08 ATTACHMENTS 4-10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Blank inquired if the conservation easement would be in Lot 1. Mr. Dolan said yes. Commissioner O'Connor noted that the photomontage includes some landscaping that is not in the natural setting, which most likely was added in by the consultant. He noted that he did not see anything in the guidelines that mandates landscaping with hedges or fences with vines and trees. Mr. Babbitt confirmed that this was included by the consultant as general landscaping to show the separation between the lots. Commissioner O'Connor referred to the farthest home and inquired what the blue and black colors in the middle were that look like a walkway. Mr. Babbitt replied that the colors represent a court, which was a private street. Ms. Amos indicated that it leads to the bulb of the court. Kellen Aura stated his opposition to the project. He expressed concern regarding making special exceptions and amending the Happy Valley Specific Plan for one lot, which he believed would have long -term ramifications on development in the area. He indicated that traffic studies were done when the Specific Plan was put in place ten years ago. He noted that Happy Valley Road is a dangerous road as it is very narrow and winding with no shoulders or street lights. He added that there would be more traffic down Happy Valley Road once speed bumps are installed on Alisal Street. He indicated that the Specific Plan designation of one house per two acres is appropriate for Happy Valley Road, whether with or without the Bypass Road. He stated that safety is the main issue and that an increase in density is not appropriate as it would significantly increase the traffic in the area. He voiced concern that this will set a precedent and noted that it was not right to allow a property to go in disrepair and then allow special considerations to make it look better. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Blank inquired if staff had any perspective on a conservation easement versus dedication of the City, versus the pros and cons of mechanisms. Mr. Dolan replied that typically, staff would not want a piece of property this small to be dedicated to the City as it becomes a management and maintenance issue, particularly when there are drainage ways involved. He noted that staff would be satisfied with a conservation easement. Referring to the photomontages with the tree in place, Commissioner O'Connor noted that on the six -lot visual, the homes appear to be closer to the fence line, and the house at the end of the bridge becomes very prominent. He added that in the five -lot plan, the EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 28, 2009 Page 2 of 5