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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 17, 2005 Page 6 1 codes adding that Alderwoods Group has not shown a hardship. He noted that the Alderwoods 2 Group has several locations throughout the metro area and urged the Planning Commission to 3 vote no to the petition dated April 25, 2005. 4 5 Thomas Arsenault, 1560 Trollhaugen Drive, Fridley, thanked the Commission for listening to the 6 public on this issue. He stated that he does not have a problem with the proposed text changes 7 adding that it does feel as if this is the first step down a very slippery slope to major changes to 8 Sunset Memorial. He stated that he feels intimidated by the size of the Alderwoods Group 9 noting that it is just him representing his immediate and extended family. He stated that his 10 family has several relatives buried in Sunset Memorial noting that it is the peace and tranquility 11 of Sunset that made them choose this location as their final place of rest. He stated that while the 12 proposal being discussed tonight is only for a text amendment, ultimately, this change does lead 13 to a bigger change to the cemetery. He expressed concerns stating that all of the gravesites at 14 Sunset would be affected, as would all who use the cemetery. He acknowledged that the changes 15 might not destroy gravesites but it would destroy the peace of the cemetery. He stated that this 16 cemetery has been, for many years, a peaceful place for many to come to and a new funeral home 17 and administration building, along with a parking lot, would affect all of the gravesites with 18 access, changes in the views, along with an overall change in the character of the cemetery. He 19 stated that he is speaking for his family and on behalf of himself and his family he would like to 20 recommend that the Planning Commission vote no, beginning with the text amendment. He 21 stated that the Community needs a peaceful place. 22 23 Nancy Soldatow, 3217 32nd Avenue Northeast, stated that she sees many people walking and 24 biking in the area. She stated that Sunset is a very quiet, peaceful area with a lovely building and 25 view. She stated that St. Anthony does not have many places like this anymore and urged the 26 Commission to vote against any kind of text change that would change the building or the area. 27 28 Diane Asbroth, 340 Dakota, Golden Valley, stated that she grew up in the St. Anthony area 29 noting that she only heard of this a week and half ago. She explained that her mother was buried 30 at Sunset last Tuesday and expressed concerns about the proposed changes at the cemetery. She 31 stated that when she and her family first moved to St. Anthony, Sunset Memorial was a striking 32 and tranquil cemetery. She stated that her family has always admired Sunset Memorial Park for 33 that reason adding that this is also the reason why her mother chose Sunset as her final resting 34 place. She stated that in listening to the Attorney explain the need for a text change she found 35 herself asking why. She expressed concerns stating that the Alderwoods Group is looking for a 36 monetary gain not for an improvement for those residing there or for those who will be residing 37 there. She stated that the people currently at Sunset and the relatives of those at Sunset were not 38 aware of the proposed changes noting that the aesthetics alone should be a big consideration. 39 She stated that the proposed parking area would be a major factor and impact on the cemetery 40 adding that the mall is something that puts a person into an awesome state. She stated that she 41 does not believe the changes to the verbiage or the building would affect the entrance in a 42 positive fashion noting that Sunset has a meaning from deep within versus being a profit-making 43 organization. She asked the Planning Commission to vote no to the text amendment and the 44ro osed changes at Sunset. p p 45