09/11/1996 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Planning & Zoning Board September 11, 1996 Mr. Brixius noted that if the application is tabled, there is a 60 -day time limit for the City to fully review the application. Mr. Carlson stated that he would agree for the matter to be tabled. Ms. Williams asked how a traffic study could be done if the road is torn up. Mr. Ahrens explained that the traffic study would be based on projected volumes from the new development and numbers from the earlier study. He will find out when the study was done and if the numbers are adequate or if they need to be adjusted relative to the growth of Lino Lakes. Nationally accepted traffic generation standards will be applied for the proposed development. The study will also present cost estimates to upgrade the road. Robinson asked if the traffic study would include Linda Avenue which is used as a shortcut to the highway. Mr. Ahrens stated that cut - through traffic would also be investigated. Mr. Brixius noted that even if a traffic study is done, if there is no schedule for the road improvements, this proposal may still be premature. The timing of the road improvements is a critical element. Robinson stated that the public hearing includes rezoning which could be approved with the stipulation that the road upgrade would have to be completed before any building. Dunn stated that the proposal requests too many concessions from the City, and there are too many unanswered questions. He would like to see a financial analysis to show that 48 new homes will be a sound financial credit for the City. There needs to be an understanding of what it means to reclassify property from rural to non -rural and whether it benefits the City. That is an unknown with this project. He further noted that the City is not pressed for vacant lots. Ms. Wyland stated that there are 304 vacant, undeveloped lots available for building in the City. Dunn stated that he does not see any urgency to rush into this plan, especially in view of the fact that the City Comprehensive Plan Task Force is reviewing remaining space in the City to determine the best land uses. If the City is saying that the Comprehensive Plan is vital, then this project should be put on hold. The project does not meet several of the MUSA criteria. The roads are inadequate, and until all the facts are on the table, a development of 48 new homes is premature.