Agenda - Council - 03/12/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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! ! I I I I I I I I I I I told by Councilmember Hendriksen that if they wanted to build cracker box houses like the water tower site he would agree, but the Kurak's refused to place that type of development on the property because they wanted to do what was right for the neighborhood. Alena Hunter, 14628 Helium Street NW, Ramsey, stated that there are a lot of things on the land use map and they are only focusing on one landowner and the issue has become very personnel. The citizens of Ramsey that don't want higher density might wan to get behind the town center area because if they can develop into a mixed use area they can concentrate some of the higher density into that area instead of people's back yards. They would be able tc~ place the higher density along a major corridor where they could have more advantageous use of the commercial area. She stated that she has been in the City for 9 years in an urban area and does.not have a relative that can gain anything from selling land, but understand that landowners have a right. Not saying they need to be placing tow or medium density in any area, but she felt it was ridiculous to pick on one land owner especially when the higher densities can be placed in the town center area. She stated that she would like to see discussions focus on town center site because she felt that they could solve two problems by bringing .services into the City and keep high density out of people's back yards. Mr. Bertzyk stated that in the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan the Met Council suggested a population growth of 18 percent by the year 2008, which would not even account for their own children. James Ross, 6200 145t~ Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that in regards to parcel #10 he believes that the property owner has a right as a landowner to do what is best for them, but would like to see the integrity of the neighborhood to remain the same. Some of the discussions have become trivial and as adults he felt they can state their opinion without going to the he said she said argument. John Feges, Andover, MN, stated that he empathizes with everyone's concern regarding urban sprawl. He stated that everyone talks about community and community development, but they don't have strong imagery. To be open and fair with everyone people need to understand that everyone wants a good plan. He presented an example of a design of a cluster development that would save a large area of green space. He stated that people can't just focus on' density, but also need to consider how the land will be developed and the overall character of the development in relation to the area. Jamie Sharp, 7346 149t~ Avenue NW, Ramsey, expressed concern with the land use change requested by Bright Keys. He stated that he would prefer that the land use stay as single family residential. He also requested that his property be included in the MUSA expansion. He noted that his property is Lot 1 0fthe Pineview Addition. Ms. Hunter commended Chairperson Nixt for "taking the high road" on the meeting and keeping the personal issues out of the discussion. She stated that she wanted to address the school population issue. She explained that it has been a bit of a misnomer that high density brings in Planning CommissiOn Joint MeetinodJanuary 24, 2002 Page 10 of 15 -205-