Agenda - Council - 09/12/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Leslie Clark, 15150 Kangaroo Street, stated that when they purchased their property they did their research to determine the homes that would eventually be built behind them. She stated that Kangaroo Street has the least number of trees behind their property and the concern would be that she would see 4.5 homes behind her. She stated that she could envision two to three homes, which would be the 80-foot lot width, but did not want to see 4.5 homes behind her home as that would change the rural character of her home. She stated that while she likes the idea of trees or a berm that was suggested by another resident, she loves to be around people and the opportunity to meet new neighbors and therefore felt that a trail would be a great amenity. She stated that she would also want to see a park as there would be a lot of homes in that area without a park to play in. She stated that this would also put more pressure on the schools so she was glad to hear the presentation from Mr. Holden. She noted that her home is in the boundaries for Franklin Elementary in Anoka and therefore do not attend school in Ramsey. May Tafoya, Kangaroo Street, echoed the comments made by Val and Lonnie and urged the City not to change the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Strommen thanked the residents for their input tonight and throughout the process thus far. Kent Roessler, Paxmar, stated that they had the opportunity to meet the residents at the public meeting and are happy to meet some of their desires. He noted that it would not be feasible to build homes with 80-foot lots. He stated that they have a lot of experience and know what would work and what would not work. He stated that they have incorporated the concessions that the residents asked for at the public meeting into the revised plan except for making all the homes 80-foot lots. He stated that they decreased the density by 19 lots, extended the lot lines along the homes on Kangaroo Street to 80-foot lots and added the additional screening between those homes. He stated that they are here tonight to get the input of the Council before they invest more money into this process. He stated that if the Council is not interested, they would like to hear that now before they go further. Mayor Strommen stated that she would not want to cut off the conversation prematurely. She stated that the Comprehensive Plan looks at the big picture to infrastructure and roadways. She recognized the concern with traffic and the impacts on Highway 10. She stated that therefore the risks to changing the plan needs to be considered. She agreed with the comments regarding greenspace. She noted that with this many families there needs to be places close to home for those kids to play rather than expecting families to get in the car to travel to a bigger park further away. Councilmember Shryock stated that through the planning process she always appreciates everyone being able to comment. She noted that the residents have been great stepping up and Paxmar has been listening to find something that everyone can live with. She was confident that they would be able to find something that everyone will like in the end. She agreed that keeping communication open would be important. City Council / August 22, 2017 Page 11 of 15