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each household aware of and accountable for its own water use. He assured the Council that the <br /> project is committed to using recycled water for all landscaping when it becomes available. He said he <br /> believed to the proposed project to be an improvement for the site, as supported by positive feedback <br /> from the community, staff and Planning Commission. While Summerhill still can and would build the <br /> apartment project, they believe this to be a better fit for the site as well as the larger community. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked the anticipated prices. <br /> Mr. Ebrahimi estimated $700,000 to $800,000 per unit. <br /> George Bowen said he supported the Mayor's efforts to regain some measure of local control with <br /> regards to RHNA but with that said, the applicant had nothing to do with RHNA. He said that <br /> Summerhill has been very responsive to the concerns of the Parkside community, which is greatly <br /> appreciated by many residents. He felt that in light of the concerns surrounding the drought, traffic and <br /> overcrowding in schools, this lower density project is preferable and in the better interests of the entire <br /> community. He did, however, ask that the developer acknowledge the concerns of the residents and <br /> defer construction until the end of the drought. He also asked that the developer implement all of the <br /> concessions made with the previous project, including the restrictions on access to the arroyo. <br /> Acknowledging Councilmember Pentin's earlier request, Mr. Bowen explained that the Parkside <br /> community wants the future residents of this project to enjoy the same access to the arroyo that <br /> Parkside does — which is off of Hopyard Road. He conceded that some Parkside residents whose <br /> homes back up to the existing trail did, at their own expense, obtain a permit from Zone 7 to get direct <br /> access to the trail but said this access is primarily used to allow them to remove the litter that trail users <br /> leave in what is essentially their back yards. He stressed again that he felt that everyone should have <br /> the same opportunities for access. <br /> Robert Natsch, Parkside resident, said his property is situated directly across the arroyo from the <br /> proposed project. While he ultimately preferred no project, he felt Summerhill was very considerate in <br /> working with residents to minimize some of the issues they were confronted with. Based on this and the <br /> reduced number of units, he and his wife could both support and in fact favor the amended project. <br /> However, he hoped for an opportunity to review and comment on the project design prior to any <br /> development. He said that the project site is home to a family of foxes as well as 5 heritage trees, at <br /> least by his definition, on the northern side that eagles and hawks use for roosting. He expressed <br /> concern that these habitats would be disturbed by development on that side of the arroyo. He said he <br /> hoped the proposed project would include the same sound wall that was required of the previous <br /> project. He supported Mr. Bowen's position regarding access to the arroyo, specifically citing potential <br /> noise and litter impacts as his primary reasons for opposing direct access to such a dense residential <br /> use. <br /> Mr. Ebrahimi confirmed that the proposed project includes the sound wall and preserves the 5 trees <br /> mentioned by Mr. Natsch. He reiterated that all of the measures taken previously have been <br /> incorporated into this project, all of which was discussed at a neighborhood meeting several months <br /> prior. With respect to timing, he explained that the apartment project's architectural plans are complete <br /> and have been submitted to the city for review and construction on that project could likely begin within <br /> a few months. By going with the new project, the additional time needed to develop the architectural <br /> plans and obtain approvals would place the first occupancy anywhere from 13 to 24 months out. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed the public hearing. <br /> Vice Mayor Brown said she was somewhat relieved to learn it would be nearly 2 years before the <br /> project is ready for occupancy. Given the nearly 50% reduction in traffic, school and water impacts she <br /> moved to support the project as recommended. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 18 June 16,2015 <br />