Minutes - Council - 03/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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in 40 acres to 4 in 1 acre because it ignores the density ordinance. He noted the developer said he was trying to spread density throughout the development so he could build larger homes. The developer said he lives on a large lot and his partner is also interested in living on a large lot in Ibis development. Mr. Uecker stated it is interesting to him that the developers are taking away ti'om Ramsey residents what they want for themselves. He stated if this is approved, the Comprehensive Plan is null and void and the City will never be able to say "no" to anyone again. Mr. Uecker encouraged the Council to get more input from residents before deciding on their l'uture. Mr. I.es Webb, 15540 Traprock Street, noted the Planning Commission voted against the amcndmcnt and for the site plan and the majority did not think opening Traprock was necessary. 1 te presented pictures of Traprock Street to the Council and asked them to visualize traffic from 165 homes using Traprock Street. Mr. Chuck Hedstrom, 7100 166th Avenue NW, stated his concern is with the south exit of the t~ext case under consideration. He stated he wants to speak now because to wait one-half hour won't do much good. He stated he moved to Ramsey about 10 years ago to a beautiful 7.5 acre lot on 166th Avenue that has a combination of swamps (wetland), woods, and meadow. He stated he Iovcs the property and setting and City staff had said it was their intention to maintain large lots in this area of Ramsey, Traprock, the Gun Club, and the area he lives in. He stated he came to Ramsey for large property, privacy, and the secluded nature of their home. He stated he will be able to maintain the secluded nature of his home because he can plant a lot of trees and won't have to look at homes less than 100 feet from his house. Mr. Hedstrom restated that Ramsey staff assured him many times that they would maintain 4 in 40 density in rural areas like he lives in. Mr. Hedstrom stated developments are a huge change in the nature of Ramsey and the consideration tonight is to take a rural community, semi-rural community, and virtually turn it into city. That is what is being voted on and he hopes the Council will carefully consider what R.amsey has been. He noted many here tonight have stated they live in Ramsey for the opportunity to have acreage, to not be inundated with a home every 250 feet. He stated he would like the Council to maintain the integrity of the Ramsey community and not approve the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hedstrom suggested the Comprehensive Plan is the way that Ramsey and every other city in the State determines a planned, logical, and financially feasible pattern of growth. Gail Graw, 7930 - 161~t Avenue, stated she purchased in Ramsey because that's the type of area she wanted to live in. She suggested the area cannot support the number of homes being considered to be built and she is concerned that beginning the expansion will run away as it has in [~ake Ehno and Woodbury. Dick Church, 6900 - 169th Avenue NW, stated the concern is that we wait to approve an amendment until after MPCA approval related to the St. Anthony Gun soil and ground water ~x)ntamination. Ms. Lynn Cole, 6951 - 168th Avenue, stated she has lived for in Ramsey for 16 years and her husband has lived in Ramsey for over 30 years. She stated they are not against expansion but City Council / March 22, 2005 Page 15 of 38