The recommendation was subject to conditions of approval
CHENEY – City planning commission voted 3 to 2, with 1 abstention, to recommend to council that it approve the proposal to replat an area of the Golden Hills development.
This proposal adds 12 additional lots to the existing area, increasing the originally proposed number from 25 to 37.
The planning department found that the proposal is in keeping with the goals and policies of the city’s comprehensive plan and does not propose a significant increase in projected traffic and that further study is not required.
During the discussion section, commission member Dan Turbeville said “I like the original plan. Adding an additional 12 plots seems greedy to me.”
Commission member Natasha Jostad replied “The proposal is still under the maximum allowable density by 5 plots.”
Ann Heehn, a resident of Golden Hills, had previously submitted an email to the commission for public comment. In the email, Heehn wrote “The roads are not meant for additional traffic at Sunrise and Golden Hills or Sunrise and McKeehan Way.”
Heehn describes other potential conflicts which the proposed development may have with the existing Golden Hills area.
Craig Miller, who also submitted an email for public comment, states “In your zeal to “grow” Cheney, you are allowing the overall quality of the community to be degraded, even though half of the commercial property in the downtown area is vacant.”
Scott Bernhard of the developing company WM Winkler Co., gave comments on the testing that has been done on the grounds of the proposed site. “Third party testing has revealed that the grounds have been compacted to 95% and are viable for construction.”
In addition to the previous findings, the commission is requiring that a water study be completed of the area designated “high zone” to assess if the future development could be supplied with adequate water pressure. This shall be completed prior to any City plan approval.
Commission chair Rick Mount said “My biggest concern is whether or not we’re going to have significant slumping from higher elevation homes into lower elevation homes.” Mount also discussed his concerns over the grade of the hill in the proposed development and the danger of icy conditions in the winter.
“That presents a significant risk of litigation.” Mount said.
Scott Bernhard of the developing company WM Winkler Co., gave comments on the testing that has been done on the grounds of the proposed site, including comments on a geotechnical analysis that was performed.
In response to these litigious concerns, city administrator Mark Schuller said that he would be happy to investigate and report back to the commission.
Councilman Vincent Bartells asked if Winkler Co., had any infrastructure planned for storm water control.
Both Todd Ableman and Scott Bernhard outlined that Winkler does have preliminary infrastructure in place that connects to the city and county storm water infrastructure.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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