09-26-2007 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Heather Lindberg 2310 Stephani Ct Little Canada, MN 55117 Tel: 651.482.8874 September 10, 2007 Planning Commission City of Little Canada 515 Little Canada Road Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 To Whom It May Concern: l 5EP +. 2007 I am writing this letter to document my opinions and objections to aspects of St. Jude Medical's request for approval for Rezoning property 07- 29 -22 -31 -0011. I am unable to attend the September 13, 2007 Planning Commission meeting however do plan to attend the City Council meeting on September 26, 2007. Background St. Jude Medical held a separate meeting with Cobblestone Village residents in August, 2007 and invited all neighboring constituents to a project review meeting on September 5, 2007. I attended both of these meetings and am familiar with the proposed development. I am not opposed to the PHASE ONE development of the property which requires St. Jude Medical to request rezoning in order to build a world headquarters for their technology center. I have significant concerns about the completion of PHASE TWO of the property. Land Use According to the proposed development plan for property 07- 29 -22 -31 -0011, upon the completion of PHASE ONE and PHASE TWO development basically St. Jude Medical will have covered every square foot of the property with buildings or parking lots. 923.010, Cection D of the Administration — PUD guidelines state the PUD is intended to encourage "The preservation and enhancement of desirable site characteristics such as natural topography and geologic features and the prevention of soil erosion." Given the proposed full development of the property, including PHASE TWO, I do not see this element incorporated. While the architect firm hired by St. Jude Medical repeatedly told us (Cobblestone Village residents) about using prairie grass in the landscaping, by the time the PHASE TWO building is completed, the topographical features of the property are gone and there are potential water drainage issues. Water Drainage St. Jude Medical's development plan calls for adding a second drainage pond. My understanding is they increased the size of this pond after revising their plans from building a parking ramp (smaller structure with multiple levels and more open space) to building a parking lot (one level cover more ground with asphalt). I assume a larger pond is needed because of the parking lot will cover more open space and decrease the natural drainage 1