08-26-1997 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . Planning Commission Meeting Minutes August 26. 1997 Page 4 Bob Saxon, 18044 Union street, stated he attended a previous meeting several years ago when the Council voted to leave the south half of the Wilson property residential. Hartley Story, 14148 Mississippi Road, expressed his opposition to the proposed changes. He felt the City needs to look for a much larger parcel to develop for residential. There being no other comments from the public, Chair Anderson closed the public hearing. Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development, provided photographs of business parks in the area which have standards similar to the City of Elk River. Chair Anderson reopened the public hearing. Steve Stewart, 18290 Ogden Street, expressed concern the speeding problem on Mississippi Road would become even greater with the increased traffic generated by a business park. Troy DeMars, 14220 182nd Avenue, questioned how many employees would be employed by the business park. He expressed his concern for the traffic impacts the business park would have on the residential community. Dr. Ebner asked the Commissioners to make a decision on this issue as if it were in their backyard. Jennifer Longley, 19233 Ogden, indicated she moved here in June, based on the fact the area was zoned residential. She expressed her opposition to the proposed amendment and rezoning. Commissioner Mesich stated he felt it would be inappropriate to rezone this property to light industrial due to its close proximity to the Mississippi River and the residential properties. Commissioner Mesich supported the location of a school at this site. Commissioners Thompson and Cote stated they could not support the request based on the fact there is existing residential on three sides of the property. Commissioner Kuester explained the Planning Commission is a volunteer board comprised of citizens that may have had an issue of their own at one time. She explained she did not support this request, but she is concerned about the need for industrial property in order to achieve a balance in the community. She stated the Planning Commission is here to listen to the public and wished the residents could have been more respectful. Chair Anderson indicated he understood this is an emotional issue for the residents. He expressed his agreement the subject property is not appropriate for a business park and was concerned for increased traffic.