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Staff recommends the following standards be considered if private streets are allowed: 24' with <br />no parking on both sides; 28' with no parking on one side; 30' without parking restrictions. <br /> <br />Length of Main and Side Streets <br />Generally, townhome projects are comprised of a main and side streets. The purpose of the side <br />streets is to allow for access to the dwelling units. The purpose of the main street is to provide <br />access to the City's street system and provide for onsite circulation. One of the main reason that <br />City staff is unwilling to completely take over maintenance responsibilities (i.e. snowplowing, <br />sweeping, etc.) is the number of driveways and lack of space for snow storage and turnaround <br />potential on the side streets. Current City Code does not allow cul-de-sacs longer than 600 feet <br />in single family residential subdivisions. This criteria can also be used for private roads. <br /> <br />All other Performance Standards <br />All other performance standards should be in compliance with public road standards in Section <br />9.50.30 of the City Code such as the strength of the pavement, vertical and horizontal alignment, <br />and radii of intersection. <br /> <br />Public Access Guarantee and Police Enforcement <br />Since the construction of Mallard Ponds there has been numerous requests from residents of the <br />townhome development to enforce alleged no trespassing violations for pedestrians and <br />bicyclists. The City of Ramsey has gone through considerable effort to maintain a trail system <br />for pedestrian movement throughout the City. Although there will not be any vehicular <br />movement through the development, except emergency vehicles, does the City want to disallow <br />or discourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic through a subdivision? If the answer is no, then <br />somehow there should be an access easement throughout the subdivision. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that with the townhome development becoming increasingly popular <br />something needs to be put in place. Largest problem that has arisen from the private streets has <br />to do with snowplowing in the winter. Cost wise for the City private streets are good. <br /> <br />Councihnember Anderson stated that she had received a call from a resident of Rum River Hills <br />complaining about the break-up of their road and requesting that the City fix it because they pay <br />taxes like everyone else. She stated that she could understand where the resident was coming <br />from, but also understands that it is a private road. <br /> <br />City Engineer Olson noted that industrial property owners pay taxes, but when their driveway <br />breaks up the City does not pay for it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated that private roads means a one time savings to the developer, <br />and the fact that residents of those development have to pay a higher cost for snow removal and <br />the fact that they keep coming back to the City with issues is why he is opposed to private streets. <br />Of the six examples in the City where private streets have been permitted four of them have <br />already had problems. He did not see why the City should even consider a policy for private <br />streets. <br /> <br />Public Works Committee/August 21, 2001 <br /> Page 8 of 11 <br /> <br /> <br />