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Planning Commission Minutes January 10, 1996 1) development of design standards and 2) dealing with traffic in the area. Member Rhody pointed out that the residential area east of Fairview is an island and that anything the City does to improve the traffic will impact that neighborhood. Chairman Wietecki said that during the Comprehensive Plan update process, that the Commission looked at residential islands, including this area, but did not recommend changes due to the size of the area and neighborhood input. He stated that maybe it is time to get the neighborhood together and discuss the future of the area. Mike Pedersen, 1790 Oakcrest, questioned why all 160 homes could not be included in the study. Mr. Pedersen pointed out that traffic is a real problem on Fairview and Oakcrest. Pedersen pointed out that in the winter time, because of grade, Rose Place, the other alternative onto Fairview is difficult. Mike Pedersen questioned the construction of new sidewalks, when the existing sidewalks are not maintained well. Better access to shopping centers in the area are needed. Pedersen also pointed out that "no bicycle" use signs on the sidewalk on Fairview Avenue force kids on the street with their bicycles which is not a safe condition. Pedersen volunteered to serve on a neighborhood study group. Pedersen also pointed out that there is a history of noise, traffic, and delivery problems created by the shopping centers in the area. Jerry Showalter, owner of Rosedale Amoco, at County Road B-2 and Fairview, expressed concern about some of the wording in the Subcommittee report. He thought that the report should be clarified to state that retail service uses in the area such as Amoco, Rax are needed and should be continued in the area. Peggy Engels, 1782 Oakcrest, testified that the plight of the residential neighbors needs to be considered in the study also. Engels pointed out that any correction or improvements to the OakcrestlFairview intersection will have impact on that neighborhood and promote more traffic through the neighborhood. The City needs to look beyond the intersection and study the impact of the whole length of Oak crest, between Fairview and Snelling. Engels testified that the City should either honor its goal to protect residential neighborhoods or study how the whole area can be changed, not just a street at a time. Engels emphasized that the people that are left are the ones that are stuck and that a comprehensive study is necessary to promote change in a well thought out, organized manner. Mark Grimes, 2855 Beacon, has enjoyed living in the area because of its accessibility to all the things around it but that traffic has become a problem, especially around the Christmas holidays. Grimes pointed out that there are quality homes on his block and people have been making investments to maintain them. Grimes also pointed out that the area is a resource for affordable housing. Grimes stated that the question is when does the area become unlivable. Grimes encouraged the City to look at an overall plan on what to do when the area becomes unlivable and to take the area in one phase. Grimes 4