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Planning Commission Minutes — March 9, 2006 <br />Page 5 <br />and the development would create a base for the cost of providing future infrastructure. The smaller <br />lots would provide more open space and the property for a future boat launch would help justify the <br />density bonuses. <br />Hoffbeck said it would be nice to have reduced lot sizes but was concerned large, expensive homes <br />would be constructed on small lots and may look out of place next to the existing lots and homes. <br />Bailly asked about the open space and trail connection. The applicant proposed mowed trails within <br />the development where the City typically requires trails to be constructed of a bituminous surface. <br />McRoberts liked the plan and said making the lots smaller would improve future infrastructure but not <br />necessarily the aesthetics of the development. <br />Schumann said he didn't think the lot sizes were a huge problem but it would be nice to obtain <br />additional open space. <br />Kleissler liked the layout but had concerns with the lot sizes and would like to see larger lots. She also <br />was concerned about a public boat launch on a small lake and safety issues with parking and traffic. <br />Tim White, Benchmark Companies, said they would be happy to look at smaller lot sizes but felt the <br />larger home sites would better fit the surroundings. The proposed homes would have side -loaded <br />garages which would require wider lots. He explained the Home Owners' Association would maintain <br />the open space, trial system, and community septic. They would be putting together a landscape plan <br />which would include monuments on the site. <br />Concept Plan for South Arcand Property <br />The Commission considered the application of Pulte Homes, 815 Northwest Parkway, Eagan, for <br />concept plan review 247 single family homes on 192.8 -acres east of Highway 61 and north of 130th <br />Street. Seventy-four acres of wetland are located on the property with the northeast corner classified as <br />a DNR wetland. A private ditch runs south through the property. <br />The Planner explained the applicant would be requesting a PUD for setback and lot width flexibility <br />but the applicant had not provided any detailed information about lot area or setbacks. An <br />Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) would not be required because there would be fewer <br />than 250 units but the City could require an EAW be done. The applicant would need to work with the <br />City and the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) on wetland issues. <br />The Commission had concerns regarding safety of the pipeline easement located in the southeastern <br />portion of the property, number of units on one entrance, and traffic on the intersection of 130th Street <br />North and Highway 61. <br />The Parks Commission had requested a neighborhood park be located on the north end of the parcel <br />where there was more contiguous usable land and the Planning Commission agreed and felt the ditch <br />would need to be carefully considered. There were also concerns about the portion to the south where <br />the homes were proposed because the land was very flat and wet. <br />Tina Goodroad from Pulte Homes said they had extensive conversations with the TEP regarding <br />wetland issues and were trying to avoid the wetland to the greatest degree. Goodroad agreed to <br />