Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/02/2006

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We the following groups of Ramsey Citizens residing in and around Erkium Street and 177th Avenue in Ramsey, MN do formally file the attached petition. We wish to express our deep concerns and disa=ozeement with the proposed project Shade Tree Creek (Phased coming before the planning and Zoning Commission for their reviewer on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. It is a matter of fact that this project would adversely impact not only the adjacent properties to the project, but also the entire surrounding region of the eastern Ramsey, north of Trott Brook. it is for the following masons that we respectfully request the denial of this project. 1. No density transifioding. Going fi-om one acre to 1/4 acre. 2. If the developer is receiving the benefits of the early opportunity that the clustering ordinance supplies, then it should be done in a way as to not adversely affect the traffic flows, drainage, environment, density transifioning and values of the surrounding area and properties. There should be a benefit to the City, the adjacent neighbors and the surrounding area. Tiffs project clearly does not benefit others except for the development. 3. This entire region should be master planned and should wait for the new comprehensive plan process of 2008 to be considered. This development raises serious questions of traffic flows, sewer capacities, density transifioning, engineered sewer plans, dmiuage within the region, park~ and trails and so on. 4. This project clearly adds to the length of the longest cul-de-sac in the City ofgamsey. This is against our own city ordinances and compounds a significant pmbtem of single access and more importantly health, safety, and welfare. 5. We do not believe that the use of cluster septic systems has been clearly and ' thoroughly del'reed or plarmed for use with Ramsey. Therefore we're opposed to having such a test zone in our back yards. Are all new residents to supply their own wells? What's to happen to these wells when city sewer and water are brought to the region? Who pays the cost of hook-ups? Who pays for the maintenance? 6. Each of the 10 homeowners that border this development would have approximately 3 homes to the rear of their lot. This would greatly diminish the value of their homes. 7. Shade Tree Creek"s for 16 homes on about 4 acre does not say what their plan is for the remaining 36 acres. This ratio per acre, would give you 160 homes on 40 acres. 8. Presently we have 36 homeowners that can only use Erkium Street to exit Riverwood Hills. Depending on how many homes Shade Tree expects to add, this will put an excessive amount of traffic on Erkium Street and could affect emergency traffic to this area and may need traffic controls on County 27 approach to Hwy 47 and County 7. This cluster development has the same density as a city, which has 16 exits and this cluster will only have one on Erkium Street. 9. Andover and other cities do not allow community septic systems or cluster homes in a rural area; Associations have little power to control these septic systems and should the ground water be affected or the septic system does not function, the problem goes back to the city. I0 Three homeowners have been trying to sell because of this proposed cluster development. If this parcel is to be developed, we request it be developed at a density comparable to non-sewered areas, in order to preserve the quality of Riverwood Hills and not destroy it.