07-08-2004 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 8, 2004 Whitcomb's engineer explained how the two proposed ponds would work noting the culvert between the two. The southerly pond will get run-ofF from the south which will flow into the northerly pond at a slower speed given the size and placement of the culvert connecting the two ponds. Nardini pointed out the elevation change between this property and the Engstrom property. Whitcomb's engineer indicated that there will be silt fencing along the shared boundaries and no run-off from Gervais Hills will occur onto the Engstrom property. The engineer indicated that Mr. Engstrom's difliculties come fi om the run-ofr coming from the west and running down County Road B-2. Nardini indicated that the water problems on County Road B-Z began when the Metro Sewer line was installed. Nardini asked if the developer would consider the alternative plan put together by the City Planner. Nardini also suggested the grading of each lot individually to protect as many trees as possible. Nardini expressed concern that the grade changes and tree removal will result in additional noise into the area from I-Tighway 36. Ginger Larson Weeks, one of the owners of property involved in the Gervais Hills plat, indicated that she has talked to several developers and chose Mr. Whitcomb because of his concern for the neighborhood. Weeks indicated that the drainage problems in the area are not coming from this property, but rather from south of Highway 36 and from L;dgerton Street. Weeks felt that the additional homes developed as parC of the Gervais Hills p1a~t will help to buffer the noise coming from Highway 36. Dw~ay suggested tabling action on the preliminary plat pending additional information on drainage. Whitcomb stated that he did not recommend tabling. Whitcomb stated that he has proposed a preliminary plat that meets all the City's standards and requires no variances. Whitcomb pointed out that the plat proposed large lots and will be developed with higher-priced homes. F-le felt that changing the lot sizes would result in the development oflower-priced homes. Whitcomb stated that he intends to save as many trees as possible noting that trees will add value to the lots. Unfortunately, there are older trees on the property which need to be removed. Whitcomb stated thaC he will do his best to maintain as many trees as possible along property lines. 1'he City Planner pointed out that the alternative he prepared was an illustration of how the property could be developed yet respect the existing grades of the site, thus minimizing grading, and save more trees. The Planner noted that the City's Subdivision Ordinance addresses these issues.