11-14-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 14, 2007 to the moratorium that the Council is considering. There are currently two offers on the table for this property, and Huot indicated that adoption of a moratorium as is being discussed would negatively impact the value of the property. Huot likened the moratorium to inverse condemnation. Huot requested that if the City must adopt a moratorium that they do it in a manner that will accommodate the sale of this property. Blesener again pointed out the position of the Council, and noted that the current minimum standards might result in 15 houses being developed on the Huot property. Blesener pointed out that the City is not considering standards that would be dramatically different, but would be more common in a suburban neighborhood and more realistic for the area. Huot reported that the potential buyers of 565 Little Canada Road are considering the division of the property into five one-acre lots. Allan noted that while this might be the intention, under the current Code, much smaller lots would be allowed with very tight setbacks. Allan suggested that the study would be completed in a timely fashion so as to not delay development any longer than necessary. Allan did not feel whatever changes the Council might make would have much of an impact on the concept that Huot has indicated. Huot asked if the Council could exempt properties fi•om the moratorium. The City Attorney replied that it is within the Council's prerogative to make such exemptions. Angela Hamel, broker representing the potential buyers, reported that the concept that the buyers have in mind is very different from what is currently occurring in the market place. The lots would be one acre in size, the current home would be retained and renovated, and executive style homes with a lot of architectural detail would be developed on the other four lots. Blesener stated that he has no problem with that concept, but felt the City had to protect itself and call for the moratorium. Once the moratorium is in place, the Council could consider whether or not to exempt a proposal for this particular property from the moratorium. Hamel indicated that it is a timing issue for the buyers, and they would like to complete the purchase of the property before the end of the year. Hamel suggested a clause in the purchase agreement outlining a concept that would be acceptable to the City. The City Administrator pointed out that there will be two meetings of the Council before the end of the year, and suggested that the buyers submit a concept at one of those meetings. 7