09-13-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 and questioned whether or not the City was really in tune with the public safety issue. Schorn asked who would be responsible if this long cul-de-sac is put in and someone is hurt at its intersection with LaBore Road. Schorn reported that prior to Bill Richie owning the property there was a hill on the property and surrounding wetlands. That hill was removed and the property leveled out. Schorn noted that drop in topography that this property has and stated that the area is soggy. He did not believe there was much land that would not be considered a wetland. Schorn also indicated that 40 years ago there were old cars and car parts on this property and he suggested that there may be soil contamination. Schorn also indicated that there is an abandoned well on the property, and asked if the applicant would comply with State regulations in capping this well. Schorn expressed concern that the developer has taken down the Richie house and left a big hole without the benefit of any silt fencing. He also noted that there is a large gas storage Yank just sitting on the property. Schorn felt that, to date, the developer has not shown any good intent. Schorn also indicated that there is a piece of property included in this plat that ownership has not been settled on. Schorn noted that the piece had been in his name, and the developer had his surveyor go down to the County and change the parcel into the developer's name. Schorn stated that it was his opinion that this title issue has not been resolved. Schorn disagreed with the position of the City Planner that the cul-de-sac was a temporary one, and suggested that a variance is needed for cul-de-sac length. Schorn suggested that application of the need for a variance should be handled uniformly among property owners. Tom Roycraft, 2910 Arcade Street, asked if the City has talked to the property owners along LaBore Road west of this development to determine if they are interested in developing the backs of their properties. Roycraft questioned the potential for future development to the west and suggested it will be difficult at best to develop the backs of these properties. He also suggested that given the soils in the area it would be next to impossible to extend the cul-de-sac either east or west. Therefore, Roycraft felt that the Richie Place cul-de-sac was not a temporary cul-de-sac as indicated by the City Planner, and that a variance would be needed for a cul-de-sac over 500 feet in length. Roycraft also felt it would be necessary to do some environmental clean up of the area. Pat Johnson, LaBore Road, asked if it is allowable to extend the cul-de-sac into the Himmelbach property without an outlet and still consider the cul- -8-