03-23-2022 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 23, 2022 density. Keis stated there is a big range of people who would be looking for a one -level style. The City Administrator asked if they would consider adding some one -level townhomes. Torkelson stated that many residents are concerned about traffic levels, asked if there were any plans for traffic calming and making it feel safe for pedestrians and deter speeding through the neighborhood. Bob Barth, Director of Development with WSB, stated they could snake the roadway narrower or make landing pads for pedestrians. He thinks traffic could move equally north and south. Torkelson stated the main concern for neighbors is traffic going to Allen Avenue. Ms. Duce stated that city staff had suggested adding a sidewalk along Vanderbie Street and asked if it should connect to Allen Avenue or just stay within this neighborhood. McGraw clarified that the sidewalk should continue south on Vanderbie Street to Allen Avenue, and a multi -use trail should run east -west through the powerline easement and connect with Allen Avenue. Torkelson asked how the water on the site would be directed to the stormwater ponds. Mr. Barth explained this area is very flat and they have a couple options, and noted they have to meet the watershed district requirements. Fischer asked if the roads within the development would be public or private. Ms. Duce stated they all would be private except for Vanderbie Street. Torkelson stated that no one is going to get everything they want in this development. He stated he feels the side -by -side product is nicer than the back-to-back and would like the side -by -side to front Vanderbie Street so it looks better. He would like to see more variety in styles and models, and different colors. Ms. Duce stated they their policy is not to have the same colors next to each other. McGraw asked where the visitor parking would be. Mr. Barth explained there are 62 visitor parking spaces throughout the site. Fischer stated that he has no problem with less density if they can make the numbers work, and would prefer to have more variety of styles so all of the buildings do not look the same. Ms. Duce asked what the Council prefers medium or high density here. Keis stated that there had been discussion at one time for apartments on the north side of the power line, so he feels this proposal is medium density. The City Administrator stated the site is currently zoned R-1, Single Family Residential and will be rezoned to R-2, Medium Density Residential. Torkelson noted the plan currently shows some ten -unit buildings, but the Zoning Code does not allow that in the R-2 zoning district. Torkelson stated he would prefer to see low density at the south end of this site and graduate into higher density moving north. Fischer agreed. McGraw stated he does not want the site to look like the homes are crammed in.