HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972 11-22 Archdiocese director asks for 236 utility commitment REVIEW Archdiocese director
asks
for 23 utility commitment
c-,•„•
by Scott Carlson communities' development demand into something which may result in the
Despite repeated pleas from Ar- precipitates public action. It might be most important decision of my life,"
chdiocese Associate Director of Urban nice to have all utilities planned but un- Councilman Donald Wiegert said. "In
Affairs Joe Errigo, the Maplewood fortunately that is not realistic," Errigo other areas if any of my mistakes are bad
council made no commitment to serve the said. enough, hopefully
P Y my predecessors can
undeveloped Larpenteur ave. and High correct them. But if we are wrong on this
way 120 area with public utilities.
Utility problems could be solved since water system study decision five years
the townhouse - apartment complex from now—well,that will be tough, we'll
ERRIGO SOUGHT the council's favor would not be up for initial construction for have no choice but to continue with it."
last Thursday night as means for at least two years and final building plans
establishing a firm base with the federal would have to be council - approved,
Department of Housing and Urban lessening any commitment, Errigo said.
Development in the quest for funding the
Archdiocese's proposed 175 unit com- But Councilman John Greavu remained
bination townhouse-apartment complex unconvinced. "If we give you a com-
for the elderly. mitment now you'll come back two years
from today saying we can't turn your plan
However, the council felt action was down because you've already made too
inappropriate and so only voted to con- big an investment in it," Greavu said.
tinue indefinite tabling of the matter.
Miller and Director of Public Works
Without a village commitment to Bobby D. Collier said utility feasibility
service the proposed Archdiocese site the studies for the proposed Archdiocese site
chances to receive HUD funds would area have not been completed and are
virtually disappear Errigo said. But pending completion of the village's
Maplewood Village Manager Mike Miller comprehsnsive water and sewer study
termed the request "premature." reports.
UNDER THE GUIDELINES of the Maplewood has hired the services of
proposed master plan "Plan for Kirkham Michael Engineers as con
Maplewood" extension of utilities should sultants in determining the feasibility of a
village owned water system. Two reports
be discouraged when the provision of
effective services such as streets, have been made.
utilities, public safety, recreation
programs and other community services "I DON'T WANT anyone to push me
are not available, Miller said.
He added, "Due to design factors, the
extension of utilities at this time could be
costly in the future to the village and
surrounding property owners."
Errigo countered, "We agree with your
concern on whether you'll stay with the
St. Paul water system or establish your
own system. But we're not asking you to
design a system, only to make a com-
mitment to serve the area.It's a matter of
timing for us."
The Archdiocese has been needlessly
waiting for some type of verdict on their
housing proposal, Errigo said. The
Council tabled action on the proposal
indefinitely on July 13.
"WE ARE THE ONLY developer
waiting for some type of decision of his
proposal before the effective date of the
building moratorium," Errigo said.
In a letter to Miller, dated Nov. 6,
Errigo asked, ". . . that the proposed
Maplewood East housing development be
brought before the Maplewood council for
final approval and that the council issue a
special use permit for a Planned Unit
Development."
Errigo contended at the meeting that
efforts to meet site problems and absorb a
substantial burden of the assessment
utility costs ($70,000 was quoted) for off
site improvements had been made.
He added there is a demand to develop
land in the area. "In general, most