Ramsey Twp Comp Plan July 73 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Residential Neiqhborhoods Residential development in Ramsey Township is divided among fourteen proposed neigh- borhood areas plus land which has been designated as agricultural. While most land in Ramsey is capable of safely providing both private wells and sewage disposal fields on one acre parcels, the Township ultimately will be required to 'extend complete utility services to all urban development. The distinction between residential and agricul- tural uses represents a recommended delay for urban development in certain areas rather than presuming that this land is better suited for crops and livestock. If Ramsey continues to follow the present "shot gun" approach to development, utility services wilt be much more difficult to provide. An approximation of platted land within the proposed residential neighborhoods sugge.sts that at least 75% of designated residential land remains available for urban development. A significant population increase would therefore appear to be necessary prior to adding more areas to the proposed residential land. As currently proposed, all of the recommended neighborhood development areas are contained within School District I1. This should help to minimize confusion among residents about the origin of various community services. Because of the lack of utility serwces, the Township Board is reluctant to encourage medium and high density development. The neighborhood areas indicated in the plan therefore represent average densities with single families on one acre lots until sewer and water facilities become available. These parcels may be converted to one half acre lots following the extension of services. It is suggested, however, that certain areas of the Township would be particularly suitable for apartment construction. Areas bordering the proposed greenbelt system, especially those near the proposed school sites and community commercial centers, could be adapted to cluster developments as an induce- ment to keep the low areas free from development. Planned Unit Developments are a sensible approach to the,preservation of open space in addition to varying the housing choices within the community. The areas which have a high water table, if developed as a typical residential subdivision, would require extensive grading and rec.onflitioning to create buildable lots. In contrast, the planned developments would be clustered on buildable lands leaving untouched marshes and slope areas as a setting for various apartment and townhouse developments. The greater density of development within the cluster can be offset by the marshes. This type of development also would preserve the spacious character of the landscape. '- The Town Board has recommende~ a maxin~um density of less than 10 units per acre after sewer and water become available in the low density areas. It is likely that the proposed medium density areas will accommodate developments of approximately twenty five units per acre. I I I I I I I I I ! I The residential neighborhoods are divided among three general community areas served by separate elementary schools, recreation areas and a small shopping center, The first such community ~s situated west of Ramsey Boulevard and east of Puma Street between Trott Brook and the industrial park. It contains much of the existing popula- tion as well as the many proposed subdivision plats. The second community has been I I