The public hearing for the conditional use permit saw a considerable turnout, with residents articulating various concerns about the new development. Joe Mander, representing the applicant, provided details on the project, which plans to utilize existing infrastructure and includes a reduction in homes from previous plans. The development, located between North Creek Estates and Country View, is set to feature recreational areas, parking, and landscaping, with a six-foot privacy fence proposed along the western boundary.

Traffic was a primary concern for residents. Joyce Mallorie, a long-term resident, labeled North Creek Drive as a “Speedway” and questioned the adequacy of current infrastructure to handle the additional vehicles. Kurt Mikas estimated that the new homes could add 264 vehicles to the road, heightening the risk of congestion. He also raised questions about storm shelter provisions and potential flooding, particularly in his backyard.

Environmental impact and wildlife displacement were also highlighted. Linda Baumgartner lamented the loss of natural habitat, expressing sadness over the potential destruction of the area’s wildlife, including bald eagles. Residents questioned the feasibility of buffer zones or tree plantings to minimize the development’s impact on local ecosystems.

Kevin Morgan, another resident, voiced concerns about a rumored recreation area within the park, fearing it might attract illegal activities. He cited existing issues with crime and suggested that increased amenities could exacerbate these problems. Dan Gustafson, owner of the nearby Country View community, emphasized the importance of safety and advocated for a higher fence to deter unauthorized access.

Concerns regarding community resources and infrastructure were echoed by a resident from the Farmington School District, who criticized the perceived neglect of the northeast corner of Lakeville in city planning discussions. They questioned the necessity of adding high-density housing to an already congested area, citing potential strains on local services, including school buses.

The commission took note of these concerns, particularly regarding the impact on traffic and community safety. A city attorney clarified that while the development falls within a permitted use zone, the commission could still suggest reasonable safety conditions. The commission discussed traffic studies indicating that the intersection would perform acceptably, but acknowledged resident concerns about Pilot Knob Road’s busy nature.

Stormwater management was another significant topic, with commissioners discussing features like infiltration basins and detention ponds designed to manage runoff effectively. The site plan accounted for the FEMA 100-year floodplain, satisfying new flood modeling requirements.

As the meeting progressed, discussions returned to the fence and safety concerns. Residents called for a higher fence to protect children in the area, and the applicant agreed to consider adjustments to the fence height. The commission also discussed potential rental opportunities in the development, with a representative stressing a focus on homeownership, though crime-free agreements were mentioned as a contingency for any rentals.

The Planning Commission emphasized the importance of addressing resident concerns before advancing the proposal to the city council. A motion was made to recommend approval of the conditional use permit, incorporating amendments related to fence height and construction traffic routing. The motion passed, and the development proposal is set to be presented to the city council on February 18th.