The primary focus of the meeting was Planning Case 25-7, a request for a lot split and subdivision variance for a single-family residential property located at 851 84th Lane Northwest. The property owner sought to divide the land to create a second lot, allowing a family member to reside in a new home while another stayed in the existing house. The proposal necessitated a variance due to the new lot’s proposed width of 81 feet at the front setback line, which is below the required 100 feet for properties in the LDR1 zoning district.

During the public hearing, strong opposition emerged from residents, with Jody Kaine, a neighbor, leading the charge. She expressed her concerns about the potential negative impact on the neighborhood’s character, privacy, and property values. Kaine emphasized that the existing lot aligns with the neighborhood’s larger lot sizes, arguing that the proposed house’s proximity to her property would intrude on her family’s privacy. Highlighting the narrow space of 15 feet between the properties and the lack of a backyard for the new house, she raised issues about increased traffic and reduced space for snow plowing and parking in the cul-de-sac. Kaine stated, “Our house is our sanctuary,” and urged the commission to deny the request, citing a precedent from a similar case in Andover that was denied in 2017.

Supporting Kaine’s stance, Joe Meyer, a licensed realtor and contractor, predicted a potential decrease in property value by $40,000 to $50,000, attributing it to the new house’s impact on the cul-de-sac’s curb appeal. Brad Kaine, Jody’s husband, and other residents echoed concerns about privacy, obstruction of views, and the loss of natural landscape, emphasizing the area’s wildlife and open space appeal.

Ana Craravens, the requestor of the lot split, countered the opposition by stating her willingness to collaborate with the city and neighbors. She asserted that the proposal met the established requirements and believed there would be adequate privacy and space between houses.

A technical issue concerning the lot split involved discrepancies in property surveys. Richard Thompson, the surveyor, clarified that he adjusted the proposed lot line after obtaining a 1993 survey of a neighboring property, which revealed a slight misalignment. He assured the commission that the adjustments did not encroach on neighboring properties.

Commissioners discussed the variance associated with the lot split, with some agreeing with the staff’s recommendation for approval, emphasizing that all legal requirements were met. The variance concerning the lot’s width was the only point of contention, yet it did not pose a significant barrier to approval. After deliberation, a motion to recommend approval of the subdivision and lot split was passed without opposition, pending further city council consideration.

In other developments, updates were shared on ongoing projects, including the Holly Street Industrial project, which is progressing with site work, and the University Avenue Rental Town Homes, which are moving towards obtaining building permits. The Creek Commons project remains in search of a developer, and the old BP gas station site is nearing the final stages of permit approvals, with demolition expected soon.

Looking ahead, a significant item for the next meeting involves a Planned Unit Development request from Costco concerning the relocation of gas pumps. This proposal, which involves moving pumps to a neighboring property where TGI Fridays is located, raises zoning questions since gas stations are not currently permitted in the regional shopping district. The complexities of this project were noted, and it is set to be a major discussion point in future meetings.