10-11-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 11, 2007 sac maximum, it is clear that the City was trying to stop extra long cul-de- sacs. Gores stated that the Variance is not about soils or topography or the land, but only to get around the 500 foot cul-de-sac limitation. Gores indicated that the standard is in place for a reason, and citizens expect it to be followed. Gores indicated that Bill Schorn asked that he mention to the Commission that he submitted a package of materials indicating that in 2000 a restrictive covenant was placed on the Richie property when a lot split was approved. Schorn would like to know the status of that restrictive covenant. Gores referred to Exhibit 20 in Rosen's report which is the July 31, 2007 letter from the Watershed relative to the wetland delineation for the LaBore Road area. Gores felt the Watershed's own report shows that the delineation was done incorrectly. Gores stated that there is no hardship present to grant the Variance, but he would suspect that it will just be approved by the Commission and passed on to the City Council. Gores requested that the Variance not be granted because the Commission does not have the authority to grant a Variance. Gary Quam, Labore Road, noted that there are a lot of people moving toward litigation, and felt that no one wins in litigation. Quam urged a compromise. Quam felt that real issues were density, water control, and tree preservation in a sensitive environment. Quam stated that he was impressed at the Council meeting that three members did not support the Preliminary Plat citing the Gervais Hills development. Quam noted that while the houses in Gervais Hills are nice, they are too close and the density is too high. Quam felt that given the sensitive environment of the Richie property and general area, the same density was not appropriate. Quam recommended that the Planning Commission reject the Variance given the underlying issues, and that the City Council do so as well since what happens with this property will set the tone for what happens across Little Canada. Quam asked if the City wanted the Gervais Hills model repeated again and again. Quam felt that the LaBore Road area was unique given the larger lot sizes. Knudsen noted that while the Commission has not had an opportunity to digest the Rosten package of materials, it did get a glimpse into it provided by Mr. Gores. Knudsen asked if the Commission should table action pending further review of the packet. He noted that the Planning Commission has already recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat with the 1,050 foot long temporary cul-de-sac. -9-