Residents raise parking, traffic and conservation concerns as consultants map next steps

The meeting included extended audience Q&A in which residents pressed the consultants and staff on practical matters: parking, roadway control, local history and duplication of nearby planned amenities.

Several attendees asked why parking decks were not shown; consultants replied that early phases typically use surface parking and that parking structures are expensive — the consultants estimated $30,000–$40,000 per structured parking space and said decks become feasible when density and finance support them. Residents also asked about traffic access: consultants explained the current design assumptions show right‑in/right‑out access with 660‑foot spacing where Burnt Store Road is being widened, and noted Burnt Store Road is a county road so some decisions require county coordination.

A public commenter recounted a local legend about the Burnt Store name, saying it originated from a trading center burned in the past; the consultants said they had reviewed a Northwest Marsh feasibility study and neighborhood plans to inform the hydrology options. City staff (Sharon) confirmed the presentation will be posted online and that staff will gather comments to refine the vision before it is presented to council and eventually assembled into an RFP for developer proposals.

Bottom line: the session combined design options with practical discussion about phasing, costs and jurisdictional constraints; consultants will post materials online and accept further comment.