CCP 02-10-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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...~,.i'-" -'__'-'....:. ::. .v,-,v.-:': __. ',"--" - - .. - - -- - .'v. ....~....~~...._....~. . - '-I {rz, 'I I I Date: February 5, 1997 I I Memo i" To: Arden Hills Planning Commission I I I From: Fran Holmes I I 1804 Venus Ave., Arden Hills I 631.1866 , I Subject Ogren Townhouses POO Amendment I would encourage the Planning Commission reco~nd to the Council that the amendments I to the PUD be made to allow the proposed deeks TF the following is contingent upon the approval: I I strongly urge the Pl<mning Commission to make contingent on the approval of the decks that that there he a requirement for a meaningful free/natural buffer hetweell I the townhouses and the rest of the Open SplUe, including the rrait easement. A substantial tree/natural buffer shou/tf screen the townhouses from tI,e Open Space/trail easemellt and therefore mitigate the impact of the decks. This I requiremellt would be consistmt with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plall whleh requires a buffer betwun inconsistent uses. Currently, there is absolutely nO buffer between the to1Nnhouses and the Open Space. The ,.. townhouses back right up to the Open Space and tbere are no trees, bushes, natural growth or I any sort of buffer from the Open Space. Our Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan requires that I there be buffets be(ween inconsistent uses. When one walks (or skis) through the impacted open space it is clearly apparent that this area 1 is no longer a natllI'al woods envirownent like it used to be. The trail runs right towards these rather massive to.....nhouses and we no longer have the sense tbat we are "out in the woods" like we used to. During the ] 970' s Ramsey County went to a great deal of effort to acquire I this Open Space to afford to the residents a natural area for walking, recreation, and a chance to get back to nature, Unfortunately, thc value of this Open Space has been significantly diminished by tbe presence of the townhouses. I 1 hl!lkve the requirement for a huffer wltieh screens the townhouses is a reasonable compromise w/dch would balance the interl!Sts of all the parties Involved. Therefore, I I recommend that wefollow the guidance In our own Comprehensive Plan and require a meaningful and significant natural buffer to screen the townhouses from the Open Space and the rrail t!a,$t!menL I I .. I