Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/12/1998 - Public Hearing @ 7:35

Home

Marguerite Henke, 14311 Armstrong Boulevard, stated only residents within 200 feet of this establishment received written notice but she believes the impact of such an establishment can exceed that distance. She stated she has many concerns and encouraged stringent rules and a lot of thought on the part of the City. Ms. Henke stated there already are two other similar establishments in Anoka County, located in Blaine and Andover. She stated she has done extensive research and found that Povs in Andover has had an extreme effect on a wide area of Andover, to the point where they are revising their noise ordinance. Ms. Henke stated this establishment has also placed a stress on their police department. The Blaine establishment has had a strong impact as well. She stated the proposal is not just a restaurant and bar but also a sports complex making up a large establishment. Ms. Henke stated residents who live around this establishment need protection from it because the consequences are far reaching. She requested screening, noise control, restricted hours of operation, and attention given to this type of activity where drinking and young users are involved. Jean Tracey, 7822 - 142nd Avenue NW, stated she and her husband live adjacent to this property and have numerous concerns such as noise, especially during summer nights. She stated they can hear music from the Lighthouse Bar, an establishment on Highway 10, even with their windows shut. Ms. Tracey stated the City has an ordinance to prohibit noise after a certain hour and asked how the proposed use can be regulated. She commented on the high level of traffic on Highway 10 and noted there is no signal at the intersection of Highway I0 and Traprock Street. Ms. Tracey expressed concern regarding the possibility of increased traffic accidents and asked if a traffic study should be done. She asked how this facility will get water and sewer services and whether an environmental impact study is needed since the Mississippi River is so close. Ms. Tracey stated she is not objecting to the proposal but, as a resident, is asking the Commission to ask the answers to these questions to assure this establishment will be an asset to the community. Pete Turok, President of Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce, stated he has known the applicant for ten years from his Anoka Jewelry Business. He stated Mr. Gruber has been an excellent business owner and the Chamber of Commerce has never received a complaint. Mr. Turok stated Mr. Gruber has been very involved with community events and if Mr. Gruber gets this project he will be a community based individual and an asset to the community. Beverly Brekke, 14275 Alpaca Street, stated she has many concerns about this proposal based on excessive noise levels seven nights a week at 10:30 p.m. or later which allows no relief to the residents. She stated that the separation distance is claimed to equal three city blocks but noted there are no sound barriers such as buildings or trees, as evidenced since noise from Highway 10 is a problem. If the CLIP is issued, she asked that no outside public address system be allowed on the premises. Ms. Brekke stated she works and has small children and although she loves the sport, she does not want to listen to cheering fans all night long or, possibly, profanity that may result. She stated it may not be possible for the owners to control the patrons in this regard. Ms. Brekke stated if the permit is issued she would like all alcohol kept to the building and deck areas only and not allowed in the recreational field areas or dugouts. She expressed concern with regard to the lighting impact to the residential neighborhood and advised that her and her son's bedrooms face the area of the ballfields. She expressed concern about increased traffic and potential for traffic accidents. Ms. Public Hearing/Planning Commission/March 12, 1998 Page 2 of 7