04-07-26 City Council Meeting Packet

Home Browse Search

Regarding the path connections along 50th, we’d strongly encourage the city to consider completion of the existing trail "gap" at the bottom of the hill and the installation of two designated crosswalks (one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom) to protect pedestrians from the increased vehicle volume when crossing. From experience, the crossing at the top of the hill is blind and requires pedestrians to cross 50th based mainly on the sound of on-coming traffic. At times cars are travelling well over the speed limit and even when travelling at speed limit crossing 50th (into and out of the Fields neighborhood at the top of the hill or into Tana Ridge at the bottom of the hill) is very unsafe. 4. Private Amenity Impact and Maintenance The Tamarack Farms Estate’s "oval" is a private green space owned and maintained solely by our HOA. Based on our review of the plans the proposed development appears to lack its own central park or open space and rather create a connection to St. Croix Sanctuary Park. While the established connection to St. Croix Sanctuary Park seems very logical, it is highly likely that new residents will utilize TFHA private property for broader green space. Should a direct connection be forced, we’d have concerns with the maintenance and upkeep due to increased use and would prefer involvement in that decision if possible. 5. Utilities and Long-Term Planning As the city evaluates infrastructure for this new site, we ask for consideration of the following: ● Sewer: We understand that the new development will not be on city sewer, however, they are leaving space along water lines to connect to city sewer in the future. If that plan comes to fruition we’d welcome the discussion to connect our neighborhood to city sewer as well. Utilizing the same contractors and timeline as the Granvia development could reduce the financial burden on residents. ● Water: Given the planned connection to city water for the new development, will there be future plans to require our households to join city water? Conclusion We appreciate the opportunity to provide this input. Our goal is to ensure that this new development integrates into the existing landscape without compromising the safety. We are grateful that the development is planned as an Open Space Planned Unit Development that will preserve woodlands, wildlife corridors and habitat, similar to our neighborhood. We look forward to discussing these points further at the upcoming public hearing on the 9th.