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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission - 06/27/1994 'APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION June 27, 1994 COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner; Donald R. Uram, Planner I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Katherine Kardell. Absent • was Lisa-Marie Gualtieri; all other members present. H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Bauer moved, seconded by Schlampp, to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried 7-0-0. III. MINUTES Franzen stated that he did not have an opportunity to review the Minutes of the June 13, 1994 meeting, but put them in the packet in case there were any followup questions on Hartford. These Minutes will be revised and resubmitted for the August 8th meeting since Hartford will be scheduled for review that evening. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. BRENTWOOD by Tandem Properties. Request for Rezoning from Rural to R1-22 and RI-13.5 on 39.78 acres and Preliminary Plat of 39.78 acres into 53 lots and road right-of-way. Location: Dell Road and Scenic Heights Road. Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with Commission stating that the Brentwood project is the remainder of the "Mitchell Lake Big Woods." Fairfield I and II was the first project approved along the fringe of the woods. The City • Planning Commission Minutes 2 June 27, 1994 approved both projects with R1-13.5 zoning and 34.9% tree loss. He has monitored the Fairfield I and II projects over the last year and a half, and with the exception of a couple of lots, Centex has followed the rules established by the City. Brentwood has a 28,000 square foot average lot size as opposed to 18,000 square feet for Fairfield I and II. The homes to be built will be on average about 1,000 square feet larger (3,600 versus 2,600 footprint). One of the Staff concerns expressed to Brentwood was how big will the houses be. Since the homes are $250,000 and up, Staff surveyed 63 building permits for homes in comparable price ranges in Jamestown, Bell Oaks, and Boulder Pointe. The average size of these homes on the first floor was 3,600 square feet with a dimension of approximately 74' X 40'. Using this standard, tree loss due to construction will be 25%. There are "questionable trees" near building foundations and grading that may be lost due to construction damage. Since the success rate for preservation is about 50%, tree loss in the Brentwood would increase to 29%. . Brentwood has agreed to using the same strict control measures as Fairfield I and II, with the fencing of the grading limits and placing of materials in specified locations so as not to damage trees. The Staff also recommends an expanded conservancy easement area which will help guarantee the preservation of trees. A conservancy easement does more than preserve significant trees, it helps preserve the forest. The Brentwood plan leaves approximately 60% of the forest area untouched. Since Fairfield I and II are successful in preserving trees, with small, relatively flat lots, Brentwood should with larger lots, even with somewhat larger homes, be equally if not more successful. Although Brentwood will have several builders, rather than a single builder, the Staff believes that up front meetings prior to the issuance of building permits to review protective measures, and Staff monitoring will help make tree preservation successful. The Staff recommends approval of the project according to plans submitted and the Staff Report dated June 24, 1994. Jim Ostenson, owner/developer of Tandem Properties, gave a brief history of the Brentwood project stating that they are requesting approval of rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 and R1-22, and Preliminary Plat of 39 acres into 53 lots. They are willing to work very closely with Staff to meet all requirements. • Dennis Marhula, Westwood Professional Services, planners and engineers for the developer, gave a brief presentation and viewed the project using the overhead projector. He said the project is approximately 39 acres and they are proposing 53 single family homes with an overall density of 1.3 density per r Planning Commission Minutes 3 June 27, 1994 acre. There are four lots existing on Candlewood Parkway and it relates to the existing Centex Development of Fairfield West. They are proposed to be rezoned to R1-13.5. The smallest lot in this group is 18,800 square feet. The average lot size is approximately 24,700 square feet. The remaining 49 lots are proposed to be rezoned R1-22. Clinton was concerned that there is no access to the trail for the community. Marhula stated that access is on Dell Road. There will be access to the development by the existing parkway which runs adjacent to the site. He said that Staff has suggested a sidewalk. Clinton said that residents will want to use the trail and suggested a pedestrian pathway instead. He was also concerned with the traffic impact on Dell Road from this community. Marhula stated that they have approximately 49 dwelling units in this vicinity and a good portion of that traffic is going to come to Scenic Heights Road eastbound as that project develops or to access the future Highway 212 at Dell • Road in this vicinity. He said that with the number of units they have and with the capacity of what Dell Road is designed for, they will not have any conflicts. Kardell asked if a traffic study was needed. Franzen replied that this situation, under the Comprehensive Guide Plan, would allow 100 units. This project is 53 units. Franzen indicated that Staff did not ask the Developer for a traffic analysis since the project is less than the allowed Guide Plan density. He added that Bearpath is being developed at 1/3 of its allowed density which contributes less traffic to Dell Road.They are up to 53, therefore, it was not necessary. Franzen discussed the grading and tree loss stating that the grading with this project will be minimal. He stated that the Staff did a study of building permits and grading plans of comparably priced subdivisions. The study indicated a 5,000 square foot grading area for these priced homes giving an idea of how much the tree loss will be. The calculated tree loss is at 29%. He stated that things are successful as far as the conservancy easement and Staff recommends keeping the easement at 25 feet. Staff would recommend approval of the project. Foote asked about how many builders are in this project. Marhula replied that it hasn't been determined yet, maybe half a dozen builders. • Foote inquired as to who was responsible for tree clearing on the lot. Marhula said that what they had done in the past was work with the builders. We retain the forester at our expense. The developer meets with the builder and goes through and analyzes the entire lot grading and the significant trees that are at . Planning Commission Minutes 4 June 27, 1994 risk. After analysis is done they then will take down the trees, go ahead and cut the roots of the trees that are in question, and do all the measurements with them. Foote was concerned about what information the homebuyer gets about a conservancy easement and where it is on their property, if any; and if there was any association agreement. Marhula stated there is no association agreement. What they do is attach a copy to the covenants. They could also use four by four posts to determine the boundaries. Sandstad stated he would like to require a visible indicator for conservancy easements. Wissner wanted to know how this information gets passed on to the second homeowner. Marhula stated that the covenants would be recorded against the lot and at the closing it would come up as a document. • Marhula stated, regarding the conservancy easement, they as the developers are responsible for it. Once the last lot sells, they are not. He stated the City could be made a party of it if they want. Franzen agreed stating that people call up and say the neighbors are doing something in the woods and the City has to go out and check into it. He said they have not had a problem with people violating conservancy areas. Schlampp believed in his opinion that residents know the location of conservancy easements. He said a "self policing" enforcement by the people living nearby. Bill Gilk, 17895 W. 82nd Street, stated he owns the 50 acre piece of land directly to the west of this property. He said they have a lovely project here. He is concerned that he submitted a plat on the property directly to the west and he sees no indication of this on the maps. He filed this report on January 30, 1994 and amended that plat about three weeks ago. He asked that the Commission continue this item for 2 weeks when his plan would be forwarded to the Planning Commission. Don Uram referred to letters in the Commission's packet regarding the Staff review of the Gilk property recommending denial because it didn't meet code and was inconsistent with Dell Road alignment. • MOTION 1: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton to close the public hearing. Motion carried 7-0-0. MOTION 2: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton to recommend to the City • Planning Commission Minutes 5 June 27, 1994 Council approval of the request of Tandem Properties for Rezoning from Rural to R1-22 and R1-13.5 on 39.78 acres, based on plans dated June 24, 1994, with the change of 1C to the Staff Report to be rewritten to state, "conservancy easement will be determined on a lot by lot basis between Staff and developer and a description of each." Motion carried 7-0-0. MOTION 3: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Tandem Properties for Preliminary Plat of 39.78 acres based on plans dated June 24, 1994, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 24, 1994. Motion carried, 7- 0-0. B. CENTRUM DEVELOPMENT by Centrum Design/Build Corporation. Request for PUD Concept Review on 23 acres, PUD District Review on 5.6 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into 3 lots and Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres. Location: Singletree Lane Between Bachman's and Brunswick. John Curran, representing Centrum, gave a brief history of his project stating they are proposing a development with three buildings on this site. The first would be LeeAnn Chin's Asia Grille. This is a new concept in dining for LeeAnn Chin. There will be a restaurant on one side and a small take-out on the other side. There will be a variety of Oriental cooking offered. The patrons will be able to watch the cook prepare food because it will be in view within the restaurant interior. The restaurant will have interior and exterior dining. The design will have an Oriental garden in the plaza area similar to the Centennial Lakes concept. The design will be towards a boat shaped area. They have not been able to get together with BRW to correlate the exterior design of the various restaurants. The site is going to be stepped up to about six feet on the walking side and four feet on the side where the dining area is. The exterior dining areas will be slightly elevated above the walkway because of the grading of the site giving a feel of separation of the diners walking by. Staff was concerned that the entrance drive and landscaping match the Brunswick and Bachman design and we are very happy to work with that. There will be adequate parking and are two parking stalls over on the whole site. They don't have a design for the sign and are waiting to have a chance to meet with BRW. They would like to have a brick interior lit sign. • Sandstad was concerned with the delivery service and the size of the trucks that will be used. Curran stated they have smaller trucks and they deliver in off hours when there is not heavy use of the parking lot. Planning Commission Minutes 6 June 27, 1994 Curran stated that Uno's Pizzeria will be the other restaurant. It is an upscale Italian restaurant, deep dish pizza concept that grew out of the Chicago area and now is a franchise. Schlampp was concerned with whether or not a traffic light will be put at this intersection with all the additional traffic that is going to be there. Uram stated that to the best of his knowledge a traffic light has not been considered in this area. Uram reviewed the Staff Report with the Commission stating that they are very excited about this project. Staff was comfortable with the plans as proposed but there are some small details they have not been able to work out at this point. They are trying to move this project along so construction can start before the winter. Specific plans for the pedestrian plaza area and the outdoor dining areas must be developed. Building elevations and screening of loading areas for both restaurants need further refinement. A comprehensive sign package must be submitted. The landscape plan needs to be revised so that it is coordinated with the abutting properties. To allow the developer time to address these issues, Staff recommends a two-week continuance until the July 11th meeting. Clinton was concerned about the outdoor seating being within the 20 feet setback from the pedestrian pathway or the highway. Uram stated that where the people will be eating, they will be elevated up a little so you get a dual separation. Kardell asked if the dining areas are supposed to be fenced off. Uram stated a decorative wall and fence combination will be constructed. Foote asked what BRW stands for and Uram replied Bennett, Ringrose, and Wohlsfeld. Larry Weber, General Manager of Brunswick, stated they don't have any problem with LeeAnn Chin's but they are concerned with Uno's Pizzeria taking business away from them. He said 80% of the people that come in are for their pizza and that 20% is for bowling. He said their concept was their pizza. He is also concerned about traffic conditions. Sandstad stated he does not feel there is much of a competition of the two pizza markets. He said Brunswick might even benefit by having a very nice pair of eating facilities surrounding them. Planning Commission Minutes 7 June 27, 1994 Schlampp said this is a situation similar to the various people selling garden and produce like Cub Foods. Then there is Bachman's and Frank's Nursery. Schlampp questioned how the City handles businesses competing with other businesses directly across the street. Franzen replied the City has approved all types of businesses if they meet City requirements. The City doesn't get involved in free-market, economic decisions and how it impacts other businesses. Curran stated that they have reduced the size of the parking stalls from 19 feet to 16 feet and is interested in a waiver on that issue because he feels when people will pull in their front ends of their cars will hang over. Clinton was concerned as to whether the spacing will be for small compact cars. Uram stated that Staff is recommending the depth of the parking stalls be returned to 19 feet. Staff is not supporting the reduction of the parking stalls. The Commissioners all showed concern of not having enough details and they want finalized details by the next meeting in order to approve the project. Kardell strongly urged that the developer have completed plans in order for the Planning Commission will not take any action. Uram stated that the developer understands the critical nature of getting the details. If the details are not established, the project will not continue with the City Council. MOTION 1: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton, to continue the public hearing to the July llth meeting and schedule the public hearing at the Council Meeting for July 19th. Motion carried 7-0-0. V. MEMBERS REPORTS None VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS None Planning Commission Minutes 8 June 27, 1994 VH. NEW BUSINESS Franzen went over the projects scheduled for the July Ilth meeting. Hartford is returning to the August 8th meeting. In addition, the lower portion of River View Heights will be on the Agenda. On July 25th Eden Prairie Ford will be back. Eden Prairie Mall has a proposal of about 90,000 square feet, two story edition with one tenant on the upper and one on the lower. Best Buy is a possibility. Franzen said International School wants to add a 25 car parking lot. McDonald's wants to build a play structure. Norwest Bank has a drive-thru and small office expansion. At the July I1th meeting Jiffy Lube will be discussing colors of their building. It's different from their approved plans. They want a red brick instead of matching Wal-Mart. Kardell stated she wants a copy of the Minutes from the meeting of the approved plans for Jiffy Lube to be at the next meeting. VUL PLANNERS REPORT • None IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Bauer to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P. AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 27, 1994 7:00 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner, Donald R. Uram, Planner I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL U. APPROVAL OF AGENDA III. MINUTES IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. BRENTWOOD by Tandem Properties. Request for Rezoning from Rural to Rl- 22 and R1-13.5 on 39.78 acres and Preliminary Plat of 39.78 acres into 53 lots and road right-of-way. Location: Dell Road and Scenic Heights Road. . B. CENTRUM DEVELOPMENT by Centrum Design/Build Corporation. Request for PUD Concept Review on 23 acres, PUD District Review on 5.6 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 5.6 acres, Preliminary Plat of 5.6 acres into 3 lots and Site Plan Review on 5.6 acres. Location: Singletree Lane Between Bachman's and Brunswick. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS IX. ADJOURNMENT