HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-01 Ken Hooge Memo to OPH Re Neighborhood Meetings. 7wa
T010 Kris Danielson
CC: Allen Black
Dan Lindh
FROM: Ken Dooge
IE$ Oak Park Heights neighborhood meetings
DATE: April 1, 2002
Talley Senior Services Alliance and Senior Housing Partners, held two meetings with the
neighbors surrounding Boutwells Landing on Monday, March 18 and March 25.
Approximately 20 people attended the two meetings at Boutwells Landing. They
represented neighbors to the south of 58 street and the proposed linear park, south of
McKean 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. On other issues there were a diversity of opinions.
• Concerns about the pond in the linear park adding to water problems
• Do not want a trail in the linear park, prefer to use the sidewalk on 58 St.
• Concerns about the driveway to the 11 Town homes south of 58 " St. and the
possibility that headlights will shine into homes
• Concerns about the height and visibility of the 100 unit apartment building
• Concerns about the height and visibility of the 110 lout Independent Living
building
• Neighbors southwest of McKean Square West desire an adequate buffer between
their homes and the new buildings. Additional trees in planted in their backyards
would be satisfactory
• Future development should minimize the disruption to existing wetlands and
vegetation
• Concerns were raised about the density of development in the CBD and the
impact on traffic and property values.
• widespread interest and support for the proposed nature area on McKean East
• widespread appreciation of the existing and proposed trail system and its
availabity to neighbors
• Interest in having the McKean Square Bast trail system connected to the existing
street to facilitate access
• Interest expressed in the development of the old school and church
Appreciation for attempts to minimize disruption to the topography by using 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.
Identified the current Oak Park Heights boundary lines
* 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
* 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
Raised concerns about the city General Fund balance and budget concerns for city
operations
* Stated that the current fund 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.
* Stated that the current pristine wetlands in Boutwells Landing will be destroyed 'n
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