it started and there are a lot of wins. This is a nice project. He would yield to the rest of the Council on some of the other issues. Motion by Councilmember Cook to adopt the resolution approving the request and authorize staff to submit the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Metropolitan Council for the three northern unplatted parcels, as the revised site plan indicates, contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter dated June 30, 2006, revised September 22, 2006; Case of MN Skyline Partners, LLC. Further discussion: Community Development Director Trudgeon advised the Council should review the findings included in the resolution. Mayor Gamec indicated there were some City Council / September 26, 2006 Page 19 of 39