05-17-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission May 17, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 14 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Meehlhause stated this area definitely needs redevelopment but he is not sure this is the right development. He stated he has concerns with townhomes, noting another townhome development with a number of units is already being constructed. Chair Stevenson noted that two Commissioners are absent tonight and they had voiced opinions about the application a year ago. Chair Stevenson directed staff to prepare resolutions for both approval and denial that can be considered at the next meeting. He stated there is a split opinion tonight so it is his preference to discuss this further when the full Commission is in attendance. Mr. Schnor stated his concern is the safety factor when entering and leaving the complex. He stated if the City approves R-3 it will be good for him since no one will be able to buy his property. Chair Stevenson noted that his property and to the west could also develop as R-3 at some point in the future. Commissioner Zwirn stated this proposal would enhance Mr. Schnor’s property values more than if it was a commercial site. Mike Welsh, 1866 County Highway 10 NE, Spring Lake Park, stated he has a townhouse development on the south side of County Road 10. He noted there is an additional location of townhomes in Mounds View and stated he does not see where the Comprehensive Plan is a problem since there are townhomes directly across the street. Mr. Welsh stated the Comprehensive Plan is for a mixed use development along the corridor so this application is part of the Plan. Chair Stevenson stated it is possible in mixed use to include townhomes. Mr. Welsh stated he does not see a problem with townhomes and thinks there are no safety issues. He noted that the building next to CVS has been vacant for a number of years and pointed out that the only business development in the past three years has been to sell Christmas trees on the applicant’s lot. He suggested this application would be better than no use and better than another gas station, liquor store, or car lot. Mr. Waldoch stated that traffic is already congested. He explained how the townhomes on the south side of County Road 10 have to make a U-turn and pointed out if this project is approved, there will be 19 more townhomes making U-turns, which will cause more traffic congestion. Commissioner Hull agreed that if this property is changed to R-3, it locks up that property and eliminates the future potential for commercial.