04/25/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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uninterrupted natural setting the leads from one park setting to another. Section 5 - Administration • i....One option for ensuring the protection of key ecological resources is public purchase of the property. The city is fortunate to already have a significant portion of some of the most diverse ecological systems already protected by city and county parks. In some cases, it may be advantageous to purchase additional significant properties that can not be protected in any other way However, given the land area already under public ownership, such as Rice Creek Regional Park Reserve, this will be more the exception than the rule More realistically though, the public's willingness and capacity to purchase additional open space is at best uncertain. The value of the land in Lino Lakes has and will continue to escalate on into the future. The resources that are held near and dear now also tend to result in heftier land values. From a pragmatic standpoint, the route to protecting these valuable lands is by having them set aside through the private development planning process. It is this reality that underscores the need to give the conservation Amhdevelopment II/approach to planning so much attention in this handbook. It also underscores how important it is that the relationship between the city and the development community be heightened into a strong working partnership. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD COMMENTS: The following is a summary of the comments made by the Board: E. 1 . Saddle Club Project Update — It was noted that the project went to the Planning and Zoning Board with recommendations concerning lot size, so the applicant came back with a new proposal. Staff talked with the DNR who indicated that hydroelectricity it could be restored. Greenways do a number of things like creating buffers, open space and most importantly connections between ecosystems and open space areas for wildlife and people. Staff requested comments on the latest proposal, which would be passed on to the Planning and Zoning Board. The greenway needed to be preserved in the long term for the good of the public. Through private or public means, it needed to be managed. Donlin asked the number of houses in the latest proposal. Asleson stated that there were 40, which were more spread out than before. Trehus noted that the original lots were larger but the detached townhomes shrank the lots. Asleson stated that because they are considered conservation developments, the elements must take on long -term importance. Donlin expressed concern for the term "conservation development" because it implied that stringent guidelines were applied, when there were none. Asleson stated that Peregrine Pass needed a zoning variance, and part of the Saddle Club property was in MUSA. Ilapicc ct_PepeazaovBoapS Xari o9 Aavo Acucar 12