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Planning Commission <br />July 28, 2020 <br />S. Council Liaison Update <br />Page 4 <br />Councilmember Ovall discussed the Copart project work session the council had to <br />review this Phase II update. He also discussed in detail the CommonBond approval <br />by the City Council with a split vote and in the end felt compelled to move forward <br />with the project. He explained he did not like overriding both staff and Planning <br />Commission recommendation and provide some insight why he voted in favor of <br />the project. He stated he talked with numerous citizens in his ward who were against <br />approving the project. He went into the vote without prejudice but was conflicted <br />with his decision. He stating he felt CommonBond did an exceptional job of <br />community outreach and articulated sound counter positions and exceptions made <br />to accommodate the community. He appreciated the developer coming to the <br />meeting. He felt CommonBond, a long-standing company, is a strong entity in the <br />affordable housing industry. He also discussed the traffic studies for high density <br />housing and that it seems to have less traffic than retail. He finished stated in the end <br />he was in favor of this project and we have an affordable housing problem in Elk <br />River. <br />Commission Thiel thanked Councilmember Ovall, noting he was personally <br />offended by some of the comments opposing the project he had received and read. <br />He asked about the parking concerns. <br />Councilmember Ovall stated the council held the developer on the 2.5 stall parking <br />standard and the developer has offered for proof of parking the adjacent land across <br />the street for internal circulation road. He stated they also discussed the height and <br />mass of the building to the surrounding area. He noted a commercial lighting could <br />be even higher and felt the design would fit into the area better than a commercial <br />building. <br />6. General Business <br />There was no general business to discuss. <br />7. Adjournment <br />The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m. <br />Minutes pre axed by Jennifer Green. <br />Tina Allard <br />City,...�lerk <br />JillL'Larson-Vito <br />Planning Commission Chair <br />1IVI1[1 0 <br />NATURE <br />