Ord 2007-028 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Neighborhood Character and Appearance of Development Preserving the character of the neighborhood is very important to Sector One residents. They believe that development and redevelopment in the Sector should recognize the existing traditional neighborhood character of the area and should fit in with this character. Particular features mentioned were: narrow tree - canopied streets, compatible architectural styles, building scale (i.e., no "big box" apartments), no "garagescapes" where garage doors are the predominant visual element from the street, and a walkable neighborhood with pedestrian- friendly streets. It was the strong feeling of those at the meetings that design guidelines and design review for development is very important for the Sector, if not citywide. Property maintenance is also a concern. 4. Undeveloped Area between Wonder World Drive and Purgatory Creek (Carson Tract, etc.) The neighborhood preference, as noted in a "Neighborhood Transportation Group" report to City Council, is for development in this area to be designed along the principles of a traditional neighborhood (also called "new urbanism "), particularly if road extensions are planned into the existing neighborhoods. They prefer an integrated mixed -use development that is walkable and does not include "big box" commercial development (such as Wal -Mart, Home Depot, etc.). However, a well - designed grocery store is acceptable. They would prefer higher quality commercial development with better landscaping and overall better visual appearance. They would like to see parkland along Purgatory Creek with hike /bike trails. Multi - family housing was generally opposed based on the associated negative impacts (as outlined above). Residents believe that residential uses should be predominantly single - family, but could include higher density housing if it follows the principles of new urbanism (which in some ways lessens the negative impacts). A minority opinion among residents was that this area is more appropriate for commercial and industrial development (as currently zoned) and should not be considered an extension of the historic neighborhoods. These residents also believe that this area should be separated from the existing neighborhoods by not having roadway connections across Purgatory Creek. The owner of the Carson tract has expressed an interest in developing commercial and industrial parcels at the front of the property closest to Wonder World Drive, with approximately 35 acres of apartments behind the commercial, and the remainder of the property (closest to Purgatory Creek) as single- family residential. This represents less density than is reflected in the currently adopted Sector One Plan and was put forward as a possible compromise to meet neighborhood concerns. Neighborhood residents expressed mixed feelings about the proposal. The main sentiments were: 1.) how do we know we can trust the landowner to follow through, and 2.) even though we like the lower density with fewer apartments that he's suggesting, we would still prefer a "new urbanism" development instead of typical "suburban" development. 5. Drainage and Flooding The other major issue raised at the meetings was that of drainage and flooding. Residents believe that everything should be done to ensure that new development does not increase the problem and that development should not be allowed in the Purgatory Creek floodway or floodplain and this land should be used for parks and trails. Sector One Stakeholders Mtg #1 Page 2 of 2