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. . . Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 2002 Page 4 Corrunissioner Ropp asked why the northern access was a right-in/ right-out only. Mr. Maurer provided background information on the safety issues. There being no further public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Chair Pederson asked how close the townhome designs are to meeting the City's R3 design standards. Mr. Harlicker stated that the information has not been calculated, but that staff feels the project has a good mix of styles, colors and textures. He noted, however, that he did not feel the long Georgetown style townhome (8-10 units) would comply with the R3 building material standards. Corrunissioner Anderson stated that he felt the townhomes should be required to meet or exceed the R3 standards. Chair Pederson asked if there were higher standards proposed for the commercial area. Mr. Harlicker stated yes. Corrunissioner Anderson stated that he had some concern with the pedestrian access to the Park & Ride/commuter rail station. He felt a closer look should be taken at this area when the final commercial site plans are reviewed. Corrunissioner Anderson asked what the distance was from the southern property boundary to the railroad tracks. Mr. Hasek stated that it was approximately 300 feet. Corrunissioner Anderson stated that he was concerned regarding the impact of the trains on traffic movement and that the problem will only be compounded when further development occurs north on Twin Lakes Road. Mr. Maurer stated that Twin Lakes Road was built as a four-lane divided major roadway to handle a potential 20,000 trips a day. Chair Pederson stated he had concerns regarding the townhome development standards. He asked what the height of the lighting would be. Mr. Maurer stated that it would depend on the use, whether it would be in a residential neighborhood or a commercial area and that the height varies from 10-12 feet up to 35-40 feet. Chair Pederson stated that he also had some concerns regarding commercial signage and asked what the limits would be. Mr. Harlicker stated that they will be allowed 7 percent of the wall area, which is similar to the Elk River Crossing standards. Chair Pederson asked if the signage can be back-lit. Mr. Harlicker stated yes. Chair Pederson asked if the rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. McPherson explained that the land use change has already been approved by the City Council and that the zoning is currently not consistent with the Land Use Plan. Chair Pederson asked if the Fire Chief has reviewed the plans. Ms. McPherson stated that he has reviewed them and that the City Engineer's memo addresses the Fire Chief's concerns (Item # 1). Chair Pederson asked if Mr. Maurer is comfortable that the conflicts addressed in Item #6 of his memo regarding driveway locations, parking areas, ponding, commercial concept on property not owned by the developer, alignment of access with MnlDOT Park and Ride, and full access at Street A intersection, will be addressed. Mr. Maurer stated yes, that he felt the necessary adjustments would be made. Corrunissioner Anderson asked if the City Engineer felt further clarification was needed to ensure the wetlands were not disturbed. Mr. Maurer stated that the applicants' engineer was present at the meeting where moving the sidewalk closer to the buildings was discussed and it was decided to leave a buffer area between the wetland and the sidewalk. Mr. Maurer stated that he felt the comments will be taken into account and included in the final plans.