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Zisla asked how far they moved the driveway on the west side. Cadwallader said we moved that driveway about 30 feet. Zisla stated the plan shows the driveway is 30 feet from the property line. Mattila asked Cadwallader for clarification of the setbacks. Cadwallader showed the setbacks on the plan. Schmitz asked about the density. Cadwallader said the Planning Commission seems to want Silver Oak to build two story units, but he did not think there would be a market for more two-story units in New Brighton. Schmitz suggested Silver Oak build the one-story units, but fewer of them and maintain more trees. Cadwallader responded, in that case, he would have to renegotiate the land purchase with the property owner. Knuth asked if any neighbors living next to the proposed project would like to comment on the aesthetics of this proposed development. Knuth asked if they would prefer most of the trees be left to the east along the west or a development which disperses trees throughout the site. Cadwallader responded that the concerns expressed at the neighborhood meeting were that the people did not want a two-story development. The neighbors want one-story units. The neighbors were concerned with the loss of trees, but we intend to save as many as we can. Knuth said it seemed the people who benefit most from saving mature trees on the east side are the people who are driving along Old Highway 8. Knuth stated she felt the neighbor’s would benefit from visual impact of the mature trees on the west side rather than preserving the trees on the east side which benefit only the passing traffic. Mattila said that, in discussing the trees with the City Forester, the Forester said the most valuable trees are the oak trees. The oak trees are on the Old Highway 8 side or east side of the site. The trees farther back on the west side of the site are elm trees and scrub growth. Cadwallader pointed out there is a trucking firm, a truck repair shop and the pole yard near the site. Zisla asked if the property valuation is based on development potential of the land. Then, the value of the land is less if it is zoned R-1 than if it were zoned R-3. Zisla said a price for the land based on 32 units is highly speculative because you may not get 32 units approved for this site. Cadwallader responded that the property owner loses money. The property has been held by the property owner’s family since 1942. The value of land is based on the number of units Silver Oak can put on the site. The Planning Commission seems to be saying that the value of the trees is such that the property owner’s property is worth much less than she had thought it was. There is nothing to stop the property owner from cutting down these trees and then selling her land. Cadwallader said if he did a two-story development a third of the trees would be lost anyway. Zisla said had other concerns about the proposal other than the trees. Zisla said wished to make the point that the City has no part in negotiating a purchase agreement between the seller and the developer. The City has no accountability in this matter. Zisla stated he agreed with O’Brien that the issue is not so much the number of units of per acre but that there is little greenspace. Zisla said he was also concerned about the design of the units. The elevations of the units seem to feature garage doors and asphalt. Zisla said he was curious about alternatives to that “look” and alternatives to the treatment of the site. It appears the site is buildings and driveways on a grid pattern. Cadwallader answered Zisla is correct, but Silver Oak is trying to take the site to its highest and best use. We considered the Old Highway 8 consultant’s recommendation. The Old Highway 8 Corridor is not an attractive area. Nor is 3rd Street. We have tried to use the site with the focal point going outward. We have tried to I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1997\03-18-97.WPD 4