CCP 07-14-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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<e ce c. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 31,2000 17 5. 6. 7. 8. Rice Creek Watershed District approval. Compliance with the Lighting standards of the Zoning Ordinance. No lighting be erected for the ball fields and tennis courts. Add six pine trees, at least eight feet tall, at 45 degree angles to each other on the City property, east of the seven pinkspire crabapple trees. The parking lot lights be controlled by a timer and be turned off one hour after sunset. The use of20 foot light poles in the parking lot. Review the turn lane requirements with Ramsey County. 9. 10. 11. Mayor Probst opened the meeting up to public comments. Mr. Frederick Bowie, 3708 Chatham Court, expressed concern regarding vehicle and pedestrian safety at the intersection of the proposed complex. He felt that the safety issues have been inadequately addressed. It was his belief that Bethel College students will cross the highway to access the complex and will facc four lanes of traffic to cross. The visibility of the interscction is limited due to the curve in the road. He suggested that the intersection be studied by a professional safety engineer, without a vested interest, prior to approval of the athletic complex. Ms. Julie Coo pet, 1636 Chatham A venue, stated that she was also concerned about the safety of the intersection. As a parent, walker and jogger she knows that the roadway is congested during ordinary use. To allow special events with pedestrians crossing four lanes of traffic to access the complex did not make sense. She had asked that the Ramsey County Sheriff Department have a squad parked in this area in order to slow down the kids driving from the high school. She has witnessed two accidents at this intersection and suggested that a ramp over the road be used for pedestrian crossing. She asked that the City Council consider the safety of the local children. Mr. Jeff Hohenshell, 1632 Chatham Avenue, stated that his property will abut the concession stand and bathrooms. He asked that the proposal be denied as it does not take into consideration the safety and welfare of the Arden Hills community. Safety has become a low priority compared to the monetary costs. Mr. Michael Coopet, 1636 Chatham A venue, thanked the City Council for their thoughtful questions this evening. He had the impression that there was a rush to make a decision before working out the issues of the traffic with Ramsey County. He spoke with Mr. Dan Soler of Ramsey County and asked if the County had studied the potential impact of this proposal. Mr. Soler had indicated that Ramsey County reviews proposals and determines what may make the situation safer. He urged the Council to allow the community to bring in a professional traffic engineer to perform an objective study and determine the outcome of the proposal. Mr. Coopet stated that there were other issues with the proposal regarding aesthetics. He felt that a strong case can be made that more detailed work must be done. He asked that the City Council allow an additional 90 days in order for an impact study to be accomplished. He felt that the Planning Commission and other members of the City have acted as advocates on behalf of Bethel College. However, the City is the advocates of its residents.