02-24-2004 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . The Planning Commission February 24, 2004 Page 6 satisfied. He stated that they now have a quality builder and developer. He stated that his family desires a development that they can also be proud of. He stated that his family and the golf course have done a lot of work to save the trees from Oak Wilt with minimal results and that it seems to be impossible to save them. Steve Parker, 19530 Albany Circle, asked if they are to assume the rezoning will be approved to PUD and who initiated the rezoning request. Chair Pederson stated that the applicant made the request after presenting several options to the Planning Commission. Mr. Parker stated that he felt the 60-foot wide lots were not appropriate for this area and would not be aesthetically pleasing. He asked what the front yard setbacks are for the PUD. Chair Pederson stated that the setback is 25 feet, and that it has been suggested to reduce the setback to 15 -20 feet in order to preserve more trees in the back yards. Mr. Parker stated that he did not feel there would be adequate space to park a vehicle in a driveway without encroaching into the boulevard. Mr. Parker expressed his objection to parking on only one side of the street. He stated he was concerned that the property value of the homes in Nordic Woods and Nordic Hills would be negatively impacted by this development, and asked why the builder would be allowed to only build two-car garages rather than three-car garages. Mr. Harlicker stated that there is no requirement in the city's ordinance to have a more than a one-car garage. Mr. Parker expressed his objection to having the municipal utilities vehicles coming down his street, and felt they should continue to use the City trail. He asked what would happen to the drainage in the area. Mr. Harlicker stated some of the existing drainage areas would be leveled, new areas created, and that the drainage from this development will be maintained on this property and no increase in off-site drainage will be allowed. Peter Neises, 12879 195th Avenue, expressed his concern for safety with the number of homes, narrow streets, and reduced setbacks. He asked why the developer chose to do this many homes and if the reason was financially driven. Chair Pederson stated that he would have to ask the developer and that the Planning Commission does not look at the financial aspects of the development. Denise Lanthier, 19533 Albany Street, expressed concern for the elimination of the trees, spread of Oak Wilt, and the environmental impact on the area. She asked if the city had a tree preservation ordinance. Chair Pederson stated no, but that a draft was presented to the City Council but was not approved due to lack of funding for staff to enforce the ordinance. Ms. Lanthier also expressed her concern for impact of the new development on the schools. She asked that the Planning Commission consider allowing fewer lots and requiring more open space for this development. Ms. Lanthier also expressed her concerns regarding traffic and decreased property values in the neighborhood. Mike Niziolek, 12275 Rush Circle, Park and Recreation Commissioner, stated that he felt it would be in the City's best interest to preserve as much of the forest adjacent to the City trail as possible. He explained that in the 1900's, the Department of Natural Resources identified this area as being naturally significant and is now one of few left in Elk River. He stated that this may be one of the city's last chances to preserve an area of the remaining forest. Mr. Niziolek stated that he felt the City's trail corridor will be one of the City's most prized amenities in the future, especially if the remaining forest adjacent to the trail can be preserved. John Kuester, 19834 York Street, Park and Recreation Commissioner, asked if the buffer is being measured from the edge of the trail or from the right of way. Mr. Harlicker stated that the buffer is shown as 190 feet from the edge of the trail to back of the homes