PL PACKET 06212005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 Page 8 1 Richard Wiese, 802 Torchwood Drive,New Brighton, stated that his interest is based on fact. He 2 stated that he purchased two lots in Sunset for all the reasons named this evening. He stated that 3 if it is not broken,please don't fix it. For those already in Sunset, please let them rest in peace. 4 5 Tammy Reiman, 6842 Monroe Street, stated that her family purchased three lots in Sunset and 6 her father is buried a half block from the administration building. She expressed concerns stating 7 that she just found about this a week and half ago and it really struck her the wrong way. She 8 stated that many of her family are buried in Sunset and it has always been a peaceful place. She 9 stated that she does not understand why they want to change the area and obstruct the views. She 10 stated that it is a very peaceful place and it should remain that way. 11 12 Ron Sundmoore, 2708 34 Avenue Northeast, stated that he is probably one of the few people still '13 alive who was personally present at the 1937 dedication of the Sunset Memorial chapel and 14 mausoleum. He stated that at the time the speakers of the day made a great point that Sunset 15 Memorial would be a different cemetery and that the cemetery was purposely designed to be a 16 park forever without a commercial establishment, such as a large mortuary, in lieu of a reception 17 building. He expressed concerns stating that part of the original design was the view of the mall 18 leading to the Tower of Memories, all of which are very classic in their design. He stated that it 19 would be a desecration to allow any changes to this design and urged the Commission to vote no. 20 21 William Volna, 3501 Coolidge, agreed with all of the statements made tonight. He stated that he 22 used to go swimming at Sunset Memorial noting that it used to be a swamp in area. He stated 23 that the big picture always brings him back to historic places and architectural structures that 24 have been lost noting that the proposed building would not replicate the cut granite or become a 25 long-term structure like the one currently in place. He stated that you couldn't replace 26 architectural design. He stated that his son is buried in Sunset and asked how long the new 27 owners have had the cemetery. He stated that every year he receives a brochure asking for 28 comments noting that over the last five years he has commented and expressed concerns about 29 the appearance of the cemetery and the fact that this is the gateway area to St. Anthony. He 30 stated that the fences and gates around the area are in disrepair and expressed concerns about 31 their ability to maintain new structures if they are not able to repair the current structures and 32 gates. He urged the Commission to vote no on the text amendment changes. 33 34 Stanley Kasal, 2801 Silver Lake Road, stated that it appears to him that the Council has already 35 acted once to deny any changes to the zoning and now they are going at it from the back door. 36 He asked what they plan to do with the zoning issues in Minneapolis. 37 38 Mr. Tyson stated that many questions have been raised this evening noting that some cannot be 39 specifically answered at this time. He assured the Commission that they would provide answers 40 as submitted. He stated that this body has the challenge of interpreting the questions in a way 41 that protects the legacy for the Residents and Citizens of St. Anthony in the way they have asked. 42 He stated that this body would take all of the issues into consideration as they look to protect the 43 overall cemetery. He explained that the Alderwoods Group is asking for the right to live within a 44 conformity that came about as a result of changes in the City with respect to zoning. He clarified 45 that only one building is being proposed, not two and they are asking this evening to be allowed