11-18-2013 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, October 21, 2013 6:30 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 30 of 42 Leskinen stated at this time she would open the public hearing. Leskinen requested each resident limit their comments to two minutes or less and that the audience should refrain from applause or other noise and otherwise be respectful of the person who has the floor. Leskinen requested each speaker state their name and address for the record and to also attempt not to repeat the same comments that have already been expressed. Chair Leskinen opened the public hearing at 9:38 p.m. Donna Hager, 4580 West Branch Road stated tonight is the first time she and her neighbor have heard of a double lane road doing between their two homes and that they would object to that. Hager indicated her property, as well as the Eastman property, in the spring and throughout the summer, whenever there is a torrential rain, there are literal lakes in the front yard. Hager stated she has already been told that area is unbuildable for a road by Mike Gehr who said it was not feasible to put a road through there because of the water table and standing water, which eventually drains into Lake Minnetonka and Forest Lake. Hager commented it takes a long time to drain that area. Hager stated in her view it is not a good place for a road and that she objects to it being right next to her property where she has lived for over 50 years. Hager stated she has a vested interest in the neighborhood and in the idea of open space, which is very vital to the Orono community and the reason why they chose to live there. This would be open space for generations to come and that she wonders if this plan is the only plan they can envision for this kind of space. Hager indicated she is also wondering whether Orono has thought about or looked into the idea of making it a park with activities year-round since the area would be ideal for that. Hager stated if it is not kept as a golf course, there are lots of other options that should be considered for the benefit of the whole community. Hager indicated she does not want to place that burden on the Wenksterns but perhaps Orono or Hennepin County could purchase it. Terri Eastman, 4520 West Branch Road, stated her biggest concern is the water runoff in the spring. Eastman stated when the water drains, it goes down the site and finally makes it through a small culvert underneath her driveway. In the springtime and following major rains, you can literally hear a waterfall coming through the woods and approximately a two foot waterfall coming down from the golf course. Eastman stated there is too much water runoff currently, and if they add a roadway, that would be a bigger issue. Eastman indicates she is in agreement with Donna Hager that the neighborhood would hate to see the green space go away. Bryce Johnson, 580 North Arm Drive, stated there are a number of folks that have a similar opinion as what he is going to present tonight. Johnson noted last Friday afternoon a petition addressing the proposal was delivered to Orono City Offices. The petition contains the signatures of over 60 residents who signed it within a few hours and who represent a large percentage of the neighboring properties. The petition is meant to be constructive but yet responsive to everyone’s ultimate interests. Johnson stated Lakeview Golf Course is a unique property since it rises above Lake Minnetonka and is perfectly framed by trees, ponds, wetlands. Johnson stated to those who look at it, it brings a sense of peace, history, and a fond enjoyment of nature. The property contributes a substantial amount of green space to the whole western lake area. Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 [Page 30 of 42]