Minutes - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Deputy City Administrator Gladhill replied that the distance would be between one mile to 1.5 miles. He stated that a pedestrian trail would be required along the roadway. He noted that the playground is a school recreation facility, although it can be used by residents during non-school hours. He stated that there was originally a park planned for the Brookside neighborhood that never came to fruition, therefore there is a desire/need for a park in this area. Councilmember Menth stated that it has been mentioned that the school made plans for this growth but noted that the statement was also made that the Ramsey schools are full. He noted that his own son was bused to school in Anoka because Ramsey did not have sufficient space. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill replied that the Anoka Hennepin referendum that was passed, Fit for the Future, had the intent that between the schools in Ramsey there would be room for additional students as the City grows. Acting Mayor Riley opened the floor for resident comment, noting that most, or all, of the Councilmembers watched the Planning Commission public testimony and discussion. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that comments could be taken now for both cases, as the residents will have similar requests that could apply to both requests. Jeff Uecker, 17121 Variolite Street, commented on the current adjacent property uses compared to the proposed 55-foot-wide lots. He stated that in his time in Ramsey they have watched the City grow through development. He stated that it would be a big change to increase from what was a rural preserve to a residential development with more than the anticipated zoning use. He commented that this proposal simply creates additional profits for the developer. He stated that this development will negatively impact the wildlife that currently enjoy the area. He asked the City not to approve the request in zoning or increased density. He encouraged the City to require a density buffer. Brian Walker, 17289 Variolite Street, thanked the planning staff for their professionalism throughout this process in responding to his inquiries. He stated that there are over 400 signatures on the Change.org petition, acknowledging that it is not a perfect document but was the best people could work with during the current conditions. He stated that every planning document on the City website acknowledges the rights of the residents to be involved and considered when making plans that impact their lives and properties. He stated that the flowchart on the website places the residents on top, with the Council reporting to the citizens. He stated that residents have articulated their objection to the rezoning of this property and the Hunt property, with the main concerns related to traffic and the impact on wildlife habitat and the rural character of the area. He stated that there are concerns with the added pressure this large development would place on City public safety services and infrastructure. He stated that the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan states the goal of a balance between rural character and urban growth and did not believe placing this amount of density in an area that requires one acre lots would be consistent with that goal. He stated that one acre lots would better fit with the existing residential development. He asked the Council to vote against the requests for this property and the Hunt property and to instead rezone these properties to allow a minimum of one-acre lot size. City Council / May 26, 2020 Page 10 of 16