LP-191 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. SP-131 & LP-191 November 15,1985 Pa'ge 3 not need the number of spaces required but that they would provide them if necessary. There is more space to provide parking if necessary. SPECIAL USE PERMIT Concern for this project has centered on the benefit to the City, the traffic generated and the environmental impacts. The applicant has maintained that the project will comply with all pollution control standards. On the other side of the ledger the City has: received a petition from the City's Senior Citizen Club opposing the project because of the environmental concerns; received a letter from a neighborhood landowner (See attached); and, have received a letter from the City of Arden Hills concerning the potential environmental problems and expressing oppostion (See attached). ' In addition, the City Council had the City's Environmental Quality Commission (EQX) review the project (See attached) and they could not recommend approval and raised questions regarding the future environ- mental impacts and benefit to the City. The City's EQC has suggested a number of conditions to monitor the plant if the project is approved. STAFF COMMENTS The Planning Commission has the option to recommend approval, denial or to continue pending receipt of additional information. If the project is approved then I concur with the EQC in suggesting a number of stringent conditions to ensure a good operation. I am concerned for the number, type and direction of truck trips, though that could possibly be addressed through the hauling contracts and special use permit process. The long term effect of traffic is hard to judge since my understanding is that the equipment is modular and thus it would be possible to enlarge increasing traffic in addition to the environmental concerns. As for the benefit to New Brighton, I think it would be very unfortunate if our City's garbage had to be hauled out while garbage from Hennepin and Anoka Counties were brought in. I'm not sure what the long term effect would be in this situation. On the whole we have conflicting opinions as to the impact of this proposal. I for one am unable to determine wh€ther this project would create an environmental problem and I do not believe the City has anyone on staff with that capability. I find it difficult to support the required special use standards that are to be reviewed with the in- formation available. Perhaps the City should consider the use of an outside expert to determine if there is an environmental concern. Such information should enable the Planning Commission to fully evaluate the proposal. Several questions have been raised and primarily of the environmental type.