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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-03-2011 Planning and Zoning Commission PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Monday, January 31, 2011 - 6:00 PM Informal Meeting Iowa City City Hall Lobby Conference Room 410 E. Washington Street Thursday, February 3, 2011 - 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Iowa City City Hall Emma J. Harvat Hall 410 E. Washington Street AGENDA: A. Call to Order B. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda C. Rezoning I Development Item REZ11-00001/SUB10-00016: Discussion of an application submitted by Rochester Ridge LLC for a rezoning from Low Density Single Family (RS-5) zone to Planned Development Overlay - Low Density Single Family (OPD-5) zone and a preliminary plat for Rochester Ridge, a 55-lot, 23.22 acre residential subdivision located at 2949 Rochester Avenue. D. Annexation I Rezoning Item ANN11-00001/REZ11-00004: Discussion of an application submitted by ILJ Investments for annexation and rezoning from County Agricultural (A) zone to Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone for approximately 9.71 acres of property located on the north side of Mormon Trek Blvd, northeast of its intersection with Dane Road. E. Comprehensive Plan Item Set a public hearing for February 17 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to adopt the Southeast District Plan for property generally located south of Court Street, east of Sycamore Street & First Avenue, north of Highway 6 and west of the city's eastern growth boundary. F. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: December 13 & December 16, 2010 G. Other H. Adjournment Infonnal Fonnal To: Planning & Zoning Commission Item: SUB10-00016/REZ11-00001 Rochester Ridge GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicant: Contact Person: Phone: Requested Action: Purpose: Location: Size: Existing Land Use and Zoning: Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: Comprehensive Plan: Neighborhood Open Space District: File Date: 45 Day Limitation Period: SPECIAL INFORMATION: Public Utilities: Public Services: STAFF REPORT Prepared by: Christina Kuecker Date: February 3, 2011 Rochester Ridge, LLC PO Box 3474 Iowa City, IA 52244 Jesse Allen (319)530-8238 Rezoning from RS-5 to OPD-5 and Preliminary Plat for a 55-lot residential subdivision on 23.22 acres of land Development of Rochester Ridge subdivision 2949 Rochester Avenue approximately 23.22 acres RS-5 Undeveloped North: South: East: West: Undeveloped, ID-RS Single Family Residential, RS-5 Single Family Residential, RS-5 Undeveloped, RS-5 Northeast District Plan: Single-family residential similar to the surrounding housing patterns. Potential location for open space in southeast corner. NE-2 Pleasant Hill/Lemme January 4, 2011 (a complete wetland mitigation plan is required in order to be a complete application) NA until a complete application is received Sanitary Sewer can be extended from previous development in the area The City will provide Police and Fire protection and refuse and recycling collection services. 2 Several Transit routes serve this area including Rochester with stops on Rochester Avenue and Amhurst Street, Eastside Express with stops on Rochester Avenue, and Eastside Loop with stops on Rochester Avenue and Amhurst Street BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The land under consideration consists of relatively flat land on the northern portion that has been used for agricultural purposes. The southern portion consists of steeper terrain, a wooded area, wetlands, and a USGS blue line stream. The area is currently zoned Low Density Single Family Residential (RS-5). The applicant, Rochester Ridge LLC, is requesting approval for the rezoning of the 23.22 acres from RS-5 to Planned Development Overlay/Low Density Single-Family Residential (OPD-5) in order to disturb the sensitive areas on the site, as described below. The applicant is also requesting approval for a Sensitive Areas Development Plan and the preliminary plat of a 55-lot residential subdivision with two outlots. The Commission reviewed a previous proposal for this property, Terra Verde, in May 2010. The applicant at that time decided to withdraw the application and pursue a development elsewhere in town. The applicant has indicated that they have used the "Good Neighbor Policy" and have held a neighborhood meeting. ANAL YSIS: Current and Proposed Zoning The current zoning is RS-5, Low Density Single Family Residential. This allows for single- family development with minimum lot sizes of 8000 square feet. The proposed rezoning to OPD-5, Planned Development Overlay Low Density Single Family Residential, does not change the underlying zoning, but does provide for a Level II Sensitive Areas Review. Compliance with Comprehensive Plan The land is located within the Pheasant Hill quadrant of the Northeast District Plan. The Northeast District Plan identifies this land as appropriate for single-family residential, similar to the housing patterns that surround it, with the possibility of cluster style development for a portion of the property. The Northeast District Plan also makes note of the shortage of neighborhood open space in the Pheasant Hill quadrant and identifies this property as a good potential location for a three to five acre park that would provide recreation opportunities and preservation of natural areas. While not public open space, Outlot A in the proposed subdivision will provide open space for the area and maintain a natural area. Compatibility with neighborhood The proposed zoning, Planned Development Overlay Low Density Single-Family Residential (OPD-5), will allow for a residential development with a maximum density of five dwelling units per acre. Most of the surrounding land is zoned RS-5 and contains single-family dwellings. Staff believes the proposed subdivision would be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Subdivision Design The applicant is also seeking approval for a 55-lot residential subdivision on this property. The proposed subdivision includes two outlots. Outlot A contains most of the 3 environmentally sensitive features including a USGS blue line stream, drainage way, steep and critical slopes, wooded areas, and jurisdictional wetlands. These features are also present on some of the individual lots (39-43 and 47-55). The applicant is proposing to use Outlot A as a storm water management basin. The applicant plans to utilize the existing wetlands as the storm water management, creating a combined system. However, this does not satisfy the requirements of the Army Corps of Engineering, thus the applicant proposes to mitigate the wetlands off site to meet the Corps requirements. A portion of the wooded area will be retained and replacement trees will be planted to compensate for portions of the wooded areas being removed. The block length between Amhurst Street and Tetons Circle is longer than 600'. The subdivision regulations require a pedestrian connection when shorter block lengths cannot be created. To this end, Outlot B contains a trail connection from the subdivision to the newly constructed sidewalk along Rochester Avenue. A trail is also located within Outlot A connecting Westminster Street with Lake Forest Avenue in order to break up the block length of Westminster Street. The applicant has proposed a subdivision with varied lot sizes. The proposed lot areas range from approximately 8,000 square feet to approximately 18,000 square feet, with most of the lots being in the 8,000-12,000 square feet range. The street pattern is laid out in a manner to provide good connectivity within the subdivision, as well as provide connectivity to future development to the west. Two of the corner lots (Lots 6 & 25) are sized appropriately to allow duplexes to be constructed. The subdivision design generally complies with the neighborhood principles of the Comprehensive Plan and the Design Standards and Required Improvements of the Subdivision Code. Environmentally Sensitive Areas The property contains a stream corridor, critical slopes, steep slopes, regulated wetlands, and wooded areas. The applicant is requesting to disturb 48% of the steep slopes, 57% of the critical slopes, 100% of the wetlands, and 89% of the wooded areas. A Level II Sensitive Areas Review is required prior to development due to the extent of disturbance of the environmentally sensitive features. A Level II Sensitive Areas Review is considered a type of planned development and as such must comply with the applicable approval criteria for Planned Development Overlay. The applicant has submitted a letter that explains the reasoning behind the impacts and the evolution of the sensitive areas on the property. This letter is included in your packet for review. The applicant is trying to balance the sensitive areas with the required public improvements. The extension of Westminster Street, the construction of the hammerhead on Lake Forest Avenue and the Stormwater Basin construction impact the sensitive areas greatly. In staff's belief, the applicant has attempted to minimize the amount of disturbance, while still providing functional systems. The percentages of impact show the total impact to the sensitive features, but a portion of this impact is due to the storage of the stormwater basin, not necessarily construction. The table below was provided by the applicant and shows the impact to the sensitive features due to the specific public improvement. The percentages shown in the table are as if only one of the improvements was constructed. For example, if only Westminster Street was constructed, 31 % of the woodlands and 50% of the wetlands would be disturbed. 4 Woodlands w/stormwater storage Wetlands w/stormwater storage Westminster Street Extension 2.40. acres = 31 % Lake Forest Ave Hammerhead 0..55 acres = 7% Stormwater Basin Construction 1.62 acres = 21 % 1.36 acres = 18% 0..95 acres = 47% 0..87 acres = 43% 1.0.1 acres = 50.% 0..20. acres = 10.% Wetlands For a property containing a regulated wetland, a Wetland Mitigation Plan is required to be submitted along with a Sensitive Areas Development Plan. The mitigation plan should delineate the wetlands and the required natural buffer area, and delineate a construction area limit. The Sensitive Areas Ordinance (SAO) strongly encourages avoiding delineated wetland areas and minimizing the impact of development on the wetlands, and therefore requires thorough investigation and consideration of alternative development design before compensatory mitigation is considered. The SAO requires an undisturbed, 1DD-foot natural buffer between any development activity and a regulated wetland unless said development activity is exempted. The applicant is proposing to disturb 10.0.% of the wetlands. The applicant is proposing to mitigate the wetlands off site, but within the Iowa River watershed. The exact location of the wetland mitigation has not been determined. The SAO does not require that the mitigation be provided on site, but it does require submission to and approval by the Army Corps of Engineers for any development activity within a wetland area and any proposed mitigation. It is staffs understanding that the Corps is no longer accepting storm water detention combined with wetlands and that the Corps is also trying to promote larger, regional wetlands with long term professional management rather than small wetlands with short term amateur management. Thus, it is believed that if stormwater management is combined with the wetlands, the Corps will require the wetlands to be mitigated off site and any mitigation done onsite will not satisfy the Corps requirements. The applicant has provided the Army Corps of Engineers with the wetland delineation report and has indicated that the Corps has accepted the delineation. The applicant must still submit the proposed mitigation to the Corps. A location and plan for the offsite mitigation will need to be determined and approved by the Corps and the City prior to the final plat and should be a condition of the rezoning. Essential public utilities such as storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, gas, telephone and power lines, and storm water detention facilities are permitted within protected sensitive areas if they are designed and constructed to minimize their impact upon the protected sensitive areas and associated buffers. Given the topography of this property, it would be difficult to provide storm water management on this property without disturbing the wetlands. The applicant is proposing to create a combined stormwater basin and wetland area. A detailed maintenance plan for the area will need to be approved by the City and included in the legal papers of the final plat. Considerable detail will need to be outlined on the responsibilities of the developer and of the Homeowner's Association and a fee schedule will need to be determined in order to carry out the required maintenance. The mitigation plan is a requirement before the Sensitive Areas Development Plan can be approved. Section 14-51-6G of the Zoning Code outlines the requirements for Compensatory Mitigation. Any of the wetlands associated with the stream corridor are 5 required to be mitigated at a replacement ratio of 3:1 (replacement to original), the wooded wetlands at a ratio of 2: 1, and all others at a ratio of 1: 1. These areas need to be addressed in the Mitigation Plan. As stated in Section 14-51-6G, the Wetland Mitigation Plan must also include: · An assessment of the value of the wetland being replaced to determine the appropriate replacement ratio; · A clear statement of the goals of the mitigation plan, including specific statements regarding the expected rate of establishment of a vegetative cover over specified periods of time; · Analysis of the soils, substrate, and hydrology of the proposed site of the constructed or expanded wetland in terms of their suitability to provide a proper growing medium for the proposed vegetation; · A list of the plant species to be used, which should include only native, noninvasive species, and their proposed locations. Transplanting as much of the native vegetation from the original wetland as possible, as well as the upper 6 to 12 inches of the soil is encouraged; and · Provisions for monitoring the condition of the new or enhanced wetland area for a period of 5 years, and identification of the party responsible for replanting in the event of poor initial growth or predation resulting in a failure of over 30% of the planted stock. Information collected during the monitoring process must be submitted to the City annually and include the following: o Data on plant species diversity and the extent of plant cover established in the new or enhanced wetland; o Wildlife presence; o Data on water regimes, water chemistry, soil conditions, and ground and surface water interactions; and o Proposed alterations or corrective measures to address deficiencies identified in the created or enhanced wetland, such as a failure to establish a vegetative cover or the presence of invasive or foreign species. The wetland mitigation plan needs to be submitted before the rezoning can be approved and Staff recommends that our wetland consultant review the plan prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission vote. Once the City and the Corps approve the mitigation plan, then the mitigation and development can occur. Stream Corridor Currently the site includes a blue line stream on the USGS maps. The applicant proposes essentially to eliminate the blue line stream. South of the proposed development, the stream was buried in a culvert under Westminster Street. Approximately 150' of the stream is located on the subject property. Essential public utilities such as storm and sanitary sewers, water mains, gas, telephone and power lines, and storm water detention facilities are permitted within protected sensitive areas if they are designed and constructed to minimize their impact upon the protected sensitive areas and associated buffers. Stream crossings, such as bridges, roads, and culverts, are also allowed within the protected sensitive areas provided they are designed to minimize any reduction of the flood carrying capacity of the stream. In Staff's view, extending Westminster Street is an essential public facility that would be allowed by the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. Staff also believes the piping of this portion of the stream will have minimal impact on the flood carrying capacity of the stream since the southern portion of this stream has already been placed in a culvert under Westminster Street. 6 Steep and Critical Slopes There are both steep and critical slopes located on the subject property. There are no protected (greater than 40%) slopes on the property. The applicant is proposing to disturb 48% of the steep slopes and 57% of the critical slopes. The grading is being proposed to address the on-site storm water management and the construction of Westminster Street to city street standards. In Staff's opinion the level of disturbance is necessary to allow the construction of Westminster Street and to allow for a reasonable level of development on this property. Wooded Areas There is 7.26-acre wooded area on the subject property. The applicant is proposing to disturb 6.42 acres (88%) of this wooded area. In the RS-5 zone the Sensitive Areas Ordinance requires that 50% of the wooded area be retained. If it is determined that the required woodland cannot be retained, replacement trees must be planted. The replacement tree requirement is one tree for every 200 square feet of required retention area to be removed. Replacement trees must be approved by the City and should be of the same or equivalent species as the trees being removed. When it is not feasible to replace trees on-site, replacement trees may be planted to supplement reforestation of off- site woodlands as approved by the City. According to the SAO the applicant is required to retain 3.63 acres (122,193 square feet) of wooded area, along with a 50' buffer or provide replacement trees. The proposed disturbance of the wooded area is being caused by the construction and grading of the streets and storm water management facility. The applicant is proposing to retain .84 acres (35,206 sq ft) of wooded area, along with a 50' buffer. Based on the tree replacement calculation of one new tree for every 200 square feet of required retention area to be removed the application is required to replant 611 trees. The applicant proposes to do this by providing two tiers of evergreen trees as a landscape buffer along Rochester Avenue (70 trees) and providing at least five trees on every lot (275 trees). 119 trees will be planted in Outlots A. A location for the remaining trees 147 trees will need to be determined and could possibly be fit on the rear lotlines of the lots or on an off-site City owned woodland area. Staff recommends that the applicant work with the City Forester to find a suitable location for the remaining 147 replacement trees. The applicant has submitted a tree replacement plan that shows approximately where the replacement trees noted above will be planted. There is also a grove of trees along Rochester Avenue. The City Forester has identified several of the trees that he recommended be protected and saved. The applicant has provided a tree protection plan that shows these trees being protected during construction. Traffic implications, access, and street design: The proposed subdivision will be accessed from the north off Rochester Avenue by Tetons Circle, from the east by an extension of Lower West Branch Road, and from the south by an extension of Westminster Street. Westminster Street has been extended to the west property line to provide connectivity to the property to the west when it develops. Lower West Branch Road is currently not constructed west of Amhurst Street. The developer will be responsible for constructing this portion of the Lower West Branch Road. The Fire Department has also requested that the developer construct a turn around at the end of Lake Forest Avenue, which is being shown on the plat. 7 Some of the proposed lots along Rochester Avenue (1-7 and 26-31) are double fronting lots. The subdivision regulations discourage such lots. If such lots cannot be avoided the following standards apply: 1 Lots with multiple frontages shall be 125% of the required lot area for the zone. Corner lots with only two frontages are exempt from this requirement. In this case, the minimum lot area in the RS-5 zone is 8,000 square feet. Double frontage lots are required to be 10,000 square feet. · Lots 1-6 and 32-27 meet this requirement. 2 Double and triple frontage lots where dwellings will have side or rear-building facades oriented toward an arterial street shall provide a minimum 20-foot wide landscaped buffer area along the arterial street frontage. The buffer area shall be planted with a mixture of coniferous and deciduous vegetation and shall be required along with other public improvements for the property. No solid fences are allowed within this buffer area. This restriction must be noted in the subdivider's agreement and on the plat. · All the lots along Rochester Avenue (1-7 and 26-31) must meet this requirement · A landscape buffer is shown along Rochester Avenue on the plat. Two cul-de-sacs are being shown on the plat. Cul-de-sacs are discouraged unless topography or surrounding development prohibits the roads from going through. The development south of the proposed subdivision also features cul-de-sacs and back lot lines currently abut the southern boundary of Rochester Ridge. In addition, the topography in Outlot A is quite steep and the feasibility of constructing a road through this area is questionable. Both cul-de-sacs are designed as low volume cul-de-sacs, providing access to only 10 lots. Although 11 lots are shown abutting the cul-de-sac at Tetons Circle, there is a note on the plat that requires lot 33 to access Westminster Street, so only 10 are being provided driveway access to the cul-de-sac. A low volume cul-de-sac features a 22' wide pavement width, 50' ROW, and parking on only one side. At Amhurst Street the ROW width for Lower West Branch Road is 68' and the proposed ROW width within Rochester Ridge is 60'. As the developer will be responsible for constructing Lower West Branch Road from Amhurst Street through the subdivision, staff recommends it be constructed as if there was a 60' ROW for the entire length. This provides for a consistent distance between the road paving and the sidewalk the entire length of the road from Amhurst Street to Tetons Circle. This has been shown on the plat. In addition, the City recently undertook a sidewalk infill project in the area and constructed the sidewalk along Rochester Ave abutting this property. Neighborhood parkland or fees in lieu of Based on the Neighborhood Open Space Ordinance, a subdivision of this size is required to dedicate 0.5 acres of open space or pay fees in lieu of dedication. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the plat, determined that there is not property within the subdivision that is suitable for neighborhood open space, and decided to accept fees in lieu of parkland dedication. Storm water management The plan shows a stormwater management basin located within proposed Outlot A, which also includes the existing wetland area. The City Engineer has identified a larger 8 stormwater problem in this area because of the lack of stormwater management requirements with previous subdivision. It is believed that the construction of the stormwater basin in this location will help alleviate some of the existing stormwater problems by redirecting and slowing down the flow of stormwater. As noted above the Army Corps of Engineers will need to approve the wetland mitigation plan. In the absence of Corps approval, the wetland and storm water management will need to be redesigned. Because of the more complicated nature of a combined wetland and stormwater basin, a detailed maintenance plan and fee schedule will need to be developed and included in the legal papers for the Homeowner's Association to allow for future maintenance of Outlot A. Infrastructure fees: sanitary sewer and water main Water main extension fee of $395 per acre is required. The applicant will also be required to construct Lower West Branch Road and the adjacent sidewalks from Amhurst Street to the proposed subdivision and to provide an emergency vehicle turn around at the end of Lake Forest Avenue. Summary Given the topography and surrounding development, Staff believes that the general design of the subdivision is appropriate and is compatible with the neighborhood. However, the wetlands and other sensitive areas present a challenge. Staff believes that the overall benefit of improved stormwater management for the neighborhood, street connectivity, and infill development justifies the level of disturbance proposed. By the developer delicately balancing the infrastructure needs with the sensitive areas, this subdivision could be a good fit into the neighborhood. In the absence of a complete Wetland Mitigation Plan, it is premature to approve the subdivision and rezoning. Based on the initial review and observations, it is likely reasonable for the storm water management to be handled in the location of the wetlands, but without the Mitigation Plan a final determination can not be made. In addition, a detailed maintenance plan and fee schedule will need to be developed and included in the legal papers for the Homeowner's Association to allow for future maintenance of Outlot A. The applicant also needs to determine a location for the remaining 147 replacement trees STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that REZ11-00001, rezoning of approximately 23.22 acres located at 2949 Rochester Avenue from Low Density Single Family (RS-5) to Planned Development Overlay - Low Density Single Family (OPD-5) and SUB1 0-00016, a preliminary plat of Rochester Ridge, a 55-lot, approximately 23.22-acre residential subdivision with two outlots, located at 2949 Rochester Avenue, be deferred pending a wetland mitigation plan being submitted. DEFICIENCIES AND DISCREPANCIES: 1) Wetland Mitigation Plan 2) Lots width on Lots 12-14, 21-23, 26-27, 32, 36-39, 41, 43-44, 46-50 need to be shown on the plat. 3) Outlot B needs to be included in Phase 1 note on the plat 4) The proposed tree replacement calculations are incorrect and need to be corrected 9 5) City Engineer is reviewing the revised plat and any comments will need to be addressed ATTACHMENTS: 1. Location Map 2. Plat 3. 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II !ll Ii' 11111.'1>1 AI 'll~ 'ft ,~l Ii: !:II.: i~ jl lih Ii llil Il'l N'! l!;'i ~! hI' U !!!, ~ h :"I.!d ~. ~ll!:, M M ~ L' > z o <Zl c::: ;.l < tI1 -< o ;.l <Zl L' > z o '"" L' > ~ tI1 ;>:l <Zl L' > z o <Zl n > '"" tI1 > ;>:l n :r: ~ ..., <Zl ~ < ;a o z i::: ~ ~ L' <Zl '"" tI1 n ;; L' 1i'.i ..., <Zl MMS CONSULTANTS, INC. I IOWA CITY IOWA OFFICE: 319-351-8282 CEDAR RAPIDS IOWA OFFICE: 319-841-5188 Your Vision + Our Innovation = I1lspired Results January 4,2011 Project # 7596-038 n :;: t= ~ o Z tI1 tI1 ;>:l <Zl City of Iowa City Attn: Christina Kuecker 410 E Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Rochester Ridge - located at 2949 Rochester Ave. Iowa City Dear Christina: MMS Consultants, Inc., on behalf of our client, Rochester Ridge LLC, has conducted a Level II Sensitive Areas Review on the 23.22 acres ofland located at 2949 Rochester Avenue. It is our client's intent to develop the land into a residential subdivision. The subdivision will be composed of 55 lots and one 4.53 acre outlot. The proposed development is a logical "in fill" development and existing zoning and lot sizes are compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods. The northern boundary ofthe site is Rochester Avenue. The acreage's use dating back to the 1930's (see left image) had been predominantly agricultural. The northern and southwestern areas of the property were tilled for crops while the southeast area was used for livestock pasture. During the early 1970's a residential subdivision, Oakwoods Addition, was built just to the east of this ground At the time, the City ofIowa City did not have a Stormwater Management plan in place. When building Amhurst St, a portion of Oakwoods Addition, the developers placed one of two stormwater drainage pipes at the end of Lake Forest A venue. The other drainage pipe was placed approximately 170' north of the pipe on Lake Forest Avenue. Prior to this residential development there was no prevalent evidence of 1930's aerial of 2949 Rochester Ave wetlands or woodlands on the acreage based on aerial photography and soils maps. After the development of Amhurst Street, the area which was once pasture, was allowed to become overgrown with invasive species of trees. Stormwater from the two drainage pipes off of Amhurst and Lake Forest created runoff problems along Hastings Avenue. A small berm was built in the 1970's across the waterway to help with the runoff problems. This helped create a manmade wetland area. Over the next 30 years invasive species of wetland vegetation began to flourish on the former pasture land. Reed canary grass and cattails became the dominant wetland species. Both species of grasses being known for their abilities to dominate and create monocultures were few plant species can grow. They provide little use to wildlife and reduce over all habitat value. Over the past 30 years fast growing and aggressive trees such as box elder, osage orange and black cherry have grown around the wetland as well as in the upland portion of the property. Although these trees are native, they are most commonly known for their ability to grow quickly and reproduce, often competing with more desirable and vulnerable woodland species of oak, hickory and walnut. In essence allowing these invasive trees to flourish does not promote plant diversity in a woodland setting. 1917 S. GILBERT ST.' IOWA CITY' IOWA 52240 WEBSlTE: WWW.MMSCONSULTANTS.NET EMAIL: MMS@MMSCONSULTANTS.NET 1 As mentioned earlier, the property is surrounded on three sides by large residential developments. These developments in effect limit the quality and reproduction of any valuable woodlands or wetlands on the property. The majority of storm water from the Oakwoods development goes directly into the wetland area and can cause flash flooding. This in turn creates an ideal setup for flooding issues for the residences along the north side of Hastings Avenue. The intention of our client, as stated earlier, is to develop a residential subdivision. According to City ordinance a stormwater management plan must be approved prior to the approval and development of this site. Since the surrounding subdivisions were developed prior to the municipal design standards requiring storm water management, the location and design for the Rochester Ridge storm water management is very critical. The basin would not only have capacity for the new development, but it would also hold runoff from Amhurst Drive as well, in turn discouraging any further flooding issues for residents of Hastings Avenue and Westminster Street. In accordance with City standards, a stormwater basin of approximately 1.4 acres would have to be constructed due to the fact that the basin will not only be collecting stormwater for Rochester Ridge but the surrounding subdivisions as well. The customary position to locate the proposed storm water basin is in the natural low area located in the southeast comer of the proposed subdivision. As a result, the required storm water storage volume and location of the basin will impact a majority of the woodlands as well as the wetlands. Any additional wetlands will be impacted during large storm events when the basin stores and releases stormwater runoff, per city design standards. During the conceptual design phase of Rochester Ridge, a City staff review was conducted as well as various meetings with the staff. It was determined by staff that the existing Westminster Street must be extended north through the proposed Rochester Ridge Subdivision. Currently located at the northern end of Westminster Street are numerous utilities; municipal water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer etc. All of which have been stubbed out for the future northern extension of Westminster into a proposed subdivision. With the required extension of not only Westminster Street but the public utilities as well, several sensitive features will be impacted. The construction and extension of the street and public improvements will in particular impact the existing stream corridor not to mention the existing wooded area and wetlands. Our client will mitigate to address the impact on the sensitive areas. The ideal situation would be to mitigate off site for the woodland and wetland areas. This would in turn provide an area large enough to accommodate native plant and tree populations which could sustain biological diversity and wildlife habitat. The proposed Rochester Ridge subdivision will be located in an area surrounded by residential subdivisions on three sides, all within City limits. Placement of the surrounding subdivisions as well as City comments stating the future intent of the extension of Westminster Street to the north leads one to believe that the City would like this area to be developed residentially, to essentially fill in the gap. Allowing the development to move forward would allow the City to combat flooding issues that has occurred in the residences located along Hastings Avenue. Adequate city services including, sanitary sewer, water main, public transportation and public sidewalks are all readily available for extension into the parcel in turn making Rochester Ridge a is very desirable and logical location for a new development in the City of Iowa City. Enclosure: Impact table Historical Aerials Contours Exhibit cc: Mayor City Council Planning & Zoning T:\7596\ 7596-038-\7596038L2.DOC 2 Impact Table Westminster Lake Forest Stormwater Basin Street Avenue Construction (acres) (acres) (acres) Trees impacted bv grading 1.47 = 19% 0.16 = 2% 0.77 = 10% Trees with 50' buffer area 0.93 = 12% 0.39 = 5% 0.85 = 11% Total 2.4= 31% 0.55 = 7% 1.62 = 21% Wetland Impacts with grading 0.57 = 28% 0.05 = 2% 0.41 = 20% Wetlands with 100' buffer 0.44 = 22% 0.15 = 7% 0.54 = 27% Total 1.01 = 50% 0.20 = 9% 0.95 = 47% Trees impacted with storage N/A N/A 0.55 = 7% Trees with 50' buffer area N/A N/A 0.81 = 10% Total 1.36 = 17% Wetlands impacted with storage N/A N/A 0.67 = 33% Wetlands within 100' buffer N/A N/A 0.20 = 10% Total 0.87 = 43% 3 r~ [ CIl Q) ...... 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I""""""l CIl I-< Cl) ~ Cl) ;::l .o~""'" ~ S ~ .S 8 Lt'l .....4-i\O ~ CIl 0\ S ""Ij .-l I-< 0 ~ ..a ~ ..... ,sti""lj S~ ,...., u u ca-'..... Cl) '<:::' I-< ~ ,.,:; ti u u S ""Ij ;E ~ ~ '"' ~ I-< p., 0 5b~~:g o ..... \0 I-< ,...., 0 0\ 0 o~ .-l U 8 0...5 ~ Z 5 ~ u:l 0.. ~ ~ ~ r:.s 05 STAFF REPORT To: Planning & Zoning Commission Prepared by: Lorin Ditzler, Planning Intern Item: ANN 11-00001 /REZ11-00004 Date: February 3, 2011 GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicant: ILJ Investments, Inc. 1085 Ginkgo Avenue P.O. Box 545 Wellman, Iowa 52356 319-646-6093 Contact: Dave Larsen 277 Hickory Street Kalona, Iowa 52247 319-656-5271 Requested Action: Annexation and Rezoning Purpose: To allow the property to be incorporated into the city and rezone it to Intensive Commercial (CI-1). Location: On the north side of Mormon Trek Boulevard east of Dane Road Size: 9.71 acres Existing Land Use and Zoning: County Rural (A) Surrounding Land Use and Zoning: West: Undeveloped - (CI-1) North: Residential and agricultural - County (R) and (A) East: Agricultural - County (A) South: Residential and agricultural - County (R) an (A) Comprehensive Plan: Commercial Office or Intensive Commercial File Date: January 13, 2011 45 Day Limitation Period: No limitation with annexation BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The applicant has requested annexation to Iowa City. The land consists of 9.71 acres on the north side of Mormon Trek Boulevard, just east of Dane Road. The property shares its western border with the Iowa City corporate limit. The land is currently used for agriculture. The outlot was created during the second subdivision of Meadowlark Hill in 2010, and was designated for development after annexation. 2 ANAL YSIS: Annexation The Comprehensive Plan has established a growth policy to guide the decisions regarding annexations. The annexation policy states that annexations are to occur primarily through voluntary petitions filed by the property owners. Further, voluntary annexation requests are to be reviewed under the following three criteria: 1. The area under consideration falls within the adopted long-range planning boundary. The City's long range planning boundary is defined as the area for which sanitary sewer service can be provided. The subject property is located adjacent to the City's corporate limit and within the City's long-range planning boundary. A general growth area limit is illustrated in the Comprehensive Plan and on the zoning map. 2. Development in the area proposed for annexation will fulfill an identified need without imposing an undue burden on the City. There is an identified need for additional land to provide for future commercial growth. The land under consideration for annexation is a logical extension of the existing commercial area, and its location along Mormon Trek Boulevard makes it a reasonable site for development. 3. Control of the development is in the City's best interest. The South Central district plan has identified a need for additional land for commercial development. Under County jurisdiction, development is limited by lack of sewer and water services. Annexation will allow the land to be developed in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and will ensure adequate traffic circulation and efficient provision of public services, such as water and sewer. Therefore, control of this property's development is in the City's best interest. . The Comprehensive Plan states that voluntary annexation requests should be viewed positively when the above conditions exist. In staff's view, these conditions have been met for this voluntary annexation request. Rezoning Compliance with the Comprehensive Plan The South Central District Future Land Use Scenario (as amended in 2003) supports intensive commercial or office park use (CI-1 or CO-1) for the subject property upon annexation. The property to the east is designated for future industrial development. The CI1 or C01 zone are intended to serve as a transition from the future industrial area. Commercial zones are used to attract employers and provide a compatible transition to possible industrial and manufacturing uses identified in the South Central District Plan. The investment of public funds to construct the extension of Mormon Trek Boulevard was done, in part, to encourage future development and employment opportunities in the district. The proximity of the subject property to existing commercial uses and its location along Mormon Trek Boulevard make it attractive as a space for commercial development, as outlined in the South Central District Plan. Requested Zonina The Intensive Commercial Zone (CI-1) is designed to provide areas for businesses that are land- intensive or light industrial in nature. These businesses characteristically require space for outdoor storage and display of merchandise. Typical uses in the CI-1 zone include vehicle sales and repair; small scale manufacturing operations; warehousing and industrial service uses. CI-1 3 zone uses are generally not compatible with residential and less-intensive zones. Consequently, CI- 1 zones are typically located within major commercial areas to provide adequate vehicular access, but are ideally shielded visually, geographically, or topographically from less-intensive zones. The proposed CI1 zone is intended to provide areas for sales and service functions and businesses whose operations are typically characterized by outdoor storage of merchandise, by repair and sales of large equipment or motor vehicles. ComlJatibilitv with Neiqhborhood The subject property is situated near undeveloped CI1 property to the west (this adjacent property was rezoned from C01 to CI1 in 2010). The property to the east is zoned County A. As noted above the Comprehensive Plan designates it for industrial development after annexation. The properties to the south are zoned County Residential (R) and Agricultural (A). The commercial site development standards contained in the zoning code will require that any surface parking lots or out door storage areas be screened to at least the S3 standard (5 to 6' high hedge at least 50% evergreen) if they abut residential zoned properties. The property to the north is zoned County Agricultural (A) and Residential (R). It contains a residence and is intended to be dedicated as park land in the future. When the property to the west was rezoned from C01 to CI1 a conditional zoning agreement was put in place to require a 20 foot wide landscape buffer and a 30 foot high limitation on outdoor lighting to help provide an appropriate transition to the existing residence and potential park. Staff recommends that similar conditions be place on this proposed CI1 zone. Streets and Traffic Circulation Mormon Trek Boulevard is an arterial street and is appropriate to handle traffic generated from intensive commercial uses. However, it is important to minimize access points on arterial streets. To assure adequate spacing between intersections a maximum of 3 curb cuts would be appropriate for this property. One should align with Dane Road. Another location for a curb cut or a future street would be along the east property line. One additional curb cut may be appropriate between these two locations. If this property is subdivided into multiple properties a cross access easement will be required to allow shared access to Mormon Trek Boulevard. The locations of streets, drives and easements will be addressed in more detail if this property is subdivided or when a site plan is reviewed. Infrastructure: Adequate infrastructure exists for development of this property into intensive commercial uses. Sanitary sewer and water lines are located in Mormon Trek Boulevard. Due to the size and importance of the water and sanitary sewer lines in the vicinity of this project, at the time of subdivision, the developer will need to construct lateral water and sanitary sewer mains. The individual lot taps will be made off of these laterals. There will be a standard water main extension fee of $395 per acre. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that ANN11-0001 / REZ11-00004, an application to annex and rezone approximately 9.71 acres of land on Mormon Trek Boulevard east of Dane Road be approved subject to a 20 foot wide landscape buffer along the north property line that at a minimum meets S3 screening standards and a 30 foot high limitation on outdoor lighting. 4 ATTACHMENT: Location Map ~~ Approved by: ~~~ Robert Miklo, ~enior Planner Department of Planning and Community Development llIlt o o o o I PI PI N LLI ~ ....... PI o o o o I PI PI Z Z c( a ,.. Q. c: o .u) :> \:J .0 ::J U') \:J c: o u Q) U') .... o o ,.. - o "f() '}.. ~~ ~~'<' J: ~ ~ co :: o \:J co Q) ~ ... <C .., o P ::J o .. z o 5 o ... LLI I- .... ~ MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 2010 - 6:00 PM -INFORMAL CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham, Elizabeth Koppes, Ann Freerks, Tim Weitzel, Wally Plahutnik, Josh Busard, Michelle Payne MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Sarah Walz RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairperson Ann Freerks. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM: REZ10-00013/ SUB10-00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Casey Boyd, LLC for a preliminary plat and a rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay- Medium Density Single Family (OPD-8) plan for Hickory Pointe, 2nd Addition, a 1-lot, 2.97 acre residential subdivision located on Hickory Trail, west of First Avenue. Walz explained that this property had been rezoned to OPD-RS8 in 2008. At that time the plan was for three sets of townhouses with six units each. The grading required for that project turned out to be more extensive than originally thought. The previous plan would have required grading all along the lot and as well as for a rear access road coming in off of Hickory Trail and then back out First Avenue. The new plan is for one building with 16 units. This plan calls for one access point off of Hickory Trail with parking primarily underground. There is still a considerable amount of grading Planning and Zoning Commission December 13, 2010 - Informal Page 2 of 3 involved, but the grading is confined to a smaller portion of the lot. Walz said that a large retaining wall will be required to run along Hickory Trail and the First Avenue right-of-way. Walz said that the application is to rezone the 2.97 acres from three lots into one combined lot in order to build only one building. Walz said that the project does comply with the Comprehensive Plan and the Northeast District Plan as it provides a mix of housing and multi- family development along First Avenue, an arterial street. Walz said that the density of this project maxes-out what would be allowed in an RS-8 zone. She said that the massive scale of the building has been broken up with the design of the fac;ade. Miklo said that staff had been concerned about the size and height of the retaining wall required for the project; however, they feel that if the materials are carefully selected it could blend into the neighborhood. Staff shared photos of examples of retaining walls in town that are natural and attractive in appearance. Miklo said that the staff recommendations are for staff and/or Commission approval for the design and materials of the wall. Plahutnik asked if the project was on the bus route. Walz said she believed it was. Payne asked if the rear entrance would pose a problem for fire protection. Walz said the application has been reviewed by the Fire Department several times and no concerns have been expressed; however, staff indicated that they would review the matter prior to the formal meeting. Payne said that the retaining wall could pose a problem for fire-fighting even if the building was within the required distance of a street. Koppes asked if the building was condominiums or apartments and Miklo replied that there is no distinction between the two for zoning purposes. Eastham asked what the retaining wall was actually retaining. Walz said that the land will be built up behind the building and the retaining '^fC/I!1 will hold back the additional dirt. Eastham asked if there were examples of similar buildings/sites in the city. Freerks said that Walden Place could be considered similar. Eastham asked about the proposal for maintenance of a natural prairie on the site and whether the City had experience with that at other sites. Miklo said that he did not know that there were many prairies that were overseen by homeowner's associations, but that there have been a number of wetlands that were maintained in that way. Miklo said that staff would suggest attempting to blend the prairie area into the neighboring ACT prairie restoration project. Walz said that there is an expectation that the area will be managed and not be allowed to turn into weeds. Walz said that the area of the property adjacent to Hickory Hill is fairly wooded and the planned prairie area is further north. Plahutnik said that as he recalled the previous plan there had been an outdoor recreational area for tenants that seems to have disappeared from this plan. Walz said that was correct. She said that the trade-off is that there is a greater amount of natural-looking open space in this plan. Eastham asked if the number of parking spaces being provided was the minimum required by code. Miklo said there were a few extra spaces in the plan, and Walz noted there would be off-street parking on Hickory Hill Trail. Planning and Zoning Commission December 13, 2010 - Informal Page 3 of 3 Freerks asked if there had been neighborhood meetings and Walz said that some had taken place quite a while ago. The applicant noted that there had been 20 units proposed at the time of the neighborhood meetings and now there were only 16 proposed. Freerks said that her understanding was that the primary concern at that time had been the traffic on Hickory Trail. The applicant said the primary concern had been the appearance of the units and whether they would detract aesthetically from Hickory Hill Park; secondarily, there had been some traffic concerns. OTHER: None. ADJOURNMENT: Koppes moved to adjourn. Weitzel seconded. 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(.) -- 0) x g'..o L.U:;::;E :;:'0)0) _ co)"'" C-O)E"::: 0) C en co en~:90- O)..o.....z 0 0: <( II II Z II II L.U::2 II xoozi ;;..: L.U ~ PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 16, 2010 - 7:00 PM - FORMAL CITY HALL, EMMA HARV AT HALL PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Freerks, Josh Busard, Charlie Eastham, Elizabeth Koppes, Michelle Payne, Wally Plahutnik, Tim Weitzel MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Greenwood Hektoen, Sarah Walz OTHERS PRESENT: Casey Boyd, Ron Amelon, Scott Rude RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: The Commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval of REZ10-00013 & SUB10-00012, an application submitted by Casey Boyd to amend the current Overlay Planned Development Medium-Density Single-Family Housing (OPD-RS8) zone and approve a preliminary plat 'of Hickory Pointe for approximately 2.97 acres of property located on the east side of First Avenue at the intersection of First Avenue and Hickory Trail subject to the following: 1. Substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations submitted; 2. An accessible pedestrian route be provided between the Hickory Trail right-of-way and the rear (west) entrance to the building; 3. Detailed plan for establishing and maintaining portions of the site to be planted in native prairie; 4. All landscaping (trees and shrubs) to comply with the species list provided by Johnson County Heritage Trust or similar list from the Iowa State Extension; 5. Staff to have final approval of building materials (including colors), design and materials for the proposed retaining wall, and all landscaping for the site; 6. The applicant will be required to secure a grading permit for the site; 7. All newly created slopes, south and west of the building, will be stabilized prior to issuance of a building permit. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. REZONING/DEVELOPMENT ITEM: Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 - Formal Page 2 of 7 REZ10-00013/ SUB10-00012: Discussion of an application submitted by Casey Boyd, LLC for a preliminary plat and a rezoning to amend the Planned Development Overlay- Medium Density Single Family (OPD-8) plan for Hickory Pointe, 2nd Addition, a 1-lot, 2.97 acre residential subdivision located on Hickory Trail, west of First Avenue. Walz explained that the lot is currently zoned GPD-8. She said that the property borders undeveloped land owned by ACT and Hickory Hill Park as well as developed properties along both sides of the street that are zoned multi-family. Walz said that the property is located on a prominent spot of the First Avenue. The applicant has proposed combining three lots into one lot that would house 16 units. The driveway would be from a driveway off of Hickory Trail. Walz said that the Planning Department prefers not to have curb cuts and driveways off of arterial streets. Walz said that the previously approved plan for this property had two-story townhouse units on each lot with an entrance off of Hickory Trail that looped back on to First Avenue. The current plan calls for the setting aside of some open space on the southwest corner of the site. Walz said that either way there will be a lot of grading for the site, but the current plan keeps the grading to a smaller portion of the site. She said that the landscaping plans for the site include the planting of numerous trees and the restoration of a prairie area. Walz said that the GPO overlay is designed for properties that are somewhat difficult to develop due to topography; the intention is to allow clustering in a smaller area of the property. Walz explained that the steep slopes on this property are man-made and were created when the First Avenue extension went through. She stated that the Comprehensive Plan encourages a mix of housing in residential neighborhoods and encourages multi-family housing along arterial streets. Walz said that the properties on the west side of First Avenue, north of Hickory Trail are townhouses, which is in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. Walz said that property is 2.97 acres and the overall density of the development would not be considered excessive. Walz said that the northern portion of the property would be preserved as open space; staff has recommended maintaining the open space in a manner that is in keeping with the neighboring Hickory Hill Park and the ACT property that is being restored to native prairie. Walz said that the mass and scale of the building is appropriate for the area as there are a number of architectural features, such as front porches, that lend to an impression that there are multiple buildings rather than one large structure. She noted that there is an ADA accessible route to the building that is planned in the rear area. All of the parking is underneath and behind the building so that it is not visible from the street. At the time the last plan was approved, there had been concerns expressed about First Avenue access and whether or not that would pose a traffic problem. Walz said that the transportation planners do not see that as a problem as First Avenue is an arterial street intended for high volume. She said that this is not the kind or size of building that would create traffic congestion and that there is clear visibility along that portion of the road. Walz said that in consideration of the adjacent park, staff has asked the developer to choose natural-looking landscaping based on a list provided by the Johnson County Heritage Trust. She said that they have also asked that building materials be used that blend into the area and do not stand out from the natural landscape. The idea is that the choice of appropriate landscaping and building materials will not detract from the park. Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 - Formal Page 3 of 7 Walz said that in order to make the development work with the grade of the topography, there will be a large retaining wall along the whole southern face and down the First Avenue side of the property. She said that the wall will be approximately ten feet in height in some areas so staff has recommended that the materials and screening for that wall be staff-approved. Walz noted that the Commission had asked about access to bus routes for this property at their informal meeting. The nearest bus route for this property is located on the corner of Rochester Avenue and First Avenue. She said that the question had also arisen as to whether such a large retaining wall could represent an obstacle for fire-fighting efforts. Walz said she had sent the plan back to the Fire Department for review. The Fire Department said that while the wall is not ideal for fire-fighting, the building will be fully equipped with sprinklers and they do not have fire-fighting concerns for it. Freerks invited the Commission to ask questions of staff. Eastham noted that the application is to rezone this parcel to OPD-B. Walz noted that the parcel has already been zoned OPD-B, but that the rezoning was tied to a specific design. The application before the Commission presently is for a revision of the approved plan. Eastham asked if the developer would have to come back before the Commission if and when they decided to develop the northern part of the property. Walz said that if the building before the Commission is actually built then the developer will have maxed-out the density for the property and will not be able to develop it any further. Weitzel asked about staff's vision of what a more natural-looking retaining wall might look like. Walz said that the picture staff had shared of the retaining wall along north Dubuque Street was an example of a natural-looking wall. She said the idea was not to have a wall that looked too man-made or modular given the height of the wall and its proximity to the street. Payne asked how many total bedrooms would be in the building. Walz said there would be two to three bedrooms per unit. Payne asked if the parking ratio was determined by bedroom count and Walz replied that the parking requirements are the same for two-bedroom units and three- bedroom units; two parking spaces per unit. Payne said that the she was concerned about what would happen if there were not enough parking spaces for the units. Walz noted that it was possible that there would be some parking along Hickory Trail. There were no further questions for staff and Freerks opened the public hearing. Casey Boyd, 250 12th Avenue, Coralville, said that he had been working to develop this property for a couple of years now. Boyd noted that the project currently before the Commission is actually 36 feet lower at its peak than the one previously approved, which should significantly reduce the visibility of the project form the nearby park. Boyd said that this plan also disturbs less of the site. He said the current plan is more in keeping with the current economy in terms of price-point, but that the look will still be nice and clean and unobtrusive. He said that he is very sensitive to concerns about the compatibility of the project with Hickory Hill Park as he grew up about three blocks away from this area. He said that he has been working with the City and with Friends of Hickory Hill Park to come up with a plan that makes sense. He said that he knows the retaining wall has been a concern for some people, but said that he will be sure to expend the time, energy and effort to do it right. Payne asked how many bedrooms were planned for the building. Boyd said it was a mix of about half and half, with the interior units having two bedrooms and the exterior having three. Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 - Formal Page 4 of 7 He said that if necessary more parking could be provided but that the goal was to keep the parking as unobtrusive as possible. Eastham asked if there was room to add additional parking spaces in the future if it was deemed necessary. Boyd said that he believed there would be but that he believed there was adequate parking in the plan. Miklo said that a pretty extensive retaining wall system would probably be required to make room for additional parking if it was added in the future. Plahutnik asked Boyd if he envisioned the units as apartments or condominiums. Boyd said that he intended for the units to be condominiums. He said he would like to avoid the rental scenario but that if individual condo owners wished to rent out that was always their prerogative. Ron Amelon, MMS Consultants, introduced himself as the design engineer for the project and offered to answer any questions the Commission might have. There were no questions for Amelon. Scott Rude said he did not really have any questions for Boyd. He noted that he lived in a subdivision just off of Hickory Trail. He said that First Avenue is an arterial street that is increasingly busy. This project will create even more traffic on an already heavily-trafficked street. He said that he was concerned about increased traffic as there are children that walk along Hickory Trail and walk to Regina from surrounding neighborhoods. He said that the property in question is a prime one and is very beautiful. He said that he is a little concerned about what is going to be built on the property. He said that he has spoken with five families in his subdivision and that none of them had known that the project was a multi-family project. He said there was enough multi-family housing along First Avenue already. He said that what the neighborhood wants is family-oriented housing to ensure that their children grow up in a positive way. He said that he is concerned that these kinds of developments are not in the long-term interests of the area. He said that his concern is that the units will detract from the area rather than attract the kinds of families that they want to live there. Rude said that he knew that First Avenue had initially been delayed until Scott Boulevard could be extended to relieve the potential increase in traffic flow. He said that the traffic flow on First Avenue keeps increasing. Busard asked staff what year the property was zoned. Walz said it was rezoned OPD8 from RS-5 in 2008. Freerks asked staff to address the pedestrian concerns that had been brought up. Walz noted that more than likely pedestrians would cross at the intersection of First Avenue and Rochester as it is a controlled intersection. Plahutnik noted that it is sometimes difficult to envision a place other than where we are living right now. He noted that thousands of children live in New York City and walk to school every day without harm. Plahutnik said that this is a relatively small suburban area and First Avenue is a street that has specifically been designed to handle traffic. Plahutnik said that arterial streets are designed to carry 10,000-20,000 vehicle trips per day. Walz noted that there is intense traffic at the start and end of the school day in the area by Regina. Plahutnik said that in terms of safety the street design is adequate. Rude asked if Plahutnik had ever been out to the property and Plahutnik said that he had. Rude said that there is no pedestrian crossing to Hickory Hill Park right now. Walz said that it is correct that there is not a pedestrian crosswalk to the entrance of Hickory Hill Park. She said that her understanding is that transportation planners typically only locate crosswalks where people actively cross throughout the day because if there is not a steady stream of pedestrian traffic drivers eventually begin to ignore the crosswalk, making the crosswalks dangerous. Eastham said that while he understood the concerns regarding children crossing the street he was not sure it was a concern the Planning and Zoning Commission could address by reducing the number of residences on First Avenue. Scott Rude said that he did not want to belabor the Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 - Formal Page 5 of 7 point but he did believe it was a dangerous situation that would be made worse by increased traffic. Plahutnik said that from what he can tell the density of the property has actually been reduced by the rezoning and the revisions to the OPD plan. Scott Rude reiterated that he and his neighbors had not been aware that the property was zoned multi-family. Walz said that it might be helpful to review the Northeast District Plan that had been done for that area because it helps guide zoning decisions. That plan did anticipate higher density directly along First Avenue. She said that if ACT ever decided to develop its property, it might be helpful for nearby residents to be aware ahead of time of the potential zoning recommendations. Boyd said that he had appreciated hearing the neighbor's concerns. He said that a number of his friends live in the area and have children who walk to school so he is sympathetic to those safety concerns. He agreed that people do drive too fast in that area, as well as in other areas of town. He said he believed that the development would help rather than hinder with traffic concerns, as an intersection would bring increased awareness to drivers in the area. There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed. Freerks invited a motion. Eastham moved to recommend approval of REZ10-00013 & SUB10-00012, an application submitted by Casey Boyd to amend the current Overlay Planned Development Medium- Density Single-Family Housing (OPD-RS8) zone and approve a preliminary plat of Hickory Pointe for approximately 2.97 acres of property located on the east side of First Avenue at the intersection of First Avenue and Hickory Trail subject to the following: 1. Substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations submitted; 2. An accessible pedestrian route be provided between the Hickory Trail right-of- way and the rear (west) entrance to the building; 3. Detailed plan for establishing and maintaining portions of the site to be planted in native prairie; 4. All landscaping (trees and shrubs) to comply with the species list provided by Johnson County Heritage Trust or similar list from the Iowa State Extension; 5. Staff to have final approval of building materials (including colors), design and materials for the proposed retaining wall, and all landscaping for the site; 6. The applicant will be required to secure a grading permit for the site; 7. All newly created slopes south and west of the building will be stabilized prior to issuance of a building permit. Weitzel seconded. Eastham said that he supported this application because it was in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan and the district plan. He said that staff and the applicant had worked hard to address parking and landscaping issues. Weitzel noted that there was very little the Commission could do to alleviate traffic problems. He said that the density was in keeping with the Comprehensive Plan. He said that it was his hope that an apartment building in the area would bring more traffic awareness and improve safety. Weitzel said the rezoning to a higher density was approved a couple of years ago and that in his opinion this is an even better plan than was originally approved. Plahutnik said that there are a lot of single family homes in the area and the current development helps to provide a variety of housing types in that area of town. Plahutnik said that Planning and Zoning Commission December 16, 2010 - Formal Page 6 of 7 he was a big fan of locating multi-family housing near parks as it changes the whole way of living for people in the units. Busard said he was happy that Boyd was reducing the footprint of the building as he recalled that as an area of concern during the initial rezoning. Payne said she had concerns about the parking, but that they had been somewhat alleviated by Boyd's comments. Freerks said that she found the plan to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and felt that it would better utilize the property than the one originally approved. She said that design and scale are important in a building of this size, but felt that they had been appropriately addressed. Freerks said she felt that overall the project would be a benefit to the area, though she did understand the traffic concerns. A vote was taken and the motion carried 7-0. CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: NOVEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 2.2010: Eastham moved to approve the minutes. Plahutnik seconded. Payne noted that the rezoning number is incorrect in the formal minutes. She noted that the there is a comment in which the "southwest corner of Scott" is referenced but that is should be "southeast" . Eastham moved to approve the minutes as amended. Payne seconded. The motion carried 7-0. OTHER: Miklo noted that staff would be mailing out a draft of the Southeast District Plan to Commissioners within the next week or so for their review. ADJOURNMENT: Payne motioned to adjourn. Plahutnik seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 7-0 vote. 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