Agenda Packets - 1998/05/11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission April 1, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 5 Carol Arel, 7750 Greenwood Drive, told the Commission that by rezoning an R-1 property to a commercial use will establish a precedent that the City will regret. She added that the citizens' concerns about safety issues and property devaluation have not been satisfactorily addressed. Warren Johnson, 7710 Greenwood Drive, stated to change the Comprehensive Plan, at the cost of tax payer's property, is not what he felt should be done. The Comprehensive Plan was put into affect to protect the citizens and to keep that sort of thing from happening. Chairperson Peterson reminded the citizens that the Comprehensive Plan is in the process of being updated and revised. He encouraged the participation of the entire community to ensure that their voices are heard as part of the update process. Milo Pinkerton stated he was in favor of the area staying residential. He added putting commercial property up against single family homes is poor planning. Tim Behn, 7715 Eastwood, told Mr. Pinkerton that his neighborhood on Eastwood Road, is against the town home project that he (Mr. Pinkerton) is currently developing. John Wiens, 7760 Greenwood Drive, stated the citizens don't have an advocate to represent them on this project. Margaret Hilton, 7731 Greenwood Drive, stated the residents on Greenwood Drive were never informed of any other project that was going in on this particular site. She stated that some of the residents on Eastwood Drive are racist and that is the motivation for keeping the subsidized housing out of the area. She added, if the Walgreen Development is approved she wants to move but feels she won't be able to sell her home because of its decreased value. Chairperson Peterson told Ms. Hilton the Planning Commission is charged with the very difficult responsibility of making balanced decisions for the City and its citizens. Commissioner Brasaemle, in response to the word "racist", told Ms. Hilton he would be careful using the word "racist"to describe those opposed to the townhome development. He was against the town homes because they fronted on Highway 10; not because he was opposed to affordable housing. He felt the townhome property was more appropriate for commercial development. Mr. Pinkerton asked if there are other proposals concerning this property that would maintain its residential character. Staff told Mr. Pinkerton no other proposals are currently on the table for the property.