Zoning Property located at the Northeast corner of Portage Rd & Cleveland Rd

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RECEIVED NOV 191990 November 16, 1990 Area Planning Commission AREA PLAN COMM.. I have a number of questions concerning the rezoning on Portage and Cleveland Roads for Mejier's combination store, convenience store and garden center. (1) The preliminary site plan appears to have some type of screening running along the east boundary beginning close to Cleveland Road and going to the end of the parcel requested to be rezoned commercial. For some distance behind the proposed store itself the screening includes an opaque fence and a buffer of trees. Toward the north end of the proposed store and near the proposed retention basin the plan calls for substantially less screening, specifically no trees. The minimal screening at the rear, even given the setback of the store, 'does not appear appropriate or desirable given that this property abuts existing single family residences. Is the developer willing to place an improved buffer including trees all the way to the north end of the east property line? (2) The site plan calls for planting deciduous trees. Along the aforementioned east boundary, however, it would appear buffering the single family neighbors could be more effectively accomplished with pine trees. Is the developer willing to commit to placing substantial pine trees along the east property line? (3) In prior hearings we have been repeatedly assured that all city services are provided to this site. I must admit to being surprised by the retention basins in the northeast corner. If all city utilities are available, I would assume that storm sewers to the site are available thus precluding the need for retention basins. Are the retention basins there because of costs of changing the grade to allow effective operation of storm sewers or are the services not available? If storm sewers are available to the site, why are retention basins necessary? (4) On the issue of lighting, I am concerned that there will be substantial "light pollution" in the adjoining and existing residential neighborhood. While the screening may reduce the problem, can the developer also place the lights and design the light fixtures so that the property will be adequately lit but the neighbors will not be discomforted by light pollution? (5) The plans call for substantial road improvements, in particular to Portage Road in terms of widening and traffic lights. I would like to know precisely what are the estimated costs and who will pay what share of those costs? (6) Finally, in the initial rezoning hearing immediately after annexation of this parcel, Mr. Cook was adamant that no tax rebates were being sought and that no tax abatement would be