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226 one or two neighborhood representatives, Planning Commission representative, City staff and the development team. The purpose is to provide a mechanism for the neighborhood and City to have continued involvement. Mr. Wardell said it may be advantageous to develop the single family housing before they go through the PUD process. Mr. Frank Stoner, partner in the proposal, said the site was originally looked at for single family housing, but they did not feel it could be made to work. In addition to Mr. Wardell, Mr. Stoner said that Mr. Bob Hauser and Frank Cox are also involved as partners. Mr. Stoner said all of the partners are local people whose mission is to build high quality housing that is socially and environmentally responsible. Mr. Stoner said there is a need to assess the contamination on the site and the remedial cost, adding that he hopes that the City will assume responsibility for debris dumped there by the City. Mr. Gouldman said the contract price includes: price of $215,803; closing date of December 31, 2001; 60 day feasibility period; the City's agreement to share in the cost of the environment study; and City review of the project. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Joan Schatzman, 204 Douglas Avenue, expressed concern about the traffic generated if the proposal is accepted and asked that a moratorium be placed on any project going forward until a study is done. Ms. Schatzman also asked that another traffic access point be opened up for the project. Ms. Phyllis Sylvester, 222 Douglas Avenue, said she attended a lot of neighborhood meetings concerning the property, and her main concern is with the number of units the project entails. She said she thinks this number would devastate the neighborhood. Ms. Sylvester said she loves the proposal, but not in this neighborhood. Mr. Patrick Rannigan, a resident of Locust Avenue and owner of a business in Belmont, supported the proposal, and said he is most impressed that this will keep a balance between the culture of the community and the reality of development; does not depend on outside funding; and will add families that will help the neighborhood. Mr. Rarmigan noted that the recent influx of homeowners into Belmont has helped to improve the neighborhood which was previously in decline. Mr. Leo Arico, 222 Douglas Avenue, said that a traffic study needs to be done. Mr. Eric Norcross, 1003 Carlton Avenue, supported the Belmont Commons proposal and said he feels the architecture is perfect for the site. Mr. Norcross said he loves that the park is left and feels the park will be much safer with the development. He said it will be quality affordable housing. Mr. Norcross said he is not sure who will pay to maintain the park, and asked what if they decide to gate it if problems occur. Mr. Todd Shallenberger, 713 Graves Street, a landscape architect, said he thinks the design will contribute to Belmont, especially with the park and outdoor spaces. Mr. Shallenberger said he thinks the buildings are an appropriate response to the urban nature of the property. Ms. Kelly Godfrey, 1003 Carlton Avenue, thanked the City for involving the neighborhood to such a great extent. She said she is impressed with the quality of the proposals and thinks the Belmont Commons proposal is appropriate for the site. Ms. Godfrey said her one concern is that the construction process could drag out for two years and feels it would be better if it happens in a more timely manner. Mr. Nathan Van Hooser, 1215 Little High Street, read a letter from the Simplicity Group expressing disappointment with the process, and saying they felt their proposal offered a new vision for the community. He said the Simplicity proposal was the only one to tailor development to the needs of the neighborhood. He said attempts were made to merge Simplicity's proposal with the Belmont Common's proposal, but they were unable to come to agreement. Mr. Van Hooser said Simplicity was the only proposal that offered affordable housing, and said it would not have added traffic.