11-05-2009 Planning Commission Minutes - Special Meeting

Home Browse Search

common sense. It is hard to keep emotions out and hard to keep politics out and neither �..• have a real use in this type of decision making. He researched Oppidan and doesn't think they would put a project together if they didn't think it would work. The Council approved TIF (Tax Abatement) which demonstrates approval. What makes the most sense; it is a give and take. We are providing suggestions. We are here to help our citizens or developer or retailer in town. The School Board didn't like connection to the south as a short cut to the highway. He like what is here with the north/south access and memo 2 with the possibility of eliminating the parsonage property. Alternative 1 makes sense—walkable, bikeable, nice. He had to pay a park dedication fee. What is best for Pequot Lakes? The walking connection with a dedication fee paid to the City. Deb Brown stated she is new to the Planning Commission and see this as an outsider. As a business owner she wants the City to be open to development. It is important that everyone follow the same rules, Comprehensive Plan and zoning regulations. There is a new plan in front of the Commission. There are questions with the impervious coverage and they have met it. The new plan defeats the intent of the impervious standard. It is kind of sneaky to include the parsonage to meet the coverage standard. What is best for Pequot Lakes? To have a business move in here to retain the beauty and character of Pequot Lakes and not have a big parking lot. She would prefer a second entrance, a road to the north and not a bike path. John Derksen offered some history regarding the extension of Pillsbury Street. The residents on the west side of town were against the Pillsbury improvements because of the traffic going through that area. They were told the improvements would make traffic amounts lighter. We are redirecting traffic to that area. Mark Hallan stated the Planning Commission suggested the developer purchase land from the Church. They ended up with the parsonage. If we approve this configuration it will ultimately force us to look at the impervious coverage standards. We will end up redoing the ordinance because of this situation. As of now,they need no Variance. If they would have been able to purchase land from Babinski, they would have been able to move forward. He had no preference but if we approve this,we will be back looking at the Ordinance in the future. In a perfect world, we would have a road to the north. Dean Williams asked how the individuals in the parsonage would have access if the driveway becomes a path. Mr. Tucci stated the driveway will be removed at some point. The path was considered pervious. The road to the south is impervious. Mr. Williams also stated the parsonage property is odd shaped no matter now it is used. He asked Staff if the Variance is still on the table. Mr. Marohn stated that it technically was. They don't need it, but it has not been withdrawn. The math says they meet the standard. Mr. Williams asked if they keep the CUP with the road to the north does it mess up their impervious coverage issue. Mr. Marohn stated physically,they can't do that. To the north could be a private driveway. Mr. Williams asked if a 24 foot road would bring the impervious coverage over. Mr. Hallan stated that it would. Mr. Adams asked if they Minutes 6 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission Special Meeting November 5, 2009