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Mounds View Planning Commission September 13, 2000 Special Meeting Page 5 Commissioner Hegland asked how the variance actually affects Mr. Zwirn’s property and said in his own opinion he doesn’t believe it does affect Mr. Zwirn’s property. Mr. Zwirn said he is unhappy with the fact Mr. Mezzenga wants to put a bigger building on the lot than is allowed by ordinance and he believes it will only cause trouble for him. Commissioner Hegland said he believes something on the lot will be better than nothing on the lot and should actually decrease problems for Mr. Zwirn. Mr. Zwirn said he spoke to two realtors who indicated if the City rezoned the property residential it would be no problem to develop as residential. He suggested he and the City sit down and look at the ramifications of this proposed development to his property. He said he wants the Commission to be aware of the fact since he moved to the property in February he has had nothing but problems with the Tom Thumb lot. He requested the City slow down and really consider what will happen if they proceed with this development. Chairperson Peterson indicated the Commission understands it could be rezoned but there is a comprehensive plan for zoning for every property in the City and it has been determined that the best use for this property is commercial. Chairperson Peterson said Mr. Zwirn’s point is well taken on the size of the building being too large for the lot and that is what the Commission intends to look at tonight. Chairperson Peterson said he agreed with Commissioner Hegland that whatever goes on the vacant lot should improve Mr. Zwirn’s situation and he doesn’t see how it could get worse. Ernest Gustafson, the property owner, said the traffic, trash and graffiti is a reason to build something on the lot to stop foot traffic from going across his vacant lot into Mr. Zwirn’s lot. He stated he believes this development will stop the problems. He also said when he mows his lot there are 2 or 3 cars a minute in and out of the Tom Thumb lot and in his opinion there is no way an office building will generate that much traffic. Commissioner Thomas asked how far it is from the curb cut for the Laundromat to where the curb cut would be for this building. Planner Ericson indicated the driveway access is one or two feet off of the property line and on the site plan presented to the Planning Commission the scenario is 24 feet from the Tom Thumb and Laundromat with the building and the parking lot switching places it can maintain setbacks. Commissioner Thomas indicated her concern would be that having two curb cuts less than 25 feet apart could cause a significant traffic problem. Planner Ericson said it is not ideal and agreed maximizing the distance between the two curb cuts would give a little more room for visibility for people exiting and entering. Commissioner Thomas asked if they considered placing the curb cut on Greenfield Avenue rather than County Road I.