Agenda - Council - 08/27/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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First and foremost, the increase in traffic, landscape alterations, and population growth resulting from this development will undoubtedly disrupt the peaceful and safe environment that we currently enjoy. The influx of additional vehicles will lead to congestion, making it harder for residents to commute and risking the safety of pedestrians, especially children and elderly individuals. It's important to understand that each decision made from afar has a direct repercussion on the laughter heard in our backyards, on the ease with which our elderly can navigate their neighborhood, and on the safety with which our children can play. Additionally, the amount of tenants projected, would that not need more Law Enforcement?Who will be paying for that?Why would our tax payers funds be used for Law Enforcement, fire and EMS when the community (especially the ones directly next to the proposed location) do not want this. For context, Minneapolis is the second lowest in the United States with 1.4 officers per 100,000 residents so again,who is going to pay for these extra 1st responders? We are already going to have to pay for more due to the additions on Sunwood Dr by Coborn's and the other additions being added there. Furthermore, the proposed development does not seem to align with the recent developments in surrounding communities, which have not shown a need for such expansion. Instead, it appears to be driven by developers' interests without considering the genuine needs and desires of the families in our community.This disconnect between the development's ambitions and the community's needs is not just a matter of differing opinions; it is a matter of prioritizing financial gain over the quality of life of countless families whose entire lives are rooted in this soil. Speaking of which, I want to emphasize that the families in our neighborhood do not want this development. Many of the residents have made their voices heard in various forums, expressing their strong opposition to this project. It is crucial to respect the wishes of the community members who will be directly affected by this development, to recognize that what might be a small sacrifice for a large, disconnected organization represents a significant upheaval in the day-to-day lives of these families. Throughout this process the community has been told that there will be transparency,yet emails are not responded to, misinformation is provided when responses are sent and meetings are virtual? What is being hid from the community? It has been stated that the "community wants this." Who in the community? The potential consequences of this development extend beyond mere inconvenience; it has the potential to push the area to be overpopulated, leading to the displacement of many long-standing residents. Moreover, our already overburdened schools would be overwhelmed by the influx of new students, making it challenging for them to provide quality education. Schools in the state of MN are barely at 50% passing for standardized tests and Ramsey Elementary is already suffering with the most recent influx of students, causing significantly increased class sizes, insufficient staffing leading to increased behavioral issues such as bullying, and gaps in student support. Simply put, there isn't enough staff or space to adequately serve our youth as is.Where does the City of Ramsey plan to have the children attend school? How are you planning to afford increased need? Taxes from the citizens that do not want this development? Recently a document was shared with the communities. After a review of the extensive 380+ page document and engaging in discussions with our fellow residents in the neighborhood, we are deeply troubled by the decision to position the townhouses directly behind our neighbors instead of allocating green space. We were perplexed to learn that you conveyed to one of our neighbors that the consensus during neighborhood meetings indicated a lack of desire for green space.This revelation raises significant concerns. We are uncertain as to the source of this purported consensus, as it certainly did not emanate from the residents of Fluorine Street and its surrounding neighborhoods. On the contrary, the overwhelming sentiment among our community was a vehement opposition to any development,