The Miami Township Board of Trustees met in Special Session, Thursday, December 3, 1998 at 7:30 PM to hold a Public Hearing on Rural Zoning Case # 437 and any other business that may come before the Board. Chairperson Edwin H. Humphrey called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. Miami Township Clerk, Eric C. Ferry called the role. Attending were Edwin H. Humphrey and Joseph W. Uecker. Jean Schmidt was absent.
Chairperson Humphrey opened the Public Hearing . Mr. Ferry read the notice of public hearing, the Department of Community Planning and Development recommendation to approve the case based on meeting these requirements; 1. Submission requirements have been met. 2. Public sewer and water will be provided to the site. 3. An objective of the R-PUD is to "create high quality living environments that balance permitted density increases with preservation of green space and/or provision of recreational amenities." Most of the lots have access to open space. However, it is not clear if the open space is capable of providing active or passive recreation amenities. 4. A goal of the R-PUD is to protect and enhance the rural residential character of Miami Township and an objective relating to this is to preserve natural landscape features. The submitted narrative states that "street alignments and lot locations are such that grading and clearing of trees is minimized." The site plan indicates that most of the development will occur outside the existing tree line. 5. Sidewalks are provided. 6. Screening and buffering- some areas may need additional landscaping. 7. Density. The underlying density of the B-Residence is 2.58 units per acre, based on 190 lots. The proposed density is less, at 1.83 units per acre, but the average lot size of 7,200 (60 feet by 120 feet) is smaller. This decrease is recommended for approval based on the following; A. No inconvenient or unsafe access to the site exists. B. No traffic congestion on roads adjoining the site will occur. C. No excessive burden on public utilities and facilities will occur D. The "quality of design of the development, quality and amount of open space in addition to the minimum required amount…" and preservation of natural resources. 8. Open space exceed the required 15%. 9. Open space shall be physically situated so as to be readily accessible, available to and usable by all residents of the R-PUD development." Most of the lots have access to open space. However, it is not clear if the open space is capable of providing active or passive recreation amenities.
Mr. Ferry read the Rural Zoning Commission notice of recommendation for approval, with modifications as follows; That the recommendations from the County Planing Commission and the Township Planner be addressed and discussed by the Trustees.
Mr. Richard Hoffman, a representative for the owner, Wynne Investments, Inc., discussed the R-PUD requirements and how they meet the requirements. He also discussed the additional conditions and the plans to comply with the recommendations.
Mr. Jim Watson, representing McGill Smith Punshon,Inc., discussed the history of the proposed site for the R-PUD. Mr. Watson also discussed the impact of the proposed project on the area. Mr. Watson also discussed the proposed trail connecting to the Miami Meadows Park.
Mr. Neil Strawser spoke with the Board regarding their compliance with the requirements for an
R-PUD. He stated the proposed subdivision will be a quality project.
Chairperson Humphrey asked for adjoining property owners to come forward..
Mr. Greg Deye of 1398 Linden Creek Drive advised the Board that he endorses the planned R-PUD project.
Mrs. Carol Deye of 1398 Linden Creek Drive came forward to state she supports the project because of preservation of the wetlands.
Chairperson Humphrey asked any concerned citizens wishing to speak regarding this project to come forward.
Ms. Shelly Higgins of 6253 Forest Crest Court ask that the 7th recommended requirement be repeated. Mr. Larry Fronk, Miami Township Planning and Zoning Director repeated the requirement.
Chairperson Humphrey asked for clarification of the lighting plan, preservation of mature trees and a landscape mound behind lots 94-102. The developer explained how each point will be addressed in the development.
Mr. Uecker made a motion to close the Open Portion of the Public Hearing of Case # 437. Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
Mr. Uecker made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Zoning Board to approve the applicant’s request for the change with the following additional requirements;
as a result of the Traffic Impact Study .
Mr. Humphrey seconded the motion. Upon roll call, all voted "AYE."
With no other business to come before the Board, Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting .
ATTEST: _______________________________________________________________
Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
Edwin H. Humphrey, Chairperson