Agenda - Council - 07/14/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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be development at some point and therefore is not struggling as much as some residents may. He stated that across the neighborhood people are resistant of change but accepting that this is going to happen and are working collaboratively through this process. He stated that everyone loves the tree canopy and would like that characteristic to remain. He stated that the neighborhood has embraced the 12 homes that Capstone brought through the last development. He stated that the existing residents would like the characteristic to remain to the extent possible. He stated that related to the second access, the general consensus is that if the second access has to be there, they would accept it, but no one really wants it. He stated that the overwhelming resistance is against a full access road as they would like Bowers Drive to remain secluded. He stated that the two versions presented today seem to be acceptable. He stated that the most favorable orientation for Riverdale Drive would be to have the eastern most option. He stated that the residents do not want Riverdale Drive to come into Bowers Drive and change addresses. He appreciated Mr. Guck's comments related to tree preservation. He noted that 30 years ago that forest looked much different and continued to change. He commented that the inventory that was completed yielded some great information with very old growth trees that are a valuable amenity for the community. He stated that he would like to see as much of the tree canopy protected as possible, beyond a one -acre park. Councilmember Specht stated that this is a beautiful area of Ramsey and wants people to be able to enjoy that in a way that respects the residents and the forested area there. He agreed that the forest should be preserved to the extent possible and believed a play area would also be nice. Councilmember Heinrich stated that she supports the higher density being located near the solar farm as that is not the most desirable view. She stated that she supports the full connection, although she understands the sensitivities to the residents. She commented that public safety is the most important to her. She stated that if the City is going to ask the developer to preserve more trees, would the City then still ask them to build a park. She stated that she would lean towards leaving it as a natural area. She referenced the plan which has a change to the Highway 10 access point and asked if there is concern with the right-in/right-out option if the full connection is provided on the other end. Police Captain Frankfurth stated that there would be some concerns with a right-in/right-out option depending where it is on Highway 10. He stated that they would at least want a right in for public safety. City Engineer Westby commented that any time you can remove a median crossover would be a good thing and would be supported by MnDOT. He stated that a right-in/right-out typically does not prove to be a safety issue if there are not accesses in close proximity. Councilmember Riley stated that he favors larger lots, especially around the edge of existing homes. He commented that this would seem to be a good fit for smaller lots as well. He stated that in terms of street connection, a full street connection is preferable. He stated that whenever there is a discussion related to long cul-de-sacs, Bowers Drive is always mentioned. He stated that creating the second access would be an important connection and did not believe it would open up Bowers Drive as a cut through for the new neighborhood. He stated that there is already a 75-foot buffer discussed, which is larger than many of the lots that would be created. He stated that he is supportive of the direction that this is moving. City Council / June 23, 2020 Page 17 of 21