Minutes - Planning Commission - 02/24/2022

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33 acres from the church. He stated that he visited the PACT website and there are a lot of plans on there for the future. He noted that this proposal would use up the entirety of the proposed site and asked where additional expansion would occur. Randy Bauer, representing the Church of Saint Katharine Drcxel, stated that developineiit fees are based upon the size of the lot developed. He noted that the church only needs 6.5 acres for the future improvements and therefore would propose to split the land in order to avoid payment of development fees on the entire parcel. He stated that the church does not know what the church may wish to do in 50 or 75 years. He stated that the church is in the middle of its capital campaign to move forward with its phase one plan and this land sale would assist in beginning construction in 2023. He noted that even the phase two improvements would fit within the 6.5-acre portion. He stated that the remainder of the land could not be sold, noting that approval has been gained from the archdiocese to sell the 18 acres in discussion tonight. He referenced the suggestion to sell the land to the City, noting that the church was in negotiations with the City for years related to expansion of Central Park and the City decided it did not need additional land. He stated that the church has also looked at selling to a developer, but developers have stated that 80-foot-wide lots would not be economically feasible and smaller lots would be needed to create a successful project. He stated that the church consulted the Council,and it was determined that the City would not support 55-foot-wide lots. He stated that the church never intended to maintain 33 acres and always intended to sell some of the western acreage to support its future needs. Josh Nyquist, PACT Charter School, thanked the Commission for its time and for the residents that came out to express their views. He stated that PACT is proud to have a waiting list of 500 students, many of which are Ramsey residents. He stated that the school emphasizes academic, character and parent involvement. He stated that parents are welcomed to be involved in classrooms and in the governance of the school. He stated that each year when the lottery is done, there are over 100 kindergarten students that cannot attend,therefore there is a need for expansion. He stated that in their enrollment growth plan they would like to double the attendance over the next four years. He stated that they would want to ensure that they are good neighbors to those that live in Ramsey while serving Ramsey residents. He commented that they viewed multiple sites in their search. He noted that the school is limited in what it can afford because it is not a typical public school and advised that this location also works because of the proximity to the existing campus. He noted that this would allow the school to create the programing and amenities that it would like to provide for its students. He noted that they would be open to the noise, light and traffic studies mentioned. Jason Patrow, 16209 Sapphire Street, stated that he has nothing against the school but does not believe this is the right area for it because of concerns for the traffic, utilities, and easements. He stated that he is also concerned with drainage to the north side of the property. He stated that wetland runs through his backyard and in the spring the water level creeps close to flooding into his home. He noted that the additional hardcover would cause additional water to flow in that direction as he did not notice a stormwater pond on the site. He stated that he also has concern with traffic flow. He stated that they moved to this area because it is quiet and peaceful with wildlife. He stated that after the Lennar development to the south, traffic has increased dramatically. He noted that the area around the park, is extremely congested for events and the game fair and was unsure how that area could handle more traffic. He was extremely concerned F Planning Commission/February 24, 2022 Page 10 of 26