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Mr. Vietmeier indicated that the driveway has an 8% slope. Ms. Strutman noted that they used the rear of the house to control the grades. She noted that the trash area is under the front porch. Slides depicting various photos of the block (both sides of the street) and the subject property were shown. Ms. Strutman indicated that in the past, 9 of 16 homes had front entry garages. She stated that ten years ago, when 8128 Stratford was built, it featured a side entry garage but that’s because this lot was 30 feet wider; retaining walls were needed for this project. An aerial photo of the area was shown. William Liebermann asked Ms. Strutman if there’s been any opposition to this proposal. Ms. Strutman replied “no”. She reminded the members that this project is in compliance with all other applicable codes and regulations and that the new driveway is in the same location as the existing driveway so as to save two existing street trees. A color rendering of the proposed house was presented. Ms. Strutman explained that the garage door is recessed. Material samples were shown (black clad windows, black architectural shingle roof, limestone and tan brick). A contextual rendering as well as elevation drawings were shown. Ms. Strutman reiterated that they’ve received many letters of support, including from the adjacent neighbors. She indicated that if there were to incorporate a side entry attached garage, that 15-foot tall retaining walls would be needed, which is not feasible, and that detached garages are not typical for new construction.

Strutman reiterated that they’ve received many letters of support, including from the adjacent neighbors. She indicated that if there were to incorporate a side entry attached garage, that 15-foot tall retaining walls would be needed, which is not feasible, and that detached garages are not typical for new construction. Lawrence Baerveldt, owner, thanked staff, especially the City’s Planner, Anna Krane, for the assistance received during the application process. William Liebermann asked if the one car width apron will remain and the driveway will widen once it approaches the garage entry. Ms. Strutman confirmed. Ron Reim commented that this is a great gesture to address the site issues and that Ms. Strutman did a good job; he likes the house.

Susan Istenes indicated that staff’s recommendation is to approve the site plan as proposed, noting that downspouts and the sump-pump will be piped to a pop-up emitter located in the front yard at the northeast corner of the lot. Staff is requesting further explanation by the civil engineer of the proposed stormwater runoff plan. The calculations provided determine that less water will flow from the property; however, in the proposed condition all runoff from the roof and the water from the driveway pump will be sent to one corner of the lot. The pop-up emitters are also shown on a slope. Staff requests an explanation of how less water will leave the site, when all water is focused to a point closer to the property line than in the existing condition. Mr. Vietmeier presented a drainage “map” to the members, explaining that mathematically, there will be reduction in drainage. He noted that current and new conditions have the rear drainage running to the street, but a pop-up will be installed in the front yard and drainage will now discharge ten feet from the property line. He stated that if there’s concern, they could pull the pop-ups closer to the house to allow additional time to soak into the yard.

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Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if all downspouts go to the front.

Mr. Vietmeier replied “yes”.

William Liebermann asked what happens if the pump fails.

Mr. Vietmeier stated that he recommends a back-up system.

William Liebermann asked why there is no MSD connection.

Mr. Vietmeier stated that MSD doesn’t like that.

A brief discussion regarding drainage and the 10 X 4 sump pit ensued.

Carolyn Gaidis asked if a permeable paver driveway was considered.

Mr. Vietmeier indicated that they take more time to install and cost more money.

Carolyn Gaidis asked if the City’s landscape architect review the landscape plan.

Anna Krane replied “yes”.

Carolyn Gaidis stated that there’s an opportunity to increase the native species in the front yard. She commented that bald cypress trees soak up a lot of water.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that maybe they could do two pop-ups for the downspouts.

Mr. Vietmeier stated that there is a space issue to do two there.

Chairman Lichtenfeld suggested one on either side of the walkway.

Mr. Vietmeier stated that would require splitting.

William Liebermann questioned if overflow could go to the storm sewer.

Mr. Vietmeier indicated that they had not looked at that; he’s not confident it would work and MSD would need to review.

Ron Reim asked about tree protection for the two street trees.