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Chairperson Nixt asked if the City had the ability to enforce their ordinances even if the DNR <br />approves of smaller lot sizes. <br /> <br />Principal Planner Trudgeon believes the City has that right. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt asked that City Staff confirm this option. He also asked that the impact of <br />having 15,000 square foot lots in the necessary areas of the development be determined. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer asked for clarification on the results of the meeting with the DNR. <br /> <br />Chet Harrison, representing the developer, indicated the DNR was mostly concerned about the <br />shoreline. He stated that the natural grade of the land at this time does not create any run-off <br />except in extreme storms. He indicated the ponds created will accomplish the same thing, and <br />the DNR was happy about that. He added that the DNR also wants sufficient greenspace, which <br />the sketch plan provides. <br /> <br />Principal Planner Trudgeon added that the DNR has taken into consideration that the <br />development is far from the Ordinary High Water point. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer asked what amount of greenspace the DNR required. <br /> <br />Principal Planner Trudgeon indicated 50 percent, to which Mr. Harrison indicated they could <br />meet those requirements. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson indicated that Principal Planner Trudgeon seems to be in favor of <br />approval, and asked for a more compelling reason to approve the use of smaller lots besides the <br />cost of land. <br /> <br />Principal Planner Trudgeon stated he was in favor of this development. He asked that the <br />Commission consider how they want Ramsey to develop. He stated that by consistently <br />following the requirements of ordinances you often end up with the same developments over and <br />over again, many times very uninspired developments. While it is uncomfortable to stray from <br />those ordinances, it is sometimes necessary to add creativity. This development has been coined <br />as new-urbanization which encourages socializing within the development by bringing structures <br />toward the sidewalk and streets rather than the backyard. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson indicated that all of the things mentioned could be accomplished with <br />lower density. He stated he needs more of a reason to approve the higher density. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt stated the Commission reviewed the ordinances and determined the density <br />maximums for single family homes. Now the Commission is being asked to forget those <br />maximums in the name of good development. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/January 2, 2003 <br /> Page 4 of 10 <br /> <br /> <br />