03-13-1974 Planning Commission Meeting

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The problem is pockets of development. We have got to find alternate ways of solving the problem rather than expand sew- ers. What sort of economic impact will the rezoning have on the homeowner? It is speculative to predict future land values. In some situations, the value could increase, but in most cases, it would undoubtedly diminish. In reading the letter sent out, 1 was under the impression that a Comprehensive Plan of Orono would be discussed. Ap- parently, this meeting is to discuss a modification of the zoning ordinance without a Comprehensive Plan. Why are you coming in with zoning ordinances when you don't have the Comprehensive Plan? You are putting the cart before the horse. It is good to be using the Metropolitan Council:as a guide, but you haven't considered such things as housing. Low or moderate housing has not been considered and many may find themselves not being able to afford to live here. Orono is a leader in fighting to keep Lake Minnetonka clean, and yet we see that I acre lots with sewer on the lake does not necessarily arrest the pollution problem. Funding annual inspectors for septic systems seems to be a poor use of dol- lars that could be put to use elsewhere. Too many issues haven't been solved. Some of the decisions are in the planning study areas. We realize many decisions have to be made. Orono isn't ignoring housing policies. Ode have approached the Metropolitan Council on how a housing policy can be ap- plied to Orono. John Guthrie is putting full effort into studying how policies would apply to Orono. The City has discussed tax credit for refurbishing older structures. We will have a workable plan on housing policies. ';there is the Consultant's report? Do they concur with the Comprehensive Plan? Brauer's plan has been incorporated into the Planning Commis - ions recommendation. I agree that we are putting the cart before the horse. We are exploring sewer proposals before we complete the Compre- hensive Plan. There has been a rush of events and we cannot continue when elements of the Comprehensive Plan are undecided. I was worried about the Comprehensive Plan so I went to the Metropolitan Council and saw the people who would review the Plan. I asked if we should hold this Public Hearing and would they advise us to handle it as the Planning Commission saw fit. Chairman VanNest Fred Poisson Mayor Searles Dick Putnam Chairman VanNest Mayor Searles Todd Fruen Chairman VanNest Mayor Searles I looked at a Comprehensive Plan as being a glossy covered book. Chairman VanNest Being practical, it is a book that's never finished; a never - ending process; implementation of thoughts, etc. -d-