PCMin_82May3 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 3, 1982 PAGE 2 • They are also requesting a variance from the five foot setback rule on t he driveway which will allow for adequate passage beside the house side entrance. Mr. Stefanson makes reference to a petition from the neighbors not objecting to the variance. Rdr. ti"~allin abstains from voting on the variance. Stefanson asks whether present garage would be removed and Mrs. Loughrey answers in the affirmative. Jim Bourquin moves and Mead seconds a motion to approve the variance. Motion carried. Harold hlestin, Harold Westin and Associates, presented a preliminary plat and variance request for the Bernwood Addition, Blocks 1 and 2, Addition #2; Blocks 1, 2 and 3, Addition #3; Blocks 1 and 2, Addition #1~; and Blocks 1 and 2, Addition #5. This is the second phase of residential development for the area. The plan is presented by American Shelter Corporation under the provisions of the Subdivision Ordinance #69, Article 7.2 as a large scale development permitting modifications in the case of a plan and program for a complete neighbor- hood unit which provides adequate public spaces and improvements for circulation, recreation, light, air, and service needs; and covenants to assure conformity to, and achievement of, the plan. These additions numbered 2 thru 5 adjoin Bernwood Addition No. 1, which has been previously approved by the Council. Together they will form a neighbor- hood unit of architecturally planned single family detached homes on a site carefully engineered to accomodate automobile and foot traffic; surface water ponding and drainage, and coordinated homesites for • solar energy, light and air. Maintenance of common areas, and access for service needs will be assured by covenants running with the land administered by an organized association of the homeowners. This large scale single family residential development employs advanced and well proven planning techniques to provide the efficient and aesthetic use of valuable land which will become a transition area between the older residential communities to the north and east and the commercial and public areas to the south and west, contiguous to the Bernwood Additions. The specific variances requested and reasons for requesting them can be found in his April 28th presentation attached to the variance request form. Mr. 1Nestin points out that from scanning the report of the Metropolitan Council, Falcon Heights has the greatest number of employment opportunities and the least available housing of any area in the metro area. As a result; if the project were proposed years in the future, the density would be higher. Therefore, he feels that this development ~,nrill use the land as lightly as possible. If the area was developed with less density, the project would probably fail financially because no one would buy. This would be a disaster for the City and for the developer. With the kind of energy efficient housing, solar energy use, careful layout of streets, traffic and careful attention to drainage, he feels this is a good development for the City financially and esthetically considering all the input from the land costs, surrounding neighborhood and the requirements that the City would • have in terms of providing more residences for the people who work in the City. Total units proposed: 76 in Additions #1 thru #5. HAROLD WESTIN, HAROLD l~'ESTIN AND ASSOC., VARIANCE REQUEST