Plan Commission approves Eden Preserve preliminary plat; residents urge attention to stormwater and traffic

The Plan Commission on May 4 approved a preliminary subdivision plat and planned-unit-development rezoning for Eden Preserve, a proposed seven-lot single-family neighborhood on roughly 1.8 acres at W 59 N 367 Hilbert Avenue, but heard multiple public comments urging close attention to stormwater, sightlines and traffic.

Planner Mary outlined the proposal, noting the project proposes 3.9 dwelling units per buildable acre in the RS 5 district and that several lots are slightly smaller than the RS 5 minimum but are consistent in average. She reiterated required conditions: a development agreement, a stormwater management and maintenance agreement, and final city engineer review of sewer, water, drainage and utility plans prior to recording.

Several nearby residents spoke during public comment. Scott Soukup asked about how lot lines are measured and about home sizes; Mary said homes would be limited to a maximum floor-area ratio of 36 percent under RS 5. Doug Beatty described recent heavy rains that caused water in his yard and basement and urged the city and applicant to address a swale that currently terminates near a garage. He asked for landscape screening and suggested the city consider traffic signage or increased enforcement on nearby narrow streets when the development is occupied. Grant Witte asked whether the city could enforce parking regulations on a private drive and raised concerns about refuse and emergency access on a narrow private cul-de-sac.

Commissioners discussed tree spacing, stormwater swale design, and the private-street maintenance experience in other developments. Staff said final stormwater and grading plans will be submitted to and reviewed by the city engineer. A motion to approve the preliminary plat and PUD per staff recommendations was made and seconded; the commission voted by voice and approved the recommendation.