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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
TOWN OF ROCHESTER Page 1 April 1, 2002 PLAN COMMISSION 6:30 p.m.
Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Commission members Ken Dahlstrom, Jane Babik, Maureen Eckert and Bob Willard present. Brian Wanasek was absent.
Julie Anderson, Racine County Planning and Development, and Betty Novy, Secretary, were also present.
Bob moved, 2nd by Jane to approve minutes of the March 4, 2002 Plan Commission meeting as printed. Motion carried.
Conceptual Land Division creating two parcels out of one: Fairview Street, Honey Creek: Leonard Arnouts (Parcel #014-03-19-06-006-020- 11.62 acres). Leonard presented the land division as follows: Lot 1 would have 159.00 feet of frontage on Langmaid Street and consist of .95 acres. Lot 2 would have 66.00 feet of frontage on Fairview Street (150 feet at the setback line) and consist of 10.67 acres. As presented, the division requires vacation of the unimproved portion of Fairview Street which lies within parcel boundaries. Leonard explained they seek approval contingent on vacation of that portion of road. The CSM originally creating this lot, recorded in 1944, provides that lots 1, 2, 10 and 11 become buildable once the road is improved. He suggested his proposed division creates only two parcels (with an ultimate potential of three). He feels this plan provides for better division of the land. The Arnouts intend to come back at some point in the future to further divide Lot 2 into two 5.5-acre parcels. Julie explained the CSM submittal conforms to the terms of the ordinance. The biggest question is whether the Town will allow a private cul-de-sac in this location. Racine County Planning staff does not recommend private roads, but recommends the road be built according to Town standards. Town Engineer review recommends against discontinuing the road and provides an alternative plat showing future extension of Fairview Street to the west. Leonard explains a portion of the engineer’s recommended road extension falls within ownership of an abutting property owner. This property owner has been contacted and is not interested in continuing the road. Bill Gendrich, neighbor to the west, was present. He questioned use of the newly created parcels. It was explained they would remain in residential use. Construction of the cul-de-sac was discussed. The Arnouts explain it is not their intention to improve or pave the road. Bob Wetzel, surveyor, explained the cul-de-sac was put on the plat so plans were clear from the beginning that the Arnouts intend to further divide the land in the future. The cul-de-sac does not need to be shown on the CSM for approval. The Arnouts understand future division will require variance due to no frontage on a public road. They explain they are willing to take the risk of denial at that time. Julie clarified the question before the commission should not be based on future plans, but on what is before them now. The biggest question again is reiterated as to whether the Town will allow discontinuance of the public road, for private road in the future. Julie indicated a condition could be placed on the CSM that the Town may require construction of a public road should any further land divisions occur. It was clarified the unimproved portion of Fairview Street would need to be vacated or improved in order to gain adequate road frontage for the two proposed parcels. Potential of a future improved cul-de-sac becoming Town responsibility for maintenance was discussed. The possibility of requiring a driveway agreement as condition of approval on any future CSM was stated as a safeguard against this situation. Jane moved, 2nd by Bob to recommend the Town Board vacate the unimproved portion of Fairview Street which exists within parcel boundaries and that the CSM be approved. Votes were Ken: Aye; Bob: Aye; Jane: Aye; Maureen: Nay. Motion passed.
Conceptual Land Division creating two parcels out of one: 33628 Washington Avenue, Wayne Johnson (Parcel #014-03-19-05-005-001- 9.53 acres). Wayne presented a conceptual land division showing one lot with 3.33 acres having frontage on Washington Avenue and the second with 6.20 acres having frontage on both Upland Drive and Washington Avenue. Plan Commission members indicated the biggest problem with the division was that it does not meet the 5-acre per parcel average density requirement the Land Use Plan specified for this area. Splitting the land in the proposed way may cause an existing barn to be too close to the lot line. Highway access could also become a problem. Access off Upland Drive for the new parcel was suggested as an alternative. This would place a new lot next to existing lots in a residential area where other parcels are approximately half the size of what would be created. It was determined variance to strict interpretation of Land Use Plan density requirements may not be out of line with intent as the new parcel would be consistent with existing development already in the area. Julie indicated slope might create a problem with this alternative layout, but indicated it was worth exploring. Consensus of the majority of Plan Commission members was they would consider a little less than the 5-acre minimum in this instance, not to set precedence, but to take existing development surrounding the parcel into account. It was suggested the Johnsons’ have the property surveyed to verify acreage and have the surveyor determine whether slope configurations would allow for a conventional septic system.
Brian Wanasek arrived at this time.
TOWN OF ROCHESTER Page 2 April 1, 2002 PLAN COMMISSION (Continued) 6:30 p.m.
Any other business that may legally become before the Commission. Ken reported an inconsistency in Plan Commission recommendations and how the Ksobiech/Meyer CSM was finally approved and/or recorded. It was requested the Town Attorney be consulted as to corrective options. Ken reported on a seminar being held on “Planning for Watershed Development” and invited Plan Commission members to attend if interested. Ken reported on recommendation by the Town Engineer that planning consultant, Scott Ethelbaum, be invited to attend a Plan Commission meeting for a presentation on conservation development. It was suggested the presentation be scheduled for an evening meeting of either the C.E.T.S.E.A.L. committee or Conservation Subdivision Ordinance committee. Ken will inquire as to either group’s interest.
Maureen moved, 2nd by Bob to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.
Submitted by:
Betty J. Novy Plan Commission Secretary
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