Developers of the Park West subdivision told the planning commission Sept. 3 they are unable to construct a required left-turn lane on Calumet Avenue at this time because the adjacent eastern parcel has not been subdivided and there is no room in the existing right-of-way.

At the meeting the applicant said the project has satisfied other requirements, including placement of fire hydrants, but the intended left-turn lane on the east side of Calumet would require additional land or an easement. The applicant said he has discussed the issue with the nearby property owner, and if an easement cannot be secured the eastern parcel's future subdivision will be the mechanism to secure the additional right-of-way.

Why it matters: the left-turn lane is a traffic safety and circulation item requested by the town and the police chief; the inability to construct it now affects whether the town will require the improvement as a condition for final plat.

An unidentified staff member advised the commission that, because the eastern property has been withheld from subdivision (a meets-and-bounds parcel), that property technically extends to the middle of the right-of-way, which constrains the developer's ability to add pavement without the owner's cooperation. The applicant said they will continue to pursue an easement and would construct the turn lane if the easement is obtained.

The town engineer, Adam McAlpine, submitted an approval or recommendation-for-approval letter for the primary plat. Chief Flores (referred to in the meeting) said he would prefer the lane but accepted the limitations of the existing right-of-way and the applicant's plan to pursue an easement or to require the improvement when the eastern parcel is later developed.

Ending: The planning commission heard the primary-plat presentation and the engineer's recommendation; the applicant will return in two weeks. No final plat was approved at the study session.