Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/16/2004 - Special Meeting

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okay. He indicated he is just saying if there is something they can look at to see what works and what does not along railroad tracks it may be worthwhile to check out. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated they have had some discussion on this. He stated there was the possibility of senior housing going closer to the tracks, which could be problematic. He stated there will not be a lot of things facing the tracks; many of the buildings will back up to the tracks. Vice Chair Johnson indicated it is not necessarily bad. He stated he lives a small distance from tracks and he does not think housing is that bad once you move a short distance away, but as you get real close it could be an issue. Commissioner Shepherd asked if they have any guidelines or standards for vibration and noise. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated he is not aware of any particular standards, but they may need to have some things in place for that. Commissioner Watson asked what Staff's feeling is on using words like 'encourage and discourage'. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon stated it is an attempt to be flexible. He indicated they could use 'not allowed' or 'must be', but if they do that they may want to put the requirement in the zoning code instead. Commissioner Brauer indicated he had the same comment when they were discussing 'should' or 'will'. Dave Elvig, 17201 Tungsten Street NW indicated he is also a City Council member. He stated he was watching on TV, and wanted to comment on the rail commission and what is going on. He indicated he wants to make sure it is clear Ramsey is not in competition with Anoka. He stated a feasibility study was done for Ramsey and it came back very favorable, but there has never been a conversation we would win a rail site and Anoka would lose a rail site. Mr. Elvig indicated he is sure the rail commission will say some cities are ready and some are not, so what they in Ramsey in trying to say is that Ramsey is ready, and he feels they have a good stance to do that. Vice Chair Johnson stated he is very comfortable with developing it as a Park and Ride, which is very consistent with a station coming in, but offers an alternative. Mr. Elvig agreed, stating it is very important in their planning to look at options. He indicated they wanted a way to get in and out quickly whether it is a Park and Ride or whatever it is. He stated he just wants to be careful politically that they do not give the impression they are in competition with Anoka or anyone else. Planning Commission/June 16, 2004 Page 13 of 15