Laserfiche WebLink
Planning & Zoning Board <br />January 8, 2003 <br />Page 34 <br /> APPROVED MINUTES <br />looks like the first three largest projects submitted will wrap things up for the next three <br />and a half years. He suggested that is a limited amount of activity in the City and will <br />complicate things for smaller projects. However, he agreed that a policy needs to be fair <br />to everyone. He stated he thinks that staying with 147 will result in drastic impacts to <br />property owners which may push land values down. He stated these policies will result in <br />a self-imposed moratorium as soon as that third plat is submitted. He stated he also finds <br />it interesting that the City Council and City Planner know the new policy precludes any <br />large project to the point that The Village is excluded and that is unfortunate because <br />something exciting may be possible up there. He stated he thinks this ordinance will pass <br />quietly as it is a late hour and it will not be until land owners discover this restriction that <br />it will be more controversial than represented by the crowd tonight. <br />Mr. Corson asked how one developer will be kept from absorbing the entire 147. Mr. <br />Smyser stated that will not be allowed but it is true that only a few developments will be <br />going on. Those who do not get to do what they want will think it is a bad thing but <br />others will think it is a good thing. He stated that policy decisions are needed to place the <br />severe restrictions on growth that the Comprehensive Plan sets. He agreed with Mr. <br />Joyer that many landowners likely will be unhappy that they cannot sell to a developer <br />because the project would be over the limit. <br />Ms. Couture stated there was discussion at the Minnesota Housing Convention that <br />limiting growth will always increase the price. She stated she does not necessarily agree <br />with this ordinance but it can be given a try for a year and if it does not work then it may <br />show others that there is a need to review the Comprehensive Plan. <br />Mr. Rafferty made a MOTION to close the public hearing at 11:22 p.m., and was <br />supported by Mr. Hyden. Motion carried 4-1 (Lyden). <br />Mr. Lyden stated he thinks a matter such as this deserves more than one public hearing to <br />get public input. <br />Chair Schaps stated he understands that concern but it was also advertised in the official <br />newspaper. <br />Mr. Corson made a MOTION to recommend approval of the Growth Management <br />Ordinance, and was supported by Mr. Rafferty. <br />Mr. Lyden stated he does not believe this will achieve the original goals because the <br />numbers do not add up. He stated he has tenuous feelings about the legalities and <br />whether this is the best thinking and way to go. He stated he thinks the City is “sticking <br />its neck out.” <br />Mr. Rafferty stated he thinks staff has done th eir best to address all the needs and wants <br />that have been expressed and he thinks there has been some give and take. He stated he <br />appreciates staff’s efforts and in particular those of Mr. Smyser. <br />Motion carried 4-1 (Lyden).