Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/26/2025

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backyards. He referenced the 52-foot-wide strip of property within the applicant's narrative that states it could be sold to the neighbor for future development, but stated that he has not heard anything about that. He stated that there are plans for his property showing cul-de-sacs, of which he was not aware. Chairperson Gengler commented that can be intentional thought into preserving a buffer of trees between properties in development. Commissioner Anderson asked if there would be a possibility that they could restrict the parking to one side of the road, as that could potentially ease some of the safety concerns of the neighbors. City Planner Martin referenced the comments related to the condition of the road, which are valid concerns that can be brought to the attention of the Engineering and Public Works Departments. Tom Spanow, 5900 151' Lane NW, stated that a great majority of their traffic occurs during the school year. He stated that every morning and afternoon, their street is filled with cars and kids. He believed that adding six additional homes would increase the problem with safety. He commented that there are issues with sight as people come in and out of the neighborhood because of the grades. He was unsure that it would be feasible to restrict parking to one side and noted that building an additional six homes would take up space for the parents and children using the road during the school year. Commissioner Bauer asked to see a map showing the neighborhood in relation to the school and asked about the location of the nearest stoplight. City Planner Martin displayed the map, noting the nearest signalized intersection is at Alpine to the north. He stated that the school is just to the south, and most likely, people are parking on the street and walking along the trail to get to the school. He stated that if there are concerns with overflow parking from the school, staff could bring that up to the School District during the review process. He noted that the school property would have room to add additional parking if needed. Chairperson Gengler stated that people might park on that street during drop-off/pick-up times and have their child walk to avoid the school traffic. She commented that they could discourage that activity at the school. Commissioner Bauer asked if the County would consider a temporary stoplight at the intersection during busy times. City Planner Martin replied that the Anoka County Highway Department will be part of the review process. He noted a traffic study that has recently been completed for Nowthen Boulevard, for a 400-unit development, compared to six lots. Sara Narr, 6100 151st Lane, stated that in 2020, their home burned down, and there is only one access for the development. She stated that another home had burned down as well, and prevented access into and out of the neighborhood for several hours. She stated that when they rebuilt their home, the cul-de-sac was basically shut down with dumpsters and other equipment, which Planning Commission/ June 26, 2025 Page 10 of 13