11/23/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 23, 1998 I -35E or I -35W. This is merely an extension of an obligation that was made many years ago. The residents living north of 62nd Street should have as much direct access to the direction they want to go which is south. To suggest that a road that is public become somewhat private is mind-boggling. Access cannot be limited. He indicated he hopes the City looks at extending West Shadow Lake Drive, leave the road barrier there as Mr. Powell has discussed and when 62nd Street is improved, open West Shadow Lake Drive so that the residents of that area have access to 62nd Street. Birch Street is a dead end road at Hodgson Road. A traffic light at this intersection is planned and will help that situation. Traffic is heavier off of Birch Street. There are very fine quality homes and open space in that area. He stated he is in support of the development and approval should be given. Safety is an issue that should be addressed. The Police Department should be taking care of the speeders. Ms. Gail Munson, 707 62nd Street, expressed concern regarding the corner of where the road will come out of the development. She stated she is opposed to the road being placed between two (2) neighbors. She stated her home was built 18 years ago and there were no proposed new roads at that time. She stated she wants her privacy maintained. The area will be ruined with more lights and traffic. Her property will be devalued and it will change their lives. She asked that the long time residents not be ignored regarding this issue. She stated she feels like the long time residents have no rights. Mr. Tom Drow, 6317 Red Maple Lane, expressed concern regarding the potential traffic impact and increase in number of trips per day. Millers South Glen added 480 trips in the area. If the development is approved, 700 trips will be added. The West Shadow Lake extension will add 120 trips per day. This does not account for the traffic from the east/west/north from Birch Street. He stated this is too many trips on one road. He expressed concern regarding road width, surface, and unsafe leverage related to fixing the road. He asked that West Shadow remain closed. He stated that Mr. Carlson isa fine developer. He indicated the south end of Birchwood Acres is the biggest problem regarding the extension. The extension of West Shadow Lake Drive would benefit to the residents in Colonial Woods because emergency vehicles would have another route to that area. He noted the brief discussion from the Planning and Zoning meeting regarding Mr. Trehus reading from page 10 of the proposed Comprehensive Plan. He indicated he hopes the City will be consistent with the Planning and Zoning recommendation of keeping the road closed until 62nd Street is upgraded. Mayor Sullivan stated items from the proposed Comprehensive Plan have been reviewed. She noted the danger of people taking things of out context. The Comprehensive Plan needs to be read as a plan. This development is an infill, not an expansion and it is not premature. The Council needs to remember the new Comprehensive Plan will not go into effect until next year. Council has to work under the old plan. Mr. Powell stated the Charter prohibits the use tax dollars for road improvements unless a referendum is held. Also State Aid funding is actually tax dollars. There is an emergency access in Fox Circle. A trail from Reshanau Lakes Estates South acts as an emergency access. A detailed study was reviewed regarding this issue. 10