09/05/2002 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mr. Grochala stated that now that Comprehensive Plan was approved, long range planning on the east side was more appropriate, since it is approximately 1,000 acres of land involved. Otter Lake Road access points, the arterial road system and infrastructure could be laid out for the future. Gerald Rehbein, Dick Schreier and John Allen should be brought into the planning discussion. Mr. Vacha moved that the city make this area a priority and request staff to identify a means to fund at a minimum an entry level master plan for the area, and bring the proposal to the City Council. Ms. Hansmann seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. SPIRIT HILLS COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Mr. Grochala updated the committee on the planned development of 27,000 square feet of retail space, including a proposed small bank, daycare and superette/convenience store and pumps. Council tabled the plan because new residents living in Spirit Hills were opposed to the gas station/convenience store, and there were traffic concerns. The developer has performed a traffic study that shows a need for left/right turn lanes. Signalization needs to occur at Birch/Hodgson, and will continue to be an issue until Hodgson gets improved. Birch and Ware Road are at a level A service (excellent), and will continue at that level with improvements. Mr. Grochala noted that the city has wanted commercial development at this intersection, but is now not approving it because of traffic issues that are there because the city wouldn't let the county fix the traffic issues. The developer's frustration is that he proposed much smaller commercial, with townhomes surrounding it, then single family, the classic hierarchy for development. The council didn't want it because of the townhomes, and wanted more commercial. The developer has now returned with a commercial plan, and has run into difficulty getting it approved. Members agreed that the proposed project was an appropriate use for the site. Ms. Hansmann noted that the turning radius for gas trucks was tight and the gas station site plan needed improvement. A motion was made to support the city proceeding with approvals of the proposed project, including a gas station/convenience store. Motion carried with Ms. Hansmann abstaining, and Mr. Vacha and Ms. Schwartz voting no. During discussion, Mr. Vacha and Ms. Schwartz stated they did not feel the committee had enough time to properly review the plan. Other members stated that the objective of the committee was not site plan approval. The question was whether the use was appropriate. Ms. Schwartz said she could vote for the recommendation with that clarification. Ms. Divine stated that the next meeting would be held on October 10. Meeting adjourned.