Minutes - 2023/06/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 12, 2023 Regular Meeting Page 6 home. She indicated the first night she moved in she saw a large buck walking down Woodlawn Drive. She stated she feels so blessed to live in this community, because of the greenspace and large lots. She commented on a letter she received from the City and noted she was offended by the letter because she was not interested in splitting her lot. She discussed how valuable her greenspace was to her and her children. She asked the Council to remember the reasons why the people in northern Mounds View live there. She explained the density and the design for the proposed project does not fit with the neighborhood. She added that the schools were already overflowing and did not have enough help to aid those kids that were struggling. She urged the Council to protect this greenspace because the neighbors love this space and the wildlife. Kayla Roste, 8400 Long Lake Road, stated she has been a teacher for the past 10 years and she was licensed to teach special education and ELL, English language learners. She reported she has been chasing the elusive position in the Mounds View School District and was passed by for someone with more experience. She indicated she now works in the Coon Rapids School District. She indicated she would continue to chase this position because Mounds View was one of the most decorated school districts in the State of Minnesota. As a teacher, it is general knowledge that teachers never leave this district. She argued that if the Ardan proposal goes through, this would have an adverse impact on the Mounds View schools. She noted classrooms would become crowded, even more than they already are. She anticipated more students would slip between the cracks and would become lost in the system. She indicated this would impact the existing residents of Mounds View’s children and grandchildren, especially if they require special services. She stated by adding more children to a particular school, there would be a significant burden on school staff. She asked the Council to reconsider the Ardan proposal and suggested a nature center be further considered for this land. Pam Star, 7778 Woodlawn Drive, expressed opposition to the Ardan development. She opposed because it would increase traffic, there would be a tremendous loss of greenspace, and this was not the right fit for the neighborhood. She understood why the City needed development, but suggested only single family houses be considered. She suggested the City focus its efforts on fixing blighted properties in the community versus building new developments. David Wood, 2501 Sherwood Road, stated he has reviewed the 2040 Comp Plan in order to understand the plans for Ardan Park. He understood Ardan Park was a City park north of the compost site. However, under Recreation and Preserve included the lower part of the property now proposed for development. He reported there were two types of wetlands on this property. He expressed concern with how houses on this property would impact the surrounding storm water management. Tony Preciado, 8217 Long Lake Road, stated he was hearing a lot of questions, but no answers. He questioned why the residents received no answers. Acting Mayor Meehlhause explained it was policy not to respond to Public Comment because the comments that are made are not related to items on the agenda. He reported this was policy for every city in Minnesota when it comes to Public Comment. Mr. Preciado reported Pulte Homes or any other developer was not welcome in his backyard.