05-07-02 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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built. He wants to retain our ponding. The ponding area in Hamlet of Sunfish Lake is with the MN conservation land trust and would like to see Sunfish Ponds property also owned by the Land Trust. Jim Broich, 4207 Kindred Way, voiced his concern with the trees being preserved and drainage to the pond close to his property. The design of this development is not within the spirit of the Open Space code when you ask a farmer to meet the developer as a partner and partner can use the land as he wants. Tim Freeman, representing Mr. Krongard, stated the concept plan meets the intent and letter of the OP Ordinance. By including the surrounding property, you are trying to create the maximum amount of open space. He thought this was what the Council wanted to accomplish. The 6 acres owned by Mr. Wier will be set aside for agricultural purposes. The Wier piece will not be owned by the HOA, but there will be an easement. The berm on south end was to screen from adjoining property. Deb Krueger, 4452 Lake Elmo Avenue N., stated this plan is taking the best Ag land to build houses on it. She is concern on increasing density. She pointed out berms don't work especially on a flat farm field. Trees will not grow on the berms. There is no process to come back and correct landscaping. She asked that the developer take out berms and plant trees. She didn't want to combine surrounding acreage and felt it was not in the Spirit of having joint ownership. Marl, Deziel, Planning Commission member, stated this is a good example of how a increasing to'/4 acre lot from a % acre lot is squishing the lots within the area. The 6 acres could be across the city as they are not included within the development. Mayor Hunt closed the public hearing at 9:50 p.m. The 3 conditions the Planning Commission recommended were not reflected on the plat shown by Mr. Freeman. Mr. Freeman responded they are in favor of the 3 conditions. Council member Armstrong stated the intent of the Open Space Ordinance requirement for 40 acres was not to create wings out of the development. She did not agree that the'/4 acre lot requirement was too large, but that there are too many lots proposed. Council member Dunn thought the plan looked like a wishbone and was the ugliest plan she had seen. She added that not all land can be used for Op and suggested looking at different zoning for development. Council member DeLapp thought the plan was a series of lots taking advantage of the most dollars. The appendage on the right doesn't reflect the rest of the development. He believes in transfer of density, but not in this area. The City does take easements, but has not seen the city monitor the easements. The trail can be extended. The MN land trust should look at the outlots first. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 7, 2002