by Dennis Dalman
Jim and Diane Braegelman once again spoke before the Sartell City Council, requesting relief from noise, nuisances and dangers at their home on River Oaks Lane.
The couple spoke during the Open Forum portion of the May 22 council meeting.
About three years ago, the city opened that particular neighborhood for commercial development, but the Braegelmans, who’ve lived there for decades, declined to sell their home.
A car wash was built just behind their home, and there are other businesses there or about to be there. The area is near Hwy. 15 and just east of CR 1 (Riverside Avenue).
Concerned about noise from the car wash, the Bragelmans asked for a buffer zone of pine trees to be planted behind their house. That was done, but by now many of those trees are dead or dying, Jim said, because of lack of water and irrigation lines.
Lighting from the car wash is so bright at night, it’s like having a harsh spotlight shining into their yard, Diane said. There is also persistent noise from the highway and CR 1, including very loud motorcycles, she added.
As commercial developments increase, so does traffic volume on River Oaks Lane, which is the road that goes past the Braegelmans’ home from CR 1. Painted stripes on the road have been worn away by excessive traffic. Diane said she is often in fear of her life, especially when she goes to get the mail at the roadside mailbox. It’s as if motorists do not see or notice her.
The Braegelmans requested the council to help remediate those problems.
