07/03/1991 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Terry Gossett, 26600 Elena, stated that he had lived in Town for eleven years and during the heavy rains of several years ago had had a harrowing experience being on the lower slope. He was especially concerned about drainage, effluence and any possible earth slide. He wanted to bring these concerns to the Council's attention and also asked what recourse he would have if the development were approved. Glen Fuller, 12989 Vista del Valle, noted that the present residence on the Circle property covered the flat area while the proposed development was almost entirely on a slope. He was concerned about the stability of the hillside, the proximity to a fault and the issue of runoff. He did not believe it was in the best interest of the Town to develop a marginal building site and he opposed the subdivision. Mr. Fuller concurred that soils engineering had come a long way but was not a science and he also noted that this was a very prominent project, especially from the homesites. George Crawford, 13023 Vista del Valle, concurred with Mr. Fuller's comments. In 1974 the real estate people had told him that the slopes could not be developed. Mr. Crawford stated that he did not believe squeezing in a house even if it was technically alright was in the spirit of the Town. William Sullivan, 26531 Taaffe, referenced his letter to the Town dated 5/29/91 (on file at Town Hall) which included his concerns about the Circle property. These concerns included septic fields in easements. He asked if it was good public policy to subdivide a piece of property that was at best marginal. Mr. Sullivan also commented that a smaller house would mitigate the problem but not resolve it. Paul Nowack, applicant's engineer, commented that the applicant, Mr. Circle, was out of Town and therefore unable to attend this meeting. He noted that regarding the density of development they would limit the project to 3,500 square feet and this would not be a problem to control as it could be recorded on the map. Mr. Nowack commented that the Health Department had not had any problems with the leach fields and regarding drainage he would recommend constructing a retarding structure so that the water would not go downhill all at once. It was not possible to eliminate all the water going downhill and those living downhill knew that. Mr. Nowack mentioned the issue of fairness; this was a two-lot subdivision on 3 acres although the lot was narrow in front and wide in back, he did not consider it a panhandle lot. kir July 3, 1991 Regular Meeting 8