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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, January 2, 2013 Page 6 Commissioner Position Statements 249 Member Boguszewski noted the concerns expressed by neighbors, primarily those directly 250 across and most impacted from the property on Saint Albans; and expressed his interest in 251 ensuring that those concerns are addressed on a satisfactory level. 252 Specifically, Member Boguszewski noted that Mr. Carlson had expressed his willingness to repair 253 and paint the existing fence and to remove the hoop structure. Member Boguszewski stated that 254 he would prefer staying with the shorter, three (3) year Interim Use approval with additional 255 language for possible extension in the future if needed; in other words to “trust but verify” as time 256 goes on and conditions change if things work out well, no further extension may be needed. 257 Member Boguszewski opined that the boats were a separate issue from this application. 258 Regarding parking on Saint Albans, Member Boguszewski noted that parking is currently allowed 259 on both sides, and the City could not force employees not to park on the west side of the street. 260 Overall, Member Boguszewski opined that this business seems to be extremely different and of 261 lower impact that the prior retail landscape business, creating undue fears of neighbors having 262 lived through that former business; and further opined that, in looking at this land, this use seems 263 to be an improvement of that former use. 264 Member Boguszewski stated that he was inclined to approve a three (3) year Interim Use. 265 However, Member Boguszewski opined that the bigger question is how this fits in with the City’s 266 Comprehensive Plan guidance, with this area zoned for residential; and whether this situation put 267 the City technically against the intent of the Comprehensive Plan in favor of business versus 268 residential uses. Member Boguszewski opined that if this business was of higher impact, he 269 would be disinclined to approve the use; however, given this lower impact business, it would 270 appear to be the least negative impact on surrounding houses. 271 Member Cunningham noted the number of issues brought forward by neighbors, and expressed 272 her appreciation of that public testimony. Prior to tonight’s meeting as she reviewed the request, 273 Member Cunningham admitted that she had no idea of her decision, and the information provided 274 during public comment had been helpful in her decision-making. Member Cunningham opined 275 that so many of the hardcore issues against this use seemed to be a direct result of the previous 276 retail business on that property, and while some concerns remained with this proposed business 277 expressed by the neighbors, she was impressed with the apparent willingness of the property 278 owner and business owner to address the concerns of the neighborhood. Therefore, Member 279 Cunningham advised that she would support the request; and did not share concerns with the 280 entrance on Saint Albans given the infrequent and limited access needed during a week. Member 281 Cunningham opined that using the Larpenteur Avenue access would pose a greater cost and be 282 of worse impact to the environment to access the property. Member Cunningham also supported 283 a three (3) year Interim Use term as a good option. 284 Member Olsen stated that he was inclined to support this request, and if the request was 285 approved, access should be on Saint Albans as the most logical access point. Member Olsen 286 noted that this was a City street, and while unfortunate to have to live across from this access for 287 some neighbors, that was the reality. Member Olsen opined that the only area for discussion, 288 from his perspective, was whether the term of the Interim Use should be three (3) or five (5) 289 years, given the investment of this commercial operation, and potential for long-term use. 290 Speaking in support of a five (5) year term, Member Olsen advised that this was his only area of 291 disagreement with the comments of Members Boguszewski and Cunningham. 292 Member Gisselquist noted that the property had sat unused as a commercial use for seven (7) 293 years, and therefore had lost those grandfathered rights; however, from a historical aspect of the 294 property’s former use as a greenhouse, it argued in its favor for this Interim Use. Member 295 Gisselquist noted that these created difficult decisions all the way around, as well future potential 296 discussions of advantages in subdividing this large parcel. Member Gisselquist advised that he 297 would favor the three (3) year proposal, and vehicle access on Saint Albans Street. Member 298 Gisselquist expressed his confidence that the site would be well monitored carefully over those 299