Agenda - Council - 03/08/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2/22/22 TO: Brian McCann and Planning Commisioners RE: Home Occupation Permit(HOP)Amendment 6025 177'Lane NW Derek M Trout/Peacekeepers Upon recent complaints and notification about the proposed listed above Amendment, I wish to request the HOP Level II be denied and the original HOP Level I, dated 9/9/19 be revoked because of ongoing violations (over 365 days) and the City's vague and in adequate requirements: 1) Only Administratively done; 2) Residents were not notified by written notice; 3)No publication in the Anoka Union; 4) No Council review or approval. Basically, if residents hadn't complained to Code Enforcement, Mr. Trout would be continuing to operate a gun shop in a residential zoned area with ongoing violations that are against the original Level I HOP, and the requested Level II HOP. Mr. Trout only applied for the amended HOP after he received written notification from the City Code Enforcement Department in late January 2022. There has been absolutely no transparency in obtaining the HOP Level I Permit from Mr. Trout nor the City. I understand that Chloe McGuire and Bria Raines, recently resigned from the City, and are unavailable to answer questions regarding administrative approval and code violation citations. The only minimal requirement of a Low-level Home Occupation Permit is approval administratively by one City staff person (Chloe McGuire), provided there is "no exterior evidence of the business activity" (no business signage). BUT, we, as residents, feel gun sales of AR15's, etc., in our residential neighborhood is a big deal. Total Defense, already exists,just 10 blocks away on 167'Avenue, in an actual Commercial zoned district. They acquire, ship, sell, certify, and provide classes and a shooting range, all in one place. The residents of our RESIDENTIAL zoned development moved here under the understanding that it is zoned residential, not Commercial, a safe place, and not to mention any possible drop in market value. This is a neighborhood full of young children walking, playing, riding bikes past Mr. Trout's business, in plain sight of guns and merchandise visible throughout the day being transferred into vehicles and the pole barn. I would also like to note that in 2019 the City Council also approved resolutions for a horse barn, stables, riding arena, and future children residential overnight camp stays within 750 feet of this property (17920 St. Francis Blvd.). Their entrance access will also be thru the 177'Lane NW's entrance. The statements above should be easily proven by his own videos, statements on Facebook, statements in HOP applications, and further validated by residents in the development. At this time I ask that the requested HOP Amendment, and both Alternatives 1 and 2, be denied and that the original HOP Level I revoked.