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MINUTES O1; THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />NJEE11N(i tiELD ON JUNE 16, 1997 <br />• 06 - #2245 Barbara ThPise_.n anti 0.9vton Fre bjirg - rontinut -Ai) <br />Gaffron reported that the request is for vacation of an alleyway paralleling North Shore <br />Drive. It has existed since 1889 as a public dedicated right-of-way as part of the <br />Bergquist's Addition to Saga Hill. The request is to vacate the portion as noted with an <br />option to vacate to North Shore Drive. Stoddard was informed that the vacation request <br />does not include the farther distance. <br />Gaffron indicated that the parcel between the platted right -of -way and alley, known as Lot <br />A, Tonkaview Gardens, is a tax forfeit parcel acquired by Hennepin County for future <br />right-of-way purposes. The Freeburg garage is located in this area. The alleyway is also <br />used to gain access to the Theisen property. <br />Gaffron reported that staff is concerned with any approval of the vacation as the alley <br />might be needed for future expansion of the County road to correct the curve radius. If it <br />is vacated, there is a possibility that Hennepin County would then have to repurchase it for <br />road expansion. <br />There is also a drainageway at the shoulder of the roadway with a County catch basin and <br />outlets. Gaffron reported that a significant amount of stormwater runs through this area, <br />and the County may need the property for drainage improvements in the future. <br />• Gaffron said the utility companies have been notified. No response has been received yet, <br />but easements are normally maintained when vacations are approved. <br />• <br />Gaffron informed the Commissioners that any approval would require meeting the findings <br />1-4 as indicated in the statt memo. The three possible public purposes were also noted <br />which are included in the memo as well. Gaffron reported that impacts are both positive <br />and negative. The five impacts as noted in the staff memo were reviewed. Gaffron noted <br />that while the homestead lots would gain in area, they would still be substandard. <br />Gaffiron said staff does not recommend approval of the vacation. He noted that a <br />withdrawal of the application by the applicants would allow a fee refund less staff and <br />notification costs. <br />6 <br />