06-20-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View Planning Commission June 20, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 11 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Hegland indicated he feels the safety issue is pretty serious and it would appear to him that pulling out onto Sherwood Road would be safer than backing out onto Red Oak Drive. He noted he feels the second curb cut appears to him to be a reasonable solution to the problem. Commissioner Kaden commented that if the variance for the second curb cut is granted that it may set a precedent for the City and there could be many other requests for second curb cuts. He then noted that the current driveway is a safety issue and noted he understands that traffic won’t let you back into your driveway as he has the same problem at his house. Chair Stevenson indicated he feels the real safety issue is with the new driveway being in the acceleration path on Sherwood Road. He then noted he was not sure that the safety issue would be alleviated or if a new one would be created by creating a second curb cut on Sherwood Road. Chair Stevenson indicated he would like to see the applicant attempt to find a way to find a turn around in the driveway and drive out of the current driveway rather than to allow the second curb cut. Commissioner Johnson noted he felt there were other alternatives to granting the variance and expressed concern for setting a precedent in the City. Commissioner Kaden indicated there is a safety issue because traffic will not allow them to stop and back into the driveway in order to be able to pull out when they leave. Commissioner Hegland stated he felt this situation was unique and would not set a precedent. Commissioner Kaden indicated that if the Commission were looking at a variance one block away on Sherwood Road and Sunnyside he would not feel the need as Sunnyside does not have the same amount of traffic. Commissioner Johnson noted he had an issue with someone not wanting to wait five (5) minutes to get out of their driveway as he has to wait for ten (10) minutes or more to get out of his in the morning. Commissioner Kaden indicated that the situation is unique in this case as it is dangerous to attempt to back up into your driveway and have cars pull up behind and not allow it or swerve around you. Commissioner Scotch indicated there would be a better sight line if the resident were to pull out of the driveway rather than back out. She then stated she feels the resident should further investigate whether a turnaround could be placed in the driveway to allow the resident to be able to pull out onto Red Oak Drive. Chair Stevenson closed the public hearing at 8:45 p.m.