Council tentatively backs 10-acre Orchard Lake Road Planned Unit Development after public hearing

Sylvan Lake City Council on May 13 tentatively indicated it may approve a 10-acre Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 2000 Orchard Lake Road following a public hearing that drew roughly two dozen residents with mixed views.

Mayor Cowper opened the hearing and said the project presents “a great opportunity to bring young people into the city,” adding that “density is not a concern.” The hearing featured speakers who both supported and opposed the project and raised a series of specific concerns: parking, water and sewer capacity, building height and aesthetics, short-term rentals, construction noise and the placement of a proposed dog park near a trail.

Several residents praised aspects of the plan while asking for changes. John Powers said he favored the PUD but asked that the dog park not be located near the trail. Scott Lovins said he supported the plan but voiced concerns about parking, water/sewer infrastructure and short-term rentals. Kristin Rooney called the design “beautiful” but said she worried that dog waste could accumulate on the trail near her home. Opponents including Dennis Naeger and Llyod Johnson cited worries about density, home prices and the overall look of the development; Rachel Holland and Mary Lewis expressed concerns about traffic on Orchard Lake Road and overflow parking.

Council members addressed those concerns during deliberations. Cowper clarified that construction would take several years, that roof heights may be higher than 30 feet but are similar to what is allowed elsewhere in the city, and that the city currently does not allow short-term rentals such as Airbnb. Councilmember Clarke requested larger trees on property lines, a continuous sidewalk along Orchard Lake Road and a future tree-planting plan. Mayor Pro-Tem Segal said she appreciated the projected tax revenue and described the three parking spaces per unit shown in the plan as generous. Councilmember Zubrzycki asked staff to ensure appropriate sizing of the retention pond and to consider temporary construction power and electric equipment to reduce noise.

The developer, speaking for the project team, said the target price range for units is between $360,000 and $500,000. City Manager Martin told the council that adding units would not affect sewer and water usage, that stormwater management would be contained on site with any overflow routed to the Clinton River via the county drain, and that more water and sewer users would increase revenue for those systems.

After discussion, Councilmember Clarke moved and Councilmember Buchanan seconded a motion to tentatively indicate possible approval of the PUD with changes discussed and to direct the City Attorney to prepare an appropriate agreement under the city ordinance for future consideration. The motion passed on a roll call vote, Ayes: Zubrzycki, Cowper, Clarke, Buchanan, Segal; Nayes: none.

Next steps: the City Attorney’s office will draft the agreement reflecting the conditions discussed, and the council will consider that agreement at a future meeting.