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Page. 2, VN-182 Summary: The applicant is requesting 4 different variances to facilitate the proposed plat PL-114, Skba Blanski Addition. The plat is for 7 lots .adjacent to a new cul-de-sac.. The applicant has cited the suggestions for "affordable" housing and the location as the reasons for seeking the variances. A little over a year ago a variance-and preliminary plat were. approved by the Council for this parcel-.for 4 lots,. ell fronting on 8th St. The varfiance was required as the 4 lots, while being approximately'20,000 square feet each-in area.; .were just under the requred`75 feet in width. The final plat has never been: submitted and that preliminary plat is now null and void. Mr. .Hedlund has now .purchased the parcel and wishes to subdivide. it into 7 lots through the use of a short cul-de-sac. Approval of the proposed preliminary plat (see-PL-114 and proposed plat) requires the following variances: 1. Lot-area - 5 of the 7 lots. are less than 10,000 square feet, varying from 8,100 sq. ft. to 9,700 sq. ft. 2. Lot width at setback line -all 7 proposed lots are less than 75 feet in width at the building setback line. 3. The applicant is also requesting a variance to .have homes constructed with a 25 foot front yard setback, versus the: 30 feet .required. In his. attached letter, the applicant has stated his reasons for requesting the variance are .to provide "affordable" housing as suggested by the proposed Comprehensive. Plan, to be consistent with the proposed Metropolitan Council. suggestions for modest cost housing and because the property location does not lend itself to large lots and expensive homes. In regard to the applicants referral to the proposed Comprehensive. Plan we would note that affordable housing is strongly encouraged in the draft plan being prepared by the Board of Planning. The- draft comprehensive plan also suggests that a separate zone classification be established for smaller lot sizes than now required. While the draft plan suggests a general location for such a zoning district (i.e., the downtown area), no specific boundaries. have been set. While the Comprehensive Plan has not been finalized, it-could possibly be argued that an increase in density or number of units is justified. First, given the propertylocetion (i.e.,.adjacent to a large: apartment complex, across the. street from a cemetery