04-12-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 12, 2007 The City Planner indicated that it may be possible to adjust the stub road to the west to run more north. However, the stub road to the east is probably in a fixed location. Soby pointed out that the length of the cul-de-sac would not be measured from LaBore Road, but rather from the future road connection. Soby indicated that they are not asking for a Variance since the cul-de-sac length at that point would not exceed 500 feet. Duray asked if it were possible to develop the area in two stages, the first being a cul-de-sac 500 feet in from LaBore, and the second when one of the adjoining properties develops and the road connection is needed. Soby pointed out that the City has asked for the stub road connections, and felt it was likely that the adjacent properties will develop. Soby felt the concept present was a viable one. He also noted that the lift station needs to be installed at the lowest point, therefore, the entire development should occur at one time. Roycraft felt that the potential east/west connection raises issues that the developer may not be ready to discuss this evening. Roycraft noted that a review of the aerial maps of the area show that it is not feasible to run a road connection to the west. He also noted that the additional hard surface will cause ponds and holding areas to fill up faster. As a result, water issues will intensify. Roycraft also noted that a road connection to the west will cause his property to be surrounded by street on three sides. Roycraft indicated that when he purchased his property, the indication from Maplewood was that there would be a park with boardwalks in this area. Ray Nadeau, Kohlman Lane, asked if the area would eventually tie into Beam Avenue. The City Planner indicated that the City Engineer has looked at some options for how the area would develop, but ultimately it will depend on how the individual properties are developed. The City is looking to provide reasonable access to all the properties in the area. Nadeau stated that he was told the entire area was wetlands, and pointed out that the City of Maplewood just purchased 7 acres for open space. Nadeau stated that the terrain is steep as you move toward the east and the area is low. Nadeau stated that he did not oppose the development of new homes in the area, he was just concerned about where the road connections would occur. Steve Van Allen, 2879 Arcade Street, felt that the discussions of a few years ago should be considered when the possibility of a road connection to Arcade Street was considered. The conclusion at that time was that given the existing wetlands, the connection was not feasible. Van Allen also felt there would be a public safety issue given the amount of traffic on LaBore -5-