01-12-06 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 12, 2006 Jason Hartman, 2613 Edgerton StreeC, stated Chat he supported what Mr. Galba is trying to do. Hartman reported that noise from the hockey rink has not been an issue, and there is more noise from the traffic on Edgerton Street than from the rink. Hartman reported that the lights are pointed toward the rink and have not been a problem. He also felt that once the screening and fencing are in place, the potential for pucks flying out onto the street will be eliminated. Mark Pechman, 2566 Edgerton, expressed concern that the sports court with the boards and fencing on top will negatively impact property values in the area. Pechman pointed out that he already has a large recreational vehicle parked next to his property that is hurting property values. Pechman felt that a recreational use such as Galba's should be located in the back yard and not the front yard. Ha11 asked why Pechman feels property values are being impacted. Pechman noted that the sports court amounts to a large fence being put up on a front yard. Pechman agreed it was great to have a place for kids to play, but noted that there is a public skating rink very close by. Russ Sundquist, 2604 Edgerton Street, felt the sports court was a wonderful concept, and he has considered it himself. Sundquist felt, however, that the court was more appropriately placed in the back yard rather than a front yard. Sundquist felt that the use was too disruptive for a front yard, and also felt it would negatively impact property values. SundquisC noted that over time the condition of the court will deteriorate pointing out that the court will not get better looking. Sundquist pointed out that the text amendment will provide the opportunity for recreational uses in the front yards of residential properties. He noted that some property owners may want a skateboard park, a mountain bike course, or a paintball course in their front yards. Sundquist noted that when he was considering the purchase of his home 20 years ago, he compared the price of lake properties in Little Canada and other nearby cities. The cost of these properties was $20,000 to $25,000 lower in Little Canada because it has the reputation of a hard-scrabble town. Sundquist felt that this has changed, but felt allowing a sports court in the front yard was a step back in that direction. Sundquist pointed out that some of the City's most valuable real estate is located on Lake Gervais. Sundquist stated that he supported Galba's concept, but fe1C the use was more appropriate in the back yard. Chris Cardinal, 2755 Lakeside Court, stated that he built his house 14 years ago and paid a park charge at that time. He has questioned the City Administrator about how park charges are utilized, and was informed these charges go into the City's park fund for park development. Cardinal noted that there is no park within a mile driving distance of his property. Cardinal stated his supporC for the sports court and felt it would eventually go away -7-