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Mounds View Planning Commission July 5, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 11 suggested they discuss the geometrics of the right-in so it is not just like an exit ramp on the freeway but would force people to slow down. A resident of St. Stephen Street said she does a lot of walking and the way Edgewood Drive is planned now she worries about people using it as a freeway. She stated she also worries, as they discuss putting in a trailway, that a lot of people will have to watch their step as they enter or come out with bikes, walking, or pushing children with a cart. She suggested there has to be some jog where they are not directed into the line of traffic. Planner Ericson said there was a discussion earlier this afternoon regarding having a bend with more of a radial meeting of the sidewalk to tie into the applicant's property, rather than having the trailway meet up with the sidewalk at a 90-degree angle. He explained there could also be a pedestrian crossing, not right up to the right-of-way to Highway 10, but back 15 feet to allow for greater visibility for pedestrians, bikers and vehicles. Commissioner Miller inquired if the City Council already made the decision to trade this land. Planner Ericson explained the Council had not specifically decided this but authorized Staff to explore this and he does not believe there was any type of limited negotiation or purchase agreement. The only thing the City did was act as a signer on the application so it could proceed and be considered. He explained the Council granted Staff the ability to process the application. Commissioner Thomas stated she feels they are discussing two different issues. The first is the issue of whether the developer will be able to work with the limitations and guidelines of the City to the Planning Commission’s sufficient desire. She stated she has seen every indication the developer will go to the utmost lengths to do what they would like them to do. However, the other issue they are talking about is a basic trade. Commissioner Thomas stated she fully understands why Mr. Videen wants to sell his property. She commented that what she has not been convinced of, is what the City is getting in return being better than what they have now. She commended Staff for providing the values of the properties which helps immensely. Commissioner Thomas suggested it looks as though the properties are equal. However, in order to convince her this is what she wants, she has to be convinced that a retail property located across from City Hall is appropriate, and she is not convinced of that. She stated that issue would have to be answered before she would feel comfortable saying they should trade. Commissioner Johnson stated they discussed at length two months ago what they would gain, which would be a lot greater than what they have. They now have a corner lot and a pond in the center for a holding pond. He noted the City would gain a much larger holding pond, water filtration, wetland credits, and a park with a walkway. Commissioner Thomas stated she is very close, however, everything they would gain from that property would have to be matched by what they would lose by losing this property and putting retail on it. She stated this property does add to the beautification of this area and creates a “community feel” which they would lose if they gave it up. Commissioner Thomas stated it would also break up the continuity of this property. She questioned if that is worth what they would gain.