Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/03/2021

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Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that it would sound that the cul-de-sac would need to be extended in order to support that. She stated that properties would also require road frontage and could not be landlocked. She commented that situation would require a variance. She confirmed that type of request would need to go through a similar process to this. Joe Bailey, representing the applicant, commented that they have discussed the possibility of connecting through to the neighboring development but that would require going through City park and connection to the east there is a wetland. He stated that they are working to minimize the impacts to the wetlands in this area. He stated that the larger two properties to the north could be further divided in the future but as noted by staff that would require additional variance. Chairperson Bauer commented that there is concern from public safety related to the length of the cul-de-sac and asked if there are any other options to address that. Mr. Bailey commented that they are limited on access to the site without disrupting adjacent properties. He stated that the Fire Depailiuent was concerned with the width and therefore they have agreed to increase the width of the roadway. He stated that the access from 175th is currently very narrow and therefore there are not options to add a secondary access. Todd Olin, representing the applicant, commented that they have looked at a number of variations for the site and this proposal balances the road width, number of lots, wetland impacts and preservation of natural features. He stated that they received input from the neighbor to the west requesting that the corridor to the west be protected. He stated that it would be very difficult to get across wetlands to provide another access to the west or east. He stated that they have attempted to plan a development that would be sensitive to the environment and they reduced the number of lots to decrease the density and number of vehicles on the road. He stated that they also widened the road to accommodate the comments of the Fire Chief. He stated that the length of the cul-de-sac is related to the shape of the property, preservation of trees and attempt to avoid wetlands. He stated that any increase in the number of lots or road length would require a variance, noting that would cover the concern that the lots would be further subdivided. He stated that they are doing their best to limit the number of lots on the property and minimize impacts on the wetlands and natural features. Chairperson Bauer asked for information on what lies to the northeast. He asked if there is undeveloped land in that area that could be acquired to extend the road. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that land is already privately owned and functioning as residential property. Chip Davids, 7730 178th Lane, stated that he has lived in his neighborhood since 1973 and it is a quiet secluded place in Ramsey. He stated that the neighbors like the privacy and adding an access through the park into that neighborhood would increase traffic by 200 percent, as it would create a shortcut from CR 64 to CR 5 that people would use as a cut through. He would highly recommend avoiding an access through the park as it is a beautiful area that is home to wildlife and would be a detriment to the existing neighborhood.