1998.09.23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Planning Commission September 23, 1998 - Page 3 within the development, since Goodview Avenue met the standard but Greene Avenue did not. The solution would be a new water tower. Tom Bina, 7115 Oneka Lake Boulevard, felt the high density of lots along Greene Avenue does not reflect a smooth transition between the urban and rural areas. He also felt that even though the road would be paved, their property values would not be increasing since there would be so many homes where there once were none. Bonnie Weber, 7222 Oneka Lake Boulevard, recalled the meeting on June 24, 1998, when this area was rezoned and the MUSA line was moved east to Greene Avenue, and asked what could be done to change it back. The City Attorney stated that the property is guided for urban residential development in the City's Comprehensive Plan and to change the Comp plan would be a very lengthy process involving a public hearing and the required submittals to the Metropolitan Council. Weber also said that the DNR stated in a letter the proposed sediment ponds are too long and narrow. Peltier questioned the 24' wide street and the lack of sidewalk and bike trail. Gertz responded by saying much of their property is being taken up by moving the road to the west on their property to save the trees along the east side of Greene Avenue. There were questions regarding the possibility of the City expanding the boat launch parking, and the City Administrator stated that parking space availability was one way in which the DNR tried to regulate the amount of boat traffic on a lake. James Weber, 16140 Harrow Avenue N., presented a DNR hydrologist report, whose recommendation he feels was not considered. Weber fears the anticipated flooding, as stated in the report, will bring residents to City Hall and ask for the lake to be lowered. Gertz stated the hydrologists report was prepared on their initial plan with 110 lots, which has since been changed, and has received verbal approval from the DNR. Weber questioned the park dedication fee, and asked why the developers were paying a fee instead of putting in a park, feeling the lots near the boat launch should be dedicated as a park. The City Administrator stated the Master Park Plan does not include a park in this area, and to put one at the boat launch would encourage more boat traffic by having the parking available. Peltier closed the public hearing. The City Administrator read the recommendations, prepared by the City, which he felt addressed most of the concern of the residents. Rubenzer appreciated the efforts of the developers to come to a comprise by reducing density, paying for construction of Greene Avenue, and their attempt to save as many trees as possible. He felt the traffic problem is a growing pain that is being dealt with all over the City, and the fire -flow would be close to what the Fire Chief had recommended. Puleo felt that anytime an area is planned for development, there is resistance among the residents. The proposed development is within the established guidelines for the area and has come far in meeting the concerns of the residents. Harrison supports the development based on the City Attorney's recommendations that it meets all the City's requirements. Harrison would also like to see the City and the residents in the area work with the DNR to resolve some of the issues regarding Oneka Lake.