2020.08.18 Planning Commission - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Commissioner Allen questioned if the stairs were not approved, could the project still be completed. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained stairs could be completed to the south, but would make it more cumbersome to get to the lakeshore side of the yard. However, staff believes this recommendation protects both property owners. Commissioner Frischman inquired if a similar request was made on Lakebrook a few years ago. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola did not recall this request. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti opened the Public Hearing at 7:02 p.m. Jess Hickman, 1684 Peninsula Drive, explained she has been working with an architect to design stairs into the home. She reported her front door was set b ack from the street and she was trying to make her home more welcoming to the community. She indicated she interacts with her neighbors and would like to create a more open entry way. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti asked if the applicants could move the stairs to the west. Samuel Hickman, 1684 Peninsula Drive, reported City staff has been helpful in developing the new plans for his home. He commented staff’s concerns about the stairs terminating on the line was reasonable. He explained he was excited about the new stairs as it would help to open the design of the home. He indicated his home was close to the neighbors and the neighbors were a proponent of the new stairs. He stated he would like the stairs to remain as is, but understood the concerns of staff. Commissioner Nelson joined the meeting at 7:08 p.m. Motion by Commissioner McQuillan, seconded by Commissioner Biedenfeld to close the Public Hearing. A roll call vote was taken. Approved 7-0. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti reported lived close to this home and understood the Hickman’s had a good relationship with the neighbors. She appreciated the City’s concerns with running stairs right up to the lot line but considering the narrowness of the lot and the height of the porch, she didn’t see how stairs could run to the home without hitting the lot line. For this reason, she supported the removal of Condition 3. Commissioner Allen supported this recommendation. Commissioner Biedenfeld recommended Condition 3 be removed as well. He appreciated the fact that the applicant had gained the support of his neighbors for the proposed stairs. Commissioner Frischman stated she appreciated the efforts of the applicant and the fact that they were trying to make their home warm and welcoming from the street. She supported Condition 3 being removed from the recommendation for approval. Commissioner McQuillan agreed.