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Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2000 Page 5 . ordinance to deny the request. Chair Mesich noted that issues regarding health and safety, or inconsistency with the zoning would be findings for recommending denial of a request. Discussion followed regarding history of the change in zoning of the property. Ms. Leonard stated that the changes were made before most of the residents bought their homes. Leon Opatz, Pioneer Engineering, representing the developer, discussed the location of the park. He felt that staff and the Park and Recreation Commission supported leaving the park in its original location, rather than moving it behind Menards, in order to provide a more central location for the neighborhood as a whole. He explained the changes made the street alignments (Le., Dodge) and proposed locations of stop signs. Ms. Leonard stated that she did not feel Dodge Street was designed to carry the amount of traffic that will be using the street. Gary Miller, 19405 Baldwin Circle NW, expressed his concern for the amount of traffic on Dodge. He did not feel that stop signs will slow down drivers. He supported severing Dodge Street and funneling the traffic onto 196th Lane NW. . Cheri Leonard, 19334 Dodge Street NW, asked if the developer can change the concept once it is approved. Steve Wensman explained that once the preliminary plat is approved by the City Council. it cannot change significantly without going back to the Planning Commission to be reconsidered. Tim Franke, 19407 Dodge Street NW, questioned why Dodge has to be the way for residents of the proposed development to get in and out. Brian Green, 19339 Carson Circle, felt that the whole development should have been considered in the early stages of development. He felt that the streets were poorly planned and that sidewalks should have been included in the overall plan. He questioned why Dodge Street cannot be cul-de-saced. Ms. McPherson stated that the City's ordinance limits cul-de-sacs to a maximum of 700 feet. He did not support the retaining walls proposed by the developer. Leon Opatz stated that the retaining walls are necessary to avoid filling wetlands. Discussion followed regarding location of the park behind Menards. Chair Mesich did not feel that increasing the depth of the lots behind Menards would help much to decrease the noise. Further discussion followed regarding the number of trees which would be lost. Mr. Opatz stated that the terrain of the site prevents them from saving more trees, since some of the hills have to be cut down and they will need to fill in some lowlands. Chair Mesich asked if Mr. Opatz has the detailed elevations requested by the City Engineer. Mr. Opatz stated that he has the elevations with him this evening. . Commissioner Pederson asked if the developer would consider moving the park. Mr. Opatz stated that they considered it briefly, but that they feel it would better serve the residents as proposed, since it is more centrally located. Commissioner