PC Minutes 12/12/05

ITEM NO 6:               REVISED PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR                                                                    PETERSON ACRES; 2930 PETERSON ROAD (LAP)

PDP-07-07-05:  Revised Preliminary Development Plan for Peterson Acres.  This proposed residential subdivision contains approximately 4.6 acres.  The property is generally described as being located at 2930 Peterson Road.  The revision proposes addition of eight dwelling units.  Submitted by Abeln & Associates Architects for the City of Lawrence, property owners of record.  This item was deferred by the applicant from the August Planning Commission meeting.

Staff presentation

Ms. Pool introduced this item, a proposed addition for 4 duplex units to be added to the site which already includes 12 duplexes and one single-family residence. The 1995 development plan was approved with a maximum density of 17 duplexes. The addition of the 4 duplexes brings the site to 16 duplexes and one single-family home, in conformance with the stipulation. Staff recommended approval with the conditions in the report.

Applicant presentation

Mark Abeln was present to answer questions.

Public hearing

Clara Westphal, 500 Arrowhead Drive, commented on the drainage problem of the area. Ms. Westphal noted that the project acreage sits on a hill, and water pools between her house and the house to the north. Ms. Westphal also voiced concern over emergency vehicle access, loss of green space and a walking path, and sewage.

Staff noted that sidewalks connect throughout the development and that sidewalks will be extended throughout the new portion. Staff said that, according to Lawrence Housing Authority staff, residents use sidewalks more than the existing recreational  pathway.

Mr. Abeln commented that the walking path was put in 9 years ago, and it has since been used very little. He noted that the new duplexes will continue the walking path in the front of the units. Mr. Abeln also noted that this project will bring the old and the new development up to current drainage standards, which require substantially more detention than the old drainage standards.

Commission discussion

Burress asked the applicant about emergency vehicle access. Mr. Abeln responded that the fire department is comfortable with the plan.

Burress asked about the issue of sewer lines. Staff said that utilities recommended approval of this plan. Burress thanked Ms. Westphal for her concerns.

Action Taken

Motioned by Lawson, seconded by Eichhorn to approve the Revised Preliminary Development Plan for Peterson Acres and forward it to the City Commission with a recommendation for approval, subject to the following conditions:

1. Revision of the preliminary development plan to include the following:

a. Change of plan note “site plan” to “preliminary development plan”.

b. Addition of a landscape schedule, which includes the location, size, type and quantity of all proposed landscape materials, along with common and botanical names of all species (per Section 20-14A04.2 of the Zoning Regulations).

c. Change of plan note “Zoned: PRD - planned residential developments” to “Zoned: PRD-2 - planned residential development”.

d. Addition of a note stating, “The proposed new water and sanitary sewer easements will be filed by separate instrument and the book and page numbers will be shown on the final development plan.”

e. Addition of a note stating the use restrictions approved with the 1995 Peterson Acres development plan.

f. Revision of the parking tabulations to specifically state the number of new parking spaces added with the project.

g. Revision of the parking tabulations to specifically identify the number of existing and new accessible spaces.

h. Verification of the number of new spaces being added to the site. Staff counts 19 new spaces, while the “Landscape Calculations” notes 21 new spaces. If 19 new spaces are being added, the “Landscape Calculations” should be revised to reflect this count.

Motion carried unanimously, 9-0.