Minutes - Council - 09/11/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Eric Ness, 15390 Ute Street NW, Ramsey, requested that there be some type of transition from a 2.5 acre lot to the new development. He suggested having larger lots adjacent to the 2.5 acre lots and then a higher density in the middle. Mark Barrett, 5221 155th Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that he appreciated the Council for reconsideration of the issue and opening the discussion up to the public. He presented a map of the entire area identifying the existing streets out of the current development showing the limited egress from the existing development and showing a good reason why the stem to 155th should not occur. He stated that 155th Lane is a street that has no curbs, no sidewalks, and no lights and the park is located in the area as well. Mr. Barrett stated that the Fire Chief has indicated that it is important to have access into and out of the development, but he does not see that any emergency vehicle would take a convoluting turn to get into the area, they would take a more direct route. He stated that there is no justification for the connection at 155th Lane. There are many neighbors that are concerned for the serenity of their neighborhood, but that is not what he is arguing for. He is arguing for the safety of their children. Mr. Barrett stated that the life of one individual is more important than making a connection at 155th Lane. If there is a need to make access to the park then there should be a parking lot, but not a through street. He stated that there are visibility issues that are not depicted on the map. Before making any decisions he requested that all Councilmembers visit the site to understand what he is talking about. He strongly recommended that any plan that is considered be amended to close off 155th Lane so that it is not a through street, simply for the safety of the children. Gary Martz, 5200 - 155~' Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that he sent a letter to the City addressing many of the same concerns that Mr. Barrett had addressed. He expressed that the children are the most important issue. He recommended that 155th Lane be closed off or only allow emergency access. Mr. Martz thanked Centex Homes and the Council for considering the change. Jon Enstrom, 8702 - 181st Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that one issue that has been ignored is that the City is concerned about the taxes. He inquired as to what additional costs will be placed on the City by having all the proposed cul-de-sacs. The residents should have been aware of the future through streets. If the people don't want through streets they should be assessed for the additional cost the City will incur for snow removal on all the cul-de-sacs. He noted the additional miles the school buses will have to travel if all the roads in the development are cul- de-sacs and if the children want to play with other children they will have to go all the way around the subdivision because there will be no through streets. People knew there were going to be through streets years ago. Brent Smith, 15620 Yakima Street NW, Ramsey, stated that they expected to have approximately 40 homes behind them, because the land was platted as one acre lots. He stated that he would be happy to pay for the roads to be cul-de-sacs, with the proposed density. Any rescue vehicles that would come into the development would do so from the south. He stated that he was in favor of all roads in the development being cul-de-sacs except for the accesses from 153rd Avenue, but currently there are no kids that play at the park on 155th Lane and cul-de- sating 155t~' Lane would drive more traffic to Yakima Street. City Council/September 11, 2001 Page 5 of 23