Laserfiche WebLink
Commissioner Bauer asked for the input of the applicant on the street width and whether they <br />would prefer the staff recommendation with no parking on one side or his suggestion for a wider <br />road that would allow for parking on both sides. <br />Mr. Dehn commented that these are big lots with long driveways, so most people will not choose <br />to park on the street. He did not have any concerns with the recommended width of the Fire <br />Marshall, but did not believe the road would have enough use to require a width of 32 feet. <br />Chairperson Gengler recognized that this is not a public hearing but provided an opportunity for <br />residents to provide input. <br />Paul Olson, 5750 177th Avenue NW, commented that he owns the property to the west of the <br />subject property. He asked when the restriction was made for the maximum length of 600 feet for <br />a cul-de-sac. <br />Planning Manager Larson replied that the 600-foot length has been in Code for decades and <br />provided additional explanation on how that calculation arose based on the length of hose that was <br />carried by a firetruck. <br />Mr. Olson asked if developments are required to have multiple access points. He noted that, as <br />shown in the packet, the ghost plat would have a road running through his property. He <br />commented that the structures on his property have substantial value, and it would not make sense <br />to sell his property to a developer. He stated that if his property were sold in the future, it would <br />most likely be to a farmer or someone with horses. <br />Roger Rowbotham, 17715 Erkium Street NW, stated that he is on the corner between Erkium and <br />177th and provided more context on that intersection, noting that all the neighborhood traffic comes <br />through that one intersection. He stated that there are 24 homes coming through that bottleneck, <br />and this proposal would add 15 or 16 additional homes. He agreed that these would be beautiful <br />lots with beautiful homes, but it needs to fit into the area. He noted that the two additional options <br />to expand access within the neighborhood (Fluorine or 177th) are not likely or ideal. He asked how <br />the traffic could be alleviated rather than increased. He stated that he spoke 20 years ago when <br />the property was last for sale, and it did not go through because of many issues. He stated that in <br />that experience, he reached out to the Councilmember for that ward, and he was out walking the <br />area the next day and set up a neighborhood meeting to discuss the pros and cons. He stated that <br />with this proposed development, he reached out to the Councilmember twice and has yet to receive <br />a call back. <br />Denny Donovan, 17605 Argon Street NW, stated that it seems that they are pretty far along in the <br />process, and yet the sign was just posted on the property about ten days ago. He stated that he <br />does not have an issue with the developer, as he seems logical and like he has a desire to protect <br />the property. He acknowledged the variance that would be necessary for the length of the cul-de- <br />sac and asked if that would be a deal breaker for the project. He referenced the comments of <br />liability for the City if the project were denied, but noted that the variance for cul-de-sac length is <br />based on the assumption that the property to the west may develop. He noted that the property <br />Planning Commission/ April 23, 2026 <br />Page 6 of 11 <br />