02-07-18 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 10, 2018 16 Commissioner Lambeth inquired if this property was currently for sale and asked if there were any contingencies. Mr. Kotoski commented this was the case and noted he was the broker for this transaction. He reported the sale of the property was contingent upon the lot splits. He noted he had offers already for both lots. Ashley Farmer, resident of New Brighton, stated she was hoping to purchase Lot 2. She explained she and her husband worked for the New Brighton Fire Department and her husband was a police officer. She indicated they both enjoy giving back to their community. She addressed some of the concerns raised by the public. She stated she wanted the same things as these neighbors, which was the privacy, woods and nature. She understood this was a quaint and desirable neighborhood and she hoped to be able to live in this area too. Eric Sandard, 3731 New Brighton Road, stated this was a difficult issue for him as there were many moving parts. He explained he was opposed to this proposed project as it was a money- making scheme. He encouraged the City to not let this sway their decision on the matter. He expressed concern with the great loss of trees as well. He discussed the character of the neighborhood and stated the three proposed houses would be out of character as they would be crammed tightly together. For this reason, he recommended the Commission not support the request as it was not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. Brian Jorgensen, 1978 Thom Drive, expressed concern with who would be maintaining the basins and stormwater ponds. Dan Aberg, 3766 Brighton Way North, stated he was concerned with safety along New Brighton Road given the number of homes that have been added to this area of the City. He stated there has been an influx of homes and families, which was making traffic hazardous. He feared how the neighborhood would be impacted by three additional homes. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 8:47 p.m. Commissioner Bartel asked if Thom Drive would ever be expanded or widened. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated the City did not have plans to widen this roadway as it serves a small number of homes. She reported the City had 50 feet of right-of-way along this street if the roadway needed to be widened in the future. Chair Thompson questioned if the City had any plans to add trails in this area. City Planner Bachler indicated the City’s Comprehensive Plan includes a future pathway on New Brighton Road, but that this trail had not yet been budgeted for. Commissioner Jones expressed concern with the number of wholes in this project, noting the plans were incomplete. He stated he would like to have more information regarding the drainage and stormwater runoff plans. He indicated he also did not approve of the removal of the cottonwood trees. He commented he would like to table action on this item until the City had all