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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission - 12/11/1995 APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMIVIISSION • December 11, 1995 COMMISSION MEMBERS: Katherine Kardell, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail, Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner, Scott Kipp, Planner, David Lindahl, Community Development, Al. Gray, City Engineer, and Barbara Anderson, City Recorder I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ROLL CALL Chair Kardell was excused. Vice-Chair Clinton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Sandstadt moved, Wissner seconded, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried 6-0. • III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Sandstad moved, Foote seconded, to approve the Minutes of the November 13, 1995 Planning Commission meeting as submitted. Motion carried 6-0. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. COLUMBINE TOWNHOMES by Cornerstone/Equities LLC. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium Density Residential on 3.3 acres, PUD Concept Amendment on 15.3 acres, PUD District Review on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres, Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into one lot. Location: Columbine Road, North of the Post Office. Franzen introduced Pam George from Equities LLC which had formed a partnership with Cornerstone to develop this project. He explained the partnership arrangements and reviewed the proposal for 32 units on 3.3 acres. Dean Olson with BRW Olnus reviewed the site plan for the project. He explained they propose to construct eight buildings which would contain a total of 32 units. Parking has been provided with 64 spaces allocated for the units and • 9 spaces are designated for guest parking. He discussed the screening and landscaping. He reviewed the grading on the site and noted there will be minimal grading and no significant tree loss due to construction or grading. He showed floor plans for the various units and for each building. Sight lines and building PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December It, 1995 Page 2 elevations were described. He commented they propose to use aluminum siding on the buildings which will possibly be two different complimenting colors. Sandstad stated that no architectural plans had been submitted and he had not been able to review the building details. Olson described the asphalt shingles which will be used on the roof, and described the trim facia and soffits proposed to be used on the buildings. He noted the colors may change as the final building plans are developed, and they are somewhat limited in their color choices when using aluminum siding. Face brick will be used by the entry doors to each unit and on the fronts of the buildings. Sandstad inquired about the drainage plans and Olson responded that the streets are graded and pitched to avoid drainage collecting in them. Foote inquired about using aluminum versus vinyl siding. George responded that there are advantages and disadvantages to each, and in this instance they believed that the aluminum siding offered the best solution. Schlampp inquired if there would be fire detectors in each unit, and George responded affirmatively. Schlampp inquired if the rental prices included the cost of the garages. George responded that they were both the apartment and the . garage was included in the rent. Schlampp expressed concern over the adequacy of the storm drainage on the site and Olson explained that the engineers had submitted calculations to the City and the pond design had been modified to meet the City's requirements. The pond was designed to allow for slow access into the storm sewer. Franzen commented that the pond was slightly larger than would normally be required and the Engineering Department had indicated to staff that it would be adequate. Ismail inquired about the height of the roof line and Olson responded it would be about 30 feet high. Ismail inquired how firm the rental figures were, as they are often raised after plans are approved and George responded that the figures submitted were the maximum allowable rental rates permitted if they wished to qualify for tax credits. If the rates are raised they will no longer be eligible to receive tax credits through the Minnesota House Financing Agency or the City Tax Increment Financing funds. Lindahl explained that the rents would qualify as giving the City credit toward low income housing units over a thirty year period. Franzen reviewed the staff report and stated that the project complies with all City codes and ordinances. Foote inquired if this project was associated with Section 8 Housing and George responded that if a tenant had a Section 8 Voucher they would be able to live in • this development, but it was not designed as Section 8 housing per se. Lindahl explained that Tax Increment Financing and Community Development Block Grant funds would be needed in order to complete the project. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 3 Negotiations were still underway at this time and the City and the developer had yet to determine what amount the City's contributions would be. Sandstad inquired about the light from the play area and the buffering from adjacent properties. Olson responded that there was a significant amount of green space around the play area and there were several large trees in this area, but he was not sure how much screening would be used between this area and the adjacent property. Most of the activity was located further away from this site. The pedestrian trail would be constructed as part of the project as the grades in this area were fairly level. Wissner inquired if a traffic signal was proposed to be installed at Fountainplace, and Franzen responded affirmatively. The Public Hearing was opened. No one present wished to speak. Wissner commented that the project addresses an issue that the City needs to address, which is to give people affordable housing in Eden Prairie. She commented she would have liked to see the color scheme, but felt the developers had addressed their concerns. Foote agreed, and commented he was particularly . pleased to see the developers constructing some four bedroom units, which were greatly needed. He was concerned about the City's portion of the costs, but commented that since it was not yet resolved, it could not be discussed. MOTION: Sandstad moved, Schlampp seconded, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried 6-0. The Public Hearing was closed. MOTION: Sandstad moved, Foote seconded, to recommend approval of Columbine Townhomes by Cornerstone/Equities LLC for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium Density Residential on 3.3 acres, PUD Concept Amendment on 15.3 acres, PUD District Review on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres, Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into one lot subject to the stipulations outlined in the Staff Report dated December 8, 1995, with the addition that staff consider accelerating the construction schedule for the pedestrian trail segment in this location. Motion carried 6-0. B. SUNNYBROOK WOODS by Stephen J. Kroiss. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 4.0 acres and Preliminary Plat of 4.0 acres into 7 lots and one outlot. Location: North side of Sunnybrook Road. Steven Kroiss and Beth Andrews reviewed the project. Kroiss stated the lots • were large and they had improved the amount of tree preservation over previous plans. He described the open space, and stated that a Homeowners Association will be formed to assume responsibility for the care of those open spaces. They agreed with the staff recommendations for the development. He suggested that PLANNING COMNIISSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 4 • a conservation easement be placed along the north edge of the site to prevent that area being disturbed. Ismail inquired about the prices of the homes and Andrews responded that they would be between $275,000 and $350,000. Ismail inquired about the monument at the entrance to the development and Andrews responded they planned to construct a modest monument to denote the entrance. Franzen gave the staff report and stated that staff recommended approval of the project with the inclusion of the conservation easement as proposed by the proponents. The Public Hearing was opened. Lee Smith, 12500 Sunnybrook, stated that the trees in this area were a mess, and not the most desirable trees for preservation. These trees are the types that host diseases which infect healthy hardwood trees. Cottonwoods and box elder trees shadow the hardwoods so they don't get a good start. She was supportive of the project. Libby Hargrove, Sunnybrook Road, inquired about the water runoff from the development. Andrews responded that the ravine runs adjacent to this property and the Post property. Runoff will go into the NURP pond and drainage plans have been revised to facilitate this. Jerry Wersel, 12645 Sunnybrook Road, stated he was concerned about access from the project onto Sunnybrook Road, and inquired if any wetland would be lost. Andrews responded that one lot would face Sunnybrook Road and the rest would access internally. Al Gray stated that the plans for Sunnybrook Road provide for a drainage system that will have an outlet into Purgatory Creek. This drainage project is scheduled for construction in the spring, if this proposal is approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. MOTION: Foote moved, Wissner seconded to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Foote moved, Wissner seconded to recommend approval of Sunnybrook Woods for Stephen Kroiss and Beth Andrews for Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 4.0 subject to the stipulations listed in the Staff Report dated December 8, 1995. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Foote moved, Wissner seconded, to recommend approval of the • Preliminary Plat of 4.0 acres into 7 lots and one outlot subject to the stipulations listed in the Staff Report dated December 8, 1995. Motion carried 6-0. C. EDEN PRA M HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION '96 by Independent School PLANNING CONDMSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 5 District #272. Request for Site Plan Review and Zoning District Amendment in the Public Zoning District on 67 acres. Location: North of Valley View Road and West of County Road 4. Kipp introduced Steve Thompson of Cunningham, Hamilton, Quiter Architects, who reviewed the plans for the Eden Prairie High School expansion. Foote inquired about the parking and Thompson responded that there were 670 student parking spaces and there will be an additional 280 spaces for staff and more for visitor parking. They will be adding spaces in the lower parking area to facilitate staff and visitor parking. Ismail inquired about the student population per class, and Thompson responded that it was approximately 28 students per classroom. Ismail inquired when they were going to stop expansion on the high school and Thompson responded that this should be the last addition made to the high school, and the student population was expected to level off or decrease, and a second high school would be idle ultimately. Ismail inquired what colors would be used on the additions and Thompson responded they intended to use the same two colored brick theme they had utilized earlier, to match the existing portions of the building. They had found that using two colors helped break down the building mass and the building did not appear as large as it really is. Ismail inquired about the impact the new construction would have on the Community Center and Thompson responded that they anticipate there will be an addition to that facility in the future also, and they have taken this into account when developing these plans. Wissner inquired about the driveway plans for the access onto County Road 4 and whether County Road 4 would be widened into 4 lanes. Thompson responded that the driveway would be comprised of two lanes entering and two lanes leaving the site, and each lane would be 12 feet wide, with a minimal median in between. This is to facilitate both bus and automobile traffic, and also to provide for emergency vehicle access during special events at the high school. They believe these plans will provide more control over traffic. Clinton inquired about the construction schedule for the classroom addition and the interior remodeling schedule. Thompson responded that Phase I involved a substantial portion of the new classrooms (70%) and Phase II was for the Performing Arts Center. They believe Phase I will be completed and operational in 1997. Kipp reviewed the staff report and stated that staff recommended approval. • Sandstad expressed concern over the amount of hardsurface coverage and the stormwater ponding capacity on the site. Thompson responded that the existing facility preceded the guidelines in the ordinance but is a natural offshoot of any development on the site. They have tried to mitigate the hardsurface area as PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 6 much as possible. There is a substantial increase in the ponding area capacity which has been expanded to extend all along Valley View road to the corner, and they intend to locate many of the biology classrooms on this side to the building to utilize this area as a natural area for wetland studies. Ismail inquired if the school was able to limit the number of students who drove cars to school, and Thompson responded that was difficult, but since there were only a certain number of spaces available, the students had to obtain permits, and there was minimal control in this manner. Permits were issued to upper class students first, and the numbers of students who drove cars decreased downward from that number. Ismail inquired how the addition would impact Schooner Days and Thompson responded he believed the celebration would be improved by the new access. Sandstad commented he believed that this was one of the best designs he'd seen for this site. Foote stated he felt that this plan would contribute to the traffic problems in the area. He thought the access road was wider than Valley View and he believed should be redesigned. The Public Hearing was opened. Todd Smith, 7040 Alpine Trail, was concerned about the new access road. He inquired if there would be a signal placed at that outlet, and whether County Road 4 would be expanded. He was concerned about the amount of traffic on County Road 4 and the truck traffic particularly. Gray responded that there were several advantages to having a second access road to the high school gaining access from County Road 4, particularly since it will not have a great deal of impact on the traffic north of Valley View. County Road 4 will undoubtedly be widened at some time in the future, but this project will probably not impact that decision a great deal. How much County Road 4 would be widened, how far north it would be widened, and how soon it would be done were factors he did not have the answers to. He believed the high school expansion would not accelerate this widening project on County Road 4 by itself, but it would happen over time. Foote commented he would prefer to see Valley View Road widened and student parking curtailed. MOTION: Sandstad moved, Wissner seconded, to close the public hearing. . Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Sandstad moved, Wissner seconded, to recommend approval of the Site Plan Review for the expansion of Eden Prairie High School for Independent PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 7 School District#272 based on plans dated 12/04/95 and subject to the stipulations listed in the December 8, 1995 staff report. Motion carried 5-1. Foote voting no. MOTION: Sandstad moved, Wissner seconded, to recommend approval of the Zoning District Amendment for Independent School District#272 based on plans dated December 4, 1995 and subject to the stipulations listed in the December 8, 1995 staff report. Motion carried 5-1. Foote voting no. Foote stated he did not support the expansion as proposed and believed the plans needed to be refined in order to lessen the impact on County Road 4 and Valley View Road. D. MEDIA PLAY by Musicland Group, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 23 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 5.6 acres, Rezoning from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres, Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres and Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into two lots. Location: Eden Prairie Marketcenter. Carl Paraguay, Director of Marketing for Media Play, which was owned by . Musicland Group, reviewed the project and showed slides of the proposed building. Chuck Linwood, of Linwood and Dunwoody reviewed the plans for the project and described the access to the site. They have plans to add a restaurant on the site which will be approximately 4,500 sq. ft. They will need a variance from the parking ratio of 6:1 to allow for a parking ratio of 5.5:1. He described the building style and architecture, and showed pictures of the logo and signage they propose. He discussed the colors of brick and described the landscaping and the retaining walls. Ismail inquired if the HVAC equipment on the roof would be screened and Linwood responded there was a parapet which would screen this equipment from view. Ismail inquired about the entrance to the site, and Linwood responded that both entrances were covered under dedicated easements on both the Bachman and Brunswick properties, which were designed to provide access to this site. Sandstad inquired about the entry grade issue and whether it had been resolved. Franzen reviewed the staff report and stated that staff recommended moving the building to meet the setback requirement and obtain a "stepped" effect. Wissner referenced the letter from Brunswick denying the proponent's request to change the easement agreement, and inquired if that had been resolved. Linwood responded they were still working on it, but since the changes required were minimal they believed they could resolve this difficulty. If not, they would move the truck access to the other side of their building and eliminate the need to change the access agreement. He noted that the trash enclosure would remain where it is presently located, adjacent to the Brunswick property. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 8 Clinton inquired if sight distances for truck traffic were adequate, and Franzen responded that it was the best access of the two available to the site, and he believed it would be adequate. He also thought that this intersection would be signalized as the traffic volumes in the area increase. Sandstad inquired if the proponents intended to construct cart corrals. Linwood responded that their merchandise was smaller in nature and did not require carts. He noted that none of the other Media Play facilities have carts and this store would not have carts. Franzen reviewed the staff report and noted that if the loading dock was moved to the west side the proponents could be given credit for some more parking spaces. He commented that staff supported granting a parking ratio of 5.5:1 since studies had revealed that this was an adequate ratio in most instances. Ismail inquired when construction would commence and Linwood responded they would initiate construction this coming spring. Franzen commented that the restaurant site would come back before the City for approval as the developers intend to sell this portion of the site to another business. Wissner inquired if a restaurant is constructed and they have approved a parking ratio of 5.5:1 if parking will be adequate. Franzen responded that centers with this parking ratio work if at least 5.1 parking is constructed in a convenient location. The Public Hearing was opened. No one present wished to speak. Sandstad commented he felt the project was a good one, but the entrance issue needed to be resolved with Brunswick. Foote stated he supported the project and welcomed the business to Eden Prairie. Ismail stated he was supportive of the project. MOTION: Wissner moved, Foote seconded, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Wissner moved, Foote seconded, to recommend approval of the proposal for Media Play by Musicland Group, Inc. for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 23 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 5.6 acres, Rezoning from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres, Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres and Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into two lots based on plans dated December 6, 1995 and the Staff Report dated December 8, 1995 and subject to the conditions listed therein. Motion carried 6-0. PLANNING COAD41SSION NIINUTES December 11, 1995 Page 9 V. MEMBERS' REPORTS Foote commended Laura for writing the letter to the Planning Commission. Sandstad inquired when the Planning Commission would receive a student representative. Franzen responded that there were only a few applications for student representative positions this year, and no one had requested to be assigned to the Planning Commission. VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS None. VU. NEW BUSINESS None. VIII. PLANNER'S REPORTS Franzen stated that the City Council recommend approval of two story office building for Dell & Cascade. He stated the next meeting of the Planning Commission would be held on January 8, 1996. Ismail inquired about the selection process for boards and commissions and Franzen reviewed the progress made by the subcommittee appointed by the Council. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Wissner moved, Foote seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6- 0. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. • AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, December 11, 1995 7:00 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner Scott Kipp, Planner I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. MINUTES IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. COLUMBINE TOWNHOMES by Cornerstone/Equities LLC. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium Density Residential on 3.3 acres, PUD Concept Amendment on 15.3 acres, PUD District Review on 3.3 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres, Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into one lot. Location: Columbine Road, North of the Post Office. • B. SUNNYBROOK WOODS by Stephen J. Kroiss. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 4.0 acres and Preliminary Plat of 4.0 acres into 7 lots and one outlot. Location: North side of Sunnybrook Road. C. EDEN PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION '96 by Independent School District #272. Request for Site Plan Review and Zoning District Amendment in the Public Zoning District on 67 acres. Location: North of Valley View Road and west of County Road 4. D. MEDIA PLAY by Musicland Group,Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 23 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 5.6 acres, Rezoning from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres, Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres and Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into two lots. Location: Eden Prairie Marketcenter. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS • VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS IX. ADJOURNMENT