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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, November 01, 2006 Page 7 issues, removal of trees, and disruption of the neighborhood wildlife; as well as changes to the character and integrity of the neighborhood’s rural aspect with creation of a cul-de-sac. Ms. Gulden respectfully requested that Commissioners vote against the proposal. Janet Romanowski, 2195 Acorn Road Ms. Romanowski questioned why the project was once again before the Commission, when the City Council had denied the previous request. Ms. Romanowski referenced a recent St. Paul Pioneer Press article discussing cul-de-sacs, and the lack of support from metropolitan area planners. Ms. Romanowski opined that Mr. Mueller had originally lobbied for a narrow road to keep intensity down. Ms. Romanowski asked Commissioners to vote against the proposal. Applicant, Arthur Mueller, 2201 Acorn Road Mr. Mueller noted that many of those opposing his project had already split their lots; reviewed his history with the neighbors and his assistance in cooperating with them in development of their properties; addressed his intent and preference for tree preservation; discussed his residency in the neighborhood for fifty-nine years, and his long-term commitment to the neighborhood; and expressed his willingness to work with staff on outstanding issues and valid concerns of neighbors. Mr. Mueller noted the changing and growing community that Roseville was becoming; and the community’s need for smaller lots to attract younger families with children to affordable housing. Mr. Mueller reiterated his intent to improve the neighborhood and increase values of adjacent properties. No one else appeared for or against; and Chair Traynor closed the Public Hearing at 7:58 p.m. MOTION: Member Bakeman moved, seconded by Member Wozniak, to RECOMMEND APPROVAL of the PRELIMINARY PLAT entitled, Oak Acres,” for Art Mueller creating four (4) legal, conforming residential lots and a public cul-de-sac street on the 1.9 acre parcel at 2201 Acorn Road, based on the information in Section 4 and the conditions of Section 5 of the project report dated November 1, 2006. Commissioner Bakeman recognized that change was difficult, but that it was a given. Chair Traynor advised that he had voted against Mr. Mueller’s previous proposal due to his concerns with the character of the neighborhood; the need for diversity in housing with larger lot sizes as an option; and the dramatic changes it would create in the neighborhood. However, Mr. Traynor noted that consideration of a Preliminary Plat that met all Code requirements and did not require Comprehensive Land Use Map designation amendment or rezoning was a strict narrow review for the Commission, and taking everything into consideration, he would be voting to support this proposal. Commissioner Boerigter noted that he had previously voted for the project, opining that that was a proposal that provided more City control through the PUD process. Mr. Boerigter recognized and addressed several worthy public comments heard tonight; however, noted that it was Mr. Mueller’s property, that the trees were on Mr. Mueller’s property; and that he should be allowed to develop his property, within the refinements of City Code, as he so chose to do. Commissioner Boerigter opined that while the threat was made that everyone would be splitting their properties, some lots would support splitting, but that those that could be split were also private property and their development was at the discretion of the property owner. Commissioner Boerigter addressed his perception of minimal traffic impacts from three (3) new homes and projected trips, opining that Acorn Road was more than sufficient to handle the additional traffic.