Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/06/2017

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161/4 Chairperson Bauer discussed the approval process for this Planning Case and noted it was in proposal phase and the final approval would rest with the City Council. Chairperson Bauer questioned how the width of Trott Brook varied during heavy rain events or wet springs. Ms. Ladean explained Trott Brook was normally 12 to 20 feet in width but could reach up to 500 feet in width during the spring. Len Simon, 17349 St. Francis Boulevard, stated he owns 40 acres directly west of this proposed property. He commented on the history of his property and noted he had a natural amphitheater. He explained he purchased his property to preserve the amphitheater, which required the combining of four lots. He recommended the City maintain the 2.5-acre minimum for the lots sizes to ensure septic waste does not seep from one property to another. He believed this property was a gift from God and should be preserved. 11111&.- Juliann Simon, 17349 St. Francis Boulevard, shared the sentiments of the others who spoke previously. She expressed concern with the amount of traffic that would have to be accessing Highway 47 from a single access point. She understood the concerns that were raised by the Fire Department and cautioned the future homeowners on this. ' e encouraged the City to further investigate this development prior to r .royal. Diane Weber, 5450 173rd Avenue + ; stated she appr -d her secluded neighborhood and appreciated the 2.5 to 3-acre lot size minimum. She reed the City hold the proposed development to these standards. She questioned who would ing the proposed trail. She worried about the number of new wells and septic systems that wo., . be installed given the small lot size. She asked that the neighbors be made aware if low-income housing was being constructed. Lastly, she expressed concern with t e water runoff from the new development and feared how it would impact the creek and river. Mr. Simon suggested this piece of plikty be preserved and that a monumental act be taken. David Magnuson 13907 Bluebird Street in Andover, stated he was interested in building in Covenant Meadow. He discussed the history of the proposed development and explained the dream was for several friends to be able to build homes and live among their friends. He loved the nature surrounding th property. He reported the land would not be clear cut or stripped. His goal would be to do life wi friends while allowing the natural beauty of the land to remain. He stated if the City did not approve this proposal, he would have to pursue another parcel of land. Chairperson Bauer thanked Mr. Magnuson for this information. Tim O' Shaughnessy, 17201 St. Francis Boulevard, stated he owns 37 acres along the south side of the proposed development. He reported he was new to the City of Ramsey. He suggested the development allow seven homes and not eight. He recommended that the 15 acres not become a public park.