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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP <br />MAY 11, 2017 <br />Buesing asked if all the surrounding cities are also doing these plans, and if <br />so, do the cities get to review their neighbor's plans. The City Planner <br />stated that all cities in the metro area are doing Comprehensive Plan <br />updates, and before the plans are finally adopted by the Metropolitan <br />Council, each city and group that has jurisdiction, such as the county or <br />school district, have six months to review their adjacent cities plans. <br />Sandell asked how the mobile home parks zoning has remained for over 30 <br />years and not been addressed. The City Planner stated that the parks were <br />not expected to stay this long, but they are still here. He stated that there is <br />a mobile home zoning district in the City Code, but the existing parks <br />would not meet the requirements, so it is not as easy as simply rezoning to <br />the existing mobile home district. <br />The City Planner stated that infill development sites will be reviewed to see <br />if their existing guided land uses are still appropriate. Beltmann noted that <br />if the trails in the city would all connect or continue on to destinations, it <br />would be a big benefit. The City Planner stated that housing costs could be <br />lowered if there was higher density. He asked the Commission's feeling <br />about allowing smaller lots or more density, and where that could be. <br />Davison stated that higher density would be more appropriate closer to <br />Rice Street, maybe with some commercial piece, or senior housing since <br />those high density buildings do not tend to get pushback. There was <br />consensus for a little creativity on the Heinl property, but not to get too far <br />from the existing lot sizes. Sandell noted that in many areas of the city, the <br />lots and homes seem to just be haphazardly laid out, especially around the <br />lake, and these lots could be difficult for the residents to do anything to <br />their house. <br />The City Planner stated that the City does own some properties, and one of <br />the goals was to discuss what the City's role should be in development and <br />redevelopment. He noted that the City has typically be fairly passive, <br />although during the last few years the City has done more acquisition and <br />helped some developments move forward. Sandell stated he would be in <br />favor of the City buying land if it would help with their vision. Buesing <br />stated he feels the City should only step in if it is a problem property. The <br />City Planner asked if the City should have housing maintenance codes. <br />Buesing agreed. <br />The Planner asked about gateway aesthetics, and if the Commission feels <br />they are valuable to do. Buesing feel that any marketing or advertising <br />would benefit the city, and that is what these gateway signs do, which is <br />good. He thinks doing this on Little Canada Road is maybe less confusing <br />than Rice Street since it is not a border road. Kwapick disagrees and thinks <br />-2- <br />