03-24-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 3, 2014 DRAFT 45 Mayor Reinert indicated that more information is needed, especially in the area of what 46 and why other cities are selling as well as industry chatter; the council will continue 47 discussion. 48 49 3. NorthPointe Residential Development (Regular Agenda Item 6A) — City 50 Planner Larsen utilized a PowerPoint presentation to review the proposed development. 51 She reviewed the location of the 94 acre site with 316 units of housing proposed. The 52 preliminary plat was reviewed. The area is guided for medium density development and 53 the proposal is at the lowest end of the density calculation for that designation. Some 54 lots will be 50 foot wide with 5 foot setbacks but eighty percent of the lots will be 65 -70 55 foot wide lots. A senior housing complex is possible in one area but farther into the 56 future. There is wetland present and both mitigation and ponds are planned. The 57 rezoning requested is from Rural to PUD (Planned Unit Development). Average lot size 58 is over 9,000 square feet but varies from 5,500 up to 28,000 square feet. She reviewed 59 the street plans including widths and setbacks from the streets. Regarding garage design, 60 a requirement will be included for decoration (window, hinge, etc.) for aesthetic value. 61 The action requested also includes amendment of the utility staging plans for the area, so 62 that the entire first development phase will fall within one staging area. Ms. Larsen 63 reviewed the type of housing units planned along with landscaping. She noted 64 consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board. They did have discussion about 65 density but, after review, it is clear that the level of density is at the low end of the 66 spectrum for the medium density classification. As far as comments from residents, they 67 heard interest in keeping the open space but she pointed out that the land has always been 68 planned for development. One resident on Cedar Street indicated interest in keeping 69 trees intact. Traffic was a general item of discussion, especially as it relates to 70 additional cars on the county road. 71 72 Mayor Reinert noted that there seems to be several notations in the report of "reductions" 73 and it concerns him if that is indicating that the development doesn't meet the city's 74 regulations in some way. Ms. Larsen explained the city's regulations as they relate to 75 land use and wetlands as well as the general benefit of having a single family home 76 development rather than townhomes. Council Member Rafferty noted some concern 77 about reduced street size. Ms. Larsen noted other developments with like street widths. 78 79 Mayor Reinert asked about the senior housing element and Ms. Larsen said that at this 80 point that element is possibility planned past year 2020; no firm plans at this point. 81 Mayor Reinert indicated that he'd like language in the council action that tightens up that 82 plan, indicating that although it's well in the future, it needs to be that type of housing. 83 84 Council Member Rafferty asked Public Services Director DeGardner when and where is 85 the evaluation for park needs. Mr. DeGardner reviewed the green and trail space 86 planned. In addition to five acres of parkland, there are some sidewalks and trails 87 included. He agrees that the city needs to be assertive in getting the necessary funds and 88 implementing park plans. Staff reviewed the planned location of utilities. 89 2