08-09-2005 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 August 9, 2005 --------------------------- Andrew Brown, 18260 Yankton Street – Stated that the developer was asked to put together a plan to increase the size of the lots and they have refused. He stated that because other golf courses are closing, that makes this one even more valuable. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Ropp asked if there was any information available regarding the idea of the City purchasing the golf course and running it. Ms. McPherson stated that this is not an issue for the Planning Commission to address. She stated that when the neighbors spoke to the issue at an open mike portion of the July 18 City Council meeting, this idea was “hinted th at”, but that the City must balance this with other types of public community needs, such as purchasing park land, a YMCA, and other projects. Other issue include whether or not the City can afford to operate the site, and how the residents would be impacted by a more intensive public use of the course. Commissioner Ropp asked if it would be appropriate to condition the approval of the plat, providing that the City is not interested in purchasing the property. Ms. McPherson stated that she did not feel this type of condition was within the Commissioner purview, and they must only look at the land use and plat. Commissioner Offerman asked if this was the first time staff has seen the new layout. Mr. Harlicker stated yes. Mr. Harlicker stated that he would still recommend that the lot with no access be platted as an outlot. Commissioner Offerman stated that he felt it was the responsibility of the developer to make revisions to conform with the existing lots. He stated that he could only support approval of the plat with Condition #21 which requires a minimum of 20,000 square foot lots adjacent to the existing Pinewood lots. Commissioner Lemke stated that it is the role of the Planning Commission to look at the facts and make recommendations. He stated that he is generally in favor of the plat, but that he was disappointed the developer did not consider an option with less density. He stated he also supported approval with Condition #21. Commissioner Lemke asked what will happen if the City Council approves the plat with the larger lot sizes. Ms. McPherson stated that the plat would need to be revised prior to final plat approval. Commissioner Lemke stated that he felt the increased lot sizes as stated in Condition #21 is an acceptable compromise. Jenny Hedrick, representing the applicant – Stated that they ask the Commission to follow the ordinance. Commissioner Lemke stated that the residents are asking “think of us”, and they must also think of the landowners. He felt this was a good compromise and that he was generally in favor of the request. Commissioner Westgaard stated that he generally agreed with Commissioner Lemke’s comments. He stated that the 11,000 square feet lots for this district are a “minimum” and allows a developer to go above and beyond that size. He felt the intent of the ordinance is to provide consistency with existing residential neighborhoods. He stated he also would like to see the lots abutting the Pinewood First Addition lots matched in size. Commissioner Scott stated that the owner of the property does have the right to do what he pleases with the property within the rules. He felt the plan basically fits within those rules,