Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/01/1998

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With the 120 acres I own and the 80 acres to the east, belonging to Floyd Gamm, there is only at best approximately 100 of these 200 acres suitable for building. The remainder of the land is either wetlands, lakes, or low lying acres. This is a very high percentage compared to much of the surrounding available property. The wet area goes 2 miles east of my property to Cty Rd 5. There are several areas where the wetland areas meet Cty Rd. 64 and extend to Cty Rd 63 or the south. These properties can never be built up or have a high density. There are not many areas that could be developed that are not already developed. Thus, if everything was developed that is presently available, it would be difficult to exceed a 1 in 10 density. Floyd Gamm, my neighbor, owns 160 acres total, 80 acres in Ramsey and 80 acres in Burns Township, which is where he homesteads. Since Floyd is in his seventies, he would hate to wait another 20 years to sell his farm, or worse yet, only be able to sell the Burns Township side and not the Ramsey side. The Gamms feel it would be very unfair if they cannot sell the Ramsey acres in anything less than 10 acre tracts, while the Burns Township acres could be sold in 5 acres tracts or less." Jeffrey & Cinde Boldenow, 14623 Bowers Drive NW - "As residents of Bowers Driver NW, we are opposed to any "park trail system" as proposed in the City of Ramsey's Comprehensive Plan for the following reasons: 1. The proposed location is not specific as to its exact location and use. 2. We moved to this community to enjoy the privacy offered from others than those who are in the Bowers Drive community. A trail system would obviously increase the amount of traffic in our area from those outside the Bowers Drive community. 3. An increase in traffic from those outside the Bowers Drive community will lead to an increase of crime. A trail system in a heavily wooded area behind homes is an obvious attraction for criminals who need easy access to homes, yet well concealed. 4. We are not clear on the zoning proposed for the land directly behind the north side of Bowers Drive NW. 5. We oppose any destruction of wildlife that could endanger the homes of species in the Mississippi River Corridor. 6. More planning meetings need to be set to ensure all neighbors have a chance to give input about the community's future." Dennis O'Keefe, Ramsey Brake & Exhaust, 5143 179th Lane NW - "I agree that a timely plan of development of land is needed to have uniform sewer, water & traffic districting in orderly fashion (which saves money & man hours later). What troubles me is when land owners on edges of developed tracts are held hostage by Comp Plans and taxed heavily on their land & not being given any opportunity to develop. Then being told they can but trying to make them pay for complete studies of a whole tract of an area is not fair nor just. I believe you need to work hand in hand & allowing certain land to develop on piece by piece review and not just turning your back on them stating your Comp Plan time date lines and other resident concern. These people should have some consideration also. I also feel a 2 day review of a 128 page document is not enough time to adeptly read and understand this document, and as a resident who pays taxes in this area I am formally requesting a (revised) copy of this for my own business & personal use as I also speculate in land deals. I believe it's a fair request. I also want to thank you for your time & explaining your & City's views to me. I know this is a tough, thankless job to which I am willing to give input & help. Please feel free to call. Let's work together." Planning Commission/December 1, 1998 Page 7 of 11