We find the cottage cluster concept interesting and unique, but the driveway approach in this plan appears to be at best less than ideal for the area. 1. Gilbert Street has extremely limited parking due to its narrow width. This limited width means parking is only allowed on one (east) side. People living on Gilbert have difficulty parking on Gilbert St. due to those limitations and its regular use as overflow parking for three nearby apartment buildings. The proposed Gilbert St. location of the driveway curb cut will eliminate parking for the equivalent of three cars. Although rarely used by our household this parking area is heavily used by others, especially evenings, overnight and weekends. 2. The intersection of Gilbert St. S with Schurman Dr. S creates a tight, congested corner, especially for uphill traffic turning onto Gilbert St. S. The turn angle from that direction is acute, the visibility is limited and the sidewalk includes a bump out. This requires a careful turn, especially if the turning vehicle encounters a vehicle waiting at the Gilbert St. stop sign. A new driveway curb cut in close proximity to that intersection will exacerbate the congestion/navigation problems. In addition, vehicles exiting the proposed driveway will encounter a stop sign immediately and vehicles entering the driveway must do so in the most congested part of Gilbert St. 3. That same congested, narrow end of Gilbert St. would also presumably have garbage services navigating in and out of that driveway. Those who currently live in the area would, I believe, would agree that the least disruptive to traffic flow and the neighborhood would be a curb cut on Schurman Drive. The three apartment buildings use access from Schurman Dr. which seems to work well. I expect if it were the most advantageous for the developer, they would have proposed Schurman Dr. access to begin with, but we would like to see a project design which allows the developer to maximize their cottage plan while also being the safest and least disruptive to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, some neighbors may be reluctant to voice their concerns due to past experience leaving the impression that the city asks for community input but doesn't have a great deal of interest in that input or what the neighbors see as safety or livability issues. More than once in the past we've heard "there's nothing in this plan that isn't allowed", so it seems we're always at the mercy of the data and the city will be amenable to a developer's plan unless it can be shown as failing to meet a city guideline, code, rule, etc. A lot of people will just rub their neck, sigh, and think "it could be worse" or "maybe we should think about a move". Here's wishing it could be win, win for everyone, Todd & Karla

I am concerned about the proposal for the driveway onto Gilbert St. There is very limited parking on Gilbert and the driving would eliminate some of those parking spaces. The proposed parking lot for the cottage cluster would only include one parking space per cottage, but many households have more than one car, so that would mean even more people trying to park on the street. The driveway is also proposed near to the stop sign at Gilbert and Schurman, where it is very narrow when cars are at the stop and a car is trying to turn onto Gilbert St. I am worried that increased traffic could create a safety issue at this intersection.

Street side parking is limited along Gilbert St, a recent apartment build has added more cars in the neighborhood. It would be much better for the neighborhood here if the driveway were off Sherman instead rather than losing 2-3 on street parking spots. It would be preferable to keep as many trees as possible, or at least have a plan for planting new ones to help shade the property and improve the look.

Proposed driving and maneuvering areas do not meet minimum setback requirements from property lines for cottage clusters.

Parking spaces are inadequate. Occupants will park on Gilbert St, which is already congested by overflow parking from nearby apartments. Parking is very limited on this street. Increase required parking or limit dwellings.

Driveway is too close to stop sign on Gilbert. Unsafe and congested.