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Planning Commission Minutes <br />July 24, 2001 <br />Page 11 <br />be 1,250 square feet or larger. Each will have private decks or patios, and center islands in <br />the kitchens. Mr. Sween concluded that the apartment buildings will be of high quality. <br />Commissioner Mesich asked what has happened to the 2-3-4 story stepped design the <br />developer discussed at previous meetings. Mr. Sween stated that they are willing to look at <br />that type of design, but that for every unit which is removed from the height of the building, <br />the footprint will be increased by 20?? feet. Mr. Sween felt that when the buildings are <br />constructed, they will appear less dense than any apartment buildings. He stated that there <br />will be the equivalent of 1 1/2football fields of open space between the buildings. He felt <br />these buildings will be superior in comparison to any apartment buildings the Commission <br />may have seen. <br />Commissioner Baker asked if the existing trees would be preserved. Mr. Sween stated that <br />the trees are a valuable resource and that hey rarely get an opportunity to build on a site with <br />large mature trees. He stated that they intend to make every effort to preserve the existing <br />trees, as well as planting additional trees. <br />The Commission discussed the roof line of the buildings with Mr. Sween. The <br />Commissioners were in agreement that that one building be done with the 3-4 story step <br />design as shown and one building with a 2-3-4 step design. <br />Mr. Sween stated that apartment units will range in size for 950 square feet for a smaller unit <br />to 1,400 for a 3 -bedroom townhome-style unit. <br />The Commissioners discussed exterior materials and maintenance with Mr. Sween. Mr. <br />Sween stated that they plan to use a cement lap siding product on the exterior. He explained <br />that they are also concerned with maintenance of the buildings, since they are in the business <br />of long-term ownership <br />Mark Putman, Putman Planning & Design, reviewed the layout of the project, including <br />the parks and open space. <br />Commissioner Baker questioned whether or not the project provided enough commercial <br />space to serve the needs of this many residents. Mr. Pratt stated that it is necessary to create <br />enough critical mass of housing to support the retail, and that the space will be set aside for <br />development, once the users (residents) are in place. <br />Commissioner Baker asked if enough sidewalks are included to serve the residents. Ms. <br />McPherson stated that there are so many sidewalks proposed, that staff has actually as them <br />to remove some of them. <br />Commissioner Franz asked what type of lighting is proposed. Mr. Pratt stated that they will <br />chose some type of soft lighting based on aesthetic appeal. Ms. McPherson noted that the <br />developers will be working with Connexus and that the utilities generally allow the <br />developers to chose their own style of lighting. <br />COMMISSIONER MESICH MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUESTS BY ELK <br />RIVER STATION LLP TO THE AUGUST 14, 2001 PLANNING COMMISSION <br />SPECIAL MEETING AND WORKSHOP. COMMISSIONER FRANZ <br />SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0. <br />