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answer the public’s demand for one-story townhouses. Once we eliminated the possibility of building two- story units, designed 1,096 square foot units with two-car attached garages. The fact the units are so large creates the problem. The Planning Commission seems to be saying smaller, two-story units with more greenspace would be a more attractive development. It would, however, be less marketable. If we cut back to 22 units, the price would be $175,000. We are trying to build one-story units with a base price of $115,000, which become affordable housing for the City of New Brighton. In our present development, we have 4 New Brighton residents selling their two-story homes and buying our townhouses. Baker said Cadwallader made a statement that the consultant recommended this project. The consultant recommended multi-family residential, not that the property be rezoned. Baker said he wanted to make that point clear. Cadwallader said that, if the Planning Commission wants to go to an R-2 zoning with a PUD overlay, our density is under those requirements. Baker said he meant an R-1 PUD. Cadwallader talked about the neighbors wanting a one-story development. However, the only choice Cadwallader gave them was a 32-unit development. If the neighbors were to choose between a 32-unit and a 22-unit development, they would choose the 22 units. It is not meaningful to give the neighbors the choice between 32 two-story units and 32 one-story units. There are other options. Allan Potter, a resident of East Innsbruck, said he would like to comment on the tree situation. Potter said he owned the property next to Mike’s at 281 9th Avenue NW. Potter said he moved into the East Innsbruck area in 1978. I’m sure the developer will do his best to save the oak trees. The fact is all the oaks in East Innsbruck are gone. Oak trees are very sensitive to construction and oak wilt. There’s little chance of saving the oaks on the proposed site. Potter commented it must be difficult for a developer to solve the problems of a site. However, Potter said the site should remain zoned R-1. Lawrence Rice, 103638 Brookview Road in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, said he bought a home on 2nd Street NW in New Brighton in 1948. He said he is familiar with the problems of living near Old Highway 8, such as noise, dust, and safety. The buffer zone is needed. The speed on Old Highway 8 should be reduced also. Forty years ago, my house had a redwood fence, a row of trees, and a boulevard. Along came the Highway Department and moved the curb of Old Highway 8 within two feet of the property line, 35 feet from the door to my house. They threw salt and snow way into my yard. My son and grandson still live in that house. There should be a buffer zone for the sake of the environment. Rice said he was a licensed architect and had construction experience. Fire access is also an important consideration. Rice said sympathized with Cadwallader’s problem, but a buffer is important. Livingston said he feels trees are very valuable. They add value to the land and provide a buffer between the project and the pole yards. The buffer is not for the people driving by but for the people living in the project. Livingston stated Cadwallader mentioned a couple of other developments that had higher density. One of the projects was off I-694, which is an area with more traffic. Part of the reason it was allowed to develop that way was to create a buffer between the single family homes and I-694. The traffic near the proposed project does not compare to the traffic on I-694. Livingston pointed out that it is not the job of the Planning Commission to see that the developer makes a profit. Livingston said Cadwallader should consider building fewer units and adding more trees in case some oaks die. Baker stated that, if Cadwallader rezones the property to R-3B, Multiple Family Residential, the Planning Commission is not rezoning the property based on this development. The rezoning would be based on R-3B, which would allow 43 units. There is no guarantee this layout if approved, will be built. I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1997\03-18-97.WPD 5