10-24-07 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 24, 2007 Blesener pointed out that the City of Maplewood has a maximum cul-de- sac length of 1,000 feet. Gores indicated there are other issues the development will have to address with the City of Maplewood. Gores pointed out that the Variance is also detrimental to public health and safety noting James Benshoffls, Traffic Engineer, report dated September 26, 2007 relative to emergency vehicle access. Gores pointed out that it only takes one incident where an emergency vehicle cannot get into an area. Gores stated that he realizes Mayor Blesener lives on a long cul-de- sac, but pointed out that that street was developed before the 500 foot maximum was put in place. Gores noted that the Richie property is a border property on steep, hilly, and wooded land. He noted the existence of Ramsey County and Maplewood open space in this area. Gores again raised the public safety concern, and asked why the City would want to take the chance of allowing a long cul-de-sac. He noted that a member of the Planning Commission indicated that he lived on a long cul-de-sac in St. Louis and did not have any problems. Gores pointed out that this is not St. Louis. Gores further noted that the area is environmentally sensitive. He noted that the neighbors have serious concerns with the wetland delineation that was done. Gores questioned the soil borings that were done which did not reflect the Seeleyville muck that is in this area. Gores noted that there is Seeleyville muck at the spot that the Richie Place cul-de-sac ends to the west. Gores asked why Little Canada would want to grant a variance fora 1,050 cul-de-sac when the additional length only benefits Maplewood property. He also noted that Little Canada will have to pay for the maintenance of this cul-de-sac section that serves Maplewood properties. He pointed out that access can be provided to the east and west without a Variance for cul-de-sac length. Gores also felt a shorter cul-de-sac would be preferable from an environmental standpoint. Gores commented that it appears that the City is trying to get roads to the Michael Fahey property. Gores felt that the road design would only force Mr. Quam to develop his land in a way that he might not want to. It was Gores' opinion that the Preliminary Plat as proposed would devalue the area. He pointed out that the long cul-de-sac only serves property in Maplewood and that Little Canada will pay for the maintenance of that road. Gores felt that the Preliminary Plat conflicted with the character of Little Canada. Gores reviewed Exhibit 21 of the Howard Roston correspondence dated October 10`h, noting that the average cul-de-sac length in the northwest quadrant of Little Canada was 422.89 feet long. He noted that there are 11