04/11/2001 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board April 11, 2001 Page 7 drastically add to the number of vehicles in the area. She stated she was concerned about the density of the development. She indicated there were no townhomes in the area and she would like to see it remain a single - family development. She also expressed concern about there being no park or playground for the children in the area and would like to see one added. Bruce Pruitt, 6517 Hokah Drive, stated he was concerned about the townhomes bordering the existing neighbor's backyards and infringing upon their property. He stated he was concerned about the possibility of increased crime because of the density. He stated he did not want a business added to the development also. He indicated they did not need a convenience store in this area, when there was one not too far away. He expressed concern about the additional traffic added to the neighborhood. He was also concerned about the additional noise added to the neighborhood. He stated most of the area was wetland area and it was not flat land and it would be difficult to build on it. He stated there was a large drainage area on that property. He indicated there was not a lot of buildable land and he believed this area actually needed lower density, not higher density. Darren Gould, 6533 Hokah Drive, stated his concern was the proposed buffer. He stated he would like to see the area stay single- family density. He expressed concern regarding the density and the additional children being added to the already overcrowded school district. Katie Politiske, 6509 Hokah Drive, expressed concern regarding a business in the area She stated if a business was allowed, she wanted an additional buffer added. She also expressed concern regarding additional traffic being added to the area. Ron Thill, 6681 Hokah Drive, asked why the City planned on changing the zoning in this area He stated he wanted to see a single - family development in the area Mr. Smyser stated the first thing that would prompt the City's consideration of townhomes would be the draft comprehensive plan did look to provide some townhome; development in the City. There was a huge market for it and a need for townhomes. He also stated there was a commercial business there now, which the developer was proposing to expand, and there would be a buffer between the businesses and the residential area He stated the areas that had busy roads, made the most sense for commercial businesses. He stated the developer also asked the City to consider it While this may not be reason to approve it, the City was required to consider all requests. Mr. Thill stated he had concerns regarding the density of the development. He expressed concern regarding the 30 foot available land that was being proposed to have a home placed on it He expressed concern regarding a sewer system being added to the area He suggested closing off Hokah Drive around the development so it was not used by construction traffic. Mr. Powell stated there was no plans at this time to reconstruct Hokah Drive, but if it was done in the future, the City would consider adding utilities but only if the residents requested it Mr. Thill stated he would like to see the trail continued and not end where it was proposed to end. Mr. Powell replied the trail on Hodgson Road was proposed all of the way to and across the bridge at Rice Creek. The improvements of the County Road were an ongoing discussion between the County and the City at this time. The City and County were actively attempting to reduce the speed limits along that road. He stated if the construction proceeded, it would be next year and it would include traffic signals at Birch Street, but he would not give any guarantees because this was still under discussion with the City and County.