01-27-10 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 27, 2010 recommendations of the City Planner, City Engineer, and Parks & Recreation Commission. Blesener asked estimated value of the homes that would be constructed in Gervais Woods. Fair estimated from $400,000 to $600,000. He noted that these homes will be similar to those that Hanson Builders developed in the Gervais Hills development on County Road B-2. Fair reported that their intentions would be to begin construction on a model home in February or March, and then two spec homes once the road is installed. Fair indicated that it would be their hope to sell 5 or 6 homes this year. Fair further reported that they have been working with the City of Maplewood given the property extends into that City, and they do not anticipate any issues. McGraw asked whether this was a unique property for Hanson Builders. Fair replied that it was and that they were very excited about this development. He noted that the property is located 10 minutes from St. Paul, has interesting grades and a lot of mature tree cover. McGraw commended Hanson Builders for their plan to save as many trees as possible, including trees in front yards. MaryAnn Kupperschmidt, LaBore Road, reported that her property is directly across the street from the proposed Gervais Woods. Kupperschmidt expressed concern with traffic safety in the area given the road curves. Kupperschmidt recounted several traffic incidents that have occurred. Blesener noted that the City has recently received complaints about traffic in this area, and the Sheriff's Department is doing some extra patrolling. Kupperschmidt suggested that a more permanent solution would be to install a stop sign at Arcade Street. Kupperschmidt also reported that the large number of deer in the area. She felt that a deer culling should be done before the Gervais Woods development begins noting the loss of habitat when this property is developed. Kupperschmidt indicated that she did not oppose the Gervais Woods development, but feh that traffic safety and the issues with the large deer herd should be addressed. Kupperschmidt reported that all the planned landscaping and rainwater garden plantings will be eaten by the deer. Gary Quam, 2934 LaBore Road, outlined concerns that the neighbors had with the previous developer and the proposed Richie Place plat. Quam reported that Hanson Builders has been working with the neighbors to address their concerns, i.e. larger lot sizes, less density, U•ee preservation, road placement to work with existing contours, water control, flood and infiltration control. Quam reported that Landmark Development of MN and Hanson Builders have indicated their willingness to address these 3