10-26-1995 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1995 'il Page 5 . The Steering Committee also recommended that there was not a need for additional multiple family zoned property at this time, and reduced the amount of property with this zoning designation by changing it to some other use such as commercial, business park or office space. Some of the minimum lot sizes were changed in the residential districts, as well as adding "average" lot sizes. Also, some areas designated for 10,000 square foot minimum lot sizes were changed to require larger lot sizes (up to 14,000 square feet). Chair Kuester opened the public hearing for discussion of the residential section of the Draft Comprehensive Plan. . Cecilia Scheel, 10271 213th Avenue NW, stated that she and her husband, Eugene, own 160 acres north of County Road 33. Mrs. Scheel stated that some of her neighbors have had large parcels of land in their families for about 100 years. She felt that when 40 acre farmers came into the area, the 100+ acre farmers were not happy; when the 20 acre farmers came in, the 40 acre owners where not happy; when the 20 acre farmers came in they were unhappy with the 10 acre people, and, the 10 acre property owners don't want the 2-1/2 acre people. After people acquire their land, it seems the rules change. She stated that she and her husband have invested in their land, just as some people invest in stocks or bonds. Since they (the Scheels) do not tell people what they can do with their stocks and bonds, others should not be able to dictate what they can do with their land. Mrs. Scheel stated that she has learned from Anoka County and Sherburne County that vacant land in this area is selling for $4,000 - $6,000 an acre. Across from her land, property is being developed in Burns Township (Anoka County) in 2-1/2 acres, and the same is true in Livonia Township to the north. Mrs. Scheel expressed her opposition to the clustering proposal. Mrs. Scheel felt it was unclear whether or not the dedicated open space would remain in their custody, who would manage it, and if the property owner would pay taxes on it. Mrs. Scheel stated that at a value of $4,000 - $6,000 per acre for the dedicated open space, she and her family would essentially be charged $80,000 - to $120,000 for developing their land. In addition, there are other costs associated with development such as roads and utility easements. She did not feel that anyone would be willing to donate $120,000 to the City and questioned why this would be asked of the residents in the northern area of the City. She stated she would like the City Attorney's opinion regarding State Statutes that would permit the clustering concept with dedicated open space. She felt it was unconstitutional to separate out certain people for certain things. Mrs. Scheel stated that if land is to be given up to the City, property owners should be paid for it. She concluded that the City is placing a hardship on her and her neighbors that have reached retirement age by not allowing them to develop their property. Craig Robinson, 10113 213th Avenue NW, stated he was opposed to a change in the minimum 10 acre lot size, as well as the clustering concept. . Commissioner Kreger explained the clustering option recommended by the Steering Committee as follows: In addition to the current zoning standard which allows 4 lots per 40 acres in the Agricultural District, an alternative option would be allowed for 8 lots per 40 acres. The landowner would donate 50 percent of the land for a land trust or preserve it as open space in some other way. To develop a 40 acre parcel in the most profitable way, the landowner would subdivide 7