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Mounds View Planning Commission October 17, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ used to make sure that everyone is treated the same. He then commented that Rice Creek Watershed District is the local governing unit in this case and said it has indicated no problem with approval of the proposed development. Mr. Harstad stated that his father has paid taxes for years on the property and has paid the assessments for utilities to the property. He then stated that his father has allowed storm water to be dumped onto his property that contributes water to the wetland. Mr. Harstad indicated that, prior to 1992 when the buffer came in to play, they would have been able to develop the property and he said he is here to ask for something that is fair. He then indicated that he could have followed the Rice Creek Watershed District requirements for two to one replacement of wetlands but noted even more trees would have to be cut down. Mr. Harstad indicated that the trees would act as a buffer for the houses from Silver Lake Road. Mr. Harstad indicated that at the neighborhood meetings residents had asked that the proposed development blend into the neighborhood and stated he feels it will do so. Mr. Harstad indicated that the sewer and water stubs were installed and paid for at the property. He then said he understands residents’ concerns for losing the natural area across the street from their houses but said they own the property and are asking for a fair shake in developing it. Commissioner Johnson asked what the average square footage of the houses to be built would be. Mr. Harstad indicated that the footprint for the houses was listed as 2500 square feet. Commissioner Johnson asked what the square footage of the houses in the development across the street was. Mr. Harstad indicated the square footages in the existing development were 1000 or 1500 square feet. Commissioner Scotch indicated she felt residents are most concerned for what filling the wetland would do to their property with runoff. She then stated she has seen developments go in that sit on a wetland and the neighbors are hindered by the alteration of the property and do have water in their basements. The residents in attendance indicated that the wetland was the lowest spot in the area and said they feel a couple of small ponds would not replace the holding capacity of the wetland. Mr. Harstad indicated that, as part of Rice Creek Watershed requirements, he was required to submit calculations on how much ponding capacity exists prior to the development and how much ponding capacity exists after the development.