06/20/1979 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Planning and Zoning, June 20, 1979 had been allowed for in the anticipated sewered area, but since that time the sewer had actually been built along Birch Street, and that is where development would be expected, even though it was not indicated in this specific area in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Blackbird indicated that there are 144 units (36 buildings, 4 units each) in this plat and that technically they are called attached single family dwellings. He also pointed out that it would not be a transient population. Mr. Johnson brought up a situation in North Saint Paul where at the request of the surrounding residents they rezoned a 40 -acre tract to conform with their wishes. Several people in the audience, residents of this area, expressed their viewpoints. One man felt that this project changed the entire nature of the neighborhood, presently single family dwellings. The high density in particular concerned them, and the fact that it is such a large development. There was agreement with Mr. Johnson in his interpretation of Mr. McLean's motion, to the effect that no changes should be made until the new Comprehensive Plan was finished. He felt that the residents were trying to maintain the status quo, and that the "burden of proof" should be on the developer. Another resident felt that as a Commission it was the Planning and Zoning Commission's responsibility to listen to the members of the community, particularly those affected by the development. He felt there had been no signi- ficant changes to justify a rezoning for the land; he quoted from the Comprehensive Plan, "The most significant determinant of future land use is the existing pattern of the built environment." Mr. Gourley presented some information he -had from the June 5 hearings at Metro Council, pertaining to immiment legislation requiring moderate income housing. At present there is provision for 12 moderate income homes, whereas according to the Metro developement guide there will be approximately 50 required. Mr. Gourley also brought up some information from the June issue of Housing Magazine in reference to a court case involving zoning. Mr. Johnson felt that existing property values would be depreciated by the development. The residents also indicated that an opportunity had been given Mr. Blackbird to meet with them but he had not taken advantage of it. Mr. Gourley suggested that the matter be laid over until the next meeting, as there were not enough votes to carry a motion either way. In the meantime, Mr. Blackbird could get his figures on density and they could be confirmed by the engineer. Clarification from Mr. McLean on the intent of his motion will also be gotten. There was an opinion from the attorney that whenever a meeting is held it has to be open to any business that comes before it. The Planning and Zoning Commission has been open to anything that comes before it, based on the assumption that the material has been gotten in advance. The next item was a rezone application from Mr. Brunner, replacing an application in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Casler, who had sold the property in question to Mr. Brunner. This was in regard to the duplex at 790 Vicky Lane, which came up at the May 29 planning meeting. At that time the building inspector had been requested to inspect the property, which had been done. Vi Schwankl moved to recommend approval to the Council. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion declared passed. The next item was a preliminary plat for Fran Burque, not present. The engineer's and planner's letters were sketchy because the design material was imcomplete. Mr. Gourley moved that the clerk contact Mr. Burque and advise him of the informa- tion that was missing, and the Commission could consider it again at the next regular meeting. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion declared passed.