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that detailed designs would come later to meet the city's strict standards, likely involving a <br /> combination of detention and groundwater recharge.Members then asked about the restoration <br /> of the Biddulph House. It was confirmed that the developer would purchase the property,restore <br /> the historic home using private funds (with no city money involved), and sell it as a single- <br /> family residence. The house already had a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Landmarks <br /> Commission, and a lot split would be required as part of the process. <br /> Several commissioners asked for clarification on the purpose of preliminary plan approval and <br /> the overall process timeline. Staff explained that the preliminary approval simply allows the <br /> developer to move forward with detailed engineering and design work but does not guarantee <br /> final approval.The project would go through roughly ten total steps, including multiple reviews <br /> by the Planning Commission, City Council committees, and the Landmarks Commission. <br /> Questions were also raised about protecting the tree canopy;the engineer noted that a full tree <br /> inventory,removal, and replanting plan would be required later in the process. <br /> Members asked who would be responsible for sidewalks and larger traffic improvements.It was <br /> clarified that sidewalks within the development were the applicant's responsibility,while city <br /> infrastructure—such as Butternut Ridge sidewalks and traffic management—fell under the city's <br /> jurisdiction. The planning director confirmed that all notification requirements had been met in <br /> accordance with city law, and that any expanded notification would require legislative change by <br /> Council.Discussion then turned to the lack of storm sewers along Butternut Ridge. Staff <br /> explained that although the development must not worsen existing drainage issues,the city could <br /> potentially direct new tax revenue from the project toward storm sewer improvements in the <br /> corridor. <br /> Commissioners also asked about the planned development(PD)zoning process. Staff clarified <br /> that the preliminary plan and rezoning would move forward together—the plan showing exactly <br /> what could be built if the rezoning were approved,rather than rezoning in a vacuum.Finally, <br /> commissioners confirmed that the reoriented front-facing home would remain part of the overall <br /> development under the homeowners association,not split off as a separate parcel, and asked <br /> about pricing. The developer responded that homes were projected to sell between approximately <br /> $425,000 and$500,000,varying with upgrades, and that the total investment in the community <br /> would be around$20 million. The developer emphasized that the plan's current density was the <br /> result of scaling back from an initial higher concept while maintaining financial feasibility and <br /> compliance with city objectives. <br /> Mr.David made a motion to recommend approval to City Council;25896 Butternut Ridge Rd. <br /> with the conditions that the Biddulph house be segregated in its own parcel and restored and <br /> preserved according to the landmarks commission,that the rezoning is approved and that the <br /> homeowners association documents be submitted for review and approved by the law <br /> department. <br /> Commission members discussed the proposal at length, acknowledging the residents' concerns <br /> while weighing their own responsibilities at the preliminary stage. Several commissioners stated <br /> that they clearly heard the objections regarding traffic, drainage, and the historic nature of the <br /> area,but emphasized that many of those issues—such as storm sewers, sidewalks,and road <br /> 4 <br />