During the first public hearing, Josh Cushain voiced concerns about potential rentals within Cedar Woodland’s third parcel. He raised questions about whether the city had ordinances in place to manage rentals, highlighting the possibility of smaller units attracting medical professionals who might prefer renting over purchasing. Cushain also expressed concerns over the potential for short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, which he believed could pose risks to the community. He emphasized the need to preserve Oronoco’s rural character and questioned the aesthetic impact of the new development.

Traffic concerns were another major issue Cushain brought to the table, particularly regarding Cedar Point Road Southeast, where he noted the absence of a traffic study due to current traffic levels not meeting necessary thresholds. Despite changes to plans that moved a road away from his driveway, Cushain remained worried about the increase in traffic and the safety implications for children and pets in the area. He questioned the necessity of the proposed road access, as all roads lead toward Minnesota Avenue, and called for a preservation of local views.

Bill Twain, representing the developer Dragon Cops, sought to address some of Cushain’s concerns. Twain explained that the existing ordinance did not trigger a traffic study, but assured that the development would result in fewer than 100 trips per day in its first phase and less than 400 trips upon project completion. He justified the multiple access points as a means to facilitate emergency vehicle access and minimize congestion at a single entrance. Twain also acknowledged community feedback, stating they had reduced the number of access points from five to three to alleviate concerns about headlight glare.

Despite these assurances, another resident, Jackie McFarland, shared her concerns about the access points, recounting past construction disturbances that had physically damaged her property. McFarland urged the commission to reconsider the access point placements to protect her property and ensure community safety.

In another discussion, Bill Tinton presented details on a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Cedar Wilderness. The development process, involving the consolidation of two outlots into a single buildable lot, required a conditional use permit. Tinton outlined plans for 54 condo units across 13.5 acres, featuring private roads, pedestrian trails, and a stormwater treatment facility. Modifications were made to increase the width of private roads for emergency services, and a pedestrian trail was proposed to run along Cedar Point Drive.

Community concerns persisted during this discussion, with Aaron Parker questioning whether Cedar Center Road would be widened or marked with lanes to address safety issues, especially with bus traffic. This highlighted ongoing community worries about road safety in light of new developments.

The commission also deliberated on a conditional use permit, which necessitated a cash dedication to the city in lieu of parkland, calculated at $80,11. Recommendations for approval included conditions for consistency with proposed plans, adherence to city engineering requirements, and a development agreement outlining construction specifications. Commission members emphasized the need for pedestrian pathways, accessible private roads for emergency services, and proper outdoor lighting for safety. Landscaping requirements were discussed to enhance the development’s aesthetic and environmental quality.

Further inquiries addressed garage sizes, with the proposal now including two-car garages to accommodate the expected number of vehicles per household. Safety concerns about a retention pond were also discussed, with suggestions to use landscaping to buffer access rather than fencing, which might hinder emergency services.

Ultimately, the commission formulated a motion to approve the conditional use permit with conditions including landscaping and lighting plans. A pedestrian trail and sidewalk adjustment were proposed.