Minutes - Planning Commission - 02/06/2003

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Principal Planner Trudgeon indicated the property owners would own it. Commissioner Johnson asked if Mr. Wirz took 50 percent of his land and said he was going to keep this for his tree farm, would that satisfy the requirement. Principal Planner Trudgeon indicated it might, but the City has a say in what open space is considered, and there would be a concern about permanency. Chairperson Nixt asked if there were going to be common sewer and water, etc., there would need to be covenants on the property. He asked if additional covenants could be added to cover the 50 percent open space. Principal Planner Trudgeon indicated they could. Commissioner Johnson stated that from Mr. Wirz' point of view, in 30 years he might want to develop more when services were available. Mr. Wirz indicated that was correct, and that is what other cities did. Chairperson Nixt stated other cities have different ordinances. Mr. Wirz stated he used Dayton as an example because they are neighbors to Ramsey. He stated it took six to nine months to develop, but it works there. He indicated the 20 percent open space may be able to work. Commissioner Reeve stated there was a 75-foot easement, and asked if that could be used for part of the open space. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated the City does not want that land. Commissioner Johnson asked if it could be used as a factor for density. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated it could, but not for open space. Chairperson Nixt asked the Commission to provide direction, as this is an interesting concept. Principal Planner Trudgeon suggested Mr. Wirz come back with a sketch plan using the feedback provided. Commissioner Johnson indicated he would be interested in what the Met Council told Mr. Wirz, and asked Staff to get additional information from them. Mr. Wirz stated he understood about the open spaces, and asked about the other pieces of his proposal. Planning Commission/February 6, 2003 Page 24 of 26