CC 07-28-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 . Ryan Langsev, of the law firm Bale, Anderson, Polstein, Pearson & Hill, representing Arden Towers, Inc., stated that his clients objected to the proposed access, as it was not reasonable access for an industrially zoned property. The current use of the property for a radio tower is a transitional use. Given the site has a transitional use on the property, the City should be looking to the future ultimate use and access for the property. He stated that an architect representing the owner had recently met with Mr. Ringwald and recommended the easement be changed to a sixty foot (60') width, which was the typical width for an access road. If this could not be provided, Mr. Langsev suggested that the cul-de-sac should be extended through to the Arden Towers property. 3 Mr. Langsev stated that his client also had concerns with the possibility of utilities being cut off to his property during the construction process, and was requesting a guarantee from the City that this would not happen. He stated his client was also concerned about wetland designation, and who would bear those costs. He stated that a letter, listing these concerns, had been faxed to all Councilmembers earlier today. Mayor Probst stated that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) did not appear to preclude future access to this property, and that the City was willing to discuss any future improvement plans with Arden Towers. . Mayor Probst inquired if Arden Towers felt any obligation to share costs of the requested improvements. Mr. Langsev stated that his clients felt they were being penalized more than other properties located in the Gateway Business District. Mr. Langsev stated his clients are concerned about improper access, which could reduce property values, and were questioning why a sixty foot access was being dropped to a twenty foot access and was planned to be rerouted through a wetland area. George Winiecki, 4170 Old Highway 10, came forward to address Council. He inquired whether the road would eventually continue east to Old Snelling, and if Thirteenth Street and Fourteenth Street would eventually join. Mayor Probst stated both these actions had been discussed at one time, but are not being proposed at this time. Mr. Winiecki stated that it was his opinion that the City Council should take the Department of Natural Resources' recommendation for doubling the lakeshore setback into consideration, as he feels the Phase I building is too close to Round Lake. He stated there are concerns about snow piling up and possible drainage issues. He questioned whether a walkway could be placed around Round Lake with the Phase I building's present location. Mayor Probst asked for further public comments. With none forthcoming, Mayor Probst dosed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. . Councilmember Hicks asked for clarification on whether the easement under discussion was for fourteen, twenty, or sixty feet. Mr. Stonehouse stated that the City was proposing twenty feet, the required width was fourteen feet, and Vaughan Towers was requesting sixty feet. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the current road had a sixty foot right-of-way, but was not currently improved.