Agenda - Council - 04/25/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-34- Vice Chairperson Johnson stated that the other side of the story is the property owners with ten or fifteen acres are saying that is their retirement fund, and they want to develop. Ms. Sigler indicated that traffic noise in this area is terrible, and she knows it must be a concern for the police. She stated that no one is arguing with one-acre lots, but looking at the map, this is ridiculous. She indicated that they are making lots smaller than south Minneapolis. Vice Chairperson Johnson commented that tonight they are only looking at 31 lots. Ms. Sigler stated that no one here tonight is looking only at what will be done tomorrow; they are looking at the big picture. She indicated that there is no reason justifying this except money. Jean Jackson, 17251 Armstrong Boulevard, asked how the cluster ordinance even gets to the table for discussion. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained the background on the cluster ordinance, starting with the City Council seeing two and a half-acre lots trying to develop. He stated that the City wanted to look at how to allow some development for property owners but in a controlled manner. Ms. Jackson asked how this could have been in the works for a couple of years without any residents knowing about it. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated there were residents involved in the process. He indicated that the City is constantly looking at the ordinances, noting there are two revisions on th~'agenda tonight. He stated the City does publish notice of those ordinance changes in the newspapers, and have the agendas on cable. He noted the other steps the City took during the process to adopt the cluster ordinance. Ms. Jackson asked if the City advertised for developers once the cluster ordinance was approved. Community Development Director Trudgeon commented that both of the developments that are being heard now are being done by Ramsey residents. Vice Chairperson Johnson stated that he has not seen an increase in development since the cluster ordinance was approved. He indicated there has been the same steady stream of development. Ms. Jackson stated she is concerned about the infrastructure, the roads, and the price of homes going in that could affect her value. She indicated she is concerned that there are already police on Armstrong all the time, and adding more homes will make it worse. She stated that she wanted to know if there was anything that the City could give them to absolutely guarantee this type of septic system will work. She indicated that in Corporate America she is being asked to challenge things all the time. She stated the ordinance is not set in stone, and anything can be changed. Planning Commission/March 2, 2006 Page 20 of 31