PC 031908 - Laserfiche WebLink

noted that a gated entry was proposed. Although the streets would be designated as private streets, they would be built to the City standards of a 36-foot width (curb-to-curb) throughout the community. The parking would be on both sides of the street, with the exception of a portion of Street A between the entry gates and Court D, where no parking would be allowed. She stated that Ponderosa had worked closely with the Fire Marshal regarding the circulation and emergency vehicle access (EVA) locations. Ms. Hardy acknowledged the City’s General Plan policy, which discouraged gated communities. She noted that they had met with the Fire Marshal, a representative of the Police Department, and engineering staff to design the circulation plan so that emergency access would not be impacted. She noted that the needs for residents of a senior community were different than other residential neighborhoods. She added that seniors frequently preferred the limited access and additional sense of security that a gated community would provide. She added that many were semi-retired and traveled frequently for extended periods of time, making the gated community a desirable amenity to these residents. In addition, many of the senior residents would be single or widowed women who preferred the additional home and personal security provided by a controlled-access gated community. She noted that the community would have substantial common use amenities such as a large community clubhouse, pool/spa and a bocce courtyard. The gate would serve to limit unauthorized use by non-residents of the privately owned and maintained facilities and minimize the potential for vandalism. She added that many similar senior retirement communities had similar access control. Ms. Hardy described the sidewalk layout as well as the general subdivision design. She indicated that a private walkway at the north boundary of the project was considered as a potential connection should the City decide in the future to construct a public trailway system around the Chain of Lakes. She stated that it was eliminated for privacy, security, and safety reasons. She noted that pedestrian walkways in the community as well as connections via the public trail system traversing the Ironwood Community will provide varied pedestrian routes to the surrounding areas, including the Iron Horse Trail, the Martin Avenue (Zone 7) Buffer Strip, and future trail systems. She noted that the landscape plan would include a significant amount of drought-tolerant, water-conserving plant selections consistent with the City’s Green Building requirements. A water- conserving irrigation system would be utilized. The Homeowners Association (HOA) would provide the front-yard/ irrigation and landscape maintenance which would ensure that the landscaping would be well maintained even if a resident were to experience health challenges or were to go on an extended trip. In response to a question by Commissioner O’Connor, Ms. Hardy indicated that a 1,000-student school was assumed for the prior traffic analysis done for the site. Commissioner O’Connor asked if someone younger than 55 years could live in the development. Ms. Hardy indicated that the development would follow the State Civil Code with respect to age restrictions, which she believed requires a spouse to be at least 45 years old, would PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 19, 2008 Page 5 of 8