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Ms. Amos indicated that it leads to the bulb of the court. <br />Kellen Aura stated his opposition to the project. He expressed concern regarding <br />making special exceptions and amending the Happy Valley Specific Plan for one lot, <br />which he believed would have long-term ramifications on development in the area. He <br />indicated that traffic studies were done when the Specific Plan was put in place ten <br />years ago. He noted that Happy Valley Road is a dangerous road as it is very narrow <br />and winding with no shoulders or street lights. He added that there would be more <br />traffic down Happy Valley Road once speed bumps are installed on Alisal Street. He <br />indicated that the Specific Plan designation of one house per two acres is appropriate <br />for Happy Valley Road, whether with or without the Bypass Road. He stated that safety <br />is the main issue and that an increase in density is not appropriate as it would <br />significantly increase the traffic in the area. He voiced concern that this will set a <br />precedent and noted that it was not right to allow a property to go in disrepair and then <br />allow special considerations to make it look better. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. <br />Commissioner Blank inquired if staff had any perspective on a conservation easement <br />versus dedication of the City, versus the pros and cons of mechanisms. <br />Mr. Dolan replied that , typically, staff would not want a piece of property this small to be <br />dedicated to the City as it becomes a management and maintenance issue, particularly <br />when there are drainage ways involved. He noted that staff would be satisfied with a <br />conservation easement. <br />Referring to the photomontages with the tree in place, Commissioner O’Connor noted <br />that on the six-lot visual, the homes appear to be closer to the fence line, and the house <br />at the end of the bridge becomes very prominent. He added that in the five-lot plan, the <br />house is moved but the asphalt becomes very prominent because the court has been <br />moved to the middle of the property with a large turnaround. He stated that in the <br />three-lot plan, the street is smaller and stays high against the back of the property and <br />away from the golf course. He indicated that he prefers the three-lot visual, particularly <br />if any of the added landscaping is removed. <br />Commissioner O’Connor added that he agrees with the Mr. Aura and with those who <br />wrote in opposition to the project. He noted that this is not just a change, but an <br />amendment to the Specific Plan and the General Plan. He indicated that he was not in <br />favor of changing those Plans without some overriding consideration. He added that he <br />did not believe increased density for two or three extra homes was justifiable. He stated <br />that he would support the three-lot plan. <br />Commissioner Narum stated that she would support the five-lot visual plan. She <br />indicated that she recognized there is a maximum density of houses allowed in the <br />Happy Valley Specific Plan but that adding two more homes would still be under the <br />overall number. She stated that there would be benefits here, such as the City getting <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 28, 2009 Page 5 of 13 <br /> <br />