Minutes - Council - 08/25/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Frolik responded that a change has been proposed, however, it has not yet been done. She pointed out that our fire suppression is still 35 feet. Tom Dillon, Dunbar Development, presented a rendering of the elevation of the building and summarized what the units will be like. He added that this will not be subsidized housing. Discussion ensued relating to the cost of turning the building around and the fact that the large trees will not be touched. Mr. Dillon presented a landscaping plan. He reported that they are hoping for a November 1 construction start date and to plan for about a 10-month cycle for construction. There will be a small retaining wall and there will also be conifers to provide year around screening. Drainage was also discussed. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested planning for more water, therefore, placing an item on the Road and Bridge Committee to consider upgrading pipes for the T.H. #47 and the C.R. #5 area. Mr. Dillon showed the garage plans, the utility and maintenance rooms, storage area, security, etc. The size is different - the amenities are the same. He noted the community room and the guest suites. Stan Peichel, Principal for Ramsey Elementary, felt that this senior housing proposal is exciting and he is present to voice his support. He reported that Ramsey Elementary houses about 1,250 students. He stated that although the school is an elementary school, it's for the community as well and they welcome all citizens. He suggested that senior housing is healthy for a community. These people are mobile and he hoped they could invite many of them to come to the school to be volunteer. He also felt that classes could go to the seniors community room and interact with the seniors also. He reiterated how excited he is about this and how much it will add to our community. Denise Albrecht, 143rd and Dysprosium, stated she is concerned about the added traffic. This senior housing would add 80 or more cars onto Dysprosium and she felt they bear a lot of traffic now. She noted that the residents had asked for an out onto C.R. #5 and the Planning Commission did not agree with that. She added that the speed humps on Dysprosium only make people go faster. With regard to the height of the building, she felt that the variance is being requested after the fact. She did not feel a three-story building is a good idea as the "high rise" would be visible to all the people in her neighborhood and it would also not blend in with the neighborhood. She expressed concern about the water drainage and thought the area could become a mosquito haven. She added that she is not against senior housing - she is against a three-story building and the amount of traffic it will add to Dysprosium. City Council/August 25, 1998 Page 10 of 26