Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/05/2000

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Mr. Nieto inquired as to how many gas stations the City needs. He stated that the developers want that location because there is now a stop light, but it will also back up traffic trying to mm from Xkimo Street onto T.H. #47. Also if the gas station is allowed it will light up the entire area at night as well as reduce the value of their homes. He stated that he heard the statement that adding another gas station will keep gas costs down, but it is not worth the additional traffic and increased safety concerns. Jerry Salmonson, 5081 143rd Lane NW, Ramsey, stated the he does not understand why the City would want to rezone the comer lot when there is an existing vacant gas station a couple blocks down. Chairperson Nixt replied that location is probably significant to the applicant. Jerry Salmonson inquired as to why the City needs so many gas stations in such a small area. Mike Cofield, 5080 Xkimo Court NW, Ramsey, stated that his home will be directly behind the gas 'station. His home is already lit up by the lights from the intersection of T.H. #47 and Xkimo Street to the point that he can have all the lights off in his home at night and still read the newspaper. This will only be worse if the gas station is approved. Joe Volavka, 5060 143rd Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that the other residents have addressed most of his concerns. He stated that he had checked on the property in August when he purchased his home and was informed that is was zoned B-1 and would not have purchased the home if it would have been B-2. Xkimo was also just designated as a bike path which will be a problem with the additional traffic created by the gas station. Michelle Olson, 5080 143~d Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that when she purchased her home six years ago they were told by the City that the and was zoned B-1 which would allow for a strip mall. With the proposed design of the accesses, the tanker trucks will not be able to get in and out of the gas station as well as the unloading of the gas is very loud. She stated that she was against the rezoning. Mr. Nieto stated that the general consensus of the residents in the area is that they are opposed to a gas station being constructed in that location. Ms. Olson inquired if the apartment complex was notified of the request for rezoning. Chairperson Nixt replied that according to the case report everyone within 350 feet of the proposed site was notified. Victor Sacco, Holiday Station stores, stated that he does not see traffic increasing in the cul-de- sacs because there will be no reason for the traffic to go down the cul-de-sac. The exit does not align with the cul-de-sac. He explained that gasoline sales is the only difference between a B-1 and B-2 zoning. The permitted uses of a B-1 zoning indicates convenience stores, but most Planning Commission/December 5, 2000 Page 11 of17 .