2003-07-14 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

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City Council Meeting -fly 14, 2003 - Page 5 is places of business within the neighborhoods. Mr. Young is not in agreement with the PUD plan. Councilmember Meismer has a series of concerns about the planned unit development. Part of his concern is the wetlands sensitive area issues. This looks like an attempt to fast track, to deal with the wetlands issues; suggesting the City is cognizant and aware of these issues. Mayor Malone asked Mr. Burchfield if the wetland issue has been considered. Mayor was assured that the plan is to create a wildlife preserve; the development is less than 3.9 units per acre, which is less than any single family residential home in the luxury category, creating a luxury unit complex, having more wetlands in a wildlife preserve, and expand them. Councilmember Griffiths stated when Council adopts the Ordinance; the developer will be liable to create what has been agreed upon in the terms of the Special Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Griffiths questioned if the luxury apartments will be similar to the ones by Armand Bayou. City Planner Gwen Goodwin assured Mr. Griffiths that if the developer does not accomplish his terms, the City has the right to abolish the agreement. Councilmember Meismer clarified he is not in opposition to the project; he is in opposition to the possibility that the apartment complex issue, deals with an economic issue to do something with this property. If something is done with this property where the wetlands make sense, that's'one thing. The thing that can also happen, you can go in and construct apartments, while the outlying and adjacent areas could run aground. For Mr. Miser's support, fail-safe measures need to be in place. Mr. Burch field assured Mr. Meismer of their partner, Paramount Financial Group, which essentially belongs to General Motors; he feels they are financially secure. Mr. Burch field is so encouraged with the multi -level of support; the developers plan to do what is best for the City, while being fair to the landowner. The plan is to maximize the wildlife preserve, wetlands and have a viable financial partnership together. Mr. Burch field welcomes a viable partnership with the City. Councilmember Beasley questioned if the park and the preserve would be open to the public or is private. Mr. Burchfield will work with National, City, State and County levels to bring committees together; there is a citizen in the City who is an expertise in this area. There are many areas that need to be considered. Mr. Beasley questioned if the design we saw in the photo is not part of the development, as it exists today. Mr. Burchfield informed him only the insertion of the rezoned portion, the portion with the lake in the middle and the landscaping around it, is what they are going to do. This needs to be discussed by all parties/committees involved; decisions/recommendations need to be made; will this be a National Park, a State Park, City Park, etc. There are grants available, even HUD has funds. Councilmember Beasley asked Mayor to note that comments and testimony between Mayor, Council and Mr. Burchfield be added to the official record of tonight's meeting. Councilmember Young commented that the plans look very nice; however, he is concerned about all the empty apartments in the area; perhaps the area is over built with apartments. Mr. Burchfield was informed, by his marketing representatives, their development is not serving in the area he is discussing.