03/15/2004 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, March 15, 2004 6:00 o'clock p.m. (#11. #04-2994 LANDFORM, STEVE JOHNSTON, REPRESENTING SWERVO DEVELOPMENT, 875 W. WAYZATA BLVD., COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT-Continued) Reinhart also stated that coming home headed west in the evening, traffic would have to make a left hand turn across eastbound traffic. Applicant responded that there is not a lot of eastbound traffic to cross in the evening. Public member Roland Jurgens, 340 Turnham Road, is in favor of the project and feels it would be aesthetically pleasing and a nice entrance to the city. Resident at 915 W. Wayzata Blvd. is opposed to the project. It would add to the congestion and we don't know most of the traffic would turn east and we don't know that for sure. He also stated the proposed plan means up to 36 homes equals 72 people equals 1.45 cars per home. Applicant mentioned that proximity to retail is right in the area where in fact it is not. Homeowners would have to travel to Wayzata or Long Lake for services. He doesn't feel there is any benefit to the project. Traffic problems are prevalent in the area; it won't help traffic on the Luce Line trail, nor the impact on the wetlands. Public member Susanne McRunnel, 915 W. Wayzata Blvd, is concerned about what land will be available for the animals if developed. Chair Smith responded that they wish they could leave the property as a park or a preserve forever but that probably won't happen. Chair Smith questioned the opposing public members in the audience regarding the optimum use of the property. Reinhart answered by telling the commission to leave it rural at a two-acre minimum. Public member Darrell Anderson, 920 W. Wayzata Blvd. said to keep it zoned at a two-acre and three houses. Applicant stated he is interested in hearing what neighbors in the area think about this project. MNDOT took '/z of the two-acre lots to build roads, which disturbed much of the lot to the west of the daycare facility. With one daycare facility on site a factor of the sanitary sewer is important—still need to do some kind of system with a lift station and whether you leave the site as two-acre or something more in density the site will need sewer. Reinhart stated the city should have one house per acre. Do what is best for the city and residents. He doesn't want high density right when you drive into the city. Chair Smith thanked the audience for their comments. Page 33 of 48