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development and 80 foot wide lots around the exterior. He stated that there has been interest and <br />a desire for smaller lots within the City. He commented that the Riverstone development he lives <br />in has smaller lots and there is a high demand for those smaller lots. He noted that the Riverstone <br />development, however, is bordered by other uses that fit better with that type of use. He stated <br />that the subject property is bordered by developments with 80-foot-wide lots or lots of over one <br />acre and therefore the City Council was not open to development of lots any smaller than 80 feet <br />wide. <br /> <br />Commissioner Johnson stated that he supports the direction of the City Council and does not see <br />a reason the zoning should be changed. He noted that there are other areas of the City zoned for <br />smaller lots. He stated that many residents spoke in opposition of this request and he believes that <br />the Planning Commission should support those voices of the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Anderson also agreed and commented that 80-foot-wide lots should be considered <br />the minimum lot size because of the larger lot sizes in this area. <br /> <br />Commissioner Woestehoff stated that he would not disagree that the lots should be 80 feet wide <br />but was a little disappointed that the Council did not want to compromise at all. He noted that <br />given that information though, he would support the decision of the Council to require, at <br />minimum, 80-foot-wide lots. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gengler stated that she would like to advocate for some flexibility. She understood <br />that this is designated as a single-family residential area, but as time and consumer demands evolve <br />and change, it would be wise to have the best mix of housing for current and potential Ramsey <br />residents. She stated that she does not have an issue with having a small mix of 65 foot lots in the <br />interior of the development but also understood that she is in the minority and that the Council has <br />provided its direction. <br /> <br />Commissioner VanScoy stated that he supported requiring 80-foot lots to begin with as there was <br />a lot of thought put into the transition between the urban and rural areas. He stated that it is his <br />understanding that the City Council considered all three options and chose to require 80-foot-wide <br />lots. He stated that he is concerned that something went to the City Council, a decision was made, <br />and yet this is back before the Commission for consideration again. He stated that from a process <br />perspective it seems odd to have this discussion again. He stated that he supports the City Council <br />decision and is not interested in rezoning in this area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she has heard the comment before that the market does not <br />have demand for 80-foot lots but noted that the lots continue to sell. She stated that people are <br />looking at Ramsey because of the rural character and will want the larger lots in this community. <br /> <br />Chairperson Bauer invited the developer to provide any comments. <br /> <br />Ben Schmidt, Excelsior Group, stated that he does not have much to add to the discussion tonight. <br />He stated that they did listen to the comments of the Planning Commission and City Council but <br />heard a little bit of a mixed message. He stated that the Commission seemed to be willing to look <br />at a mix of lots and therefore thought it would be appropriate to come back and see if there would <br /> <br />Planning Commission Worksession / July 9, 2020 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br /> <br />