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08.b2b Public Comments_Bethany Center 3-1-2022 public hearingBethany 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 of 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 February 27, 2022 Raymond "Joe" Adrian 12811 236th N Scandia, MN 55073 Dear Members of the Planning Commision: 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 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: Are there special considerations being extended to Bethany for near term or possible future developments? Do these plans fit or blend in with nearby residents and community. Did the original purchase of this property by Bethany contain any special use purpose or requirements approved prior to purchase? Was the property previously zoned to accommodate these developments? What environmental impact will these developments have? What aesthetic impact will these changes have to the property and surrounding property? How will these changes affect neighboring property taxes? How will these changes affect neighboring property value ? What impact on neighborhood traffic? Will signage be intrusive or non esthetic? Is the property zoned for single family or multiple family? Will the property need to be rezoned? If so, what impact will this have on the neighborhood? Will the development of a large parking lot as proposed, fit the aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhood? What modifications will need to be done to the current septic system? How many additional septic systems will be developed and what impact will they have on Sea Lake? What lighting modifications will there be as a result of this proposal and will they be constantly seen by surrounding neighbors? Have these proposed plans been reviewed and approved by the watershed District? I will not be available to attend the council meeting scheduled for 1st of March regarding the Bethany proposals. As a result, please share my questions and concerns with all the members of the township/city council prior to or during this scheduled meeting. Thank You! Respectfully Raymond "Joe" Adrian 651 233-0637 March 1, 2022 To Whom it may concern: I am writing to you regarding the proposed Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal. I have reviewed the letter and map provided by Scandia Township and have put together the following concerns: The proposed development does not fit the established character of a rural area and is considered out of context for the area The proposed development results in a substantial impact in privacy of the surrounding property owners. The proposed development would have an unknown effect on the pristine local environment and watershed area. The proposed development would have a substantial impact on existing rural roadways and local traffic. The proposed development is a non-profit organization, would they be tax exempt as well? Thank you for addressing my concerns. Sincerely, Gregory Duren Adjacent Property Owner 13305 240th St N Scandia, MN 55073 Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments Received via email on February 28, 2022 From: Mike Eggen Sent: Monday, February 28, 2022 1:24 PM To: mail <mail@ci.scandia.mn.us> Subject: written comments planning commission meeting March 1st 23393 Nolan Ave N Hi, I would like to submit my written comments below, for the planning commission meeting on March 1st. How does this work? I can't attend the meeting, are they read out loud? Or distributed to the planning commission to read? Thanks, Mike Eggen Here are my comments pertaining to the conditional use permit for 23393 Nolan Ave North. This application concerns me and I do not support it because it places unwritten requirements and expectations on surrounding residents. The application is to turn the place into a location of solitude for visitors. Based on this request, I do not believe the owner has been on the property for very long. In this area, speaking about myself particularly, I moved out here so I could do activities that make noise, the type of noise not permitted in the city. Riding dirt bikes and four wheelers, target practicing, hunting, outdoor music. I literally mow all day with my farm tractor every Saturday of the summer. Others around me are doing the same types of activities and there are 2 dirt bike tracks near the property subject to this application. On sea lake, there are multiple residents that duck hunt on the water and therefore visitors will hear a lot of gun shots very early in the morning and at dusk late summer/fall. Also sounds carry well over water, surrounding noisy activities will certainly be heard. Also, I don’t agree with changes in legal setbacks that would put cabins or other structures any closer to the water based on this, it is a potential safety issue. All of these activities also ramp up on the weekends likely when the visitors will be there. I want to avoid any issues in the future and I don’t want any noise complaints in the future trampling on my rights and freedoms. I don’t think this request is compatible in our area, and will result in friction in the neighborhood and police showing up trying to tell people to be quiet, or new noise ordinances being forced restricting our freedom. Also, there are already a plethora of churches in the area (Forest Lake, Chisago City, Lindstrom, Scandia) for folks to attend already, which I greatly encourage. Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments Received via email on February 22, 2022 Brenda Eklund, City Clerk We have recently received your letter regarding the above mentioned permit. We own forty acres abutting this property to the east. Our fathers and grandfather purchased this property about 60 years ago for the primary purpose of recreational hunting and we have used this property for this purpose since then. While we are not opposed to their permit application nor the variance they have requested we thought they should know how our property is being used, considering their desire for a “quiet site for prayer and religious study”. Four siblings/cousins currently own this property but only two families hunt on this property so you are likely to hear a limited amount of shotgun fire during the duck, pheasant and deer seasons in the fall months. It is primarily unused the balance of the year. Yours truly, Scott C. Johnson Kristen Lindberg Wendy Wojtowicz Karen Chapin February 27, 2022 Lori Ann Lavin 12850 236th St. N. 13624 240th St. N. Scandia, MM 55073 Dear Members of the Planning Commision: As a longtime resident, taxpayer and property owner in Scandia, I have the following concerns for the application for the Conditional Use Permit for the property at 23393 Nolan Ave N, and the adjacent property on 240th St. N. Scandia. 1. On-site septic will not be adequate to add facilities (bathrooms) to a large number of cabins, or accommodate the potential crowd the proposed 72 parking spots could bring. 2. What plans have been outlined for lighting and signage? 3. Has there been a wetland study completed to address the possibility of linking the parcel on 240th to the parcel on Nolan Ave? Has the watershed district been contacted? 4. If the existing house and barn at 23393 Nolan Ave are too close to the water to address the 200’ setback, how were they constructed by the last owner at that location? 5. Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal is listed as the primary contact on this application, but another church is also listed on the application, what is their affiliation and who will be speaking for them? How many of their members are expecting access to the property? 6. The hours of operation are not listed on the application, Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal may infringe on the desire for peace and quiet of the residents close to the property. 7. I was told that there would only be 20 people gathering at one time at the location on Nolan Ave. Why then are there plans for 72 parking spaces at that site? I have lived here my entire life, and now, along with my sisters, own a century farm in Scandia. I am concerned about the application for the conditional use permit and mission statement of Bethany not addressing key concerns of the residents of the community. I am concerned that the full intentions of the group and how it will impact our taxes, natural resources, property values and infrastructure have not been fully disclosed or examined by the city. A project of this size will disrupt the quiet, beautiful environment that I value by choosing to live in the country. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Sincerely, Lori Lavin 0 2/27/2022 Thomas Neary 13624 240th St. N. Scandia, MN 55073 Dear Members of the Planning Commission: As a property owner in the area, I have some concerns for the approval of the conditional use permit for the property at 23393 Nolan Ave and 240th St. N. My concerns are as follows: 1.Is this property considered tax- exempt? What will be the ramifications to the current land owners/taxpayers if fire and police services are utilized? 2.Who are the 2 churches that are involved with this? Where do they originate from? 3.Do either of these churches have any local ties to Scandia or the churches already in our area? 4.What is the traffic limit on 240th and on Nolan Ave? Is the organization going to pay for additional wear and tear on the roadways, repaving, possible addition of turn lanes, ect? 5.What are the exact dimensions of the proposed hermitages? How many months of the year will they be operated? What is the maximum number of occupants per unit? On the introductory letter, there is listed a need for additional hermitages that are not permanent structures on the property as well, why are these necessary? 6.Who will be living in the hermitages? Are they illegal immigrants? 7.Are there any funds from Federal and/or State agencies being utilized for this project, now or in the future? 8.What commercial licenses may be needed to operate the main house as a hospitality center and to add a kitchen to the barn? 9.How will the current sewer/septic system handle this additional load? Where are the plans for the changes to that system? 10.Where is a copy of the environmental study for removal of vegetation and/or the possibility of connecting the parcel on 240th and Nolan Ave? Has the watershed district been informed of the impact on Sea Lake? 11.What is the 1 year, 5 year plan for the property? In the letter of intent from Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal, it was indicated that they wanted to acquire this property to have beauty and quiet, however the intrusion of this organization will disrupt the beauty and quiet of the residents that already live here. When a conversation was had with the city clerk, it was indicated that there would be only 20 people on site at any given time. If this is true, why would it be outlined that there are 32 parking spaces already with a potential for 72 parking places? What is the plan that this many parking spots would be needed? I find this application to be incomplete and the introductory letter, application and conversations with the city are not aligning. I am curious as to who at this time is not being truthful about their intentions. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. Sincerely, Tommy Neary 9 Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments February 28, 2022 Nikki Lavin 202 7th St W Apartment 602 Saint Paul, MN 55102 RE: Bethany Conditional Use Permit Application Ms. Eklund- My purpose in writing this is to voice my strong opposition to the above-mentioned permit application. My family has been in Scandia since the early 1900’s. We have been at the same spot on 240th Street. My sister has even settled there with her family. She no doubt did that because of the environment that has been created in Scandia. It is a beautiful area that allows for access to quality schools in either Forest Lake or Chisago. It is an area that is incredible to grow up in. Growing up in Scandia no doubt shaped me as a person and gave me the tools to grow into a very successful adult. This permit application goes against and threatens all that which I grew with. It is a threat to property owners- past, present, and future. I am afraid that the city of Scandia and its Planning Commission has not done a thorough analysis of the wide impact that granting this application would cause. On many fronts. See below. 1. Scandia has progressed. And yet, it has retained its charm and history. It states in the application that many of the buildings will be “refurbished” or changed to serve other purposes. That is destroying the charm and history of Scandia. 2. I do not believe that any environmental study has been done. The area in question is home to deer. Pheasants. Some bears. Birds. And other animals. The application also states that most of the trees” will be maintained. That implies that some will be destroyed, impacting the environment on many levels. Impacting what these animals use for their home and/or food. Of note, it is interesting and frankly, hypocritical, that the gentleman who submitted the request is an “environmental architect.” His proposal does nothing to protect the environment. 3. Has the Planning Commission looked into what impact this permit will have on property values? It doesn’t seem like it. Scandia is about growth but family and community. There is not one fact in the application that seems it will contribute to the property values of the surrounding land owners. People move out to Scandia to have space and peace. Adding Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments buildings and people take away from the attractive nature and peace of living in Scandia, therefore lowering a property value. 4. Has the Planning Commission thought of the utility burden that allowing this permit would create? Building a large number of cabins would most likely not be sustainable with the current septic system. It would most likely need additional septic systems. This would further alter the land. Extra cabins and other things would also increase the electrical burden, necessitating utility poles and further alteration of the land. 5. Has the Planning Commission thought of the impact that having large groups of people would have on surrounding land owners? We live in Scandia for the environment. For the peace. Large groups of people are not conducive to that. 6. Has the Planning Commission thought of the impact that extra people would have on the existing roads? The existing roads are not equipped to handle all the extra traffic. To make them as such would require significant alteration and upgrading- further altering the environment and the land around it. 7. Has the Planning Commission thought of who would pay for the required alterations in this application? Alterations to the land, septic, electric, and roads. It seems as though it is very premature for the city of Scandia and its councils to entertain a permit application when it has not done the leg work to investigate its impact. I do not support the permit in the least as it would alter the area that I grew up in and negatively affect the lives of those around it. It makes Scandia an undesirable place to live. And that is unacceptable. I believe that several other members of my family, in additional to other property owners, have written comments regarding this matter. Please add mine to the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting. I am unable to attend due to work commitments. I would appreciate a written summary if possible. Thank You, Nikki Lavin Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments February 28, 2022 To the Planning Commission of the City of Scandia: I am writing with concerns about the request filed by Roger Tomen on behalf of Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal. I own 04.032.20.12.0003 - land that is very close to the main area of proposed development by Bethany Center for Prayer and Renewal I also share ownership of the farm located at 13524 240th Street North which is across the street from the following Bethany-owned parcels: 03.032.20.21.0004 03.032.20.22.0002 My questions and concerns are around the following: Currently - the majority of this land is zoned as agricultural and denoted as such in the 2040 comprehensive plan. o How does this planned development impact the comprehensive land-use plan for Scandia - specifically in this area of the city limits? There have been discussions about small gatherings on-property: o How many attendees and what would be approved hours and days of these gatherings? o With regards to on-site housing (establishing new small units): o How many dwellings are proposed? o Who will inhabit these and for what periods of time? o Does this impact the zoning for the properties if there are people living there? Support for these dwellings/residents: o What kind of septic support will be required along with access roads for the properties (for fire department, etc)? o For the required support - who will fund these? o Bethany Center Conditional Use Permit Public Comments February 28, 2022 Other Questions: What are the results of the environmental/agricultural impact studies that have been completed? Has there been financial recognizance done on the organization proposing this development? How does the Bethany Center benefit the City of Scandia and its residents? I look forward to attending the listening session tomorrow and to the discussion. I hope that you will consider this request with a critical eye of what it means for the Scandia community and its natural resources. Kind regards - Amy Lavin Ryan Scandia land and homeowner