CCP 02-22-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 3, 1999 DRAFT 13 Mr. Frank Rekuski, 3170 Hamline Avenue, stated he lives in Arden Hills and is one of the developers. He indicated a plan had originally been submitted to the City with a cul-de-sac. The City. Staff had informed him that the cul-de-sac would not be recornmended for approval as the Official Map provides for the direct connection of Shoreline Lane through the area. New plans had been drawn up with the road extending through. He had hoped that both sets of plans would have been made available for this meeting, however they were not. Mr. Rekuski pointed out that six years ago the City did not want the road to go through and now it does. He indicated that the citizens attending the public hearing were there to protest the road being extended. He suggested a cul-de-sac would be a much better solution. Mr. Rekuski's attorney, Mr. Robert Miller, 9405 36th Avenue North, New Hope, suggested that prior to addressing much of Staff's concerns, it may be proper procedure to address the issue of whether or not Shoreline Lane should be a cul-de-sac or a through street. He indicated the neighbors all want a cul-de-sac. If the City and the neighborhood want a cul-de-sac, it could be designed as originally proposed. If the City requires Shoreline Lane to be a through street the plat must be designed differently. Mr. Robert Miller requested the public hearing be postponed until the March 3, 1999, regular Planning Commission meeting. This would allow time to discuss the issues of concern by the City Staff. If the attitude is that no variances will be granted, the project cannot move forward. The 160-foot length of property, north to south, is an existing situation. Two homes had previously been located on the property and the proposal would not change the layout of the lots significantly. If the development were allowed to proceed, with five homes on the over two acres, the development would be compatible with the neighborhood. If the discussions this evening were limited to the issue of a cul-de-sac, and the Planning Commission and Staff provided a recommendation as to the design of the road, the proposal could be brought back in March. At that time the issues of variances and watershed information, etc., could be addressed. Chair Erickson noted that the public hearing was open. He indicated that he was inclined to open the meeting up to public cornments then close the public hearing. Then the Planning Commission could make its recornmendation. He pointed out that, if the applicant withdrew his proposal, it could be brought back in one month. If the plat were recommended for denial, the applicant must wait six months for it to be reconsidered. Mr. Ringwald pointed out that the public hearing is regarding a preliminary plat, not changing the Official Map. If the applicant wishes to submit an amendment to the Official Map, they should withdraw their current request, then apply to change the Official Map and when that is decided, apply for preliminary plat approval that is consistent with the Official Map. Chair Erickson asked if the Official Map depicts the road as a through road. Mr. Ringwald stated that it does. He explained that action had been taken by the City Council in July, 1993, to adopt the realignment. If the applicant wishes to deviate from this realignment, the Official Map should be amended. Mr. Ringwald suggested the issue of changing the Official Map should be discussed at the March 3, 1999, Planning Commission meeting as this was not the issue of the public hearing