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<br /> <br />The remaining parcels designated as Parks and Open Space on the Future Land Use Map that are <br />not included in the proposed rezoning do not meet the stated purpose of the Parks and Open <br />Space District. These parcels are owned by several entities, including the City, Ramsey County, <br />the State of Minnesota, and private property owners/homeowners associations. Existing uses on <br />these properties include municipal utilities, stormwater easement ponds, private open spaces, and <br />single family homes. <br /> <br /> <br />Findings of Fact <br /> <br />Cities have broad discretion when reviewing and adopting zoning regulations; however, as a tool <br />s necessary to understand the connection between <br />the two documents when reviewing amendments to the Zoning Code. The Planning Commission <br />reviewed this case at their April 9, 2014, meeting and has offered the following findings of fact <br />for consideration: <br /> <br /> <br />1.The proposed amendment would create greater consistency between the Official Zoning <br />Code and the adopted Future Land Use Map. <br /> <br />2.The proposed amendment advances the land use goals because it <br />assists in providing a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land <br />uses within the City. <br /> <br />3.The proposed amendment advances the parks and recreation goals <br />because it helps to protect and maintain access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for <br />active and passive recreation. <br /> <br />4.The proposed amendment advances the protected resources goals <br />lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources. <br /> <br /> <br />Public Comments <br /> <br />The City has received several phone calls regarding this planning case asking for clarification on <br />the proposed rezoning. Generally, the comments received by staff have been supportive of the <br />rezoning. <br /> <br />Xcel Energy contacted staff regarding this case. The company has easements on several of the <br />properties that will be rezoned and i <br />line encroachment guidelines. Staff informed Xcel Energy that they were aware of these <br />easements and that the City would coordinate with the company on any planned future activities <br />or uses that might encroach on these easements. In general, Xcel Energy did not have any <br />objections to the proposed rezoning. <br /> <br />_________________________________________________________________________________________ <br />City of Arden Hills <br />City Council Meeting for April 28, 2014 <br />P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2014\PC 14-001 - Zoning Code Amendment - Parks and Open Space District <br /> <br />Rezoning\Memos_14-001 <br /> <br />34 <br />Page of <br /> <br />