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Planning Commission Minutes/Elk River Station June 26, 2001 Page 13 . get to work. Mr. Osman asked how the blaring train homs will affect the people living there. Mr. Pratt stated that people who consider living in this development will be aware of this fact and will have to make their own choice. Mr. Osman stated he did not feel the project makes sense and questioned the mix of uses. Mr. Pratt stated that there are a significant number of people present who have committed to this project because their market studies indicate it will be successful. Mr. Osman asked what the impact would be on the wetlands. Derrick Passe of Passe Engineering, explained that he met with staff and the Wetland Technical Panel early in the planning stages for their input. They discussed whether or not to drain into the wetland since it is relatively dried out now, due to the ditching that has occurred. It was decided that ponding would be provided on site. He explained the location of the ponding areas which will provide sedimentation for water quality, as well as provide retention to reduce the runoff of what currently drains from the site into the wetland. He stated that all precautions will be taken to prevent any adverse impacts to the wetlands. Mr. Passe noted that the trail along the wetland will follow the natural grade as much as possible. When the trail is actually designed, first consideration will be given to the large oak trees along the wetland, and boardwalks will be constructed in sensitive areas if necessary, which is allowed by the Wetland Conservation Act, or the trail will be moved farther away from the wetland. He stated that it is there intent to protect the wetland, as well as its habitat. . Commissioner Franz questioned what the anticipated completion date of the project would be and if there would be any phasing. Mr. Pratt stated that they are estimating approximately a three year process. Mr. Peterson felt that it would take approximately 2 years for the townhomes to be sold and that the apartments and senior housing would also be built during that time period. He felt that the office and commercial development will take longer, and that the entire project will be in place in four years. Commissioner Schuster asked what the estimated price range of the townhomes would be. Bill Pritchard of Orrin Thompson Land Development Division felt that the back-to- back townhomes would range from $130,000 - $140,000, and that the single-loaded row townhomes would be in the $180,000 - $200,000 range. He stated that these prices are variables, since the market is always changing. He explained that it is their goal to offer the most square footage to the consumer that the dollar will allow. Mr. Pritchard stated that the rear-entry townhome designs vary and that some have bay windows, shutters and roof line changes. He felt that the rear elevations will look as good as the front. He noted that more detailed plans will be available at the July meeting. Chair Pederson asked if there would be parking in the "alley". Mr. Pritchard stated that parking will be provided in the individual driveways for four vehicles. Mr. Pritchard stated that there are stairways and landings in the rear and decks over the garages which will help to break up the facades of the buildings. He stated that staff has been receptive to the concepts they have come up with and these will be refined as they go through the process. Commissioner Mesich asked if elevations of the back-to-back units are available. Mr. Pritchard displayed the concept plan, noting that their intent is to orient the buildings so that the ends of the buildings are on the street side. He noted that elevations changes will be created by changes in the roof lines, and that they will be continuing to modify the designs. He stated that if a bedroom is added downstairs, this can be done on an end unit, which helps to change the look. .