October 27, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes October 27, 1994 Page 3 need for buffering. He pointed out that there is flood plain area which will need to be considered with development proposals. Discussion followed regarding the extension of Waco to intersect with Highway 10. Hank Duitsman stated that Mn/DOT has recommended a floodable bridge to cross the Elk River. Tom Hartman, 18675 Macon Street, suggested that the Committee consider commercial development only one tier deep for the area north of Highway 10 (across from the Courthouse) with the balance used for residential development. Sarah Hartman, 18675 Macon Street, questioned what the standard depth would be for commercial development. Hank Duitsman stated that the Committee must evaluate the depth of commercial if it occurs along Highway 10. David Raymond, 13686 Riverview Drive, stated that he did not feel it was a good idea to have residential along the highway or along a highway frontage road. He suggested the area be for a "business park' use, with the property along the river used for some type of public park. Tom Hartman stated that he felt the best use of the area would be residential and a buffer from the highway could be constructed. Marty Glines noted that the only type of commercial that would fit would be some type of strip center. A short discussion followed regarding the value of the land as commercial vs. residential. Barb Miracle stated that as a property owner, she would not want to be backed up to a commercial area. Steve Ach explained that there is a large right-of-way along Highway 10 which would create a type of buffer in terms of distance if the property would be developed as residential, and also, that berming and landscaping could also be used for buffering. He stated that there are many different types of buffering that can be instituted to separate residential, commercial and industrial land uses. Hank Duitsman questioned the audience whether or not they felt evergreens are an effective buffer. Tom Hartman stated that he did not feel they are effective. Mike Boelter, 13325 207th Avenue NW, owner of property north of Highway 10, stated that his driveway is over 600 feet long and he can easily hear the traffic from Highway 10. David Raymond stated that he is aware of studies regarding sound barrier walls which indicate they are only effective noise abatement for property immediately adjacent to highways, and the sound is merely deflected to areas farther away. He stated that berms and plantings are more effective.