05-19-1997 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CIT\* COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 28. 1994 (Saga H3I Tax Forfeit Property - Continued) iabbour was concerned with the property being for public use, and yet, by a trade, the City would, in his opimon, become an agent for the developer. The Bridgewood representative said they would not develop if the City keeps the tax forfeh parcel as there are too many environmental issues in developing the Soskin property. Council members said thty could not be concerned with the end result of the developer but only the good of the public where this land is corKemed. Hurr noted that this acquisition was resoK’ed in January of 1994. and no negotiations have been done with the Council by Bridgewood on this property. The Saga Hill Preservation Society was represented by Patricia Afieldt and Irene Silber. Their purpose was to see that the City acquire the 9.5 acre parcel for public use, remind the Council of the City's own development policies, arui ask the City to assign the Park Commission to study Saga Hill. The Committee related the history of the area and noted an access available to the parcel through a church property. The Orono Park Survey was brought to the Council’s attention. The survey showed the public’s concern with preserving more natural land and passive park areas. 62% of those surveyed said they would support higher taxes for nature preserves even though the nuqority of those polled noted the amount of their real estate ta.xes was their biggest concern, The Preserv ’ation Society said they were not opposed to development but were opposed to development of environmentally sensitive areas which they deem Saga Hill to be. The Orono Management Plan was quoted as saying the preservation of Lake Minnetonka was the guiding principle of the City. The Preservation Society feels any development of Saga Hill would affect the lake. They also noted that the Orono Planning Policies indicate that rural development should be screened for environmental sensitivity. It was commented by the Preservation Society that they approve of the Valek's obtaining the one-half acre of additional land for their property. Access to the property was discussed. A 15' alley easement from the south of the property which could be used as a walking path. This path goes through the Valek’s property. Hurr asked the Valek's if they would be willing to move the easement to the side of their property, and the Valek’s said they would consider this proposal.