Minutes - 1998/04/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 7 April 27, 1998 Mounds View City Council VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION: Quick/Stigney to continue the Public Hearing on May 11, 1998. VOTE: 2 ayes 2 nays (Koopmeiners/ McCarty) Motion Fails Mayor McCarty opened the Public Hearing at 7:42 p.m. Carol Arel, 7750 Greenwood Drive, presented a petition containing almost 200 signatures in opposition to the project and to the re-zoning of residential property for commercial use. She noted that there will be many residents affected by the rezoning of the property by an increase in traffic, safety concerns and property value issues. She noted that the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council based on what they "think" the new comprehensive plan will include in part. She personally spoke with Dick Thompson at Metropolitan Council and he indicated that the Planning Commission is not allowed to consider in this decision what the new comprehensive plan might be. The amendment request therefore needs to be considered based on the current comprehensive plan. She has read the city's current comprehensive plan and it states that residential development is and will continue to be the primary type of land use development within the community and that low density, single family neighborhoods are to be preserved. She does not feel that a development of this type is a preservation of residential areas. Ms. Arel noted goals contained in the comprehensive plan which she feels are in direct opposition to this type of development. In regard to traffic, the only traffic study that they have seen to date, indicates a 40% increase in traffic daily on Greenwood Drive to over 750 cars. Critical portions of this project have fallen apart and she wonders why it has continued. Other concerns expressed by Ms. Arel included the possibility of a 24-hour pharmacy at Wallgreens, the fact that the project size is less than five acres (city code 1120.03) which is in direct violation of code, the proposal does not fit into the current code requirements, and that many residents did not receive copies of the notice of Public Hearing. She also stated a concern about developers trying to pressure residents into supporting the project. She asked that the Council consider what is best for the residents of Mounds View. Kathy Piche', 2204 Lois Drive, stated that for some residents their dream homes are being changed by this development. She personally will not be directly affected however she has concerns as it very well could be her neighborhood. She asked that the Council consider leaving the residential neighborhoods as they are and to continue to provide the sense of privacy and security that each citizen deserves. Janet Wilcox, 7815 Eastwood Road, noted that the developer of the townhome project in the area has shown some interest in this particular parcel of land. She is concerned that he may come in with a proposal for the corner if this development is not approved. Residents feel they basically have a choice between a drugstore at the end of the street or more townhomes. She feels this may be why the Council has not heard from very many residents on Eastwood. The proposal does not paint Mounds View as afamily-friendly place. Jodi Johnson, 7870 Greenwood Drive, stated she is appalled at how the council and staff have been working with this development plan. Residents have indicated their opposition since the beginning and she feels proceeding with the project is a blatant disregard for the residents' feelings.