Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/10/2001

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the Ciw. and it seems awkward that the bike path ends at 1534. He felt it would more appropriate if the bike path continued through the development. Er/ck Ness, 15390 Ute Street, ?,.amsey, requested that there be some type of transition from a 2.5 acre lot to the new development. He suggested having larger lots adjacent to the 2.5 acre lots and then a higher density in the middle. Mark Barrett, 5221 155'" Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that he appreciated the Council for reconsideration of the issue and opening the discussion up to the public. He presented a map of the entire area identifying the existing streets out of the current development showing the limited egess from the e,,dsting development and showing a good reason why the stem to 155th should not occur. He stated that 155~'~' Lane is a street that has no curbs,-no sidewalks, and no lights and the park [s located in the area'as well. Mr. Barrett stated that the Fire Chief has indicated that it is important to have access into and out of the development, but he does not see that any emergency vehicle would take a convoluting turn to get into the area, they Would.take a more direct route. He stated that there is no justification for the connection at 155~h Lane. There are many neighbors that are concerned for the serenity of their neighborhood, but that is not what he Js arguing for. He is arguing tbr the safety of their children. Mr. Barrett stated that the life of one individual is more important than making a connection at 155'" Lane. If there is a need to make access to the park then there should be a parldng lot, but not a through street. He stated that there are visibility issues that are not depicted on the map. Before making any decisions he requested that all Councilmembers visit the site to understand what he is talldng about. He strongly recommend that any plan that is considered be amended to close off 155'" Lane so that it is not a through street, simply tbr the safety of the children. Gar2,/Martz, 5200 [55~ Lane, Ramsey, stated that he sent a letter to the City addressing many of the same concerns that Nh'. Barrett had addressed. He expressed that the children are the most important issue. He recommended that 155~' Lane be closed offor only allow emergency access. Mr. Martz thanked Centex Homes and the Council for considering the change. ]'on Edstrom, 8702 Avenue, Ramsey, stated that one issue that has been ignored is that the City is concerned about the taxes. He inquired as to what additional costs will be placed on the City by having all the proposed cul-de-sacs. The residents should have been aware of the future through streets. If the people don't want through streets they should be assessed for the additional cost the City will incur for snow removal on ail the cul-de-sacs. He noted the additional miles the school buses will have to travel if all the roads in the development are cul- de-sacs and if the children want to play with other children they will have to go all the way around the subdivision because there will be no through streets. People knew there were going to be through streets years ago. Brent Smith, 15620 Yak/ma Street NW, Ramsey, stated that they expected to have approximately 40 homes behind them, because the land was platted as one acre tots. He stated that he would be happy to pay for the roads to be cul-de-sacs with the proposed density. Any rescue vehicles that would come into the development would do so from the south. He stated Ci~ Council/September 11, 2001 Page 5 or' 22