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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Page 6 Daniel Peterson, 1166 Sandhurst Mr. Peterson expressed concern in the notification of property owners; opining that he had not heard about the neighborhood open house, and had heard about tonight’s public hearing only through another neighbor. Mr. Peterson opined that, as a resident in the neighborhood for over ten (10) years, he liked the older, well-established nature of the neighborhood, and the community connectivity of that neighborhood. Mr. Peterson, however, expressed concern with the traffic along Sandhurst, use of Merrill by people seeking a thoroughfare from Lexington to Hamline; and ramifications with this proposed use. Mr. Peterson further addressed the exterior building materials, opining that it looked like the back of a warehouse, without a front door. Mr. Peterson opined that there were many vacancies currently in Roseville, and that another office building was not necessary. Mr. Peterson addressed his observations of bicycle accidents at County Road B and Lexington; excess speeds over the posted 35 mph; and expressed concerns with the triangle of safety for cars and pedestrians. Mr. Peterson expressed concern that residential property values would decrease further; and again addressed his apparent lack of notice and communication regarding this application. At the request of Chair Bakeman, City Planner Thomas Paschke addressed the notification process used, and reviewed the actual list of property owners notified, 500’ from the property line of the development site, in addition to posted and published notice. Cindy Wilson, 1172 Sandhurst Drive As part of the record, written comments were received from Dr. Douglas Wilson, attached hereto and made a part thereof. Ms. Wilson advised that she was located eight (8) houses from this home, and had not received a notice either. Ms. Wilson opined that the property should remain residential to avoid decreasing home values; noted current lighting pollution from the SuperAmerica property to her home; and addressed major traffic concerns at that intersection and impacts to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Ms. Wilson noted that there were no sidewalks along Sandhurst; and that Lexington was a huge trunk for emergency vehicles, which were not traveling at 35 mph, creating more potential for accidents. While supporting a use other than the existing TCF Bank building, Ms. Wilson expressed concern with removing a residence to put in a parking lot, and opined that the parking lot should be reduced to avoid taking that home. Andrejs Vape Mr. Vape opined that, if more residential on that site was not possible, he would suggest more appealing architectural amenities, with entrance on County Road B, and parking on the side to avoid additional traffic congestion on Sandhurst. Mr. Vape also noted the lack of notice he had received about the proposal. Chair Bakeman requested that staff review the notification process, and verify those property owners on the list for future notices. Paul Mergens, 1126 Sandhurst Mr. Mergens, in listening to public comments tonight, noted the negativity; however, he opined that Roseville, as an inner ring suburb, could do worse than the proposed use on that corner; and suggested that citizens focus more on positives of the proposal. Mr. Mergens opined that this may be a wonderful asset to the community; and noted that some of the city’s homes needed repair, replacement or removal; and suggested that there were positives to this proposal. Chair Bakeman recessed the meeting at approximately 8:34 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 8:40 p.m. Applicant Response, Sonja Simonsen Ms. Simonsen addressed some of the comments from tonight’s public testimony, noting that the building use was currently retail, and that this use should generate less traffic and vehicular traffic, with 740 vehicles per day for a retail use, and only 350 vehicles per