Minutes - Council - 07/24/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #3: Request for Revised Preliminary Plat and Preliminary Site Plan Review of Ramsey Town Center 6th Addition; Case of n.R. Horton, Inc. Associate Planner Geisler stated D.R. Horton, Inc. received final site plan and final plat approval of Ramsey Town Center 6th Addition in May of 2005. In November 2006, City Council granted an extension of final plat approval until May of 2008. D.R. Horton now wishes to make some revisions to the original plat, thus requiring review of a new preliminary plat and site plan for the project. The subject property is west of Ramsey Town Center 2nd Addition, D.R. Horton's first phase of townhomes which are immediately west of Ramsey Blvd. The previously approved plan had a total of 77 units (43 roughhouse units and 34 back-to-back units); the revised plan also shows 77 units, which will be all roughhouse style. The primary reason for the plat revision is to accommodate a change in the type of units to be constructed. Mr. Geisler stated generally, the plan conforms to the previous plan in terms of streets, grading and traffic within the site. There has been discussion of the elevation. The new building elevations are somewhat different than the previously approved roughhouse units. Staff previously recommended some minor changes be made to the middle units within the building. The Planning Commission confirmed that recommendation. Since the Planning Commission meeting staffhas met with the applicant, and they are amenable to making changes to the elevations. The Planning Commission and staff recommend that the revised preliminary plat and preliminary site plan of Ramsey Town Center 6th Addition be approved subject to compliance with the City Staff Review Letter dated July 3, 2007, revised July 19,2007. Mayor Gamec noted this falls in with the original plan and design for this area. He inquired about the proposed height in comparison with the existing structures. Mr. Ron Mullenbach, D.R. Horton, Inc., replied the elevation will be very similar. With the revised product the garage would come in at the same level as previously, but would include a more urban look with five or six risers off the sidewalk to the front entrance, with three stories above that. Things have changed in the market and neighborhood, and D.R. Horton is trying to respond to that, and also compete with some of the other neighborhoods in the same area. Mr. Mullenbach presented color samples and indicated the colors have been upgraded with the more urban style product. In addition they have added some vertical and horizontal trims. The only issue remaining relates to the architectural detail on the middle units as noted by Ms. Geisler. Staff had talked about either adding a horizontal trim above the window at the ground level, which is a lookout style window, or expanding brick up that unit to the top of that window. D.R. Horton would like to leave the elevation as it currently is. They have done a lot of things in this neighborhood to keep the idea of Ramsey Town Center going forward, but at this time they are at the mercy of the Council and will respect whatever decision the Council makes. One thing that could be looked at is that they would like to keep the brick on the side, but there are a lot of areas in the plat where you do not see the sides of the units. Councilmember Olson stated she likes the idea of bringing the brick up the building, or it will not be seen once the shrubs that are shown in the elevations begin to grow Associate Planner Geisler indicated another elevation will be presented at final plat approval. City Council / July 24, 2007 Page 14 of 19