by Dennis Dalman
Much to the chagrin of most of the neighbors who live there, the River Oaks Lane area in southeast Sartell was rezoned from “residential” to “commercial” at the May 24 city council meeting.
The vote was 4-1, with council member Jeff Kolb voting against the request.
The triangular-shaped area of land is located near the intersection of Hwy. 15 and CR 1 (also known as Riverside Avenue). About a dozen residents have homes in that area.
The rezoning request was submitted by 2-C Development of Eden Prairie, which made a private real-estate transaction for commercial uses in a large part of that area Among the potential commercial development options in the developer’s application documents are four restaurants, a bank, a car wash and 60,000 square feet of retail space.
At a public hearing concerning the rezoning proposal at the May 14 city council meeting and at the May 24 meeting, about a half dozen residents of River Oaks spoke against the rezoning. Their comments included concerns about environmental degradation, more and more traffic, density, trees destroyed, noise and more. One resident said the rezoning amounted to an “assault” on the people who’ve lived there a long time, who now feel they are being “squeezed by people who want their property.”
A woman said her home was built for what they could afford, and if they have to leave, they are doubtful they can find an affordable similar home.
The developer, Paul Tucci of Eden Prairie, said he and his real estate agent reached out to all the landowners in that area. Some were willing to sell, and some were not, he noted. He said any developments would adhere to city requirements, including stormwater ponds, green space and lighting. Tucci added that setbacks from the Mississippi River that borders that area would be strictly enforced.
Some weeks ago, city council members and staff met with the residents of that neighborhood to hear their concerns and to explain to them the particulars in the rezoning proposal.
