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<br />of them being the density. He added he feels the issue of density in the amenity that <br />was voted on in 1997 is open to interpretation and could be argued either way. He <br />said the amenity is not what he is concerned about, it is the density. His preference <br />would be that this project be developed at the mid-point density which is 20 units. If <br />it is developed over that mid-point there is a reasonable argument that there should <br />be an amenity. He indicated the other issue with regard to the density is a public <br />policy question, what are the needs for housing in the community. Is there a need <br />for more large-lot multi-million dollar homes? There is a significant need in this <br />community for affordable housing and there is a housing cap - the more units that <br />are built of this type will result in fewer left to fill a real need for the community. He <br />believes there is nothing positive for the community as a whole by approving a <br />project over the mid-point density that the General Plan indicates. He further stated <br />that access is an issue. He believes it is important to look at alternatives to traffic <br />circulation and Ponderosa was not at all open to discussing those issues with him. <br />He added Cameron Avenue and the safety issues are of real concern. He believes <br />Ponderosa did a good job of working with the neighborhood on this project as a <br />whole. The people who are not supportive of the project are most greatly impacted <br />by the project. He believes there needs to be more mediation on this project with the <br />neighborhood stating he does not want to vote against this project, but would like to <br />see this be a project that the entire neighborhood could support. <br /> <br />Council member Thorne commented there is a lot of concern regarding traffic and <br />speed on Cameron Avenue. It seems to him that most of the input that was given is <br />not regarding this project, but is mainly about the traffic on Cameron. His other <br />concern is that he does not want to get into a situation where Ponderosa walks away <br />from this project. He indicated they are getting close to their option deadlines with <br />the owners and he would like to see the problems solved and to get the project <br />approved. If that means mediation, he would rather do that than having another <br />developer take over this project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Brozosky indicated the main concerns are the existing conditions of <br />the road, traffic and speeds in that area. Whether this development happens or not, <br />those problems still exist. Perhaps these issues can be handled at the tentative map <br />stage rather than going to mediation. He believes the actual project itself and the <br />density fits in with the General Plan. He suggested if five lots are removed from this <br />project, it would not look any different. He proposed moving forward with the project <br />that is before Council and deal with road and traffic/sidewalk issues at the tentative <br />map stage. He indicated he supports project. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGovern clarified the condition for parking on the north side of <br />Cameron Avenue. She noted when she reviewed this project and the former <br />developments in the area she can't believe sidewalks weren't put in at that time. She <br />added she would not support this project without a sidewalk. She believes Council <br />needs to correct a problem that was created in the past which created a terrible <br />safety situation for the children in the area. She does not believe you should have <br />people walking in the street. So, she believes the number one amenity Ponderosa is <br />offering the community is a safer way for kids. She clarified with staff that they would <br />be working with Ponderosa and the community in the approval process to find <br />additional traffic calming measures for the tentative map approval and asked for that <br />to be a part of the conditions. She noted the other issue she would like to see <br />addressed before the tentative map is the design of crosswalk at Martin Avenue. <br /> <br />City Council Minutes <br /> <br />15 <br /> <br />October 3, 2006 <br />