CCP 08-31-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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---- ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - AUGUST 5, 1998 8 Mr. Ringwald stated that one of the issues previously raised was the setback of the boat launch . from the single family home to its east. The site plan shows that the boat launch parking lot is the required 75 feet from that property line of that single family home. Additionally, they are showing fairly intense landscape planting to minimize the impact on this home. Also, improvements are being made to the lakeshore itself, replacing concrete blocks on the shore with natural vegetation; and constructing a park trail which would link the recreation area with the bath house and beach area. The parking lot adjacent to the beach has been pulled back from Lake Johanna Boulevard, but the distance between the right-of-way and an existing grove of mature oak trees is minimal. Therefore, a five foot variance is being requested to accommodate the parking area. In the area near the boat launch, there is a required setback is 50 feet from the lake, but the site plan only provides for 20 feet. Mr. Ringwald said that in talking with the DNR regional hydrologist (Joe Richter), that they view this as an improvement to an existing nonconforming structure. The DNR suggests additional plantings and vegetation between the boat launch parking area and the lake as an important in screen, from the water. In the area to the north of Lake Johanna Boulevard, they are constructing a grassed overflow parking area to accommodate the needs of boaters. This is being provided to eliminate the need for on street parking on Lake Johanna Boulevard which was a previously stated concern. Mr. Ringwald stated that staff recommends approval of the site plan (Phase I construction), in . Planning Case 98-21, including parking lot setback variances for right-of-way (15 feet proposed when 20 feet is required) and Lake Johanna (20 feet proposed when 50 feet minimum is required) based on the "Findings-Parking Lot Setback Variances (Right-of-Way and Lake Johanna)" section of the Staff report dated July I, 1998, and subject to seven conditions. He noted if the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on this Planning Case, it would be heard at the Monday, August 31, 1998, regular meeting of the City Council. Chair Erickson asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on Planning Case #98-21. Caroline Gilbert, 1670 Lake Johanna Boulevard, asked ifany existing oak trees in the area south of Lake Johanna Boulevard are planned to be removed. Mr. Greg Mack, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director, said no oak trees would be coming down, but some other mature trees on the north side of Lake Johanna could be removed. Ms. Gilbert stated that she was also concerned that the overflow parking north of Lake Johanna Boulevard would only allow for more intensive use of the lake and would not correct the on street parking problem on Lake Johanna Boulevard. Mr. Mack stated that he did not think it was the intention of the committee to expand the number of boaters, but to safely accommodate what exists. Ms. Gilbert said she was concerned with the concept. . __ - _u _ ______