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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 10, 2018 15 Jewell Perry Martin, 3670 New Brighton Road, stated she lives next to Perry Park. She explained she was born and raised on New Brighton Road. She discussed the quaint neighborhood she lives in and did not support the construction of new homes in the lowland. She believed this area was made to be natural wetlands. She feared the new homes would destroy the wetlands and recommended the Planning Commission deny this request. Andy Berg, 3744 Brighton Way, indicated he opposed this project. He stated the developer was trying to cram three homes onto a property with a wetland. He expressed concern with how the wetland would be impacted. He asked if this development would have funds set aside to protect and maintain the wetland. He commented he was concerned with the amount of trees that would be lost, along with the vacation of the sewer easement. He questioned if the City would be able to adequately maintain the lift station if the easement were decreased in size. He inquired who would be paying for the retaining wall next to the lift station. He noted Thom Drive was not a standard City street as it was only 23 feet wide. He stated he feared how Thom Drive would be impacted by the additional traffic from the three proposed driveways. Ivan Gilbert, 3707 New Brighton Road, stated he understood the three lots met the City’s standards but reported the new homes would change the character of the neighborhood. He explained he has lived in his home for 42 years. He indicated he moved to this area of Arden Hills for the view and openness of the surrounding area. He feared how his neighborhood would be impacted by cramming three homes onto this property. Dick Kotoski, Coldwell Banker Burnett and representative for the applicant, discussed the amount of fill that would be brought onto the property noting it would not be extensive. He anticipated fill would only be placed on the building pads. Commissioner Jones questioned why the applicant had requested the cottonwood trees not be counted as significant trees. Mr. Kotoski, stated in 2013 the City drafted a newsletter article that claimed buckthorn and cottonwoods were a nuisance. He provided the Planning Commission with a copy of this article. He commented on the expense the developer would have to incur to mitigate and replace the trees for this development. He stated most of the trees in the area of basin one were cottonwoods. He understood that these were heavily wooded lots and noted the lots would remain heavily wooded. Chair Thompson requested further information on the RCWD permit. Mr. Kotoski explained the developer has been in talks with them. He stated he did not anticipate any problems in receiving a permit from the watershed district. Chair Thompson asked if the stormwater management plan was in progress. Mr. Kotoski reported this was the case. Commissioner Jones questioned if this roadway ever floods at the low point. Mr. Kotoski stated he was uncertain but noted a culvert was in place.