Committee recommends Planning Commission accept Redtail Ridge Phase 2 layout changes

The Public Works Committee recommended that the Planning Commission accept several proposed changes to the Redtail Ridge Phase 2 final plat, including slightly reduced spacing at three intersections along Bellefontaine, alignment shifts that introduce S‑curves on neighborhood streets, and a pedestrian connection to a public park.

Why it matters: The changes respond to stormwater-management needs that required shifting the road network; committee members balanced the policy guideline of 300‑foot intersection spacing against the practical consequences of redesign—potential loss of lots and hundreds of thousands of dollars in added pavement.

Key details: Staff explained that moving the intersections to accommodate stormwater would compress spacing to roughly 260 feet instead of the 300‑foot guideline and that holding the 300‑foot spacing could require adding pavement and would likely eliminate two lots. Chad, the engineer on the line, summarized the tradeoff: the alternate layout would add pavement length and two lost lots.

Safety and alternatives: Some members argued the tighter spacing could be acceptable if paired with traffic-calming measures, such as a lower posted speed limit on Bellefontaine for the relevant segment. Others noted forcing a T‑intersection or additional cul‑de‑sacs would be worse for neighborhood circulation.

Sidewalk and pedestrian path: The developer has agreed to a pedestrian connection from Redpoll (Red Bull/Redpoll) to the park on Lot 11; committee members discussed whether that should be a public easement maintained privately or a publicly owned sidewalk, with staff indicating the outcome is to be negotiated in the developer agreement.

Vote and next step: The committee moved to recommend the Planning Commission accept the proposed changes to the preliminary/final plat (spacing, alignment, sidewalk). The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Staff will continue coordinating stormwater, engineering, and developer-agreement details prior to plat and developer agreement finalization.

Quoted: "That's a very good synopsis of it. We gotta add... more feet of pavement basically or say you rode, and it does cost... and it does cost two lots," Chad said, summarizing the cost and lot impacts of the alternate alignment.