02/14/2005 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Regular Meeting February 14, 2005 Brungardt said her question came about as a result that the developer came to them with the notion that trees would be saved. She is only concerned that the proposed method is effective. Mr. Schmitt asked to respond to her question. He said knowing it is not a requirement for approval of the plat, the developers tried to demonstrate how they would attempt to save trees. That request was met. Karen LiPuma, 539 Jackson, has lived next to the property where the development is proposed for 30 years. She made two points about this issue: she is amazed that if “whoever is making a motion merely meets the numerical requirements . . . we automatically stamp it through” and why “are we having this meeting?” She questioned whether this Council will maintain the integrity of the City. She noted there are many unanswered issues. The Mayor is putting too much pressure to pass the Bill, is her stated impression. She requested that some of the issues presented be studied: off- street parking arrangements, egress, a street shown in the original plans which has subsequently disappeared, refusal of the developer to meet with the residents. She alluded to a private meeting with the City Manager and Mr. Wagner in which she was told that a restrictive covenant was binding and separate from the City rules. She referred to the document found which lists the restricted covenant and implored the City to study it before making a decision. She expressed her anger that the City Council does not make decisions which affect well-being of the citizens. She submitted a petition. Mr. Sharpe said he favored holding the vote until the developer meets with the neighbors. Jim Holtzman, of Miracle Design, responded to the previous comment. Every attempt was made to meet with surrounding owners but due to time constraints they were not able to do so. They have every intention of meeting with these people when the architectural designs become available. There are no exterior architectural designs available now. There is nothing to meet with them about because there is nothing to show them. Normally, he would develop some schematics with a custom home buyer and come up with a design to show to others. He brought copies of the tree reservation plan to share tonight. He promised to meet with people regarding the architectural design as soon as there is one. Brigitta Toth, 7416 Washington, a neighbor, expressed her rage at the architect because no one has heard from him. She sees this as a very dangerous precedent, to approve the plan on the numbers. She believes the City should not ignore covenants and she is very opposed to this proposal. Robert Lowes, 7425 Teasdale Avenue, expressed his opposition to the division of the property into two lots. Towering trees are a special feature of the neighborhood, as are the spacious yards and distinguished homes. He fears both the action and the precedent being set, as leading to loss of property, as has happened in Clayton. This Page 13