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City of Hastings city Council Minutes July 2,2007 Page 3 of 5 • Increased traffic and difficult access to County Road 46/47 • Loss of open space and sightlines • Apartments would have a negative effect on property values Hinzman stated that in 2004,the City Council approved a three-story building with six separate garages. Since that time,the applicant has revised the plan to provide underground parking, which increases the height of the building. Additionally,the original plans were for the units to be sold as condominiums; changes in the market result in these being rented as market rate apartments. Mayor Hicks stated that while this is not a public hearing,comments would be heard from the members of the audience. Tim Cherney, 3532 Greten Lane, stated that a traffic study is needed and an apartment is not in the neighborhood's character. He also stated that there was no notification of this project,and presented a petition signed by 90 people opposing the project. Shelley Sticha, 3546 Greten Lane,requested clarification on the project's sunset clause and why it wouldn't apply in this case. Hinzman stated the 2004 approval was for the site plan, which has expired. The original project,which began in the 1990's,had no sunset clause on the density provisions. Todd Siewert and Paul Siewert,the developers and property managers, stated that Todd lives in Hastings and they are proud to develop in the community, using local vendors. Kerry Liff, 3577 Greten Lane, stated that the City's one notification sign was not sufficient and that there is already sufficient rental housing. Tony Trezza, 902 36h Street West, stated that there is too much traffic already. Dave Bacca, 3582 Greten Lane,stated concern with traffic and the project. Shelley Hughes,918 366' Street West,stated that the City needs to review the number of high density properties and that she wants to maintain her property values. She opposed the project. Lori Moldenhauser,3552 Greten Lane, stated that she would like to see the integrity of the neighborhood maintained. Billie Maher,resident,stated support for the project,as it will be handicapped accessible and up-to-date. April Weiss,3539 Greten Lane, stated that there already exist handicapped accessible apartments in town,and stated concern with safety. Mark Beebe,3345 Malcolm Avenue, stated support for the project,as there is little accessible housing in Hastings and he would like to live independently. Paul Siewert stated that he maintains apartment buildings in Red Wing,and that this building is designed to be converted to condominiums in the future. Dan Dancer, 3466 Olson Drive, stated that he would like to see it remain a single family development. Mayor Hicks entered comments from Brad Johnson at 744 Greten Lane into the record, indicating objection to the project. Councilmember Alongi asked how the traffic assessment was conducted. Hinzman stated that the intersection at 366 and 46/47 was developed with apartment buildings at that location. Traffic is currently at approximately 1,000 vehicles daily, and it was constructed to handle approximately 5,000/day. Hinzman stated that there is the possibility of a traffic light being installed in the future, but that it currently does not meet traffic warrants. Councilmember Hazlet stated that there are no legal reasons to deny the site plan,as the density has already been approved by the Council. Councilmember Schultz referred to a staff comment regarding architectural changes. Hinzman stated that the applicant has agreed to the changes.