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t97 development. Mr. Stone said it is important to have accesfible parkland, but this land is not accessible to the general public and is not welt suited for parkland. Ms. Susan Temple said that her children played on that land. Richard Berdel, t321 Gristmill Drive, recently purchased property close to the proposed development and opposed the swap~ The public hearing was dosed. Ms. -Daugherty said she understands that the width of the road into the proposed development can be changed. Mr. Caravati said he understands that the neighborhood association offered another access point forthe road. Mr. Tatum said that he was told that the neighborhood association had proposed an alternate road location, but he did not pursue it because the slope drops off precipitously and it would add $ t 50,000 to the cost of the road construction. In addition, Mr. Tatum said the slope is stable and he does not think it should be disturbed. Mr. Tatum saidVDOT officials have said that the road can be constructed with a width of 24 feet, which will leave an additional six feet on Ms. Lemar's side of the road. Also, if the sidewalk is only constructed on one side, five more feetcan be added on Ms. Lemar's side. Mr. Cox asked Mr. Tatum for his thoughts on why this should not be a public process. Mr. Tatum said bemuse he owns other homes in the area he became aware of the property in question. He then explored the possibility of an exchange and brought the proposal to the Council. Mr. Tatum_ said he was opJy informed of approval of the exchange in April. Mr. Cox said other neighborhoods have supported development and cited examples of Ketlytown, the transition zone, and Ridge Street neighborhood infill, and asked why Mr. Tatum feels that this process does not have that kind of community support. Mr. Tatum said he does not dispute that a public process is advantageous, but the response he has received from the neighborhood is that they do not want it to happen so they are not interestedin-seeing options. Responding to questions from Ms. Daughe~ty, Mr. Tatum said the number of houses was reduced from 14 to 11 in response to neighborhood concerns, and the nearest home will be 150 feet from the rear of Ms. Lemar's House. Mr. Tatum said the closest a~ house willbeto the trail wilt be 100 feet, and the distance increases to 300 feet. Responding to questions from Mr. Caravati, Mr. Tatum said the average lot size is 6,000 square feet. Mr. Tatum said he has met with the City's design review team for the projeCt and they made suggestions on the design detaitsand treatments. Mr. Tatum said he understands that the design review process has been completed. Responding to further questions, Mr. Tatum said ~hat a dedicated permanent access easement to the~tra~s from the new street will be included, though it is likely parking for trail access will need to be restricted. With regard to the small park space incorporated in the proposed development, Mr. Tatum said his intention is to develop that space and turn it over to the City for maintenance. Mr. Tatum said a buffer betweenthe development and the trails could be added if needed, but noted that the houses will be visible at times from the trails.