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get across wetlands to provide another access to the west or east. He stated that they have <br />attempted to plan a development that would be sensitive to the environment and they reduced the <br />number of lots to decrease the density and number of vehicles on the road. He stated that they also <br />widened the road to accommodate the comments of the Fire Chief. He stated that the length of the <br />cul-de-sac is related to the shape of the property, preservation of trees and attempt to avoid <br />wetlands. He stated that any increase in the number of lots or road length would require a variance, <br />noting that would cover the concern that the lots would be further subdivided. He stated that they <br />are doing their best to limit the number of lots on the property and minimize impacts on the <br />wetlands and natural features. <br />Chairperson Bauer asked for information on what lies to the northeast. He asked if there is <br />undeveloped land in that area that could be acquired to extend the road. <br />Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that land is already privately owned and functioning as <br />residential property. <br />Chip Davids, 7730 178th Lane, stated that he has lived in his neighborhood since 1973 and it is a <br />quiet secluded place in Ramsey. He stated that the neighbors like the privacy and adding an access <br />through the park into that neighborhood would increase traffic by 200 percent, as it would create <br />a shortcut from CR 64 to CR 5 that people would use as a cut through. He would highly <br />recommend avoiding an access through the park as it is a beautiful area that is home to wildlife <br />and would be a detriment to the existing neighborhood. <br />Doug Hiltz, 7711 178th Lane NW, commented that the neighbors enjoy the privacy of the secluded <br />neighborhood which is quiet and peaceful and home to wildlife. He stated that losing the park <br />would be a detriment to the neighborhood and the wildlife that use that area. He did not want to <br />see a connection through the park. <br />Chairperson Bauer referenced the larger lots proposed on the northern end and possible future <br />subdivision of those lots. He commented that if there is not a second connection the only way to <br />do that would be to request a variance for a longer cul-de-sac, therefore it would seem further <br />subdivision could be limited by not issuing an additional variance. <br />Senior Planner McGuire Brigl noted that additional language could be added to the Preliminary <br />and/or Final Plat stating that additional subdivision requests would need to come before the City <br />Council. <br />Chairperson Bauer noted that formal action from the Commission is not required tonight but any <br />concerns and comments should be raised before the applicant invests additional funds into this <br />process. <br />Commissioner Walker commended the developer for limiting the number of lots and keeping the <br />rural feel of Ramsey in this area. He stated that he would prefer to leave the park and not provide <br />the second connection. He stated that he likes that the developer chose larger lots at a lesser <br />number in order to fit with this area of Ramsey. <br />Planning Commission/ April 8, 2021 <br />Page 13 of 18 <br />