Minutes - Council - 06/14/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Olson concurred. Councilmember Elvig stated this is a challenging piece of property without any access to the south. He suggested if this project is approved the City should look at first right of refusal on the properties directly north of the cul-de-sac to provide access. This may be able to be done in phases with the City being proactive. City Administrator Norman indicated if the Council directs, staff could come back with a report on these access situations throughout the City and a program that would address the situations. Councilmember Elvig indicated he is reluctant to move forward on this project and create another issue unless some of these criteria can be set. City Attorney Goodrich advised findings of fact should be prepared if the Council is going to deny this project. City Administrator Norman advised the project that was just approved under Case No. 5 will not be able to go forward if this project is not approved, as the sewer and water was planned to go through this area. Bill Thistle, 15407 Old Nowthen Boulevard, expressed concem with the Council's action on Case No. 6. He questioned the basis on which the Council approved the PUD. He stated the dwellings on that property do not comply with the City's ordinance regarding townhomes. He stated he talked to representatives at Anoka County, who informed him there are two reasons to use a PUD. One is to encourage a developer to set aside land for parks. The second, which is outlined in the City ordinance, is to provide affordable mixed housing for seniors and lower- income families. These will be rich townhomes, and the City's ordinance is being violated. He stated this project is an effort by the developer to maximize the land. Mayor Gamec replied the City has followed the ordinance, and the City Attorney would advise them if they were not following the ordinance. Mr. Thistle stated no one is benefiting by Potassium Street except the two developers. The City is taking from the poor and giving to the rich. He stated there are other options in regards to Potassium Street, and he cannot believe the Engineering Staff has not looked at them. Once these projects are approved the residents have no recourse. At the Planning Commission meeting he stated there should be a transition zone between the Johnson property and this ten acre piece of property. He was informed by staff that it is not necessary if the development is in the MUSA, but it is clearly stated that there is supposed to be a transition zone. David Mott, 15425 Old CR 5, stated the actions of the City Council are opening up a possible lawsuit with Potassium Street. The Council does not care about the people that have lived here for 30 years, just for the developers that are coming in. Patrick Hampton, resident on Potassium Street, questioned the opposition to looking at the alternative of having the developer put a road out onto CR 5 to minimize some of the impact on City Council / June 14, 2005 Page 14 of 29