Laserfiche WebLink
COUNCIL WORK SESSION JULY 10, 1989 <br />to rezone property and locate townhomes in the former single famil <br />residential areas. <br />Acting Mayor Reinert noted the single family homes in Blaine on the <br />south side of 35 W. These homes average from the high $70,000 categor3 <br />to about $110,000. He asked if Mr. Miller had made a comparison with <br />this particular piece of property if single family homes were <br />constructed. Mr. Miller explained that the lot consists of about <br />13 1/2 acres. Normally a developer can realize about 2 1/2 homes per <br />acre. However, the shape of the property would only allow about two <br />homes per acre that could be constructed. This means the construction <br />of about twenty six (26) single family homes as opposed to seventy (70) <br />dwelling units in the townhome subdivision. <br />Mr. Neal asked if a senior highrise building could be put on this lot. <br />Mr. Miller said it does not meet the critera because there is no <br />shopping within walking distance and may not meet the transportation <br />critera. There are several other areas that would cause a problem. <br />Mr. Bisel said regardless of the economics involved in this situation, <br />the point is that the project was moved along and Mr. Erickson was <br />asked to do more than any other developer and was led to believe that <br />he was meeting all of the critera. Mr. Miller explained that a larger <br />number of consultants than normal reviewed the plans and all <br />recommended approval. The burden now falls on the Council to deter e <br />what findings of fact substantiate their decision to deny the rezon <br />request. Acting Mayor Reinert asked if the Council should allow th <br />developer to dictate to the Council? He noted that the Planning an <br />Zoning Board is only an advisory board and said if findings of fact are <br />needed, the fact that this use is not allowed in the Comprehensive Land <br />Use Plan should be sufficient. He felt that the staff or the Planning <br />and Zoning Board should have informed the Council that this request was <br />being considered and the land was not properly zoned. Mr. Bisel said <br />nobody on the Council made an effort to stop this project and everyone <br />know that it was in the process. Mr. Bisel said he felt the Council <br />was at fault in this case. Acting Mayor Reinert said he felt this is a <br />different matter because it affects the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. <br />Mr. Schumacher said that the Council has now been updated on this <br />entire matter and suggested that the Council meet in a closed door <br />session with the City Attorney to determine how this matter will be <br />resolved. He asked for further direction from the Council. <br />Mr. Jim Livingston from the audience asked what are six findings of <br />fact. Mr. Bisel said these were spelled out in the Zoning Ordinance. <br />Mr. Livingston asked if the mandate of the people was one such fact. <br />Mr. Miller said no. Mr. Miller was asked who maintains the townhomes. <br />Mr. Miller explained that an association is formed and the association <br />hires a firm to do the maintenance. Mrs. Blaylock told the Council <br />that she wanted them to know that there is ample transportation for <br />senior citizens in this community. <br />Mr. Schumacher was asked to set a special Council meeting to deal with <br />this issue and to be sure it is a date when all five Council Members <br />