Developer Presents Concept PUD; Neighbors Raise Traffic, Parking and Environmental Concerns

Real Estate Equities presented a concept Planned Unit Development (Planning Case 26-4) and sought council and public feedback during a July 21 public hearing. Alex Bisanz of Real Estate Equities outlined the developer's concept; councilmembers pressed for clarity on the city's request regarding LAHA funds and asked staff to ensure adequate fire access and a pedestrian path to the north to connect residents to retail and transit areas.

Public commenters raised multiple concerns. Teresa Ruohomaki urged the council to consider neighborhood traffic impacts and suggested Metro Transit routing avoid small local roads; Judy Lissick requested pollinator areas, more shade trees and reduced impervious surface; Steve Gaida questioned parking sufficiency, bussing plans and potential increased demand on schools; Shelley Hauge voiced support for the project while submitting design suggestions for the side facing the Cottages. Several speakers also asked the developer to address building heights and exhaust issues related to bus routing.

The hearing was explicitly advisory: Planning Director Nolan Wall told the council the session was intended to gather feedback for the developer's final Planned Unit Development rather than to produce immediate council action. Councilmember Jerry Moynagh noted the project shows the city can help manage housing stock and observed the plan includes affordable housing elements; Councilmember Erik Goebel asked staff and the developer to incorporate a pedestrian connection to transit and to address emergency vehicle access.

Next steps: the developer will revise the PUD materials to reflect council and public input before returning with a formal application and any required approvals.