06-23-2004 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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June 17, 2004 Neighbors, The Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District has expressed interest in the purchase of the City - owned Noel Drive property that lies between Norm's Tire Sales and the drainage ditch. The Watershed would like to construct an office building for their use on that site. The Watershed will be appearing at the June 23, 2004 Council Meeting to discuss their project (7:30 p.m. at the City Center). While it is my understanding the City's intention is to hold a public meeting on the Watershed's proposal later this summer, I thought it beneficial for the neighborhood to know about this proposal early in the process. As you may or may not know, in 2002 the City was approached by an individual wishing to purchase this property to build a single- family home. The property was zoned Single- Family Residential at that time. In considering the request, the Council discussed potential City uses for the property, and below is the list that was developed by City staff: *Future park uses given the proximity to Gervais Mill Park; *Future City Center/Historical Society expansion location; *Potential for some road and culvert realignment at the time Noel Drive is reconstructed; *Snow storage (current practice); *Buffer between commercial use and residential neighborhood (currently exists). At the October 23, 2002 Council meeting, then Council Member Scalze stated that she did not support the sale of this City property, noting that open space is a wonderful asset to the City. At that October 23, 2002 meeting, the Council denied the request to purchase and develop the Noel Drive property. The Council instructed staff to process a rezoning of this property to Public. A public hearing was subsequently held, and the property was rezoned to Public. I am providing you with this information as a Little Canada resident and not in my capacity as a City staff member. As a Noel Drive property owner, I do not support the sale of this property and would prefer to see it retained as open space. My feeling is that development of the Noel Drive lot would negatively impact the character of our neighborhood, and agree with former Council Member Scalze that open space is a wonderful asset to the City. If your feelings are similar to mine, I would encourage you to attend the Council meeting to express your views directly to the City Council. Again, the meeting is Wednesday, June 23`d, at 7:30 p.m. at the City Center. 7 Kathy Glamor 2805 Noel Drive 483 -5219 - 1 5 -