03-22-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes March 22, 2005 Page 6 Commissioner Scott stated that the Conncil also discussed the option of lifting the constraint, if the traffic situation were change in the future. He stated that he felt Commonweal has done an admirable job in dealing with the issues for this site. He stated that he was not comfortable with the Commission's previous recommendation for denial. Commissioner Scott stated that he would support recommending approval. Commissioner Lemke concurred with Commissioner Scott's comments. He stated that he agreed it is not the best situation, but that he was against restricting the left turn movements. He stated that the long wait times will likely not be more than during a is-minute period during the peak PM hours. Commissioner Stevens asked if it would be possible to table the issue to explore further options. Ms. McPherson stated that they have looked at everything possible to improve the situation, but that they cannot change the impacts of the other three legs of the intersection. She explained that any other use of the property would also generate traffic. She stated it is nnfortnnate that this was the last piece to develop. Ms. McPherson stated that she does not know what else can be done without creating adverse impacts elsewhere in the area. Commissioner Lemke asked what would happen if the traffic exceeds the 330 trips at peak PM hours. Ms. McPherson stated that they would need to come up with some type of mechanism that would be fair to all. She felt that the applicant clearly nnderstands their concerns. Mr. Harlicker stated that the situation will become self-regulating. If people experience problems getting onto Main Street at certain times, they simply won't go there. Chair Anderson stated that Carson Street probably should not have been constructed, given its close proximity to the Highway 169 intersection. He did not feel there were any other options, but that he could not support approval. Commissioner Stevens asked if there would be three lanes at the access to the development. Mr. Harlicker stated that there would be a left turn/straight through lane, and a right turn lane. Chair Anderson opened the public hearing. Stewart Schaefer, representing Commonweal Development - stated that they are aware of the issues and that they feel that the site will be self-regulating. He stated that they cannot afford to bring in high traffic uses in developing the first lots, thereby restricting future development of the site. He stated that they are willing to live with the standards that have been proposed. Commissioner Offerman expressed his thanks to Commonweal for their willingness to work with the City. He stated it is nnfortnnate that such a prime location cannot be developed to its full potential, and to obtain the highest and best uses for the site. Instead, they are doing the opposite because the transportation infrastructure is not there. He did not feel there are many options, since too many things have already happened too many years ago. Commissioner Westgaard stated he did not feel they could recommend denial to the City Conncil, since this was the only access available to the applicant. He stated that he also has concerns about the traffic levels, but that he appreciated the applicant's willingness to look at ways to mitigate the impacts. He felt that the City has a responsibility to work with the property owners to make their development a success and he would support a