12-13-01 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 2001 Knudsen pointed out that given the access to the townoffices would be via Park Street, the location, access, and visibility were less than ideal. Duray asked if it were possible to provide access to the townoffice development via Rice Street. Gosman replied that there is not enough room to do so because of the location of the ponds on the property. The City Planner indicated that Park Street is a pretty low traffic volume street. He indicated that the small professional service office generates less traffic than asingle-family home given these business uses are non- retail oriented. Carson suggested that it may be possible to provide access via Rice Street if the pond is relocated on the property. Carson acknowledged that pond relocation may require some additional mitigation. The City Planner indicated that a minimum of a 60-foot wide strip would be required to get a driveway through from Rice Street. Deml pointed out that there are three ponds on this property and he camtot see that there will be room for the townoffice proposal on the site. Gosman pointed out that the townoffices are tucked into the dry areas of the site. The City Planner indicated that the Watershed may not look favorably on pond relocation and mitigation given that it is possible to develop the site without the relocation. Gosman stated that there is physically no way to provide access to Rice Street and that access must come from Park Street. Gosman felt that the townoffice option was a much better one than others that would be allowed under the current zoning of the property. Duray reported that he has heard comments from property owners in the area that the density proposed was too high. Gosman pointed out that the development fits into the site. He further noted that the site consists of five acres, only two of which are buildable. Duray pointed out that on June 13, 2000 the City Council approved a concept for six two-wait townhome buildings, for a total of l2 townhome units. Ba~~raclough noted that it appears the only way to provide access to the site via Rice Street would be to purchase the Anderson property and incorporate it into the development. Gosman reported that they have talked to Mr. Anderson and that site is not affordable.