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There are three flat.knolls on the site where the homes will be constructed'
and the rest of the site is quite steep. A walkway will be required on the west
aide of 68th. Ms. Charleson showed slides of the site, noting that Phase II will
add 13 units on the north knoll, Phase I having been approved for 10 units on
the south knoll and 6 units on the middle knoll. She pointed out that this
development will meet several policies in the Policy Plan, including that of
maintaining a large area of open space. Over 80" of the property will be
maintained in open space. The number of units that could be allowed for this
property is 36, while 29 are proposed. Access to the homes on the third knoll
will be by private road off of 68th. Parking spaces for four cars will be provided
for each unit and there will be some parking provided on the street. Fire hydrants
will be required at the entrance to each development and sewer connection will be
to the Lynnwoodsewer system. Ms. Charleson indicated an alternative development
could be to cluster units off North Meadowdale Rd. or to do a full subdivision,
but that would take down more treesand create more impervious services. She said
a substantial analysis of soils had been made and the Engineering Department
felt there was no problem from drainage or runoff. There has been no danger of
slippage here as has been experienced in the Laebugten Wharf area. The Planning
Department had made a determination that there would be no significant adverse
environmental impacts from the proposed -development, and the major impact would be
the increase in traffic on 68th. The Planning Department recommended approval,
feeling this was the best plan for this property. The public portion of the
hearing was opened.
David Kinderfather, architect for the the proposal, pointed out that 1411 of the
161 acres would be retained in open space, the stream will be retained, and the
residences will be designed to fit the topography.. He described the underground
water retention facility and noted that the result will be less hard surfaces
and concentrated runoff than in a conventional development. He said the environ-
mental assessment indicated less than a 5, increase in the traffic impact. He
expected this type of development would have appeal for the "empty nester" family
or for the young professionals. He pointed out some flat spaces that could be
used for play areas, if necessary, but he did not expect there to be many children
in this kind of a development. He said he had made a special effort to retain the
trees. Jack Linge of 6970 160th S.W. spoke against the proposal, feeling it would
set a precedent of clustered homes in the area and that at some future time the
rest of the site will be rezoned to construct more homes. He also felt notifica-
tion of the hearings had not been adequate, that adequate fire protection could not
be.given the site, and that the property was needed for an LID for sewers in the
area. He felt this development would devalue his own home also.., Jerry Steele of
15720 68th W. also spoke against the proposal. George Poden of 15901 86th W.
was concerned about future development of this area. He considered this proposal
to be one of multiple family residences and felt it should fall under the moratorium.
He challenged the lack of an environmental impact statement. Christine Steele of
15720 68th W..spoke against the proposal as did Mrs. Jack Linge of 6970 160th S.W.
who said there was not enough parking provided and that the best stands of trees
were on the knolls where the construction would be accomplished. She objected
to the alternative plan which had been presented to the Planning Commission and
said the traffic is already bad in the area without these additional homes. A
resident of the Lund's Gulch area discussed the eroding of the land because of
development in her area. She said the engineers had said it was all right to
build there at the time the homes were built but they now say houses never should
have been built there. Greg Harrison of 6729 160th Pl. S.W. was concerned about
the character of the dwellings and about fire protection. He did not believe
emergency vehicles could get into the development with all of the cars and
recreational vehicles that probably would be parked there. Neither did he believe
a walkway could be constructed where indicated on 68th. Rose Stewart of 6722
162nd S.W., Lynnwood, asked if there had been a change in ownership of the
property involved. There had been, but City Attorney Jim Murphy stated. that was
not relevant. Donald Kauffman of 68th/163rd said ravines going all the way to
the street would prevent construction of a walkway on 68th. The public hearing
was then closed.
EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Page 3 - July 25, 1978
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