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Mounds View Planning Commission April 5, 2000 <br />Regular Meeting Page 7 <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Widhalm indicated that over the months, they have discussed communications with the <br />neighbors, and he believed because they are all volunteers and somewhat short of time this has <br />not occurred, however, it should have, and they extended their apologies in this regard. He <br />stated they would like to invite the residents to the next meeting of the Building Committee, <br />which would be held at the Church on April 28, at 7:00 p.m. He stated they would attempt to <br />notify the neighborhood regarding this, and would give over the first portion of the meeting to <br />any issues the residents may have, and attempt to find some resolution to them. <br /> <br />Mr. Rudnik inquired if it would be possible to plant more evergreens on the south end of the <br />property, given that there is going to be parking lot illumination in the evenings. He stated that <br />this area would be similar to a commercial parking lot from the perspective of his backyard, <br />which is currently dark in the evenings, and has a somewhat rustic atmosphere. He pointed out <br />that with the removal of the existing trees, and planting deciduous trees rather than evergreens, <br />the character of the neighborhood would be substantially changed. <br /> <br />Chairperson Peterson advised that City Code requires that the light does not leave the site. Mr. <br />Rudnik requested clarification. Chairperson Peterson explained that the light is to be directed <br />downward, and no direct light could leave the property. <br /> <br />Mr. Rudnik indicated the area to the north of his property is currently fairly wooded, and the <br />existing parking lot is fairly well obscured by both a degree of landscaping, short shrubs and <br />trees, as well as large mature trees, which would be removed, and new trees planted. He stated <br />this would make the parking lot visible whether the lights are directed towards his property or <br />not. He stated this presents a major concern, in terms of changing the character of this area in <br />the evening. He inquired if there was a way to save some of the mature trees in this area. He <br />indicated he was in favor of the Church expansion, as well as preserving the character of his <br />yard, which he purchased 10 years earlier. He stated he was in favor of improving the <br />neighborhood, however, he does not wish to lose the character of his property with the removal <br />of the landscaping. <br /> <br />Mr. Widhalm indicated this issue could be addressed with the architectural designers at the <br />Building Committee meeting. He stated with regard to traffic flow, this is primarily from the <br />south, based upon the parishioners who reside in this area. He indicated the design of the new <br />parking lots and the new entrances encourage flow from the north, east, and west to come off of <br />County Road H2, as the primary entrance will now be located on the southeastern portion of the <br />site. <br /> <br />Planning Associate Ericson pointed out that approval of the landscape plan before the <br />Commission would not prohibit the Church from considering additional landscaping. He stated <br />Mr. Rudnik’s suggestion to add some evergreens at the southern end of the property was a good <br />point, in that the applicant was only adding seven deciduous trees which would not provide <br />much screening during the winter months. He stated the Commission might wish to address this <br />at this time. He indicated the applicant has responded appropriately to the recommendations of <br />the City Forester.