01/10/1995 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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r specified by the city, they are also proposing a gated off, emergency ingress to the site fi-om Woodview Drive. T'he average home price is about $120,000. wluch would generate about $187,000. in taxes per year and these owners would use few of the city services, considering that tliey are mostly empty uesters. At present this site has about 6.65 acres of land zoned for cominercial use wluch they intend to reduce to 4.17 acres thus reducing commercial floor area fi-om 72,500 to 45,400 square feet. Mr. Tallon noted that there were no sidewalks planned. Mr. Basalla respouded that some of the communities have no sidewalks, but they would be willing to put in sidewalks on one side of the street, but sidewalks one two sides of the street would be »n„ecessaiy. Mr. Tallon disagreed stating that this type of community is close knit and residents should not have to walk in the street, there should be sidewalks ou both sides of the street as well as pedestriau access to Lorain Road. In response to Mr. Miller's questions, Mr. Basalla clarified that in computiug the density of the surrounding area, he had taken the figures from the centerline of the roads, that he had to figured in the property on both sides of the street in their development he had used the entire street, but if he had considered the property across the street ou the adjaceut streets, he would have use the entire street; and that he had also included the pouds in the density. He doubted that there would be much silt build up in the ponds, since they were not ou active streams and the ponds could be aerated. In reference to fencing around the ponds, he believed that feucing in the development should be sufficieut, but thought that some kiud of landscaping could be used iu lieu of a fence. Mr. Whitlatch advised that his residents enjoyed watclung the water and feeding the ducks, and a fence would detract from that. He noted that these ponds would be owned by the commwuty which would assume the liability and would also have the responsibility of maintauung them. He believed that the lakes and the landscaping around them adds to the value of the homes and a fence would take away from that. They will inake a safe shoreline with flat edges or landscape the steeper slopes with a thorned t}pe vegetation. The pouds are 12 feet deep at the deepest point and about 3 feet deep at the shoreline. Eveu though the area is fenced in there will be no guardhouse but there will be a pedestrian walk way onto Woodview. The members believed that unfenced ponds might pose a hazard. Mr. Basalla advised that the emergency access and gate was at the city's request. Mr. Tallon stated that, if these ponds are allowed, he would ask that the developer return with a proposal showing, in detail, elevations, topography, landscaping and protective devices that are going to be used, whether manmade or natural. He advised that the city normally wanted the retention underground. In reference to the type of residents, he explained that less than 5% have had more than two people in a household; approximately 20% of the residents will be younger, double income couples; about 50 to 65% are empty nesters. There are no one bedroom units, the 2 bedroom/2 bath units normally have a loft and all units have a 2 car garage. The least expensive unit will be 110,000 to 112,000 and that could go up to 165,000 depending ou the options. Mr. Basalla clarified that the storage area of the ponds would be in the sloped areas. The sauitary sewer system plans have been submitted, aud City Engineer Deiclunaun is requesting a holding facility, which they would agree to. In reference to the Fire Department report, Building Commissioner Conway advised that the Fire Department stated that the roads must meet the ordinance, but did not specifically state that they did and he would request clarification from them. He clarified that the floor area did not comply to the code, and that there was some areas where the setback did not comply which the Planning Commission could address, the lack of a fence around the ponds would have to be addressed by the Board of Building Code Appeals. He noted that the setback next the vacant parcel was 35 feet, not 50 as required. Mr. Basalla responded that tlus could be adjusted. He further advised that they have a contract to purchase the property, not an option. In reference to statements made in their brochure regarding the variances that are being requested, Mr. Miller asked what the unusual conditions of the 5