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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, November 12, 2013 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 26 of 36 (8. #13-3638 and 13-3639 SOURCE LAND CAPITAL, LLC (PAT HILLER) O/B/O GRANT WENKSTERN (LAKEVIEW GOLF), 405 NORTH ARM DRIVE, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Julie Ruegemer, 1295 Loma Linda Avenue, stated over the weekend a set of sad and disappointed neighbors came over to her house to sign the petition asking Orono to do the environmental assessment on the impact of this large housing development that they want to have take over Lakeview. Each of their responses was the same - they are sick about what is slated to happen. When seven houses were slated to go up in the lovely wooded section of Minnie Avenue, the community was sick about that, too, but were told by the City Council it was going to happen anyway because it was zoned for seven houses on 50-foot lots. Their voices were not heard. Now a developer wants to put 60 houses in at Lakeview where it is guided for open space. The Planning Commission has already voted to change that guidance. In the blink of an eye, land that we thought was safe is on its way to being developed. Developing all of our land is very short-sighted and pretty soon it will be gone. Ruegemer stated another parcel of land in Minnesota that many of us enjoy is the Boundary Waters canoe area and all that would have been gone, too. A man named Edward Backus tried to develop it, but thanks to God someone else was not shortsighted and saw the future opportunity of enjoyment by the people and a number of people worked tirelessly to save this land for natural enjoyment. Noremberg Gardens is another example of land that may be taken for granted, but if it had not been for Laura Noremberg Hoppe bequeathing that land on Lake Minnetonka, that land would also be gone, taken over by developers. Instead, she had far-reaching vision. She saw that she could preserve this land for people to enjoy for all time. A group of people recently thought to save some private precious land in Frog Town, St. Paul. They were able to get a 1.5 million dollar grant from the public trust for land. They received gifts and city matching and they were able to save that land for public enjoyment. The sellers also got their money. Ruegemer stated if we want this land preserved, we have to fight and work for change. The Planning Commission has already voted to change the guidance on this piece of property in the blink of an eye. We live in the City because we believe in the philosophy that Orono has stated. We voted for our Council members because we believed they would uphold the philosophy of Orono. The philosophy of Orono is to protect and preserve Lake Minnetonka, the water quality and its recreational assets, protect and preserve our many natural resources and open spaces, preserve our distinct rural and urban land use patterns and lifestyles, preserve our local character and identity. Our identity is going to go out the window if we cannot even follow our own philosophy. Ruegemer stated they can raise the money through Orono’s residents, grants, and perhaps even city matching funds. We can buy this land and give it to the Three Rivers Park District for the enjoyment of all people. Lakeview could be a pristine place for biking, hiking, walking dogs, rollerblading, playing, etc. Let’s save this land and keep Orono from becoming like every other suburb. Let’s follow our own philosophy. Donna Hager, 4580 West Branch Road, stated they originally purchased their property 50 years ago for the open space. They have enjoyed their property all of those years and they would hate to lose that wonderful amenity that the residents enjoy. It is something that cannot be replaced. Once it is gone to a housing development, it is forever gone. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 11/25/2013 Approval of Council Minutes 11/12/2013 [Page 26 of 36]