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