05-04-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2022 5 Commission with a handout on the reports from the ATF for the past five years for crimes related to FFL’s. Further discussion ensued regarding the security system that was in place on the home. Commissioner Jefferys explained she was curious to learn what the Ramsey County Sheriff’s office thought about this request. City Planner Jagoe stated she had sent the application to them for review and noted staff will follow up as part of this process to see if they have any comment before the City Council meeting. She indicated that as part of the FFL licensing paperwork there is a section for local law enforcement that the applicant will have to complete as part of the federal review. Chair Vijums commented this was a sensitive topic for many people. He reported there has to be a thorough review of this topic by the City and it appears this has been done. He felt confident that this type of business will not alter the neighborhood in any manner. He appreciated the security and mitigation measures that were put in place on the property. Commissioner Weber agreed. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Renee Crumpton, 1680 Wedgewood Circle, noted she has lived in her home for the past 22 years. She indicated the neighboring home became a rental three years after she built her home and there has been nothing but problems. She explained the neighboring home has been broken into on two different occasions. She stated she pays taxes on her property and Mr. Spicer does not because he was a renter. She reported the proposed home business made her afraid and she feared people would break into her neighbors house to steal the weapons onsite. She encouraged the City to not approve this home occupation CUP. JoAnn Cirks, 1687 Wedgewood Circle, commented she was concerned about the proposed home occupation. She indicated she lives on a cul-de-sac and there has been packages stolen at times. She feared that the residents in her neighborhood would have a hard time selling their homes if the CUP were approved. She anticipated the home occupation would devalue her home. She recommended the Planning Commission not approve the requested CUP. Tom Coffey, 1693 Wedgewood Circle, stated he has a number of questions. He indicated he was concerned with the fact the applicant was a renter. He explained he pays a great deal in property taxes to live in Arden Hills, while the applicant does not. He questioned why the City had not run a report on CUP’s to see how many others were renters running home occupations. He believed that Richard Spicer was a nice person, but did not believe a rental home was the right place for this type of business. He anticipated that most homeowners would not allow a renter to operate this type of business out of their home. He noted the applicant also runs another business out of the home that deals with the retail sale of toys.