05/12/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 12, 1997 PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD REPORT, MARY KAY WYLAND 6:30 P.M., PUBLIC HEARING, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat for Apollo Meadows Town Houses - Ms. Wyland explained this item was originally published and notice supplied to adjoining property owners in September of 1996. A PDO and site plan were subsequently approved by the Council in December of 1996. She explained the public hearing tonight is being held to review and approve the final plat document for this development. A final plat of the subject project was not originally reviewed with the PDO and was not required as per the City's Zoning Ordinance (similar to the Marshan Condo Development). However, due to the applicant's financing of the project, they would now like to final plat the property. Ms. Wyland advised staff has reviewed this request and recommends approval subject to the following conditions: 1. The City Council grant flexibility under the PDO to allow a reduced lot width and area for Lot 1 and a reduced lot width for Lots 2 and 5. 2. All prior conditions of approval regarding the development of Apollo Meadows Town House are satisfied. 3. The applicant shall pay all applicable park dedication fees at the time of development contract approval. 4. The applicant enter into a development contract with the City. 5. Comments of other City Staff. It was noted the City Attorney has reviewed the Final Plat documents and title insurance commitment and found them to be in order. A development agreement and financial guarantees, including park dedication, have been completed. Council Member Lyden noted the adult recreational leisure areas and asked about the need for a recreational area for children. Ms. Wyland advised the adult recreational areas are still included and the applicant has indicated the vast majority of purchasers have no children. Council Member Lyden reiterated the importance of providing a safe recreational area for children. Mr. Wessel recommended the applicant be allowed to directly respond to this question. Patrick Simmons, Twin City Town House, stated this issue has been discussed a number of times and it is statistically proven that the majority of buyers for this type of unit are adults with no children. However, there is no guarantee and there may be a few children. He suggested since the majority will be adults, it makes sense to dedicate the majority of recreational space to adults. Mr. Simmons reviewed their project in Blaine where that city ultimately required them to place a tot lot in the center of the complex but after every unit was sold, they conducted a survey of every single home owner and every one responded they did not want the tot lot and would prefer an open area. Mr. Simmons stated for this type of development it does not make sense to provide a recreational area for children and this has been proven. Council Member Kuether asked what is the distance to the nearest park. Ms. Wyland used an overhead to identify the closest location indicating an equipped park is several blocks away. PAGE 9 •