6.7. - 6.9. SR 03-19-2001 6.7 - 6.9
Item #'s
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planne~
March 19, 2001
Case No.'s ZC 01-02, P 01-03, and CU 01-07
Request by S & Z Investments for West Oaks Preliminary Plat
Request
Consider a request by S & Z Investments for the following:
· Rezoning from Rlc (Single Family Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit
Development)
· Preliminary Plat for West Oaks (170 townhouse units)
· Conditional Use permit for the site plan for the PUD
Location
The property is located south of Highway 10, west of Waco Street and north
of Pinewood Golf Course.
At the request of the applicant, these items are being postponed until April in
order to allow the applicant time to revise the plans to address the City
Engineer's comments. Due to scheduling conflicts, the applicant is requesting
that these items be postponed to the April 9th City Council meeting. The
regular date that the Council considers planning items is April 16th.
March 16, 2001
ATTN: Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner
City of Elk River
Dear Scott,
Due to concerns raised by citizens about lowest floor elevations to the West of the
proposed West Oaks project, we request a continuance to the April 9th Elk River City
Council Meeting. On the 5th of March, at our own expense, we attempted to obtain these
elevations but were refused permission to enter the property after originally being given
verbal permission. Mr. Randall told us at the time that he would provide the elevations to
the city engineer in a timely manner. This has not happened as of this date.
To answer their concerns and allow the city engineer to fully review the West Oaks
project, and to possibly adjust the engineering design io alleviate any concerns in
question, we will need those elevations.
Sincerely,
President
S & Z Investments, Inc.
Kelly and Beverly Barry
14415 183~i Avenue
Elk River, Mn 55330
Mayor Klinzing and City Counsel Members:
This letter is in regards to the requested zone change for the proposed West Oaks
development from the current status of Residential high density housing.
The West Oaks development is planned in a large wetland and heavily wooded arek..T~
developer Plans to clear-cut the woods and plans to dredge out the wetlands to create
drainage ditches and holding ponds to contain the natural water flow.
As residents of Royal Oaks Estates we have many concerns, we hope the Elk River City
Counsel will consider and address before voting to approve this project.
The proposed West Oaks development is on 38 acres adjoining our property. We have
1,225.5 feet of property line to the west of West Oaks. Which is the entire east property
line of the West Oaks development. My wife and I chose this area to avoid building on a
city lot. We paid a premium price for this particular lot. We had no idea that a
development of this kind could have been a possibility because of the large wetland area.
We are concerned the planned dredging will affect the natural water flow through our
property. We do not believe the transition from our property to West Oaks is adequate to
ensure the current water level and wildlife habitat are maintained. The developer plans to
install straw bales anchored to pound by a couple of stakes. We know how ineffective
this is when used to reduce soil erosion by road construction companies. We request the
· developer install a more permanent solution. Also consider that the construction is
planned to be complete in 5 years with no guarantee.
We request that a larger buffer zone between our property and West Oaks. The developer
has three roads planned that come with in a few feet to our property line. We also oppose
the road which is directed towards our home. We do not wish to have car headlights
shining into my home. We also have concerns about the possibility of a cars going off
the road and onto our property. This buffer zone should have a large number of trees
installed of a substantial size. Please do not accept a few 4-foot twigs that will take 20
years to act as any red buffer zone. We would like to have a fence constructed on the
West Oaks property and maintained by West Oaks.
With the additional residents the added traffic will be increased considerably. Royal
Oaks has 9 homes with about two cars to a home. Multiply by two the 178 units that are
being proposed.and that is an increase of 2000%. We request that 183rd Avenue not be
connected to West Oaks. We also request a traffic study be done by unbiased party to
determined an effective road system for safety reasons.
With the clear-cutting of trees on the 38 acres will cause more road noise from HighWay
10. The clear-cutting will result in soil erosion and impact the natural beauty of the area.
We request that any cutting of trees be kept to minimum. Should any cutting of trees
occur that no burning on site would be permitted. Also note the clear-cutting will leave
trees on our property vulnerable to wind damage from the west. Which is the direction
most severe weather tends to come from.
We would like to review the covenants of West Oaks with a chance to comment about
any concerns that may arise.
In closing, please give the environment sincere consideration. There will be lost wildlife
habitat for many various animals. The new residents will only be 1 or 2 feet above the
holding ponds level and have a small green area. Our property value will decrease
significantly. We know the only winner here is the developer. In conclusion we would
be more inclined to accept housing that is similar construction and lot size of the current
residence in the area.
Thank you
Kelly and Beverly Barry