Posted by: RRHOA | May 24, 2010

Planning Commission Public Hearing Recap

Kirby, Pat, Derick and Sara, along with community members Sandra and Travis, attended the Planning Commission’s public hearing which addressed the Roosevelt Ridge Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment (“CPA2010D”).  A short summary of the hearing follows:

Associate Planner Russ Wright started the discussion by stating that the intersection of 179th and Hwy 2 is currently performing to  standard at a level C.  According to Wright, this means that this intersection will allow for future development.  He went on to state that the water capacity is sufficient with the Roosevelt Water District being the supplier for any future development.  Wright did state that there were about 3 acres of wetland in the proposed map amendment area and one stream that is 3600 linear feet long.  These would required approximately 31 acres of buffer land.

Kirby then presented a unified statement on behalf of the Roosevelt Ridge Homeowners Association and its community. (A copy of his statement is attached along with other documents received at the hearing below.)   Pat, Sara, Travis, Derick and Sandra further supported the HOA statement as well as brought up additional issues such as increased crime, increased traffic on Robinhood Ln with little opportunity for mitigation, and the need for sidewalks and safer pedestrian accommodations along Robinhood Ln and other access streets.  Three other residents of the area also spoke, one of which was in favor of CPA2010D, the other two opposing.

Commissioner Philip then closed the meeting to public comment and opened it up for discussion among the commissioners.  It was explained that currently we are in the pre-designation stage.  After this stage would be annexation to the City of Monroe, and then finally zoning.  Commissioner Knettles reiterated his concern over traffic and suggested to change the pre-designation to limited open space.  It was stated that the school districts would maintain their current boundaries if the annexation were to occur.  Likewise, the fire district would remain the same.  We would obtain police service from the City.  Commissioner Rodland brought up the fact that the City of Monroe has no jurisdiction over Robinhood Ln as it is a county road and that it makes annexing an area with pre-existing houses and development very difficult.

Commissioner Loots then made a motion to approve CPA2010D and Commissioner Kamp seconded.  This motion failed in a 3 to 3 tie.  Kamp voted in favor stating that there is no direct traffic impact at this time and the pre-designation would allow for future review.  Knettles voted against the motion stating that traffic was an issue and that he would like the area to be pre-designated as Limited Open Space.  Loots voted in favor, stating it was vacant land that could be developed, that there would be protection for wetlands, and that the zoning of the area would not change until annexation took place.  Commissioner Philip voted against the motion stating that they had a “burden to plan”.  Approving the pre-designation would be irresponsible because they do not have an understanding or planning for the increased density.  He stated that they need a clear idea as to how navigation will occur and waiting until annexation would be more appropriate, as they would have a better understanding of the economy, etc.  Commissioner Kristiansen voted in favor of the motion stating that it is only pre-designation and there will be a review at the time of annexation.  He closed by stating that R5-7 is okay for now.  Commissioner Rodland voted against, stating that the City needs to look at more accessible areas where it has more control over the streets.  He believes that sewer and utilities will be an issue for the area.

After further discussion, Commissioner Knettles brought a second motion to disapprove CPA2010D.  Commissioner Rodland seconded the motion.  The vote was 4 to 2 in favor of the motion with Commissioner Kristiansen being the swing vote.  This is a favorable vote for the Roosevelt Ridge Homeowners Association.

The next step is for the Planning Commission to present their recommendation to the City Council, which would be to not accept the pre-designation of R5-7.  This City Council meeting will occur on June 6th.

RRHOA Statement at Planning Commissioner Meeting 5/24/2010

Planning Commission Agenda Packet 5/24/2010

Kirkpatrick Statement 5/24/2010

5/24/10 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes


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