Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/24/2002 - Jt PC CC (2)

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Michael of 148th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that he moved to Ramsey last June knowing that eventually the property, identified as 910, would be built on, but was also told by the City that the land was zoned low density residential. He stated that he understood that the debate has been ongoing for some time and has many of the same concerns, but is struggling somewhat with what is right for the property after attending the meeting and seeing what is being proposed. He stated that he felt the Kurak's needed to get out to the public more and let the people know what is actually going on and what they want to do with land. When residents simply receive a letter in the mail saying the land is going to be changed from low density to medium density of course residents are going to be upset. The residents need to be better informed. Chairperson Nixt agreed that it might be more acceptable if the citizens had a concept plan, but the City cannot"hold the developer hands" to create the plan. Michael replied that if Mr. Kurak were to spend time with residents they might not be so angry. He stated that he has a wetland next to his house and would like to keep some of woods. At this point he requested that the land stay low density. Larry Smith, 14725 Ramsey Boulevard NW, Ramsey, stated that he was very much opposed to the proposed land use change for parcel 98. He stated that he owns the northeast corner of the property and was not sure of the reasoning for the rezoning. The property has always been zoned light industrial and he is a businessman and may possibly bring his business to Ramsey, which is why he purchased the property. Mayor Gamec noted that there was a citizen group from the residents adjacent to the parcel that requested that the property be changed to low density residential. Mr. Smith inquired as to why he was he not notified. Mayor Gamec replied that a hearing notice was sent out when the property to the north was being considered for high density residential. Chairperson Nixt noted that this meeting was the notice and the public hearing regarding the proposed change. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that it sounded like another situation where someone else was requesting a land use change on property they did not own. He stated that he did not recall the change being a result of a petition from a neighborhood, but would research that further. Chairperson Nixt stated that the issue would be discussed in more detail at a future meeting. Lance Ragor, 6194 146th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated that he lives on the corner of Sunwood Drive and 146th Avenue, directly across from Kurak property 910. He stated that he is opposed to the change. Previously when a proposal for the land was presented the residents were informed as to what would happen with the land, but at this time they don't know who may or may not be the developer of the land and there are no plans to be considered. There was petition Planning Commission Joint Meeting/January 24, 2002 Page 7 of 14