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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 12, 2018 2 <br /> <br />Tim Graff, 3753 New Brighton Road, commented on the lot split being proposed for the property <br />at 3685 New Brighton Road. He explained his family moved to Arden Hills two and a half years <br />ago after searching for a property with wide open spaces. He stated his family loves their property <br />and home as it is surrounded by woods, wildlife and wetland. He feared the new homes would <br />impact the surrounding wetlands. He indicated he opposed the proposed lot split as it would take <br />away from the neighborhood for the gain of a few. He reported there were a large number of <br />children in his neighborhood and he requested the Council consider installing a trail or sidewalk <br />segment to Perry Park along New Brighton Road. Lastly, he expressed concern with the speed of <br />traffic along New Brighton Road. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant explained Arden Hills has a Parks and Trail Committee that sets priorities for the <br />City’s trail segments. He clarified that New Brighton Road was a County Road and not a City <br />street. He noted the County sets the speed limit for this roadway. <br /> <br />Council Member Holden requested staff speak with the County to see if there could be a speed <br />reduction on New Brighton Road. She asked that a crosswalk also be considered for this roadway. <br /> <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated she would speak with the County. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant reported the Council would be reviewing the lot split request on Monday, March <br />12, 2018. <br /> <br />Joe Federer, 3695 New Brighton Road, addressed the proposed lot split of 3685 New Brighton <br />Road. He noted he sent an email to the Council regarding his concerns. He explained this lot was <br />U-shaped and would become three lots. He expressed concern with the number of trees that <br />would be lost from this parcel and feared how the wetlands would be impacted. He did not <br />believe it was keeping in line with the neighborhood to have three homes on one parcel. He <br />commented on the proposed maintenance plan for the stormwater basin and believed it was <br />sketchy. He did not believe it was in the City’s best interest to have a private homeowner <br />responsible for maintaining and rebuilding this stormwater basin. He questioned how the basin <br />would be rebuilt by a private party in 30 to 40 years when it failed. He reported 78% of the trees <br />on the lot would be removed, which would dramatically impact the site. He commented on how <br />additional driveways along Thom Drive would increase traffic and could become a safety concern. <br />He encouraged the Council to not support the proposed lot split. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated for the record he received Mr. Federer’s email. <br /> <br />Ivan Gilbert, 3707 New Brighton Road, stated he wanted to address the Council regarding the <br />proposed lot split at 3685 New Brighton Road. He indicated the real concern he had was with the <br />fact the property owner had already sold one of the lots prior to the lot split even being approved <br />by the City of Arden Hills. He questioned if the concerns being voiced by the neighbors would <br />even be heard. <br /> <br />City Attorney Jamnik reported it was not uncommon for developers to offer options or purchase <br />agreements that were conditioned on a plat being approved. He explained a closing or transfer on <br />the property could not occur until the subdivision was approved by the City. He advised any <br />monies exchanged for the proposed purchase would be at the risk of the Purchaser.