Agenda - Council - 07/12/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, alon. g with a subdivision request, would allow the applicant to develop the property with single-family homes served by Sanitary sewer and municipal water. Associate Planner Geisler stated that on April 26, 2005, the City Council adopted an Interim Policy for proposed land use changes that are requested prior to the completion of the Comprehensive Plan update later this year. She reviewed the interim policy, noting it addresses traffic impacts, the CommunitY's expenditures for new or additional services, existence of environmentally sensitive resources, the potential of the parcel containing a greenway corridor or open space area, proof of sewer and water capacitY, and density transitioning: Associate Planner Geisler stated Staff is recommending approval'of the request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment based on Staff's interpretation of the criteria listed in the Interim Policy. She noted that the Metropolitan Council Staff is also .supportive of the CitY processing comprehensive plan amendments to accommodate immediate requests for services and advised the City to submit the'major Comprehensive Plan rewrite this fall when regional systems plans are updated. Citizen Input Steve Rick, 16261 St. Francis. Boulevard, asked if this action would allow sewer and water to be brought to the area by adjusting the MUSA boundaries. Associate Planner Geisler indicated it would. Mr. Rick stated he has the same issues here that the other residents voiced over the last two developments. He indicated he moved to Ramsey three years ago for peace and quiet. He stated this development is proposing 92 new homes. He stated the concern is saturation and traffic issues. He commented that Highway 10 to St. Francis Boulevard is already difficult at 5:00, and adding 92 more homes .will add a lot more cars. He indicated he is not opposed to change, but there are a lot of wetlands back here, that he enjoys along with the deer on his property and the rabbits and even the bats in his attic. He stated he bought a 135 year old farmhouse because he wanted to restore it and make it took original, but. he does not want it to look out of place. He indicated he loves wide oPen spaces and the wildlife, and thinks if they put 92 houses on this property it will be a tragedy. Commissioner Levine agreed Highway 47 has gotten worse over the last five years. He' asked if there was any State work planned t° improve it. City Engineer Jankowski indicated there is a project scheduled for later this summer, but the majority of it is in Anoka. He stated there will be some bypass lanes, and mill and overlay. He indicated there will be some modifications in Ramsey at 142nd Avenue including lengthening the turn lanes, with a free fight turn at County Road 5. He added there would be a bypass lane at 157th and the hump will be removed at 167th. He noted Staff has ongoing discussions with the State transportation department. -32- Planning Commission/June 2, 2005 Page 12 of 22