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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-01 Ken Hooge Memo Re Neighborhood MeetingsTO Kris Danielson CC: Allen Black Dan Lindh FROM: Ken Hooge RE: Oak Park Heights neighborhood meetings DATE: April 1 , 2002 Valley Senior Services Alliance and Senior Housing Partners, held two meetings with the neighbors g g surrounding Boutwells Landing on Monday, March 18 and March 25. Approximately 20 people attended the two meetings at Boutwells Landing. The �h g Y represented neighbors to the south of 5 street and the proposed linear P ark, south of Mclean Square Bast and west, west of McKean. Square west and west of the existing town homes. Adult neighbors and their children were in full agreement that the refreshments were outstanding, an other issues there were a diversity of opinions. a Concerns about the pond in the Iinear park adding to water P roblems Do not want a trail in the linear park, prefer to use the sidewalk on 5 $1h St. Concerns about the driveway to the 11 Town homes south of 5 81h St. and the possibility that headlights will shine into homes Concerns about the height and visibility of the 100 unit ap artment b uildin g g C o ncerns about the height and visibility of the 110 w Ind e p endent Living g building Neighbors southwest of McK Square west desire an ade q uate buffer between their homes and the new buildings. Additional trees in lanted in their backyards P y would be satisfactory ® Future development should mini the disruption to existin g wetlands and vegetation ® Conc were raised about the density of development in the CBD and the impact on traffic and property values. 0 widespread interest and support for the proposed nature area on Mc Kean East 0 widespread appreciation of the existing and proposed trails stem and its y availablty to neighbors a Interest in having the Mclean Square East trail system connected to the existing street to facilitate access a Interest expressed in the development of the old school and church Appreciation for attempts to minimize disruption to the topograp b using g a variety of housing types Mayor Beaudet attended the second meeting and addressed the neighbors with background on city issues and some of his personal views. 0 Identified the current Oak Park Heights boundary lines 0 Indicated that the street lighting at Boutwells landing was at a higher level than is typical and that the city will seek to secure an agreement to have electricity costs paid by Boutwells Landing 0 In response to a question about trails not being plowed, the mayor indicated that the city did not have the proper equipment and that Boutwells Landing should take responsibility for plowing 0 Raised concerns about the city General Fund balance and budget concerns for city operations ® Stated that the current ftmd in the Park budget is around $300,000 and that it would take approximately $200,000 to acquire the linear park south of 58"' St. A resident of Boutwells stated that a park shelter is desired. The mayor stated that a shelter in not in the Parks Department budget. a Stated that the current pristine wetlands in Boutwells Landing will be destroyed in the next several years due to lack of buffering and landscaping Stated that he is on the St. Croix wMO and will address water issues expressed by a. Baytown Township resident Proposed that the present city park should be abandoned and rebuilt on land to the south, which is proposed for development. The proposed 110 unit Independent Living building should be constructed on the site of the current city park.