Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View City Council August 28, 2023 <br />Regular Meeting Page 5 <br /> <br />explained this has been something that has been going on for many years. He questioned how <br />eminent domain could be used for public use on a private cul-de-sac. He understood several of the <br />property owners have already developed land, and they lost access to the proposed development, <br />which meant they now required additional right of way through two properties that do not want <br />additional development. He reiterated that he disagreed with the use of eminent domain because <br />this would be a cul-de-sac for a private development. He requested this project be shelved until <br />the Council had five members and an elected mayor. <br /> <br />Carol Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated her sons were both in scouts and the dream of this <br />development project came up when her boys were in Cub Scouts. She remembered a driveway that <br />was built without being permitted and this driveway was located within an easement for a road <br />that had been platted for at least 20 years. While she understood the concerns of Mr. Holl, she also <br />understood seven residents have been trying to develop this land for the past 20 years. She hoped <br />the Council would move forward with the eminent domain process rather than be bullied by one <br />resident any longer. She commented further on how infield developments benefited the <br />community. <br /> <br />Martin Harstad, 2195 Silver Lake Road in New Brighton, explained he was helping the seven <br />property owners develop this land. He reported two of the seven property owners were in <br />attendance this evening. He commented on his efforts to communicate with Mr. Doll and thanked <br />the City Council for considering this matter. <br /> <br />Peggy Krieg, 2617 Sherwood Road, stated several years ago she and her husband bought a property <br />on Sherwood Road. She explained the home she purchased was about to be condemned and she <br />received $8,000 from a grant to cover the cost of demolishing the house and garage. She discussed <br />how she was able to remove the blighted home in order to build a new home. She indicated she <br />wanted to provide this same opportunity for other individuals. She encouraged the Council to <br />support the request of the seven property owners and to allow this project to move forward. <br /> <br />Rebecca Scholl, 2467 Hillview Road, stated she was scared by the thought of the City using <br />eminent domain for this project. She explained she understood why it would be used when the <br />entire City would benefit, but noted in this case only a select group of homeowners would benefit <br />from the eminent domain. She questioned how this improved the quality of life for the remaining <br />residents in Mounds View. In addition, she did not believe two weeks was enough time to negotiate <br />with the property owners. She encouraged the City to allow more time prior to moving forward <br />with the eminent domain. <br /> <br />City Attorney Riggs clarified for the record an offer for the right of way acquisition has been on <br />the table for over a year. He reported all of the property owners within the development would be <br />allocating land for the proposed street. <br /> <br />Mr. Harstad commented for the record, he has been trying to buy this land since 2019. He stated <br />it was very strange that this land was not given when this lot was platted. <br /> <br />Mr. Holl explained this project has been in the works since before he moved into this home in <br />2003, but he only heard about this coming before the Council just recently.