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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, August 01, 2007 Page 4 Livingston advised that he would like to build a garage, and if the property were acquired by him, the setback would be moved and he could build in accordance with City Code without seeking a variance. Mr. Livingston noted that this would remove another vehicle from outdoor storage on his lot; that he would landscape the entire area to make it compatible with his existing landscaping, and provide the neighborhood with a much more pleasing visual impact. Commissioner Wozniak asked if Mr. Livingston had received comment from his neighbors about his proposal. Mr. Livingston advised that those he had spoken to were in support, with them not supporting a road going through. Mr. Livingston noted the public record from the 1990’s discussions for construction of the town homes, and their lack of support for a through- street. Commissioner Wozniak questioned the appearance of a footpath leading into the ROW allowing access to Central Park. Mr. Livingston advised that this had created another problem during his ten (10) years of ownership of the property, during special events at the park he sometimes dealt with vehicles driving through his land to enter the trailer court or find a better parking. Mr. Livingston opined that his proposed landscaping would prevent that from occurring. Public Comment Richard (Dick) Kuettel, 2617 Fernwood Court (next to trailer court) Mr. Kuettel spoke in support of the project; noting the differences in the eye-pleasing Livingston property and that of the very poorly cared for ROW. Mr. Kuettel opined that Mr. Livingston’s acquisition of the land would be a great asset to the neighborhood. Mr. Kuettel identified himself as a town home owner, and past discussions of residents regarding the visual detriments of the ROW. Paul Arntzen, 1148 Rose Place Mr. Arntzen identified himself as an eighteen (18) year resident of the neighborhood, and provided his personal historical perspective of expansive growth of the neighborhood since 1989 with the addition of twelve (12) town homes, and sixteen (16) families living on the cul-de-sac. Mr. Arntzen noted the number of changes in the neighborhood; and questioned when the City asked the neighbors for their opinion on whether a through- street was needed. Mr. Arntzen disagreed with comments of City Engineer Bloom; noted the additional traffic on Lexington Avenue due to continued growth in northern suburbs and along Lexington Avenue N; and addressed difficulties in turning onto Lexington Avenue during peak rush hour, in addition to difficult access during normal hours. Mr. Arntzen opined his desire for Rose Place to be a through-street; and further addressed additional difficulties during the week-long Rose Fest events and parade, and their inability to access their homes from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. during parade activities, with vehicles parked on both sides of the street, even though posted “No Parking” on one side. Mr. Arntzen asked that residents be given a choice about making Rose Place a through- street before the ROW is vacated. Commissioner Gasongo asked Mr. Arntzen if he or the neighbors had ever brought this to the City’s attention. Mr. Arntzen opined that “he’d never had an opportunity, and assumed that eventually the City would see what was going on, and the activities taking place.” Mr. Arntzen further noted that often, vehicles were seen “racing down our street, assuming it was a through- street, and then needing to turn around in the cul-de-sac when they realized it wasn’t a through-street. Mr. Arntzen opined that he thought the City would see the need for resolution.