Agenda - Council - 10/10/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Associate Planner Dalnes advised staff is recommending approval of the request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment based on Staff's interpretation of the criteria listed in the Interim Policy, and the appropriateness of using twinhomes as a buffer between the existing commercial businesses and the existing single - family homes to the south and east. Staff recommends approval of the request for rezoning to PUD, with variations in lot width, contingent on approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment request, preliminary plat approval, and preliminary site plan approval: While there are revisions needed to the plans submitted, Staff feels comfortable recommending approval of the preliminary plat and preliminary site plan, contingent upon receipt of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning Amendment, and compliance with the City Staff Review Letter, dated August 31, 2006. Chairperson Nixt closed the regular portion of the Planning Commission meeting at 7:10 p.m. in order to call the public hearing to order. Public Hearing Chairperson Nixt called the public hearing to order for Case Nos. 1, 2 and 3 at 7:10 p.m. Citizen Input Mr. Richard. Wolens, 6726 137t Avenue NW, stated this proposed zoning change bothers him. When he began Ramsey Bicycle he had a concern about the City and the direction it was going. One of the concerns was for the City to stick with the Comprehensive Plan; to deviate from that plan causes him concern. Commissioner Brauer arrived at 7:11 p.m. Mr. Wolens stated there has been a massive increase in crime and high density homes in their neighborhood, including a murder, and there is the porn shop. He has submitted a detailed evaluation to the City regarding the porn shop and high density throughout the United States, which shows that higher density close to this type of environment increases crime. This has come to pass. Some of the most expensive homes in the City are here on the Mississippi River, and they need to protect the value of those homes. This developer is trying to take the valuation of these homes and put lower density, cheaper homes in this neighborhood. It is being said that this is a great buffer, but one of the things required with a commercial development would be proper screening. This developer is putting high density in with minimal screening to make a buck in a very expensive neighborhood. Mr. Wolens stated the concern he then looked at was what would be the best thing to do for the City. As a former council member of Spring Lake Park he tried to look at what would make sense for the City. He came to the conclusion that commercial use makes sense. An office building comprised of a veterinary clinic, an insurance office, or a dental office would be conducive to this development. He does not want to bring any more crime into their area; their neighborhood has gone downhill and he does not want to see it go back further. Planning Commission /September 7, 2006 Page 3 of 20 -15-