06-16-98 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

watershed. Schaffer referred to the pictures she provided to the Planning Commission. The proposed buildings backing up to Lot 1 would have a serious flooding problem. Schaffer said a heavy rain can put water in her area for up to six days and fills the whole length of the backyard. In the mid ‘80’s, the City Engineer said the only solution to Schaffer’s problem would be to bring in heavy fill to Schaffer’s property and the property next door. The neighbor was unwilling to do that. Schaffer said they gradually added fill to the back of their property. Schaffer described the drainage on her property. Schaffer said she was very concerned that filling the wetland will exacerbate these difficulties. Schaffer said she was concerned about the increase in the water level in Stony Lake, which is a Type 5 Wetland. The lake has continued to rise over the last several years. Trees are standing in water there. Schaffer said she was concerned about disturbing the ecosystem of Stony Lake. Schaffer stated the pictures of the shore line she provided to the Commission show a fragile ecosystem. Tom Benahrio, 2391 17th Street NW, stated he would like to talk about Wetland #3, #4, and #6. Benahrio said there is standing water on his property this evening. The water is close to the surface. Benahrio said if he digs down 12 inches, he hits water. The proposed development’s effect on the drainage would be unpredictable, both above and below ground. Benahrio stated he gets water in his basement in the spring now. Benahrio said Teague’s report did not deal with historical significance. The property is dense with oak trees. The stand of oak trees is the oldest in the City. Historically, the City of New Brighton has had an interest in those trees and a desire to preserve each tree in that area. For the last ten years, the City Forester has walked that land, marked trees, and has managed that stand on a tree by tree basis. The City has also subsidized removal of diseased trees. The City has actively managed these trees. Teague’s report states the City Forester would like a detailed plan about preservation of the trees. The proposed development would not preserve the trees. Benahrio stated he was concerned that, before the City proceeds with any irreversible action, that we look at the impact. In answer to a question from Livingston, Benahrio described the elevation of his property. Benahrio said his property was lower than any other property in the area, except for the lowest portion of Wetland #6. Benahrio asked what would be the impact on Stony Lake? Betty Rolland, 1555 Silver Lake Road, stated she was concern about the lake being filled more. Since she has lived there, they have filled the section where Ted and Jo Broberg’s house is. Last year, Charlton’s did some filling. Rolland said she had called the City about Charlton’s filling in the lake. Livingston asked Rolland for the addresses of the properties she referenced. Rolland said Broberg’s property at 1508 23rd Avenue used to be completely Stony Lake. Rolland said she tried to prevent the filling, but was unsuccessful. This past summer, the owners at 1514 23rd Avenue, also filled the lake. Rolland said she was concerned the proposed development would fill the lake further. Rolland said she would like to know how far from the lake the proposed homes would be. Rolland said she sold lots at 2410 and 2440 15th Street in 1993, which she had resurveyed. Rolland stated the surveyor told her that she could not build closer than 30 feet from the road or 50 feet from the lake. Rolland stated she had to abide by that rule. How close would these houses be to Stony Lake? Rolland said she had six lots, but after the survey she only had two lots because of the setback requirements. Teague said that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prohibits filling in this wetland because it is a protected wetland. The drainage utility easement would be placed around it to prohibit any filling in the future. As for the setbacks, the DNR does not classify the lake as a water body--it is a wetland. The DNR does not require any setbacks from a wetland. Rolland asked why the City required her to follow setbacks. Teague said he did not know. Rolland said she spoke to a person at the City about it who said she must follow the setbacks. A home on Silver Lake Road is right on the lake. Rolland said she asked that person how that was possible and he said they built it before they changed the law. I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1998\06-16-98.WPD 2