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5.b Public Comments_Adrian 2Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments and Staff Response February 28, 2022 P a g e | 1 From: Kenneth Cammilleri <k.cammilleri@ci.scandia.mn.us> Sent: Monday, February 28, 2022 8:55 AM To: Joe Adrian < Subject: Re: Concerns about Bethany proposed development plans for propert on Nolan Mr. Adrian, I am not overseeing the review of this project, but I have reviewed the attached meeting materials and can provide some answers. More materials will be made available at public hearing this Tuesday at 7pm, which available virtually or in person. This is the link to the meeting packet that is available to review at any time. We will be drafting a resolution for consideration which can be expected to be in the meeting packet for the meeting, but may that be ready until Tuesday afternoon. I will forward this correspondence to be in the Planning Commission's packet this Tuesday, and I will also attempt to answer your questions in your copied email below. Please see my answers in red. Please feel free to follow up with any additional questions or concerns. Sincerely, Ken Cammilleri, Administrator City of Scandia P.651-433-2274 C.651-245-2654 From: Joe Adrian Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2022 6:20 PM To: Kenneth Cammilleri <k.cammilleri@ci.scandia.mn.us> Subject: Concerns about Bethany proposed development plans for propert on Nolan I have some concerns regarding the development of the Property on Nolan purchased by Bethany. I am not opposed to places of worship or to limiting individuals right to own and develop property. My concerns are more centered around maintaining the building and usage rights and rules already in place regarding property in Scandia which protect the people and community as a whole. I am assuming you are referring to holding this project to the zoning regulations of the community, if that is the case, this is the City's responsibility. The City does not enforce private covenant agreements or conditions of purchase agreements. The other parties of these agreements are responsible for them, if there are any. Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments and Staff Response February 28, 2022 P a g e | 2 I believe our property ownership rules should be enforced with no extended relief or special considerations. As residents of Scandia we are all required to follow these requirements. Therefore my concerns are as followed: - Is there special considerations being extended Bethany for near term or possible future developments? Do these plans fit or blend in with near residents and community? If by special consideration you mean, a review of their operations and site plans, the an swer is yes. There will be. To my knowledge, not all of the materials have been supplied by the applicant to answer any of those questions at this time. The City must consider a what is called a "Conditional Use Permit" for this project. This means that the City will be able to attach reasonable conditions on the use that is taking place on the property. This includes noise, the intensity of activity or number of maximum participants, parking, and other similar requirements. -Did the original purchase of this property by Bethany contain any special use purpose or requirements approved prior to purchase? I am not sure whether or not the purchase of the property was conditional or not. I am guessing that that there is likely a pending purchase agreement, but I cannot say for sure. -Was the property previously zoned to accommodate this developments? Yes. This use is permissible by conditional use for both applicable zoning districts: the base District of Agricultural Core and the Shoreland Overlay District. -What environmental impact will these developments have? It appears to likely have minimal impact, but we have not received a approved wetland delineation report to confirm proposed hermitage locations do not encroach on the wetland setback requirements, according the city's zoning regulations and the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. The applicants are aware of this requirement but must wait until spring to get that study. However, the first phase of altering the house (center) and granary (chapel). Both of these alterations will not make exterior changes and may not be near a potential wetland impact area. The applicants wish to make use of the existing property (with one live in unit and 3 short stay rooms, and to eventually 12 small independent buildings for short-term stays and private prayer, which are the hermitages. These small structures are intended to be built near the southern end of the property. The applicants have stated that they intend to request a final location in that area that meets required setbacks, following receipt on an approved wetland delineation report. They applicants have also indicated that they do not want to build anything within the 200-foot setback of Sea Lake. That area and most of the rest of the property will be mostly park-like or more likely left in its natural state. Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments and Staff Response February 28, 2022 P a g e | 3 -What aesthetic impact will these changes have to the property and surrounding property? This is a question for the applicant, but my understanding is that they want to keep much o f the property natural. They have indicated that they do not plan any outdoor lighting or even to pave their parking area if not required to do so. -How will these changes affect neighboring property taxes? It is extremely unlikely that a development of this kind would bring down property value. Improvements of other properties in the community can affect a property valuation. However, I cannot speak to what extent. City Assessor Patrick Poshek can answer this question. He can be reached at 651-430-0360. - - How will these changes affect neighboring property value? This question is really the same question as above. Property taxes are affected by assessed property values and real property value transactions that occur in the City and the County. Again, Mr. Poshek is the person qualified to answer this question. -What impact to neighborhood traffic? Given a maximum of 15 guests and two live-in individuals on site, I would say that would be very unlikely. (Each hermitage is intended for on individual and there are 3 guest rooms planned for the house. -Will signage be intrusive or non esthetic? By all accounts from the applicant, it appears they want to maintain the farm esthetic and keep existing farm buildings. The sign must be extremely small based on current sign code requirements, so I would guess it will likely be non-intrusive. -Is the property zoned for single family or multiple family? Single family is the permitted use in this district, but the City code does allow for non-permeant stay dwellings. The concept plan includes a permanent resident in the house or center and an accessory dwelling unit for the priest who will live on site. In short, this is permissible use. - Will the property need to be rezoned? If so, what impact will this have on the neighborhood. No. No rezoning is required for this project. -Will the development of a large parking lot as proposed, fit the esthetics of the surrounding neighborhood? I understand by what is visible in the concept plan and their statements that they intend to keep most everything that you see as is, but add these hermitage structures and trails to get them, and a septic system to serve them. With minimal improvements, its likely not to change the appearance of the area at all. Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments and Staff Response February 28, 2022 P a g e | 4 -What modifications will need to be done to the current septic system? How many additional septic systems will be developed and what impact they have on Sea Lake? The applicants have consulted a septic designer to confirm the existing system will serve the existing structures. One additional new large system system would be needed on the property for the 12 hermitages. The applicants will be responsible for obtaining a design from a licensed designer and obtain appropriate permits. They applicants have determined the new system locations, yet. - What lighting modifications will there be as a result of this proposal and will they be constantly seen by surrounding neighbors? The applicants insist they are making no lighting changes to the property. -Have these proposed plans been reviewed and approved by the watershed District? To my understanding, I am not aware of the project having been reviewed by the Watershed, but all approvals are contingent on meeting watershed requirements and the applicant was informed that they needed to submit for review with the Carnelian Marine St Croix Watershed. I will not be available to attend the council meeting scheduled for 1st of March regarding the Bethany propasals. As a result, please share my questions and concerns with all the member of the township/city council prior to or during this scheduled meeting. I will most certainly share your questions with the City Council and Planning Commission. Please feel free to review the hearing at the Planning Commission on Scandia's Boxcast Channel. It has a collection of all recorded meetings. So, if you can't make the meeting on the 1st, that is an option to learn more, and you can provide follow-up comments or questions before City Council meeting on the 15th. Thank You! - Respectfully Raymond "Joe" Adrian 12811 236th N Scandia, MN 55073