FL Council reviews trio of housing developments

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

The Forest Lake City Council Monday night heard a trio of propositions about housing developments in the city.

A development becoming a regular at city council is a proposed development east of Evergreen Ridge. Jon Whitcomb requested a rezoning from commercial to residential and an amendment to the comprehensive plan to make it happen.

While the city didn't react favorably to plans for packed-in row townhomes, they had a better reaction to a plan by Planner Marc Putman.

The revised plan calls for two areas. The first area is a mix of retail and residential. The plan calls for senior living on the upper level of a complex with a day care center and convenience center shopping below.

"This is something much different and appealing," said Councilwoman Susan Young.

But Putman's plan was preliminary and the planner said he could not give an approximate number of units.

Councilman Bruce Carlson said he hesitated to grant a Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning because the city could end up with the original plan.

City Attorney Dave Hebert referred to the situation as a "case of trust and faith," as the new and improved plan was only in its beginning stages.

Time also was a factor, as the deadline for making a decision is February 22. If time ran out, the zoning would be granted.

Councilman Rick Ashbach moved to table the matter to give planners more time to consider number of units and other plans.

The council will visit the matter again at a special meeting Wednesday, February 19.

Another development considered by the council Monday night was a preliminary plat for a major subdivision.

The council denied the 8 unit proposal, but suggested it would not be against a 7 unit proposal.

The council unanimously approved the preliminary PUD (Planned Unit Development) for Forest Preserve, a five acre parcel at 20925 Goodview Ave., near Forest Lake High School.

The development will include seven detached single family lots and five detached townhouse units.

Upperdeck

In response to the city council's refusal to permit pulltab sales at Upperdeck and Players Beach Club, Bo Bogotty has retained a lawyer.

Bogotty's attorney, Joseph Dudley requested a rehearing for the permit and license. The council agreed to the hearing. It is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, February 19 in city council chambers.

Other business

In other business, the Forest Lake City Council:

• approved the resignation of Dick Damchik from the Community Recreation Center Task Force and approved the appointment of his daughter, Becky Phillippi to fill the position.

• approved a one day liquor license for Northwoods Humane Society's annual wine tasting fund raiser Friday, April 11 at Forest Lake American Legion.

• issued permits for Ducks Unlimited's gambling events Saturday, April 12 and Saturday, August 23 at Forest Hills Golf Club.

• Approved a permit for a Centerville Lions event at the Forest Lake American Legion Saturday, Feb. 22.

• approved a pay adjustment for Mike Tate, director of public works. His $2.50 hourly increase reflects Tate's increase in duties and promotion to lead worker.

Meetings

The Forest Lake City Council regularly meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in Forest Lake City Council chambers. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 24.

A special meeting, to discuss pull tabs at Upperdeck, a housing development on Everton and other issues is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. The meeting will be followed by a city council workshop.

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