02-23-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes February 23, 2005 Page 3 will be negatively impacted by the proposed use. He felt that if the number of employees increased, there would be even more traffic. Mr. Osberg stated his concern for the safety of children with increased traffic, noting that the 30 mph speed limit is often ignored. He stated he was opposed to the request because it would adversely change the structure of the neighborhood, and that potential buyers will be deterred from building in Nordic Hills. He was concern about buses in the neighborhood, shuttling people back and forth. Mr. Rohlf asked the applicant if they anticipated more than three employees. The applicant stated no. Mr. Rohlf stated that he will discuss the issue of a three way stop at the intersection of Zumbro Court and 194m Avenue with the City Engineer and Police Chief. Mike Wilson, 19370 Zumbro Court - Stated that he would not have moved to this location if he would have known about the proposed office. He felt that all those living on Zumbro Court will be impacted by the traffic. He stated that there are many children and walkers on this street. He stated that he was upset with the number of meetings proposed and the traffic that would be generated. Angie Wilson, 19370 Zumbro Court - Stated that she did not feel the trips per day were realistic. She stated that the people living on this street are aware of the number of children and watch out for them, and that the people coming to this site would not be as cautious. Jim Greenlund, Board of Directors for the Minnesota Builders Association, and the Suburban Northwest Builders Association, Chair for Energy House III, applicant - stated that they care what happens in the neighborhood, and that they also care about educating people how to conserve energy. He stated that the Energy House will be built for builders and consumers. He stated that when a house sits vacant, it has the appearance of being abandoned and may attract unwanted people to a neighborhood. He stated that there may be twelve buses to the site a year, at most, and that school buses will also be in the neighborhood. He felt that all bus drivers know how to drive in areas where there are children. He did not feel traffic will be a significant issue, and that two single family homes on these two lots would generate significantly more traffic. He noted that it is very unlikely that all thirteen SNBA board members will attend all the meetings, since they often have a difficult time getting a quorum. He concluded that the Energy House III will serve an important purpose for the builders, the people, and the City of Elk River. Unknown resident residing at 19473 Zumbro Court - Stated he would not have moved to a neighborhood with commercial uses nearby if he would have known what was proposed. He expressed his appreciation for the neighborhood meeting but did not feel that all of their concerns have been addressed. He felt it was poor planning to open this office after the neighborhood is already there. Mr. Greenlund stated that the property is residential, not commercial and that it will stay that way. He stated that the office use would have no more impact than having a day care business in a residential neighborhood. There being no one else to speak to this issue, Chair Ropp closed the public hearing. Commissioner Lemke asked if any city money is being used for Energy House III. Mr. Rohlf stated that Landfill Abatement funds will be used for recycling education. Commissioner Stevens asked if any of the building materials will be "outside" of the Building Code. Mr. Rohlf stated no, noting that they will try to build the home in anticipation of the 2006 Energy Code.