August 25, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes ` 1rpa�e $ I �t 1�`j August 25, 1994�'Uu gU L'V' U E ------------- should be set aside now for industrial, rather than trying to put it next to homes that are already there. Committee Member Pat Dwyer noted that the City Council recently adopted a business park zone in order to provide an area for light industrial development. Marlon Glines stated that townships just outside of the Elk River area with 2'/2 acre minimum lot sizes are developing at quite a fast pace. He questioned the residents present whether or not they would be in favor of a lot size of two and one-half acres if there were no adverse effects on the farmers. A majority of the people were in favor of this concept. He stated that it has been his experience that it is possible to have larger lots mixed with smaller lots when development occurs. He stated that an older home can be remodeled to fit in with new housing to look like it belongs there. Marly also explained how lots can be subdivided with a sewer and water overlay, placing a home on the property in such a way that it can be subdivided later if sewer and water is extended. A resident asked that the Council take into consideration those residents like himself who bought ten acres because that is what they wanted, and do not want to see it changed. Dick Hinkle explained that when he served on the Anoka Board of Realtors, the Met Council tried to enforce a 10 acre minimum on local government and HUD refused to finance anything less than 10 acres in that area. He stated that they when to Washington D.C. to fight the restriction and won because it wasn't legal. Jerry Jackson, resident on 200th Avenue N.W., expressed his view that he receives no benefits living in Elk River. Committee Member Arne Engstrom stated that the County Board voted to open development to two and one-half acre lots. This does not mean there cannot be larger lots, only a minimum of two and one-half acres. Cecilia Scheel agreed with Arne Engstrom that people want to be able to develop their property if they wish. Cindy Lowe, resident in Greenhead Acres, expressed her opinion that she would like to see the lot size remain at 10 acres. She stated that she has a four acre lot and does not want to receive a huge assessment at some point in the future for improvements. Chris Kreger stated that the closer a resident lives to the urban service area, the sooner those services may come to them. He stated that he sympathized with residents who purchased 10 acres assuming that it would remain that way, but they needed to take into consideration that an adjoining neighbor may have an entirely different opinion. Mr. Kreger stated that it is the Committee's responsibility to collect the opinions and facts that relate to the area being discussed and then to determine what is the general feeling of the public. He stated that the committee will do their best to develop a compromise to satisfy both sides of the issue.