Agenda - Council - 06/27/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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' Councilmember4Beyer then suggested that the statement that pertains to all criteria being met is not true. Councilmember �Simmerman voiced that this plat is out of step with the neighborhood He stated he is not io' favor of this development and that 2.5 acre density would be appropriate. Beth Mitchell, 8500 - 176th Lane N.W., Ramsey, inquired of Council why they moved to the City of Ramsey. ' Mayor Hardin riplied for open spaces, a good quality area, access and proximity to the Metro Area. ' Ms. Mitchell su' arized Mayor Hardin's comments as meaning safe, private, beautiful and affordable. he added that when you develop in a manner - less than 2.5 - 3 acre lots, what's in it for �e City? She suggested that if it's lower taxes, she hasn't noticed that. She added that she's paying for a new road - so she's not getting that from taxes already ' paid. The Polic force is not big enough and schools will only hold enough students for developments , y done. She reiterated she is not sure what the benefit is of building as many houses as possible. Mr. Schroeder skated it is incumbent upon City government to plan for use of its land masses in an app�ropriate fashion. Cities like Ramsey, Andover and Dayton will develop. The Planning C mmission, Park and Recreation Commission, Economic Development Commission an the City Council are all hereto provide for proper planning for the community. In lome places, a lot of folks think that means large lots, open spaces and minimal serviced. Development pressures have been on the City of Ramsey since at least 1970 and will c t s tinue in the future. We need to provide for proper planning of these pressures. We e to think of the most efficient and best long -term development for the City. The City conducted extensive studies on urban versus rural development. Mr. Schroeder stated at the Metropolitan Council has stated on numerous occasions, that rural development is nhore expensive than urban. What the City gets - it's not what the City gets but instead that 49, e City should provide for the development that will occur. Owners of property have a ht to provide for the highest and best use of their property, by law. This proposal meets criteria. Ms. Mitchell inquired where the development pressure comes from I Mr. Schroeder replied from people who want to move here and find parcels of property. Ms. Mitchell stated that just because someone wants to live here doesn't mean we have to find a place for tiem. There are a lot of places already here. She reiterated that she is not sure the City adtually gets more money. She added that if someone wants to live somewhere that $oks like Brooklyn Park, they should move there. Mr. Schroeder su►mised that 25 years ago, 2,000 people lived here and maybe they should have made that same statement. Ms. Mitchell stated we are getting enough people here. Mr. Schroeder inquired when the "door should be slammed shut ". City Council /April 25, 1995 y Page 13 of 23