Agenda - Council - 06/25/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-172- there is a few dry years and now there are houses. It is unwise to be cavalier about whether or not the lots are buildable. City Engineer Olson noted that the Barium Street issue was not an issue with a wetland, but was a pond that was created that limited the backyard space. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that when it rained, the runoff' caused significant erosion, which impacted the house. City Engineer Olson replied that there are not significant grade problems with the particular lots along the peninsula. Dave Putnam, Midwest Land Surveyors, explained that the lot in question is 38,900 square feet and presented the Council with a plan showing a home that would fit on the property and meet all of the City's setbacks. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if Mr. Putnam could guarantee that the home would not have water problems in the future. Mr. Putnam replied yes. He explained the work that was necessary to construct the existing homes on the westerly side of the peninsula and what would be required to build a home on the lot in question. Bruce Iverson, 14301 Neon Street NW, Ramsey, stated that from his perspective, they were there to assess the development as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan and its compliance. He did not believe that the development met the Comprehensive Plan pertaining to preservation of the environment, trees, health safety and welfare. In terms of the Comprehensive Plan, the Plan is for the people of Ramsey and policy makers and stafffor the City. He stated that it is the Council's job to make sure the development as proposed meets the Comprehensive Plan, that the residential growth blends in with the existing development, that the balance of the infrastructure and services minimize impact on existing neighboi'ho0ds, density should be relative to what is next door in all instances where future development may. occur adjacent to existing developments.' With regard to housing diversity, looking at a new development there has to be a consistent transition with future land use categories - goals for where people to live. The City currently does not have any tree preservation requirements or is there any stipulation on the development. He stated that he consistently hear the Council talking about the aspects of the new development but no discussion about the impact on the existing residents. Their jobs as Councilmembers is to adhere to the Comprehensive Plan. He presented a map of the surrounding developments showing the average lot size is .5 acre in size in comparison to the proposed development, which is ~A acre lots. He presented a view of the homes that are ~A acre lots in comparison to the lots that are ~A acre lots. Mr. Iverson proposed that the Council truly consider if the development meets the intent of the City's Comprehensive Plan. He also pointed out that Mr. Black has come back with a development that has reduced density, but has increased the density along the wetland area. Mr. Black has not worked with the residents even though the issues were brought forward six months ago. In spite of those requests, Mr. Black has come back with just the opposite. The original City Council/February 12, 2002 Page 20 of 33 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I !