07-23-1996 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes July 23, 1996 Page 8 . entrance is recommended. Staff recommends approval of the three requests based on the findings and conditions stated in the report to the Planning Commission. Roger Derrick, representing Cottage Homesteads of America, explained that 95% of their home buyers come from owning a single family home, and 90% of the buyers live within a 3 mile radius. There are five floor plans available for the one- level townhouse. The base price of the townhouse includes "top of the line" carpeting, flooring, cabinets and appliances with two baths, two-car garage and formal dining room. There will be a centrally located club house with an activity center and mailboxes for all the residents will be located there. Mr. Derrick stated the buyers have the option of a repurchase program which 75% of buyers utilize. Under this program, buyers receive a discount on the purchase price, and if and when they decide to sell, Cottage Homesteads will repurchase the townhouse for the original selling price. Mr. Derrick noted the townhouse development is limited to residents 55 years and older. The monthly association fee is $150 which includes approximately $90 for normal maintenance, $30 for the club house and $30 set aside in a reserve fund for future costs that may arise. Maintenance of the buildings, streets, sidewalks, landscaping, appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, snow removal and garbage and recycling services are included in the association fees. . Mr. Derrick stated his does not support the request for concrete curb and gutter in the areas leading to the private drives, as suggested by Steve Ach. He also expressed an objection to the sidewalks, stating that they are difficult to maintain and would not be used enough to justify the cost. Mr. Derrick stated he was not in favor of taking out the four single family residential lots and incorporating them into the townhouse project, due to the loss of profit the developer would suffer. Mr. Derrick felt there would be no problem to resolve the issue of the nonconforming lot frontage for the single family lot on Highland. Discussion followed regarding the trees to be removed from the site. Steve estimated approximately three-quarters of the existing trees would be taken out. Dana Anderson, Park and Recreation Commission Chair, stated the Park and Recreation Commission's greatest concern is safe linear pedestrian movement from Jackson to Salk Junior High School along Highland Road. Dana suggested that the City consider realigning Highland Road to meet with Freeport at Jackson and establish a sidewalk along the entire street. He added that the Commission supports saving as many trees as possible. Commissioner Minton stated that realignment of Highland was suggested during the Steering Committee meetings, but felt it was too late to be changing the street at this point. He noted it would be difficult to put a sidewalk along Highland where there are established homes, but that it may be necessary in the future due to increased traffic. . Commissioner Sullivan questioned what the density would be if the property were rezoned versus if it remained R1 c. Steve Ach explained that the PUD would have a density of 56 townhouse units plus 11 single family lots, and if it were to remain single family residential the density would be 42 lots.