01-10-2002 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COIVIM.ISSION JANUARY 10, 2002 Roycraft asked about traffic flow and the impact of this intersection coming so close to Viking Drive. The City Planner noted that this is the only possible location for the intersection. The Planner also noted that a townhome unit generates about 2/3rds the amount of traffic that asingle- family home generates. Therefore, a 30-unit townhome development would have the same traff c impact as would a 20 to 22 unit single-family home development. Roycraft asked about height limitations on retaining walls. The City Planner reported that the only requirement is that retaining walls over 4 feet in height must be designed by a structural engineer. Duray asked about existing trees. Howe reported that the trees that are near the wetland will be saved. However, the trees that at'e where the road and townhomes will go will be removed. Howe further noted that they will be developing a landscape plan providing for tree replacement. The City Planner indicated that the City has a tree replacement ordinance and requires significant replacement. Knudsen asked the dimensions of the units. Flowe replied that the units will be 38 feet wide and 50 feet deep. I-Iowe pointed out that the units in Petrina Park are 80 feet deep. Howe noted that as the Commission can see, the depth of the units was reduced to maximize the setback from the wetland. Barraclough pointed out that the number of townhome units may have to be reduced because of wetland issues. I-Iowe agreed, noting that the Watershed will review the plan and comment on that issue. Howe noted that he originally wanted to develop 32 units, but has reduced that number to 30. Duray reported that he had concerns about disturbing the natural drainage and the trees. l-[e reported that water quality in Lake Gervais had deteriorated over the years, therefore, he was concerned with this natural wetland area being disturbed. Howe felt that the impact would be ^o different if townhomes are developed on the site versus single-family homes. Duray stated that he was not sw e the property should be developed with single-family homes either. Dw'ay noted that on March 8, 1999 he voted against the single-family home concept that was proposed for this area given his concerns with disturbing the natural wetland area. Duray pointed out that once wetland is disturbed, it can never be replaced.