04-01-1998 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Mounds View Planning Commission April 1, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 7 Ms. Arel stated that the lack of information regarding the right-turn lane issues was proof that the citizens safety concerns had not been appropriately addressed. Chairperson Peterson closed the public hearing and returned the floor to the Commission for questions and comments. Commissioner Johnston, again, stated his concern for the lack of an acceleration lane for the project. He said he would have a hard time voting for the project knowing that MnDOT is not behind the designed access point. Commissioners Stevenson, Brasaemle, and Obert agreed with Johnston and said they would not be in favor of going against MnDOT advice. Commissioner Brasaemle told the Commission that Mounds View is in need of tax- paying commercial developments. If the City's commercial tax base is not expanded the residential tax rates will continue to increase. Mr. Johnson stated the message that was being sent to the City at the Comprehensive Plan Update community forums was that Highway 10 was the only location that • commercial development is welcome. If a project is being considered along Highway 10, the R-1 property that abuts the proposed project should be rezoned to R-2 or R-3 to buffer the R-1 areas from the commercial development. Commissioner Obert reiterated the City's need for an increase in their commercial tax base. Chairperson Peterson stated the Walgreen project was close enough to Highway 10 that it would not be that far of an incursion into the residential area abutting the proposed project. Commissioner Brasaemle agreed with the citizens that the R-1 area needs a bigger buffer area. Commissioner Obert stated the City could run the risk of developing the reputation of being unfriendly to developers by requiring the purchase of buffer property to go along with a given project. Chairperson Peterson stated the City needs to develop a "downtown feel." Currently, most services that the Mounds View citizens require are found outside of the City. He suggested it is time to bring those services into the immediate area and develop that • "downtown feel."