DCPREZ-2016-10992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4 Prior to the Town Planning Commission meeting scheduled for 4/27/16, many neighbors received notification of this particular meeting as it pertained to the plot of land directly behind/adjacent to us. While I appreciated the opportunity to review this prior to the meeting, I was personally surprised that a subdivision was being considered. That being said, I found myself in attendance of this meeting with several of my fellow neighbors. The proposed subdivision included 16 lots which were roughly 1/4 acre smaller than the majority of the neighborhood lots. As many neighbors voiced concerns over the increase in traffic, water drainage issues, potential decrease in property values, etc., I felt it necessary to speak my concerns as well. I did agree with all that was said and even commented that I was surprised a subdivision was being added altogether and I was met by a committee member stating that I should have done more research prior to moving to the town. As offended as I was, I can only thank him now because that is exactly what I have done - more research. I feel it's important to address these concerns with you as I honestly feel there has been a severe undue process by both the majority of the Town of Cottage Grove Planning Commission in addition to "key" members of the Town of Cottage Grove Board. Below is a chain of events that have led to my concerns and ultimately why I strongly urge the ZLR Committee to suspend the moving forward with this approval until we get some answers: 1) 3/3/16: Village of Cottage Grove Planning Commission agenda states there will be a discussion and consideration request from the Town to approve 'Resolution 2016-03: Approval pf a waiver of ETA Jurisdiction for Subdivision Area in the Town of Cottage Grove'. There were no minutes provided to the public regarding such meeting 2) 3/21/16: Village Board meets to discuss and consider recommendations from the Village Planning Commission to approve the waiver of the ETA. Town of Cottage Grove Chairman, Kris Hampton, was present to "answer any questions". Kyle Broom, a voting member on the Village Board, noted that the board had previously talked about having joint meetings between the Town and Village. A motion was made to approve the waiver and motion carried 4-0. 3) 4/27/16: Town Planning Commission discussed the subdivision which was originally proposed to include 16 lots. Anders (also a Town Board Member) and Kurt directed the developers to come back with a concept plan and drawing not to exceed 11 lots based on the discussion of the committee and the hearing the concerns of the neighbors. Matter was to be tabled with a motion made and approved 7-0. Kyle Broom was in attendance of this meeting as he was representing Mr. Viney in his professional capacity as a Realtor. 4) 5/2/16: Town of Cottage Grove Board meeting that I attended from beginning until all members left the building. Another property owned by Donald Viney was on the agenda and Board Member DuPlayee asked if this was the "one with all the issues". He was answered by Mr. Hampton stating that was a different issue. No further conversation took place regarding this property in question. 5) 5/16/16: Town of Cottage Grove Board meeting took place. There was no discussion recorded on minutes that any dialogue occurred around Subdivision 2016-03. Minutes did not reveal any closed session. 6) 5/25/16: Town of Cottage Grove Planning Commission Meeting- appears that Anders was replaced by DuPlayee on committee. Developers were back and were allowed to present a proposed 15 lot plan, not 11 as originally approved with a 7-0 vote. Broom was again present and he and DuPlayee have heated exchange 2