07-14-1998 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Special Planning Commission Minutes July 14.1998 Page 3 upkeep associated with owning a home, such as mowing, snow removal, repairs. He noted that only 15% of their buyers have children. Commissioner Chambers indicated he had visited the Centerville site and felt the quality of construction was good, but was concerned about the density. Chair Mesich asked what was the density of the Centerville townhomes. Mr. Hasek indicated the density is 8.8 units per acre and they are proposing 5.8 units per acre for the southwest townhouse development. Mr. Hasek noted that the 9.8 acre site has approximately 37% of solid surface and 63% open space. The solid surface includes walkways, driveways, buildings, etc. Chair Mesich questioned whether or not the size of the project was discussed with the School District. Mr. Hasek stated he has met with Bruce Powers, Administrator of District Standards, and was told he was aware of the proposed project. Mr. Powers had indicated the District expects, at some point in the future, a school will be needed on the east side of Highway 169 but did not know what type of school it would be. Commissioner Cote expressed his concern for the smaller lots on Street A. He felt if there were fewer lots, there would not be so many driveway accesses onto the street. He anticipated the situation would become similar to an existing situation in the city with speed and increased traffic. Commissioner Kuester expressed concern that there is no off street parking for the townhomes. Commissioner Chambers noted that the Centerville project does have areas for off street parking. Mr. Hasek indicated there is parking on both sides of S Street, and that the town homes will have two car garages and longer driveways for parking, which is different from the Centerville townhomes. Commissioner Morris stated he was concerned with the density of the townhomes, the number of trees which will be lost, and the number of single family lots less than 80' wide. Commissioner Cote indicated the residents of Elk River have often expressed the desire for the city to not allow densities like those found in other communities such as Maple Grove. Further discussion followed regarding creating an open space area for the townhomes by eliminating some units. A discussion followed regarding the covenants which will be enforced in the development and the type of home owner's associations which will be implemented for the single family and townhomes. Mr. Tompkins explained that potential home owners must go through an architectural review committee to have their plans approved. He indicated that the building trend is for smaller lots with larger homes on them. Chair Mesich expressed his appreciation to the developers for the changes which were made in the townhome concepts to improve the quality.