PL MINUTES 07191977 - Laserfiche WebLink

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At 8: 56 P.M. , Chairman Hiebel opened the Public Hearing to consider a • proposal to rezone the Salvation Army Camp at 2950 West County Road E from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to ROS (Recreational/Open Space) . Mr. Fornell told the Board the rezoning had been instigated by the City Council and the variance to the ROS, for which another Public Hearing had been scheduled that evening, had been requested by the owners of the camp. No one present reported no receiving notification of the hearings. Jim Brown, manager of the camp, presented the rezoning proposal. Also present, but not speaking were the contractor for the project, Clifford Kommendahl, and three residents on Silver Lake. Mr. Rymarchick and Mr. Hiebel said they felt the ROS rezoning was only a vehicle for allowing the Salvation Army to build a gymnasium. The former said he was concerned when he viewed all the buildings which have been constructed in the camp to date that a possible change in ownership might open the way to other uses which are permitted under a ROS. He wanted some assurance that the open spaces would be maintained and that the present usage wouldn't change so that the natural beauty of the area would be preserved for the use of the community. Mr. Hiebel said he was concerned that the City now has almost no public access to Silver Lake which is located almost completely within the • City boundaries. Both wanted to see the comprehensive plan for the Salvation Army's in- tentions towards the camp and wanted some guarantee that other less desirable uses might not develop there later. Mr. Marks and Johnson said they felt the ROS zoning of this land was the best assurance the City could have that the usage would continue and the best protection against the land being later developed for heavy residential usage. Mr. Johnson felt the camp as it is proposed to be expanded will be only an asset to the City and Mr. Marks felt it would aid in keeping St. Anthony as a desirable residential community. Mr. Johnson indicated complete approval for the project even though he conceded the other side of the coin was the fact that with a resi- dential development of that large area, especially multiple dwellings, the City' s tax base would be broadened as compared to the tax exempt status of the property when owned by the Salvation Army, a point also made in Mr. Fornell 's memorandum of July 15th. The Acting Manger responded to the request for assurance that the City will continue to have access to the camp by citing the contract the City signed with the Salvation Army when the nature walks were built cooperatively and said the Council had reviewed the "Master Plan" for the area at that time. Motion by Mr. Marks and seconded by Mr. Johnson to recommend approval to the City Council of the proposal to rezone the Salvation Army Camp (3)