Planning Office Hours 1989-1991 Dahlgren

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� LJ MEMORANDU�'I DATE: August 13, 1991 TO: Steve Sarkc�zy FROM: Phi1 Carlson RE: PLANNING OFFICE HOURS, August 7, 1991 1. John Duffy, Duffy Development (544-676�) Gordie Howe Mr. Duffy and Mr. Howe came in to discuss the �townhouse project they are propo.sing for Mr. Howe's land on Rice Street and Highway 36. When we reviewed the previous plans they had submitted, we had pointed out sonbe serious concerns regarding the dimensions for parking, maneuvering, green space around the units, and the usability of some parkir�g spacese Th.e plans a?.so did not have sufficient engineering information or utility easement dlata. Overal�, the project is designed very tightly on the site. Because of these shortcomings, we had urged them not to �ppear on the � Aug�st 14 Planning Commission agenda expecting a decision for the PUD General Concept �tag��. The drawings were not sufficient �`o.r that level of review, and if redesigned to take into account our comments, the project might laok very different. WE noted that the original appr��al was far a 4-level, 73-unit apartment building (parking under the building plus 3 levels). In order to fit 2- level townhouse units on the site, one ma.ght expec� about half the number, or 37 unitsa Mr. Duffy is trying to put 58 units on site, or about l4 units per acre, which is extremely high for townhouses. We suggested that a 3•�level unit may be the anly way to comforta�ly reach that density. We discus�ed the d�tails they needed to correct, tl�e critical one being the dimension between garage doors facing each other. They had shown 52' in one plan, and 56' in a later plan; we need to have 60° to conform to minimum acceptable City standards. We also discussed the loGation of th� play area/open space. At the previous Planning Commission meeting it was suggested the play area be moved from the s�uth central portion of the si.te to the northw��t corner, a principle reason laeing the proximity of the highway fo� children playing. Even though the site abuts the right-of-way, the actual drive lanes of Highway 36 a�e 150' to 20Q ° away at that point. There are 10 single family homes in this neighborhaod alone that are closer than that to the highway d�ive � lanes. We sup�orted keepi�g the play area in its central location.