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Planning Commission Minutes <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />March 28, 2006 <br />--------------------------- <br />Commissioner Stevens stated he had the same concerns. He felt this property should be <br />combined with adjacent parcels as a cluster development. <br /> <br /> Chair Lemke opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, Chair Lemke <br />closed the public hearing. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Scott stated that after reviewing the wetlands, it is clear that density will <br />remain low and the requirements will not be that high. He did not feel it was a significant <br />issue if a road could not be constructed to the north. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Offerman concurred with Commissioner Scott’s comments. He stated that <br />he has looked at the site and felt a road connection to the south was possible. Based on the <br />Comprehensive Plan and future information received tonight, he was in favor of <br />recommending approval. He stated the City has no authority to force cluster development. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Anderson stated that if the north portion of a future road does not happen, <br />the City could end up with a long cul-de-sac. He felt there could be a different situation in <br />2008 when the area is opened for 2 ½ acre lots. He felt the request was not good <br />stewardship of the land and that the applicant should wait until then. He stated he was not <br />in favor of approval. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Ropp stated that the information presented has answered their questions <br />regarding access to the north and south. Since they cannot see into the future far enough to <br />find a reason to deny the request, he would be in favor of a recommendation for approval. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Offerman stated that Commissioner Anderson’s points were valid and that <br />the Commission may have to address this issue with other property owners. He stated that <br />this type of development does not fit with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan to “tier” <br />development. He questioned how future request will be handled. Commissioner Offerman <br />stated, however, that he did not feel the City could deny a property owner reasonable use of <br />his property and that the request conforms to current zoning laws. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Scott concurred that the request is valid and falls with what is permitted. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Westgaard asked if a similar situation exists for the Blackberry Hills plat. Mr. <br />Harlicker stated yes. <br /> <br /> Chair Lemke stated that he concurred with Commissioner Scott. He felt that if they waited <br />for the areas north and south of the site to develop, the situation would look the same, <br />unless a cluster was proposed. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Stevens stated that he felt it would be beneficial to combine the property with <br />adjacent parcels for a cluster development, especially because of the wetlands. He <br />questioned why the phasing was adopted in the Comprehensive Plan, if developments like <br />this are going to be allowed. He felt the project would be more sustainable as a cluster. <br /> <br /> Chair Lemke thanked Mr. Schwarting for providing the information they requested. Mr. <br />Schwarting stated that the County did not have the resources to do the type of planning the <br />City has done, and that he felt the City has taken a good step by adopting the Transportation <br />Plan. <br /> <br /> <br />