Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/06/2019

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Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the Council discussed the difference in impact between 12 and 14 lots for those adjacent to the development. He stated that additional units are not being added adjacent to existing residential, as those lots are more internal to the site. He stated that some of the Councilmembers were hesitant to support 14 lots but wanted to have additional input from the public. He stated that it would be reasonable to consider perhaps 13 lots, which would eliminate the need for a variance. He explained that the Council supported 14 lots for discussion and finding additional details. He stated that the Council was interested in the rational if 12 lots are supported, as the impact to the neighborhood would not be different. Commissioner VanScoy asked if the potential access from Highway 10 made a difference. City Planner McGuire Brigl explained that because that was able to be removed, the lot should be able to meet the 50-foot standard. Commissioner Anderson stated that he does not like the idea of 14 lots as he believed that is too big for the neighborhood. He also did not think City money should be spent on the clean-up. He stated that he would like to see the cul-de-sac eliminated but recognized that there is no way to connect to another roadway. He did not believe that this project as proposed is suitable for the neighborhood. Commissioner Woestehoff asked if there has been input as to whether this application would continue under R-1, if the rezoning to R-2 is denied. Mr. Kveton replied that the project would not be financially feasible to develop under R-1. He explained that even with 14 lots, the bank would still not make its money back. He explained that the site needs to be cleaned up and he believed that this would be the best option with the existing neighborhood. Commissioner VanScoy commented that in other situations where there is a transition from R-1 to industrial areas, the City has considered higher density residential as a transition and therefore he does not see this proposal as unacceptable. He understood the concerns of the residents but noted that there has been a significant attempt to work on that transition between R-1 and R-2. He stated that the contamination has to come out and is a significant concern. He stated that activity needs to be funded somehow and the community has a responsibility to public safety, not just for Ramsey but for the surrounding communities as well. He stated that he does not see a difference in 14 lots compared to 12. He noted that the issues he had previously (clear cutting, buffering, transitioning) have been addressed. He stated that he is concerned about the fact that the Mississippi Trail goes down an existing street but acknowledged that is not a part of this application. He stated that he would support the proposal. Chairperson Bauer suggested that the Preliminary Plat be considered first, as the variances would not be applicable if the plat is not approved. Planning Commission/ June 6, 2019 Page 11 of 21