Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/09/2015

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Presentation Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report stating the purpose of this case is to review the official Preliminary Plat prepared by G S Land, LLC for the redevelopment of the former municipal campus located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW as a 44-lot single- family residential development. It was noted each of the lots meet or exceed the City's residential lot requirements. The site is currently owned by the City of Ramsey, which has approved a Purchase Agreement to sell the site in two (2)phases to G S Land, LLC. It was noted the Commission has reviewed a previous sketch plan and approved a recommendation to rezone the property from Public/Quasi-Public to R-1, Residential (MUSA) and a land use change from Public/Quasi in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff explained that Fire Station No. 2 currently operates from the existing building on the site. The Final Plat will be proposed in two phases to allow the Fire Department to be located at 5650 Alpine Drive, adjacent to the site until the construction of a new Fire Station 2 is completed. It was noted that a temporary cul-de-sac would be needed and that a connection to Nowthen Boulevard would not be granted. The fill needs for Phase II were discussed. Staff reviewed the plat in further detail and recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat of Harvest Estates. Citizen Input Commissioner Bauer requested further information on the purchase agreement. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that the former municipal campus would be sold in two phases and Phase I would be sold in 2015. Chairperson Levine asked when the access to Nowthen Boulevard would be closed. Community Development Director Gladhill explained that the access point will remain open as long as Fire Station 2 remains open. After that time, the access point to'Nowthen Boulevard will be cut off and no longer be available. Commissioner Bauer saw no reason to eliminate this access point. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the Council had concerns with the cost of the local road connection. He reported that the overall safety of County Road 5 was also a concern. He explained that a study could be completed to address the safety of this roadway but would take a year to complete. He indicated that the Commission could make a recommendation to the Council regarding this access point. Commissioner Nosan expressed confusion why it would cost the City more money to keep the access point as is. Community Development Director Gladhill explained the local road connection would require maintenance, noting public road standards would have to be met. In addition, the City would Planning Commission/April 9,2015 Page 4 of 16