05-26-1992 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

P. C. Mintues 5/26/92 Page 3 . Mr. Santwire stated that before any massive rezoning is approved, the traffic situation should be dealt with first. He stated that the people he was representing did not have any problem with the existing property that was zoned commercial along Highway 169, but would not like to see the property along Jackson Road rezoned to commercial. Mr. Scherer representing the Elk River Shopping Center was concerned with the additional traffic and stacking of cars. He stated there is a problem now with the stacking of cars on School Street and Highway 169. He stated that the traffic problems should be dealt with before approving a zone change for an area this intense. Mr. Scherer also felt that widening the streets would not take care of the traffic concerns. He also felt that having commercial to the north would put them at a competitive disadvantage. Mr. Maurer addressed the stacking situation on School Street. He disagreed with Mr. Scherers comment that widening the street doesn't allow room for stacking. The widening of the road can either allow for more through lanes or it can allow for area to be designated for special turning movements to handle the increased volume of cars. There will need to be major improvements made to handle this type of density. . Mr. Rohlf stated that if what is proposed does not adequately address traffic patterns, traffic flow, etc, staff would not recommend approval of the request. Chairman Nadeau closed the public hearing. Commissioner Eberley stated that she was not convinced that these modifications are going to handle an extra 25,290 vehicles a day. Mr. Maurer stated that the 25,290 trips generated by the proposed development would include many points of access and egress from the site. Mr. Maurer felt that there wouldn't be a problem designing and building the facilities that could accommodate the traffic. Commissioner Eberley stated that she was in favor of the PUD and understood the homeowner's concerns. She felt that traffic was a major concern. She stated that she would like to see the Planning Commission consider a more sophisticated traffic study that is a little broader in scope than just a few intersections. She was further concerned with the school traffic, such as buses and children walking. Commissioner Eberley felt that these issues had not been adequately addressed. Mr. Maurer stated he echoed her comments. He stated that at this time it is difficult to do a comprehensive in-depth traffic analysis without a site plan. Mr. Maurer suggested that when a site plan is presented that a detailed traffic study be done. . Commissioner Johnson felt that this area was more sensitive because of the existing schools and residential homes.