Laserfiche WebLink
I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />i <br />I <br /> <br /> I <br /> I <br /> I <br /> <br />I <br />i <br />I <br />I <br />i <br /> <br />May 28, 1996 <br /> <br />To: Ramsey Planning and Zoning Commission <br />Re: Proposed Vehicle Storage Code Changes <br /> <br />Since moving to Ramsey twenty-three years ago, I have seen the residential mix <br />change from ru;ral to suburban in the southern part of the city. Yet, many farms, hobby <br />farms and dwellings with acreage remain. We have a blending of cultures and <br />lifestyles. The l~eople that bought acreage in Ramsey are a diverse group that wanted <br />more space for various reasons. We have horse people, snowmobilers, gardeners, <br />Nordic skiers, birders, bikers, golfers, naturalists and a very large segment that are part <br />of the car culture. We all must live in harmony and be sensitive to each other's rights <br />and personal freedoms. <br /> <br />One zoning code for all size properties is not being sensitive to life-style differences <br />and needs. We have no right to tell Farmer Brown where he can store his old pickup; <br />or whether or ~ot he can save the old truck for his grandchild. We also should not be <br />telling parents that they aren't allowed to save a classic car to restore with a son or <br />daughter when~time and finances are right. If vehicles are discreetly stored out of sight <br />on acreage, there should be no prohibition. If you can't smell it, can't see it or can't <br />hear it, it should be left alone. We need to live and let live. Intolerance breeds <br />polarization and political extremism. <br /> <br />This is not an environmental issue, because saving and restoring an old car is more <br />environmentally friendly than crushing it. This is not a safety issue, because the types <br />of vehicles exempt from this code present equal safety concerns, if any exist. It boils <br />down to a difference in personal aesthetics. I may think my old car is <br />aesthetically 'above your pink flamingos, but I wouldn't want to take away <br />your right to have them. On one hand we should not permit random storage of <br />vehicles in front or on the sides of residences, however, on properties with acreage, <br />storage out of 'sight should be permitted. <br /> <br />As I drive through the cities of Anoka and Coon Rapids, which are both completely <br />urbanized, vehicles are parked on the grass behind dwellings and garages. Could it <br />be that these cities have more relaxed codes or are they having trouble enforcing <br />regulations? <br /> <br /> monson <br />5520 152nd Ave. N.W. <br />Ramsey, MN <br /> <br /> <br />