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the neighbors, first, there was not a dislike of very small residential housing and that is <br />because they do not like the large tent that is there; second, they are concerned about <br />what else could go there and it could be worse; and third, the traffic and water impacts <br />for this project will be equal to or less than what would otherwise happen. <br />Chair Allen stated that she has similar thoughts as everyone about the project and is <br />most closely aligned with Commissioner Nagler. <br />1. Density. There are too many houses for the small amount of acreage for this <br />project. This is very different than the Ivy Lane project because it is much more <br />visible; the Ivy Lane project is tucked into a little side area, and the only people <br />who really walk most to the homes are the those who live in that area. There is <br />not a four -side design and not the same FAR for the Ivy Lane houses. A FAR <br />comparable to the Classics project of 56 percent is appropriate and more <br />compatible with the other homes in the community. <br />Commissioner O'Connor inquired if that would affect the density. <br />Commissioner Allen replied that it would be a 5,500- square -foot minimum lot and would <br />change the number of homes by probably 3 to 5. <br />2. Site layout. The bifurcation is not ideal but, given the school, it is what it is. <br />There is not enough green space, however, and 54 trees are being removed. <br />There should be a much more robust landscaping plan that deals with buffering <br />and creating a nice look from Valley Avenue. For the same reason, separated <br />sidewalks add some greenery, puts in some trees that are being removed, and <br />makes it more compatible with the Ironwood development in general. This is a <br />huge, highly visible walking area, and people from the Iron Horse Trail are going <br />to be walking through this area; it needs a top -notch look. <br />3. Concern for adequate parking overflow for the Gardens. Thirteen to sixteen <br />parking spots that are now being reserved are not adequate. This is a serious <br />issue, and it is not right that the residents cannot have family and friends come <br />over to visit. A solid study should be done that would indicate what is needed <br />before this land is completely built out and gets rid of potential parking. <br />4. School. Increase in enrollment should not be approved without a traffic analysis <br />and doing that due diligence as part of the standard practice. This is so <br />important, given that the other parking concerns are tight and that historically and <br />most recently, parking problems surface a year or two after a project is <br />completed. <br />5. Amenity. This is a big issue, especially when land is being rezoned to residential <br />when it is not necessary to do so. This is a much more lucrative land use than <br />what it currently is at, and it is incumbent on the Commission to make sure there <br />is a robust amenity provided for this project. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 12, 2015 Page 17 of 34 <br />