09-21-2015 Planning Commission Packet

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MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURALRESOURCES CENTRAL REGtON 1200 WARNER ROAD SAINT PAUL,MN 55906 851-259-SSpO MNDNR adjacent public rights-of-way and reduce potential public access to the Iake. Preserving this right-of-way in its currerrt state may protect shoreline and offer natural resource benefits. It is not uncomruon in considering road vacations for decision makers to be asked to consider whether other public access is available on the pubIic water body,with the azgument being that the area to be vacated zs not important in the overatl conte�. But statute dces not direct this as a point of consideration. We cannot anticipate what needs may exist for public access or natural resource conservativn in 100 years;however,once this valuable land leaves public ownership it is likely gone farever. We strongty recammend to the city that other rneans are selected to work with the applicant. For instance,the vacation nnay be refused,but the city could grant an easement for the purpose of non- exclusive access through the right-of-way. Or,if the city decides to vacate,we recozntnend that, in addition to retaining an easement for c�rainage and utility,the city explicitly retain the right of the public to travel across the property as well. In summary,the Department o€Natural Resources concIudes the proposed vacation is not in the public interest and is opposed to it. If you have any questions or concerns about this letter,please conta,ct Darin Newman,recreation and land pIanner with DNR Parks and Trails Division,at darin.newmanna,state.mn.us. You may contact him by phone at 651-259-5b 11. Thenk you for the opport�ulity to comment on the proposed vacation. Sincerety, . �� Keith Parker Central Region Director Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 1200 Warner Road St.Paul,MN 55106 Cc: Darin Newman,Division of Parks and Trails mndnr.gov � PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER CQNTAINING A MINIMUM OF 10%POST-CONSUMER WASTE. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.