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. . . The Planning Commission Februmy 24, 2004 Page 7 and approximately 150 from the right-of-way to the back of the lots. Mr. Kuester stated that the Park and Recreation Commission had a difficult time with this development and their intent was to preserve the viewscape of the trail. He asked that the Planning Commission require that the developer meet a minimum 200 foot buffer from the homes. Mr. Kuester stated that the Commission was not sure how a park would fit. He stated that it was the Park and Recreation's recommendation that the access to the water filtration facility come through this development in order to eliminate heavy vehicles from the trail, making it safer for trail users. He encouraged the developer and Commission to continue to pursue some type of cluster development. Mr. Kuester stated that the city needs to seriously consider how it values trees and how trees can be preserved. Jeffrey Ochsendorf, 12932 195th Avenue, stated he felt the reduced lot and home sizes will reduce his property values. He expressed concern for traffic and safety of children. He asked that the developer be required to place covenants on the development. David Schultz, 19512 Albany Circle, asked why this property cannot be developed the same way Nordic Woods and Nordic Hills was developed. He stated he did not feel it was appropriate to place a park in the buffer zone near the trail. A resident at 19476 Albany Circle expressed his concern that the same clear-cutting will occur in this development as was done in the Chenywood Hills development. He stated that when the second phase of Nordic Hills occurred, large mature tree were taken down that did not need to be removed. Large equipment came within 10 feet of his home to remove trees after he had been told he would not even see any machinery. He stated that the city needs to make developers accountable for statements they make. He did not feel the small lots would be appealing. Ron Whealdon, 19490 Zumbro Street, stated that they chose this area to build their home because of the larger lot sizes. He stated that the small lots being proposed are like those he moved away from in south Minneapolis. Bill Lanthier, 19533 Albany Street, stated that he built his home 15 years ago in Nordic Woods. He stated that six lots of this development will abut his lot. He expressed his concern for the amount of traffic which will be generated by this development and also for the safety of children. He stated that he feels the lots in this development should match what is in Nordic Hills and Nordic Woods. A resident at 19492 Albany Circle stated that he felt the development was atrocious, shrinks their property values and destroys the wilderness. Dave Anderson, 14845 County Road 30, Park and Recreation Commissioner, stated that he concurred with the comments made previously about preserving the premier walkway. He expressed concern that the drainage not be directed so that it drowns the forest area. He concurred that a minimum 200-foot buffer be maintained. He stated that he was shocked at how little forest is left when flying over Elk River recently. Mr. Anderson expressed his support for a tree inventory, clustering the homes and tree preservation. Lance Holka, 12915 195th Avenue, stated that he felt this development was an opportunity to destroy a great woodland area. He expressed his concern for traffic congestion and safety. He felt that with the small lots, there would be no place for the children to play except in the street. Mr. Holka stated that he felt the reason for the large number of lots is for the developer to make more money.