06/12/1996 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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. PLANNING & ZONING BOARD JUNE 12, 1996 Chair Schaps responded that it would be very difficult, to get Mn/DOT approval to put the access on Highway 49. Mn/DOT is never prone to interrupt major highways with driveways, and the probability of such an access being approved is remote. He asked Mr. Barron his preference for the placement of the fence. Mr. Barron answered that he would like the fence to start further back, closer to his garage. As long as the pine trees survive, any added landscaping will be a plus. Mr. Robert Kraus, 6675 Blue Heron Drive, asked the destination of the trail. Ms. Wyland explained that at this time the trail will not connect to other trails, but as properties are developed new segments will be added to the north and attached to this trail. It is the City's practice to require trail segments as properties develop, such as the trail in front of the bus barn on Highway 49. Mr. Barron noted that the trail in front of the bus barn is on the east side, and this one will be on the west. He asked if this one could be put on the east side. Ms. Wyland stated that the trail will cross to the west at some point, perhaps Birch Street. • Mr. Johnson added that having the trail cross to the west will make it more accessible to residents. • Ms. Lisa Giebink, 6676 Sandhill Drive, stated that she and her neighbors are generally pleased to have a dental office in the neighborhood and prefer it to other business options. The main concern is the access off Blue Heron Drive. She would be interested in pursuing the issue with Mn/DOT for access off Highway 49. Mr. Mower stated that on another project where the only access point had to be from a state highway, it took a year to obtain approval from Mn/DOT. Here, where there is obviously an alternative access, it would be a miracle to obtain approval for driveways on Highway 49. City Engineer Ahrens stated that both the county and state look at the main function of their roads as being to move traffic through cities. As long as there is an alternative local access road, a driveway permit off Highway 49 would be refused. Ms. Giebink stated that the plan indicates that one monument to the gateway entrance will be removed, and the residents just spent money to paint them. She would not mind if one is taken out, but would want to be sure that the corners match. 6