2016.02.25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Planning Commission January 14, 2016 Page 6 Lentsch stated that they have done a market study and Hugo has no apartments and there are plenty of people looking. Commissioner McRoberts asked to clarify if the statement relating to the City wanting the higher density of 165 units within this location was the case or if it was proposed and approved through the PUD. Bear stated that the original downtown plan concept shows a new urbanist village with single family lots at a much lower density. When the property was planned, it was planned in a mixed use district, which does allow for a higher density. He stated that this is an area of the City where a higher density would be acceptable. Commissioner McRoberts asked if it was required, though. Bear stated that it was not required. He stated it was something the City was willing to look at but was not a directive of the City. He described that a lower density on the site would be fine and even a higher amount of units, if the site was planned properly. Chair Kleissler stated that the Commission should give the applicant some more general recommendations if there are no further questions. Commissioner Knauss commented saying that she did not believe it was the Commissions job to design the project, but that it's their job to provide comments. She stated that she believes it's the applicant's job to propose something for the Commission to review. Lentsch asked if they went back to the two originally proposed buildings that were 50 feet tall and had a flat roof, if that would be acceptable to the Commission. Commissioner McRoberts stated that it would depend on how the buildings looked. Chair Kleissler stated that Commission approved a Planned Unit Development as a unit and they would like to see the whole site planned together, especially since there was flexibility granted on a number of things. She said the second biggest piece to this was the concern for the building's scale. Lentsch asked what the Commission would think about the buildings being four stories. Commissioner McRoberts told Lentsch to show them what it would look like. Lentsch provided the Commission with a concept plan. Cary Osbourne stated that the plan that was just handed to them is a concept plan that is being worked on in Eau Claire, WI currently. He stated it was a concept of what a building with a flat roof could look like. This building has 51 units with a mix of one and two bedroom units. Chair Kleissler asked what the height was of the building. Lentsch stated it was only a three story building. Chair Kleissler stated that she still thought there was a lot of building mass.