07-30-07 Item 7A, Planning Case 07-015 Preliminary Plat for Christensen Estates

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JULY 11, 2007 5 property not really suitable for residential development. However, lacking the technical expertise to address the matter, I will leave those judgments to the Rice Creek Watershed District. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss either of these issues further." Commissioner Modesette asked ifit was reasonable to negotiate the park dedication fees. Mr. Lehnhoff responded the Code did permit the submittal of an appraisal, but if the Council was open to negotiations, that would be a possibility. Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Chair Sand invited anyone either for or against the proposed subdivision to make comment. Tom Lynch, 3220 Hamline Avenue North, stated he lived across from this property and had lived in the area for 43 years. He stated he was concerned about the proximity of the proposed home to the road and the noise generated by traffic. Doug Hartford, 1292 Ingerson St, stated his major concern was also noise. He stated if the trees were removed, he was concerned about how that removal would increase the noise on his property. He also expressed concern about the wetlands on the property. Richard Hanson, 3254 Hamline, stated he was also concerned about the noise and the possible reduction of property values. He asked what happened if they built buildings and then the buildings did not sell. Richard Christensen, Avon, Connecticut; applicant, stated the reason he wanted to develop the property was due to the high cost of the property taxes he was paying each year. Chair Sand asked how many trees would be removed. Mr. Christensen responded he did not have that information, but the engineer would. Commissioner Thompson asked if they had looked at reducing the number of lots. Mr. Christensen responded they were looking to obtain the highest, best use of the property. Commissioner Thompson asked if they had looked at donating the land for a park. Mr. Christensen responded that was not feasible for him. Commissioner Stodola stated she was concerned about the depressed housing market and she did not see this building on a spec because that would lead to a home that nobody would purchase. Mr. Christensen responded his intentions right now was not to do this, but he would like to have this remain an option if necessary. Jonathan Faraci, applicant's Engineer, responded to the questions regarding the number oftrees removed. Chair Sand asked if a tree survey had been prepared. Mr. Faraci responded they had not.