07-30-07 Item 7A, Planning Case 07-015 Preliminary Plat for Christensen Estates

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JULY 11,2007 6 Commissioner Modesette asked about the wetlands. Mr. Faraci responded the homes would be built on geo-technical piers, which was common in today's development market. Commissioner Modesette asked if there would be any other geo-technical techniques used. Mr. Faraci responded there would not be. Richard Hanson asked if the property has recently been put up for sale as it currently stood. Mr. Christensen responded "no". Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. Commissioner Thompson stated one of her concerns was looking back on the situation on Lake Johanna Boulevard near Siems Court with cleared lots sitting there. She stated this was a concern because it could be weeks or years before someone would buy the property. She also expressed concern about the noise levels for the neighborhood also. She asked if there was anyway to add some type of a condition, without causing any ramifications from the legal perspective. Mr. Lehnhoff responded they could include one and he would check with the City Attorney prior to the Council meeting. He recommended the condition be connected to the building permit. Chair Sand asked Mr. Lehnhoff to check with the City Attorney to see if there was any way to add a condition in the development agreement that would limit the development to excluding spec homes until a known buyer was in place. Mr. Lehnhoff responded he did not believe there was a legal basis for this, but he would check with the City Attorney. Chair Sand stated it was his intent to have as much of a sound barrier as possible for the neighborhood and eliminate the removal of the vegetation prematurely. Mr. Lehnhoff responded they could add a condition to develop something with the City Attorney with respect to the tree removal for future applications. He states developing a tree preservation ordinance is on the City's list of projects to accomplish. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if they could add a tenth condition stating: No trees are to be removed from the subject property until a building permit was issued. Mr. Lehnhoff responded that could be done. Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Stodola to recommend approval of Planning Case 07-015 for a Preliminary Plat of Christensen Estates based on the findings of fact, the submitted plans, and amended by ten conditions in the July 11, 200 Planning Case report. The tenth condition is to read: No trees are to be removed from the subject property until a building permit is issued. Commissioner Thompson stated she was concerned about the noise, the wetland, and the quality of homes to be developed and she believed they needed to watch this one very carefully. She noted this could change the character ofthe neighborhood. Chair Sand stated he was also concerned for the same reason, but they did not have anyone saying this was not a buildable lot. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).