08-09-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 9, 2018 Amanda Gutierrez, 2921 Condit Street, stated that she lives across the street from this site, and has concerns as to whether this is really a good location for the school. She noted that a lot of the trees across from her would have to be removed in order for them to put up a privacy fence, and she does like the trees. She stated that there are no sidewalks on Country Drive, and there is no green space on this site. She was drawn to her house because the neighborhood was quiet with offices across the street. She asked how the diesel buses would be handled during the winter. Ms. Meyer stated that they always have buses that are no more than five years old so they start much better in the winter, but they also plug them in, so they are not idling overnight. Johnson asked if there was an alternative plan if they are not allowed to keep the buses on site overnight. Ms. Meyer affirmed there was. Schwalbach asked if there is a plan to prevent students from getting picked up in the neighborhood rather than at the school in order to prevent getting caught up in the traffic. Ms. Meyer stated that they addressed these concerns when the Vadnais Heights location was built. She explained that they have rules on where their driving students can park, such as not on Vadnais Boulevard or in the mobile home park next door, and they have always immediately addressed any concerns from the neighbors. She noted that this location would not have driving students. Mr. Zoch asked if there was security in place to help prevent school shootings. Ms. Meyer noted they do have a lot of security in place, such as motion detectors, cameras at entrances and security systems. Schwalbach asked what the hours were that students would be playing outside. Ms. Meyer stated between 10:30am to 12:30pm, depending on the final lunch schedules. Schwalbach asked what time the buses would leave in the mornings. Ms. Meyer stated that they would be leaving at 5:30- 5:45am and return to drop students off at 7:30-7:50am, then pick up students at 2:45-3:O0pm. Elaine Zoch, 2945 Condit Street, stated that no one wanted any development when this area was first developed many years ago. She' noted that many trucks use Condit Street due to the traffic and can the school prevent their buses from using Condit Street. Bill, an AFSA staff member, stated that he is in charge of transportation and can prevent the AFSA buses from using Condit Street. Ms. Zoch stated that she is concerned about what this school will do to her property value. Ryan Hunter, 190 Yorkton Ridge, stated that he thinks if more people knew about this proposal, they would be here tonight. The City Planner