11-18-2020 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 18, 2020 Nathan Fair, Hanson Builders, explained that the road will be steeper and there will be large retaining walls behind many of the lots, so they are trying to maximize the backyard space. He wants to keep the neighborhood setbacks consistent for better appearance. He explained that the grade drops off quite a bit into the wetland for the east side lots. Fischer asked if it would be a city -owned and maintained street. Mr. Fair stated that the street will be constructed to meet city standards. He noted that he also developed the Cherry Hill Lane neighborhood just one lot over to the west, which is a very nice project and he is excited to work in Little Canada again. Fischer asked what the home prices would be. Mr. Fair stated with the land preparation costs, the home package prices would start around $650,000, up to around $900,000. He stated that since Little Canada is mostly developed, there is always some pent-up demand for new homes. He explained that if they receive City approval, they could start grading in the spring and they want a model home ready for the Parade of Homes. Fischer asked if there is a 100-year storm, will this pond protect both the new homes, along with not affecting more properties. Mr. Fair explained that they are required to keep their water on - site, but some water from large storms is designed to go into the wetlands. Mr. Fair stated that he has been in contact with the Sculley family for the last few years, and he has been working behind the scenes for about the last six months to find the best way to snake this project work with the difficult topography and soils. He noted that he is confident it will work out and be a great project, and feels the lots will sell quickly. Fischer stated that he was initially concerned about the narrower lots, but now understands that 15 lots is meeting our own density goals. He asked how close the house next door was, and how this development would affect them. Mr. Fair stated they will reach out to this neighbor and explained that the house is very close to the Sculley's property line, and they may need to rebuild the driveway. He noted that they placed a small outlot next to the neighboring house so they can add plantings to help with screening. He stated that the neighboring home and driveway are actually encroaching onto the Sculley's property. Torkelson asked what happens to the remainder of the Sculley's property. Mr. Fair explained that it will remain with the Sculley family for now, but there is still some developable land there and the Sculley's may sell it in the future. Montour asked if the remaining property would now be land -locked. Mr. Fair explained that there is still access through the existing right-of-way on the south end from Beam Avenue. The City Administrator stated that this is the time for the Council to have discussion about any concerns about the plan, and to give the developer direction about if they should move forward or not. He explained that the formal request will move forward to the Planning Commission and City Council in December and it is anticipated that the Preliminary and Final Plat will come back to the City Council for approval at the December 16th City Council meeting. 2