One of the most notable discussions revolved around the adjustment of roadway alignment to address community concerns about vehicle headlights impacting adjacent residential units. This proposal necessitated the Homeowners Association (HOA) to dedicate a right-of-way to the city, a decision they supported. The alignment shift aimed to minimize disruptions for existing residents and integrate the new development smoothly into the neighborhood. The commission considered adding sidewalks to the development, which had been stipulated during the approval of the Shioal fifth edition, although the current plan includes sidewalks only on the western side of the street.

Commission members deliberated over the lot sizes, emphasizing their desire to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. The initial proposal included lot widths as narrow as 42 feet, but recommendations were made to increase certain lot sizes to a minimum width of 57 feet to align with existing developments. This adjustment was a condition of approval.

The conversation also covered the management of stormwater drainage through swales leading to a designated basin, with grading plans extending beyond property boundaries to integrate with existing topography. A 12-foot berm on the eastern side was discussed. This would help manage stormwater runoff and provide additional screening for neighboring properties.

The public hearing segment of the meeting saw community members voicing concerns about the development’s impact on local traffic, with particular attention given to the temporary construction access road. Residents expressed apprehension about the road’s intended 90-day use, fearing prolonged construction impacts. HOA members highlighted the necessity for further dialogue with the developer to address these issues effectively.

The comprehensive plan amendment was another focal point, as it guides the city’s growth across land use and public facilities. Historical context was provided, noting the groundwork for a green belt to preserve Chaska’s identity. The commission examined the development against the comprehensive plan’s policies, focusing on cluster development and maintaining low-density areas at community entrances. Concerns were raised about the proposed vegetation types for screening, particularly those that would not provide year-round coverage.

Landscaping plans were scrutinized, particularly the integration of dense vegetation layers meant to obscure sightlines as the development matured. While the proposal suggested that views of the new homes would diminish over time, the commission noted that immediate screening effectiveness would be limited until the vegetation matured. The commission underscored the importance of addressing minor lot reconfigurations, drainage, sidewalk connections, and wetland determinations as conditions for moving forward.

The commission also discussed the potential impact of tree health on the development design, with an emphasis on preserving healthy trees as part of the natural screening barrier. The developer was required to collaborate with city staff to minimize grading impacts and preserve tree health, particularly for those identified for removal. This collaboration aimed to balance aesthetic considerations with practical needs like snow removal, drainage, and tree preservation.

A key outcome of the meeting was the unanimous approval of motions to recommend the 19th edition development to the city council, contingent upon 15 specified conditions, and to rezone the property from RR2 rural residential to PRD89 planned residential district. Additionally, the commission approved an amendment to the 2040 comprehensive plan to re-guide the property from rural residential to conservation residential, aligning with the intended development goals.