04-26-2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

#04*2997 Big lilind Access April 16,2004 Pige2 At the PC’s March 15 meeting, a variety of conflicting opinions were expressed by various owners of property on Big Island. Wliile staff docs not object to eventual consideration of a third access point, that access point would require substantial excavation within 75' of the shoreline, and would result in even greater pressures to allow tree removal in right-of-ways to create easy, direct travel routes through the island. This would require substantial public discussion, has no support from tire Council currently, has no funding support, and would have the potential to create a signi hcant change in the character of the island. The current proposal is to merely replace on public right-of-way the long-established access that was recently eliminated from the adjacent private property. The proposed wetland and floodplain impacts are minimal. While the abutting neiglrbors may not approve of the proposal, tlie City recognizes an obligation to re-establish tins access, and is going about it in what staff believes is the least impact method given the limited options. Staff Recommendation Please review the meino and exhibits of March 12. Staff recommends approval of the variances and CUP to allow the wetland alteration and driveway construction project, including filling of a portion of the wetland, excavation within 26' of the wetland, and filling and hardcover within the 0-75' setback zone per the revised plan, subject to establishment of a Conservation and Flowage Easement over the wetland, and subject to MCWD permit approvals prior to commencement of construction activities.