Minutes - Council - 07/22/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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coordination with the City of Anoka. He reviewed the consideration and recommendation of the Planning Commission that is consistent with staff's recommendation. Community Development Director Gladhill presented the anticipated timeline for the Study and anticipation the final Study will be presented to the Council early August, 2014. The Council considered the two alignments (frontage road and backage road) and asked questions of Community Development Director Gladhill. Community Development Director Gladhill explained that with a frontage road, the area was tight and would require right -of -way acquisition and necessitate retaining walls. He reviewed the proposed frontage and backage alignments, noting both impact opportunity for development. He reported that Lano Equipment has also voiced concern about the loss of outdoor storage space and how it fits within its long -term goals. Community Development Director Gladhill stated staff has discussed how a frontage road may preclude future Highway 10 improvements (i.e., additional lanes to increase capacity) and staff is holding that conversation with Mn/DOT. He stated staff has prepared land use concepts that indicate other options. Councilmember Backous stated he finds the Council has not yet received enough information to select an alternative but his priorities would be: 1. Highway 10; 2. existing businesses; and, 3. developable property. Mayor Strommen agreed that more information may be needed and asked about Mn/DOT's criteria. She shared the concern with precluding future Highway 10 improvements. Community Development Director Gladhill explained Mn/DOT had prepared several alternatives to address identified problems and improve traffic flow and safety on Highway 10. Mn/DOT is now looking for Ramsey to make a decision, and vice versa. Since either alternative meets that goal, Mn/DOT would agree with either. With regard to the need for additional information, Community Development Director Gladhill stated Lano Equipment did not indicate preference for either alternative but it is clear they have concerns and want to also consider the option for relocation. Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed comments received from residents and indicated other businesses have not formally opposed either alternative but the automotive use may support the frontage road. Mayor Strommen stated the frontage road seems more efficient with land use, keeps businesses oriented toward the highway, creates clear impression of how to access the businesses, and creates distance from residential uses. Her concern is whether it forecloses future opportunity with respect to Highway 10. Community Development Director Gladhill stated this will become the vision of Highway 10 and he thinks there will be resistance to adding Highway 10 capacity in this location. He stated Village Bank has been very accommodating of this process even while they have submitted a project application. Councilmember Backous stated a third alternative is to not select either one. He stated this request came forward because of a residential development request. City Council / July 22, 2014 Page 4 of 8