Dave DeGrandpre, Planning Supervisor with the Community Planning, Development and Innovation department, presented on the Sapphire Place Annexation, Rezone, Subdivision & Masterplan being proposed. Mr. DeGrandpre shared a visual of the subject property. The map showed the city limit boundaries and what's located in the surrounding areas. He also covered the city's Annexation Policy, the properties existing conditions, and the historic buildings in the area. The section where the historic buildings are located would retain their integrity and host already established mature trees. Mr. DeGrandpre also shared the Preliminary Subdivision Plat with the varying lot sizes and the Master Site plan showing transect and development tables and the Landscape Plan were also exhibited.
Mr. DeGrandpre continued by going over the subdivision review criteria for both local and state regulations. The proposed if approved would be the second project in the Sxwtpqyen Neighborhood. He also shared a map of the proposed zoning for the subdivision, agriculture and agriculture water facilities, local services, health and safety, natural environment and wildlife within the review criteria.
There was one variance request for the subject proposal regarding a subdivision regulation that each lot must abut on or have access to a private street or road. Mr. DeGrandpre elaborated on the regulation and explained the alley would be the access to the two subject lots that don't meet the criteria. It was noted that the variance would not increase the cost and staff found it was warranted. Dave DeGrandpre also discussed the conditions of approval and the three proposed motions (available in the staff report in eScribe). Mr. DeGrandpre also reported on what the outcome was at the Planning Board public hearing. Lastly, he shared a map of the neighborhood context showing how the proposed would blend in with the surrounding neighborhoods.
The committee chair, Mike Nugent, sought clarification on the recommended motion referencing the final plat and requested more information on that process before moving to questions and comments. Mr. DeGrandpre went over the project schedule from the application submission through the issuance of building permits to allow for construction.
Joe Dehnert, project representative with IMEG, Corporation, came to the podium to express his excitement about the project and stated this project has been in the works for over the past two years. Mr. Dehnert explained some of the challenges they faced with bringing this project forward and how the Our Missoula Development Guide ties into the projects focus for the development of livability in the neighborhood.
The committee discussed the property water rights, connectivity to the central greenspace and why the development isn't multi-use as desired or if there were barriers that caused the project to not have more mixed use development. There was also more clarification sought around the conditional use regarding a clubhouse and the project plan if this condition does not materialize. They also wanted to determine if the clubhouse would be for the residences of the development or any member of the public. They also went over the variance request again. Lastly, they wanted to ensure they understood what a mansion apartment was and requested a visual.