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. . . Planning Commission Meeting Notes May 10, 2005 Page 3 remaining low, renters are difficult to come by and they would prefer to do an owner- occupied type product. Mrs. Graham noted that the townhomes to the north have "for rent" signs in front of them. Ms. McPherson stated that staff would develop multiple concepts for discussion purposes for the June 14th meeting and that information would be obtained assessments and wedands to be forwarded to the residents at the same meeting. She noted that the residents are invited back to the June 14th meeting in order to provide input in revisions to the concept plans developed by staff. Mr. Schneider stated that he would like the property to go back to being low density residential. 3. Victor Pacheco - West Triangle Property Senior Planner Harlicker provided a brief overview of the location and site conditions for the west triangle property. This is a parcel in joint ownership by Mr. Chuba and Mr. Kincannon, and a remnant part of West Oaks owned by George Sanford. Victor Pacheco described the proposed project which include 76 townhome units, all one level, as they are interested in attracting the 55 and older age group. They had projects that were much denser with up to 90 units but this appears to be a good mix of units for this project. Commissioner Stevens asked if there was a possibility for some commercial in the project, for instance, office condominiums or limited retail. Mr. Pacheco described the research that had been completed in order to identify whether or not retail would be viable on this site. They spoke with restaurants and hotels and neither group was interested in the site, due to its distance from Highway 169 and from Interstate 94. Commissioner Offerman stated that he would prefer the site remain commercial. He felt that even if the market is soft, it would be inappropriate for the City to give up prime commercial property along Highway 10. He stated that if it were to be residential, he would like to see higher density and units with more vertical height versus one level. Commissioner Stevens stated he would like to see the amenities located farther away from Highway 10 to the interior of the site where it would be quieter and more private. Staff reviewed the transportation improvements that will need to occur in relation to this project. A frontage road will need to be constructed along Highway 10 connecting the frontage road in Big Lake Township to the Waco Street/Business Center Drive intersection to the east. Commissioner Westgaard stated that even though there is no demand for commercial, it does not mean that we should change our priorities. He agreed that the frontage along Highway 10 should remain commercial. Commissioner Lemke stated that he did not have an issue with the residential development. He noted that the City changes its priorities when it rezoned the site south of Home Depot for Tractor Supply and the furniture store. Director of Planning McPherson noted that perhaps there was a compromise position in that the bulk of the site could be residential with higher density adjacent to Highway 10 and