01-10-2002 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 10, 2002 LeTendre pointed out that the property is zoned R-1 and would be developed with single-family homes. Roycraft reported that his concern is that the rezoning to R-2 would change the density allowed from low density to medium density. Roycraft felt that was a dramatic change. Roycraft stated that if the property owner can develop the property as R-1 and meet all code requirements, he would not have an issue. Carson pointed out that the previous proposal was for 18single-family homes. The proposal before the Commission is for less actual structures (15 structures, 30 units). The City Planner indicated that this was a very low density development, pointed out that a typical single-family home development would be 2.2 units per gross acre, and this is 1.4 units per gross acre. Atypical mid- density development is between 6 and 8 units per acre. The property consists of 29 acres with approximately one-quarter within the limits of the wetland. Tom Hartigan, Sextant Avenue, indicated that he was opposed to the rezoning. He felt this is a drastic step and noted that the property owners in the area have relied on the R-I zoning of this property. Hartigan stated that he would have never acquired his L8 acres of property had he been aware that ahigh-density development could occur on the property across the wetland from his. Hartigan stated that he did not oppose the development of this property as single-family with large lots, but felt doubling the amount of development through a rezoning to R-2 would destroy the wetland. Hartigan stated that the Minnesota Environmental Act states clearly that natural resources must be protected and wetlands are defined as natw'al resources. Hartigan felt that the City must be extremely careful about developments occurring next to wetlands. Keis pointed out that this is why developments of this nature will have to be reviewed and approved by the Ramsey-Washington Watershed District. Hartigan felt that a rezoning to R-2 would be spot zoning. He pointed out that the area has been zoned R-1 for many years, and all the property owners in the area have complied with the conditions and requirements of R-I zoning. Joe Pugaczewski, Brooks Avenue, reported that filling and development that has occurred in the area over the years has pushed water onto his 4