Another neighborhood will have its tranquility shattered by development. The Hillock Court neighborhood, which was first built over 20 years ago, turned out in full force Tuesday night. They laid out their case against the proposed Red Oak Development. This development would replace the cul-de-sac of Hillock Court into a through street eventually linking to Third Avenue NE. This development was originally designed to be a cul-de-sac until wetland issues arose. The developer stated a cul-de-sac would not be feasible since he would not make enough money on the project. I met with the developer and found him to be a respectable and honorable person. I disagree however with the development he is proposing.
The hardest part of my decision was the knowledge that the proposed development property needs to be cleaned up. I voted against this project due to the increased traffic and destruction of a unique neighborhood. We can not make decisions to optimize developer profits.
Hillock Court is bordered to the west by Park Brook the Elementary school to the east and by a row of trees to the north. The new road extension would in my opinion radically reduce the value of the two existing homes the road would abut. Hillock Court is also 2 feet narrower than a standard city road. This could cause safety issues if traffic does increase.
Staff stated the concern that the existing Hillock Court was in violation of the cul-de-sac ordnance. This is true. It is also true it has been in violation for more than 2 decades. We can not continually correct the poor planning decisions of the past on the backs and wallets of our residents.
I will be laying out my goals for planning in the near future. These goals will improve the planning process to avoid such issues.
About Me
- George
- I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.
3 comments:
Disappointing........But not at all suprising!! Heck, the mayor needs to have houses to paint. How about some businesses(JOBS) before more houses??
thats funny that hillock ct is 2 feet narrrower then its supposed to be when we had to go to all these meetings when the city was redoing hillock ct ( k.j.and the mayor lied when they said the street would be wider then it is now) the fire trucks can not even turn around on the end of the block nice planing, talk about saftey!! so if they open the street are they going to re-do the street again? because when someone parks there car next to the curb two cars can not meet,the road is too narrow!!won't the road be too close to houses on end, maybe 15 feet from each house! saftey again!george keep fighting for us there are 40 plus votes on this street!!
I don't live in Isanti but I know people who do. It would be terrible to have Isanti look like any other "generic" city. The unique character of Isanti is the downtown district and neighborhoods, not the look-alike housing developments and big box stores. Please keep up the good work. It sounds like something "fishy" is going on up there and there is a good ol' boy network pushing this stuff through.
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