01-10-2002 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTF,S PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 10, 2002 property. Pugaczewski was concerned that this development would push additional water onto his land eventually flooding his basement. Pugaczewski also indicated that the wetland area is a filter for water cunning into Gervais. Disturbing this area would lessen ifs ability to filter water going into the lake. Pugaczewski was also concerned about the location of the new road in relation to Viking Drive. He felt this was a blind corner and traffic problems would result. Pugaczewski also pointed out the existence of Williams Pipeline in the area and was concerned about the impact of construction and the resulting development on the pipeline. He further noted that the development would cross St. Paul water mains, and suggested that heavy construction traffic crossing these mains as welt as the pipeline was a problem. Keis suggested that there were other places in the City where both Williams Pipeline and St Paul water mains run under roadways. Dr. Jitn Allan, McMenemy (toad, reported that he opposed the rezoning because he views it as an attack on the wetlands. Allan was also concerned because of the loss of trees. Allan pointed out that the wetland is a f Iter for run-off going into Gervais, and once it is damaged, it cannot be fixed. Allan asked that the City not mess with this virginal wetland. Glen Hageman, McMenemy Road, felt that the value of zoning was important to the City from a planning standpoint and to residents as relates to their investments in the City. Hageman reported that residents rely on the zoning of their properties and surrounding properties. Hageman repotted that he opposes the rezoning to R-2. He felt that if the Palmen property were difficult to develop as R-l, it would be more challenging as R-2. Hageman felt that economics should not be a sufficient reason for changing the zoning on a property due to the impact a rewning has on the surrounding area. Teresa Pojar, McMenemy Road, presented a letter outlining comments made by Dr. Jim Pojar, Forest Ecologist and Forester in Canada, member of the Ecological Society of America, and former resident of Little Canada. Dr. Pojar felt that the area was most definitely a wetland, whether it is officially designated as one or not. He also suggested that a review of the area by the DNR should include a survey for rare plants as well as animals. Pojar likened the area as a small oasis of natural habitat in a residential desert. Qarbara Allan, McMenemy Road, stated that she is opposed to the development of this property as she believes the area to be a wetland. i