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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Page 5 Cathleen Sorteberg, 1732 N Saint Albans Street 197 Ms. Sorteberg spoke in wholehearted support of this use, based on her knowledge of the Linder 198 family itself. 199 Patrick Keefe, 1728 Saint Albans Street 200 Mr. Keefe noted that, since he didn’t purchase his property until 2009, he didn’t experience the 201 same problems from the former retail landscape business, but shared their concerns if that had 202 been the case. Having gotten to know Mr. Linder and Mr. Carlson, Mr. Keefe advised that their 203 explanation of the proposed use as a very low-key operation seemed feasible for him. However, 204 Mr. Keefe did express concerns about property values, with his intent to sell and move this 205 spring. In his discussions with a realtor in advance of that proposed sale, Mr. Keefe advised that 206 the realtor didn’t foresee any problems as long as the operation remained low-key. Mr. Keefe 207 opined that, if the other option of additional homes proceeded versus this proposed use, there 208 would be even more people potentially accessing the neighborhood, and if long-term construction 209 occurred, he didn’t see that as a positive for his property value situation. If he remained in the 210 neighborhood, Mr. Keefe opined that he would prefer to see small greenhouses, and continue to 211 enjoy the trees on the north end of the property as opposed to more homes. Therefore, Mr. Keefe 212 spoke in support of a respectful, low-key operation, trusting the word of Mr. Carlson. 213 Property Owner, Henry Linder 214 At the request of Chair Boerigter, Mr. Linder addressed the location of and purpose for the 215 multiple boats on site. Mr. Linder advised that the boats were all on trailers and covered from the 216 elements, and as a boat collector of vintage boats for a number of years, his intent was to restore 217 and sell the boats as a retirement project. At the request of Chari Boerigter, Mr. Linder advised of 218 the location of the boats adjacent to his personal family garden; and not immediately adjacent to 219 the proposed site for HostasDirect. Due to the proposed use of the portion of the property for this 220 Interim Use, Mr. Linder advised that the boats had been moved from that area and closer to his 221 home; and offered to move them into storage off-site if necessary. 222 In response to Chair Boerigter, Mr. Linder and Mr. Carlson responded in turn why they had 223 chosen access on Saint Albans versus Larpenteur Avenue, due to the Larpenteur Avenue access 224 not being paved and not driving on the grass across Mr. Linder’s backyard for this business use. 225 Mr. Linder advised that the Saint Albans access provided a separate property address other than 226 his own personal address, as well as a gated, locked access, and employee parking off his 227 personal lawn. Mr. Linder noted that the business should be allowed on-street parking equal to 228 other neighbors and as a taxpayer, noting his observations of neighbors parking on the street. 229 While willing to compromise and accommodate neighbors, Mr. Linder suggested that the most 230 logical approach for all parties should be considered. 231 Further discussion included identifying the three (3) buildings on site and proposed use by 232 HostasDirect of the middle building with a cement driveway and access, with Mr. Linder using the 233 other buildings. Frequency of use for shipments was again reviewed by Mr. Carlson for the 234 benefit and clarification of the audience and the Commission; and Mr. Linder’s confirmation of his 235 intent to turn this property into a revenue-producer, either through this proposed use or selling it 236 to developers for some other use. 237 Regarding parking on Larpenteur Avenue, Mr. Linder opined that it was too busy and would prove 238 too dangerous for people getting in and out of cars versus using the Saint Albans option. 239 Mr. Carlson stated that he felt that his reputation was at stake; and defended the options 240 discussed at the Open House and consideration of those options; however, he clarified that they 241 were off-the-cuff discussions at that time, and not commitments until further review and realistic 242 issues were considered. Given this application process, and the holidays, Mr. Carlson advised 243 that it had delayed removing the hoop structures, but it was his intent to remove them. 244 Discussion among staff and commissioners included staff’s recommended conditions and 245 potential amendments to those conditions; and request for extension of the Interim Use upon 246 potential expiration. 247 Chair Boerigter closed the Public Hearing for File 13-001 at approximately 8:20 p.m. 248