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Having been instrumental in the creation of the Open Space Ordinance, and <br />as an architect, who studied city planning extensively over 23 years on the <br />Planning Commission and Council and attending many seminars with <br />regional and national experts, I would be glad to work with the Council - at <br />no cost to our residents - to further alter and develop this initial concept <br />plan, with more accurate delineation of undevelopable wetlands, the power <br />highline, the gas pipeline, rights of way, and any other undevelopable land. <br />I have no expectation that this would be a final design. A rough model of <br />this proposed Open Space development is the design of Prairie Ridge, right <br />next to Highway 36. With heavy planting by the owner, power lines over the <br />site, and custom, tasteful housing, I think we can all agree this OP <br />development is one of many developments worth learning form. The trees <br />planted over 20 years ago by the owner/developer are impressive and <br />benefit the residents on 56th and 58th Streets to the south of Prairie Ridge. <br />The former 3M site may be the largest opportunity for the City residents to <br />provide what have become rare homesite opportunities, where quality and <br />environmental sensitivity are joined and which are unavailable in <br />Woodbury, Oakdale and yet provide easy access to major north-south and <br />east-west highways. They will be highly sought after. It should be an <br />example for the nation to see. <br />Because of the train and County road traffic, it is imperative that future <br />residents be provided with extensive noise screening from trees and maybe <br />some berming. It will take some time, but I helped plant the trees on Cty 14 <br />provided by the State and they are doing a great job of visual screening, but <br />need more trees to be an even better noise barrier. <br />Currently, both former 3M parcels are an environmental wasteland for both <br />adjacent residents and wildlife, which is soon to lose hundreds of acres of <br />seasonal hunting grounds across Ideal Ave in Oakdale where most of us <br />know the "resident" red tailed hawk and where I observed a Sandhill Crane a <br />couple years ago. <br />This proposal is a win-win for the city budget, for new residents looking for <br />a less dense development and our greatly threatened remaining <br />environment. As a bonus, the new tree cover will greatly reduce the <br />incessant highway and train noise that row crops and winter snow cover