Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/26/2021

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Lonnie Gray, 17530 Nowthen Boulevard, commented that there is currently semi and other vehicle traffic traveling at high speeds. He stated that the traffic problem needs to be addressed before adding more homes in this area. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl confirmed that there is a traffic study currently being completed. Motion by Commissioner Peters, seconded by Commissioner VanScoy, to close the public hearing. A roll call vote was performed: Commissioner Peters aye Commissioner VanScoy aye Commissioner Gengler aye Commissioner Anderson aye Commissioner Walker aye Chairperson Bauer aye Motion Carried. Chairperson Bauer closed the public hearing closed at 9:14 p.m. Commission Business Commissioner Walker stated that in preparation for the meeting, he read 29 pages of minutes from the May 7, 2020 Planning Commission meeting. He stated that there was comment after comment about residents not being happy about these urban subdivisions coming into their rural area. He stated that Ramsey either needs to start protecting its rural areas or remove the mission statement from the Comprehensive Plan. He provided a letter from a resident on Variolite to be submitted for the public record. He commented that he was not a supporter of the Hunt or Makowski proposals during the first round. He noted that he has spoken with residents that have lived here for 30 or 40 years and not one of them can remember getting a letter about the rezoning of the Hunt or Makowski properties. He stated that Ramsey continues to say it will have a rural character, but it keeps shoving urban developments into the rural areas. He stated that he has sympathy for the residents that continue to voice their concerns only to be ignored by the Commissions, staff, and City Council. He stated that there is a flow chart within the budget documents that show that the staff and Council report to the residents of the community. He stated that over 400 people were ignored last year when they opposed this type of development. He hoped that everyone could come together to develop some sort of compromise. He stated that the residents that have lived in their property since 1978 do not want to wake up and see 77 homes sitting next to them. He stated that he cannot support a plat for this type of development if it is not supported by the residents. He stated that he will continue to be a voice for residents. Chairperson Bauer stated that the petition that came forward before was in opposition for the smaller lots, which was not approved, therefore they have listened to the residents. Planning Commission/ August 26, 2021 Page 16 of 26