6.7. - 6.9. SR 05-21-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Thomasand YvolmeRandall 14507 183~Ave ElkRiver, MN 55330 Mayor Klinzing and City Counsel Members: This letter is in regard to the requested zone change for the proposed West Oaks subdivision from its current status of "residential" to "high density" housing Tile 38 acres in question is heavily wooded with large wetland areas. In order to acconmlodate the 178 units proposed, the developer plans to clear-cut the trees except for afew "token" patches. The developer also plans to dredge out file wetland to create drainage ditches or holding ponds to contain natural water flow through the arm A small tot lot [less than one acre] near the center of the development serves as the only recreation area for file many families involved. As residents of the adjoining development, Royal Oaks Estates, we have concerns we hope the City of Elk River will consider and address before giving the go-ahead to this project: Wetlands-If drainage is blocked; those of us west of the development are likely to experience serious flooding If the property is drained aggressively, my husband and I may see the large wild life ponds we created [at great expense] dry up. Either way, this alters or destroys a great deal of wildlife habitat. Elk River's Building and Environmental Administrator, Steve Roll, has a conflict of interest in this matter as his relative is planning a "high density" community on property adjacent to West Oaks. We feel he should not be making recommendations regarding this proposal. Green space-While there is designated green space on the plans, I have to ask, is it usable? Anyone familiar with this piece of property knows these green areas are very low and very wet most of the time. Certainly they will not be usable by residents for any outside activities. Adjoining property-Lots surrounding the property in question range fxom 21/2 to 5 acres[some much larger] with homes selling in the $300,000 bracket The average home in the West Oaks development appears to be much less than $200,000 with no "lot" to speak of. While West Oaks may make a nice "residential" area, it is not suited for the high density development as propose, c[ No consideration was given to the adjoining landowners in that the make up of the new community will be so inconsistent with the existing lot sizes and home values. Even a buffer zone along the west border would have been appreciatect A more conservative approach to building would allow for the conservation of the wetlands and timber instead of turning the west entrance of Elk River hato an urban eyesore.