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. . Minutes - Plan Commission Page 4 April 26, 1989 had not seen the amended site plan for the cemetery property previous to this meeting. He realized that the northernmost lot proposed in the original site plan seemed a tight fit in relation to the creek and had no strong objection to its relocation other than the resulting inconsistency in the orientation of the lots. Most of the lots were oriented with the largest dimension parallel to Blackberry Avenue. Mr. Bruno stated that relocation of the fifth lot west on Blackberry Avenue resulted in a more level lot but of the same size and configuration. Mr. Conner explained that the sellers of the property had expressed their preference for the new configuration because it alleviated the need for a large, exposed foundation or retaining wall along the creek. Mr. Marsh asked if all homes were to be built outside of the floodplain. Mr. Bruno stated that with either plan that would indeed be the case. Mr. Safe stated his opinion that the preferable configuration would be to have all of the lots on the same side of the alley. Otherwise, the westernmost lot facing Blackberry would appear to contain more open space than all the others. Chairman McCauley recognized Mr. Harry Plotkin of 847 Barkley Square and a trustee of the properties along that private street. Mr. Plotkin asked why the developers believed they could suddenly increase the density of the neighborhood by adding these additional lots. Mr. Goldman responded that these five lots were part of a larger subdivision consisting of fourteen acres on what is currently the site of the former Hanley Junior High School. The density of this new residential development was not solely determined by the size of the lots but also by a four acre open space usable for recreation and other activities of the new subdivision residents. Also, planned entrances to the development from both Hanley Road and Blackberry Avenue would diffuse traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Plotkin argued that Barkley Square, currently a private street west of the University Place property, could hardly remain private with so much new traffic in the neighborhood. Mr. Conner detailed the proposed road improvements required and designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Mr. Safe gave a detailed explanation about how the Plan Commission and City Council in approving the subdivision were actually decreasing density in the area by requiring commonly usable residential open space. Mr. Wagner informed Mr. Plotkin that if he had any further questions regarding the University Place Subdivision he could contact Mr. Wagner or attend a public hearing scheduled by the City Council for May 1, 1989, at 7:30 p.m. As no other interested parties were present to speak, the Chairman then closed the public hearing. Mr. Rice noted that there would be a net gain in common open space for the project with the addition of the entire 1.29 acre cemetery parcel. He expressed his opinion, however, that under the revised site plan, both lots "99" and "100" would appear to have inordinately large side yards attributable only to the common open space. Ms. Kreishman agreed and stated that the original site plan for the cemetery property was consistent with good planning principles and with the layout of the previously approved Preliminary Subdivision Plat. However, if some hardship or practical difficulties arose in developing the property in this configuration, she would consider reviewing a revised proposal in advance. Chairman McCauley agreed. After further discussion, Mr. Marsh moved that the Plan Commission recommend approval of the application for amendment of Conditional Use Permit #266A as submitted and subject to approval of the rezoning of the cemetery property to "PR-O". Mr. Washington seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 7-0.