03-12-18-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 7, 2018 6 Ivan Gilbert, 3707 New Brighton Road, expressed concern with the fact that the owner of Lot 1 would be responsible for the maintenance of the storm basins. He questioned who would be responsible if this lot never sold. He encouraged the Planning Commission to hear the concerns of the neighbors regarding this development and not approve the request. Joe Federer, 3695 New Brighton Road, commented on how this development would injure his property and home. He indicated he sent a lengthy email to the Commission addressing his concerns. He stated after speaking with a hydrologist, the proposed basins were not put in the correct place, but rather where they would fit. He noted he spoke with the Rice Creek Watershed District as well and explained the cost to maintain this basin would be $30,000 to $50,000 to replace once it fails. He explained these basins are typically owned by municipalities and not homeowners. He discussed the proposed lot sizes and noted they were quite a bit smaller than the adjacent properties. He encouraged the Commission to keep the lot sizes more closely aligned with the existing neighborhood. He commented on the lift station and discussed how the easement location was relocated after recent reconstruction on this structure. He noted 78% of the trees on this property would be removed if this development were to go through and noted the diseased trees should not be considered for salvaged caliper inches. He recommended staff review the tree numbers more closely. Richard Kotoski, Coldwell Banker Burnett, explained he was working with Tim Horita to market and sell his lots. Commissioner Jones questioned how the maintenance agreement for the storm basins would be handled by the developer. Paul Cherne, Pioneer Engineering, stated the maintenance agreement would run with the land. Chair Thompson requested further information on how the storm basins will be graded. Mr. Cherne discussed how the basins would be graded and seeded for the development. He reported these basins were not complicated but would simply be used for holding and discharge to the wetlands. He explained the maintenance for the basin would be quite minimal and would simply involve keeping the pipe free and clear of debris. He noted no street runoff would be managed by the storm basins on Lot 1. Commissioner Lambeth asked if the grading on the property would have a natural grade. Mr. Cherne described how the site would be graded and noted one pipe would be needed for one of the driveways. Commissioner Dixon requested staff summarize the list of variances needed to approve this Planning Case. City Planner Bachler stated this request has no variances and noted all of the lots met the City’s minimum size requirements. Commissioner Dixon asked if the City could successfully replace the lift station in 20 or 50 years with the proposed development in place.