05-27-1998 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 14, 1998 The Deputy Clerk reported that Dick Larson, the owner of Sleepy Hollow Apartments, called this evening to voice his opposition to the 4 -unit townhome development. Larson opposed the development of rental property adjacent to him and indicated that any multiple housing of less than 10 units cannot afford to have a resident caretaker on site to manage the property. Larson had pointed out the problems that the City of Minneapolis has with rental property. Larson also expressed concern about the additional run -off as a result of this development and the added pressure this run -off will put on his pond. Larson suggested that a single - family development would result in more green area, which would absorb run -off. Another concern which Larson voiced had to do with the traffic and speeds on Viking Drive and County Road B -2. Larson felt the additional cars that a 4 -unit townhome development would add to the area will worsen the situation. Larson also was concerned with the removal of the trees from the site. Mr. Larson felt that cutting down all these trees essentially brings 35E right to the edge of his building. Larson felt that development of a single - family home on the site would result in the retention of many of the trees. Olson indicated that this development will not increase the run -off from the site. Porter stated that there will be additional run -off because of the added hard surfaces. However, Porter felt that additional amount of run -off would be rather small. Olson indicated that he would sell each individual townhome unit, and anticipated the sale price at approximately $120,000. At that price, Olson did not feel the units would be rental. However, he pointed out that once they are purchased there was nothing to prevent the property owner from renting the units, just like any house in Little Canada could become rental property. There will be a townhome association formed, therefore, the property will be maintained. Knudsen agreed that at $120,000 it was not likely the property would become rental property. Olson pointed out that Sleepy Hollow Apartments and Grand Pre' are rental sites. The site he is proposing to develop is also bordered by 35E and the Nature Way townhome development. Olson did not believe a single- family home would develop on this site. Olson reported that the oak trees on the site are on the high ground and would have to be removed. He would also plan to remove the cottonwood 3 Page 16