Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/04/2001

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Citizen Input John Freeburg, 6366 Riverdale Drive, Ramsey, said he talked to Mr. Bulow about this. He said in his opinion, the options do not sound desirable. He said when the gas station when in, he talked with City Engineer Jankowski regarding the stray light from the business. He also talked to the owner of the business and the business owner did come up with some solutions though there is still too much light. The development Mr. Bulow is proposing would help provide a buffer to this light. He added that there has been no objections from the neighbors to this project. Chairperson Nixt inquired what the character is of this acreage. Commissioner Johnson replied this half acre is the only parcel that has not been developed with commercial uses. He added that he is in favor of Mr. Bulow's project. Chris Bulow, 10444 95th Street, Otsego, stated he held a neighborhood meeting and had 10 to 15 people in attendance. He said he presented the options of having businesses such as a drive- through pizza delivery, small fast food restaurant, and that Amoco is interested in this parcel. He said that everyone at the meeting seemed to be in favor of higher density residential use. He noted that high density residential is generally built very near to a business scenario. This would act as a buffer. He said it is low density on the other side of Riverdale. He also explained that this property has been in his family for almost 40 years. He noted that all the businesses were there when he was growing up. Commissioner Johnson questioned why this item is on the agenda. According to the staff report, the consideration of the project without a preliminary site plan conflicts with the code. Community Development Director Frolik explained that per the Planning Commission's last meeting, Mr. Bulow met with the DNR. He resubmitted the same sketch plan. As Staff worked through it, they realized there were some issues on the PUD that the City cannot commit to. This item was already on the agenda. She advised to pursue the issue of a land use change in the comprehensive plan first. Neither the rezoning nor sketch plan should be considered at this point. If Mr. Bulow gets the commitment from the City' Council that they are willing to consider the change in land use, then he should draw up a plan with more details. Chairperson Nixt stated he felt it was appropriate to give Mr. Bulow direction. Commissioner Johnson suggested this item be continued until the next meeting. Commission Business Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Chairperson Nixt, to continue the public hearing and the Request to Rezone Property from B-1 Business to Planned Unit Development until the next Planning Commission meeting. Planning Commission/October 4, 2001 Page 10 of 16