Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/05/1995

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of residential lots, which very slightly decreases the overall density to somewhere in the area of one lot per seven acres. A. The original proposal would have had a driving range situated in the southwesterly corner of the golf course, adjacent to Trunk Highway 47. However, the developers, in studying the matter more fully, realized the potential for such things as youth golf programs, which have been very successful at other area golf courses. Because of the vast number of young people participating in athletics in the Ramsey area, it is felt that there is a vast source of recreational activity available to the youth of Ramsey, if proper facilities are provided. The original driving range along Trunk Highway 47 was not feasible because of the need to place high fences, and in order to protect oncoming traffic, and such a location would have been feasible only for very limited usage. Because the golf course developers wished to have a more vigorous program for a youth golfing program, a much more adequate and well placed driving range is needed. Upon the recommendation of the golf course architect, the only feasible location without disturbing the integrity of the golf course design, was to cut into approximately 3 1/2 acres of the ten acre commercial parcel located on the westerly portion of the subdivision. Obviously, since these properties are in different ownerships, and to make the entire project economically feasible, the provision of this extra recreational space of 3 1/2 acres needs to be made up for in some other manner. Otherwise, the project is not economically feasible. It is for this reason that we requested the additional three lots. Quite frankly, the three additional lots will not make up for a loss of three and a half acres of valuable commercial space upon which the driving range will now be situated, but it will enable the project to be completed. It is also felt that by providing an adequate driving range facility, a recreational opportunity can be made available to more of the residents of Ramsey, particularly in the youth golfing program which the developers very much want to establish. The ten acre commercial parcel would remain zoned in a commercial manner, but three and a half acres would be used for a commercial driving range owned and operated by the golf course, and open to the public. Therefore, the degree to which the density of the residential use may have increased is more than balanced by the degree to which the commercial.density has decreased. It has gone from ten acres to only about six and a half acres, over a one- third reduction in this density. We feel that this substantial reduction more than justifies the addition of three additional residential lots in the overall project and respectfully request the approval of the city of Ramsey and the Metropolitan Council to this rather modest change. Respectfully submitted, Wilbur F. Dorn, Jr.