CC 09-30-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 30. 1996 20 t' Councilmember Aplikowski asked Ms. McGuire if she agrees with this compromise. Ms. McGuire stated she is not "okay" with it, which is why she invested energy in looking for I alternatives, and not a self-serving alternative. Councilmember Keirn pointed out this is the only Fire Station in Arden Hills and parking is I needed for training. She commented on the importance of accommodating the needs of the Fire Department to protect the City. I Mayor Probst stated he cannot support the proposal to trade land because this is the only location the Fire Department has and, over time, that there may be other needs that surface at this location. Therefore, it is important to retain what property is available. I COlmcilmember Hicks stated he believes the response of the Fire Department addresses the Planning Commission's concerns. I MOTrON: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #86-18, Lake Johanna Fire Department, 3246 New Brighton Road, for variances and a I SUP amendment based on the revised proposal with a six foot setback from the north property line and a 41 foot setback from the east property line subject to the Ie conditions identified by the Planning Commission. Mr. Filla advised the use of this property as a Fire Station is an allowable use in this zoning I district and is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that development regulations allow variances to be granted in circumstance where the configuration of a particular parcel are such that there is no reasonable use ofthe site without a variance. He stated in his I judgement, another issue to take into consideration is that training activities are a legitimate consideration to make when determining reasonable use of the site. Also, it is apparent that the adjacent property owner does not appear to be as concerned about a financial impact now as was I the case several weeks ago because she would prefer access to develop the southern portion of her property -- so there is no major financial impact on her property if the Fire Department property developed in this manner. Mr. Filla added that the City should not presume the Fire I Department would grant an easement to Ms. McGuirc or that it would be a reasonable condition of approval on this variance. I Ms. McGuire came forward to state that it appears everyone is speaking for her but neither the City Attorney nor the Fire Department attorney has that right. I Councilmember Aplikowski noted that Ms. McGuire indicated she purchased the property with the intent to develop and, at a future date, to subdivide. Ms. McGuire stated this is true, she saw I the property and immediately went to the City Hall and spoke with Mr. Ringwald to discuss issues related to zoning, the number of homes it would hold, the Fire Station, special use permits in place, and setback requirements. Ms. McGuire explained that the same afternoon, based if exclusively on what she learned from staff; she purchased the property as an investment-based decision. Ms. McGuire stated she is an urban planner by profession so when considering the purchase of this magnitude, knew the importance of getting information from the people who I