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Planning Commission - 04/26/1999 APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY,APRIL 26, 1999 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Beverly Alexander,Kenneth E. Clinton,Randy Foote,Bill Habicht,Rebecca Lewis, Douglas Sandstad STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner; Alan Gray, City Engineer; and Judith Kunz, City Recorder I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-ROLL CALL Chair Foote called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Alexander moved, seconded by Lewis to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Alexander, to approve the Minutes of the April 12, 1999 Planning Commission as submitted. Motion carried 6-0. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR APRIL 26, 1999 City Planner Franzen explained to the Commissioners and public that there are three proposed developments, i.e., three items,but the Planning Commission will consider these items as one proposal. A. BLUFF COUNTRY VILLAGE EAST—COMMERCIAL B. BLUFF COUNTRY VILLAGE WEST—COMMERCIAL C. BLUFF COUNTRY VILLAGE WEST-RESIDENTIAL Wally Hustad, owner of the property,Hustad Land Company, explained the 28-acre project located at 169 and Pioneer Trail in the southeast quadrant of the community. He stated he has owned this property for 26 years. Hustad explained that although the three separate projects are located on one piece of property, they are designed and financed individually. He asked the Planning Commission to consider each of the three projects separately. He then introduced the presenters: Paul Tusse, Opiton,representing the east commercial project;Beth Simonsted, Trek,representing the townhouse project; and that he would present the west commercial project. Hustad requested separate consideration of the 90-unit townhouse project from a design standpoint should be considered as a separate entity. He noted one correction in the Staff Report that the gas station is PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 2 the 5,500 s.f. and the retail (Walgreen's) is the 8,800 s.f. parcel. Paul Tusse, Opiton Investment Company, developer for Hustad Land Company for the East Commercial property, stated they would be willing to work with staff on shifting of parking and the driveway area. He reviewed the Walgreen's structure consisting of brick and stucco, compatible with the proposed housing development. He stated the pylon sign would be brought into conformance as requested by staff; as well as bringing to staff a landscaping plan. He also stated the pole heights would conform to city requirements. Tusse then outlined the areas where they disagreed with staff recommendation: 1) Reversing the sites for Walgreen's and the gas station will not work. Walgreen's has requested the site as proposed and the site fits their needs. 2) Active negotiations are occurring with MTCO to put a"park and ride" facility on the site, which would be a viable option. 3) Access—right in,right out—with a median break 280 feet from the corner is necessary to give full access helping distribute vehicles,providing a safe entry and exit. He stated without this break, they area concerned about U-turns occurring to access the site. Tusse also indicated the traffic study showed the capacity of the road could handle double of what is currently there. Tusse stated that these plans are conceptual and that final building plans will come before the Planning Commission for their recommendation. Beth Simonsted, Trek Development, developer for the 90-unit townhomes on 12 acres of the site stated that this proposal is consistent with the current Guide Plan. The development is located in the northwest quadrant of 169 and County Road 1, on the north side of County Road 1. Adjacent to the site there is currently two stubbed streets that could be opened to the properly. Simonsted stated Bruce Schmidt,the architect is coordinating the design with the mixed-use projects and within this project there will be three individual building designs. She stated the units would be approximately 1,500 s.f. and sell for between$165,000 and$200,000. The exterior will be of brick and stucco. Simonsted discussed the purpose of the varied setbacks of the buildings; and that the buildings are actually turned on their sides to create a more interesting and meandering of the streets; showing less of the building sides. She stated concern with the City's requirement of adhering strictly to a set sideyard setback,which will result in loss of the creativity of the meandering buildings and driveway area. Wally Hustad,Hustad Land Company, described the commercial west project—located on ten acres and combines three separate identities to integrate the commercial with the residential, resulting in a denser project than the Guide Plan allows. He stated their concerns in designing this project were to meet the changing demographics of living and working. He stated this development would service their previous large-scale PUD developments in Eden Prairie. He PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 3 described the 17 live/work units proposed over the commercial area. Hustad is willing to work with staff on their recommendations but explained that changes will affect other parts of the overall project. He stated the separate identities break up the monotony of all the uses looking the same. He asked the Planning Commission if Eden Prairie wants a creative site or one that adheres to the Guide Plan. He made the following three points: 1)the community needs the village services and have for a long time; 2)there is a need to concentrate density in Eden Prairie because of less available space for development; 3)the market is crying out for this need. Chair Foote asked whether the live/work units would be rented or sold. Hustad responded they would preferably be sold at a cost of$200,000 and up. Sandstad asked Hustad to describe the live/work units and what type of people would have such a need. Hustad responded there would be 700 s.f. of office/work unit on the first floor along with a garage (all over the commercial) and the apartment/living unit on top. Habicht asked if there was a little bit less of everything,would the project still work. Hustad responded his concern about too small square footages and not generating what the users need. Hustad stated that trade offs may be necessary. He believes the"park and ride"facility would lower the commercial density. He stated the general purpose of the development is to make enough activity to make the area more viable. City Planner Franzen stated that the intent of the comprehensive plan is to create a mixed residential and commercial development with neighborhood commercial providing goods and services to residents living within 1 to 1.5 miles. While the plan provides a mixture of uses as envisioned in the guide plan and provides senior housing to meet a pressing demand,the City has an adequate amount of community commercial. The intensity of the project results in increased traffic,high tree loss, loss of natural buffers, an inadequate transition, waivers from the City Code, and access problems. The property should be developed consistent with the guide plan with neighborhood commercial less than 50,000 square feet,multiple family less than ten units per acre,with a common architectural theme, with a comprehensive sign plan, and the following plan revisions listed in the executive summary. Chair Foote asked for members of the audience to come forward to speak. John Turner, 10019 Shadow Pond Drive,representing the Woodland Ponds area on the west side of the development, stated the residents had met with City Planner Franzen in February and agreed with the staff recommendations. They have the following issues: creating cul de sacs; inadequate buffer zones; no progression of density of uses;preserving as many trees as possible;preserving natural buffers;housing alone would acceptable; too high density proposal. The residents disagree that there is a need for this commercial because they already are served by the Preserve services. Mike Kallas, 10173 Juniper Lane, stated there is no need for more commercial of this intensity. He stated it does not seem logical that the property has to be a specific way and that less would be acceptable. He stated that the setbacks should still be a front yard setback even if the buildings are PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 4 turned and that townhouses would be a deviation from their expectations when moving to their home. He commended Hustad for his innovative endeavor but it is too intense and should be re- worked. Maureen Degnas, 9946 Balmorel Lane, stated this project is too much. She stated concern about the gas station producing odors when the tanks are filled and believes it is not a good use for this site. Habicht asked Ms. Degnas if the southeast corner would be an acceptable site for the gas station and she responded it would. Terry Starks, 10008 Shadow Pond Drive, stated his street deadends where the development is proposed. He commended City Planner Franzen and staff for helping the residents through a difficult process, which they knew little about; and including their concerns in the staff recommendations. He stated concern about traffic since it already backs up at Pioneer Trail and 169. Sara Quie, 11850 Runnel Circle, stated she is in favor of this development as discussed because she would like to see a warm and friendly place to go and send her kids. She sees it as a village instead of all the other strip malls in Eden Prairie. Her property would back up to the townhouses and she stated there is plenty of trees to provide and an adequate buffer. She also likes the idea of providing a place for older people. Jack Larson, 11688 Tanglewood Drive, stated his normal commute takes him through this area and he would be in favor of the proposal. He likes the live/work units and stated they will fit well with the changing demographics putting Eden Prairie on leading edge. He would be proud to have this development in his community. Pam Snyder, 11701 Tanglewood Drive, stated she is in favor of this proposal since there is a need for something unique and different in this area. She stated it would build the community feeling and provide a place for entrepreneurs. Dean Luke, 10450 Whitetail Circle, stated that currently he has to go to Bloomington buy gas and liquor because there is nothing close to his home. He is in favor of the live/work units because it is current thinking, He stated the Creek Knolls and Normandy Crest developments can be thankful to this developer(Hustad) for the large amounts of donation of park and open space he has made to Eden Prairie over the years and keeping the neighborhoods to a scale they wanted to move into. Diane Luke, 10450 Whitetail Circle, stated they have lived here since 1972 and they have had to scramble many miles to shop. This development will now finally give them some place close to shop. She sees this type of development appropriate for this intersection. She believes the senior housing is needed and the gas station would mean they wouldn't have to go to Bloomington for their gas. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 5 Steve Orth, 10094 Juniper Lane, stated the density and magnitude of this proposal should be considered not the convenience of shopping as the main focus. He would not be opposed to a development that is reasonable. Dennis Bracken, 9913 Balmorel Lane, asked for his neighborhood to be protected from this intensity of development; and that they have already been impacted negatively by 169 improvements—noise and traffic. Patrick Hart, 9989 Applewood Circle, stated he is in favor of the project but that more buffering should be considered as well as exchanging sites for the drug store and gas station. He would also like the stoplight removed at Pioneer Trail and a bridge built. Jeff Atkinson, 10016 Shadow Pond Drive, stated they moved here because they liked the way it was. He would like the property developed according to the Guide Plan. Changes on Pioneer Trail and this development should be what fits. Steve Anders,representing the Pioneer Trail Neighborhood Organization, stated their group is trying to do something about the increase in traffic. He asked if children should be allowed to ride/walk along a roadway with a 50-mph speed limit and where would they cross. He stated the plan might have merit but not so intense commercial. Gary Johnson, 10006 Juniper Lane,wants the proposal held to the Guide Plan. He has invested in his home when the Guide Plan was in place and it is unfair to homeowners to change the Plan. He does not oppose development as long as it is within the Guide Plan. He asked the Commission to protect their investment. Steve Moen, 9812 Lea Drive, asked for more buffering. He pointed out that there would be two commercial areas with residential right in between them and it would cause too much traffic. He asked for development within the Guide Plan. Tony Cecini, stated he is interested in perhaps both living and running a restaurant in the proposed development. He stated the density would be a positive since people would not always have to drive to get somewhere. He agrees that the residential and commercial works well. He also sees a need for more restaurants in this area. Laurie Howsevich????, 9600 Squire Lane, is interested in property and a business. She stated the proposal is too extravagant for this area because now she can take her kids for a walk or bike ride along this area without concern about traffic. The proposal would create too much traffic. Minimal development would be acceptable. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 6 Chris Anderson, 9962 Rea Drive, stated concerns about the gas station,which will back up to their backyard; including lights,noise, and fumes. The Commission was invited to drive by and see the neighborhood. Tom Richardson, 10011 Shadow Pond Drive, stated when they moved here they envisioned more residential but that 90 units was staggering. Becky Lawrence, 10189 Juniper, stated concern about the proposed commercial in the future. She pointed out that many strip malls in the community now have vacant space and asked how this development would keep their space filled. Becky Johnson, 9840 Belmare Lane, stated that if this is to be a neighborhood, then it should be smaller and not attract others from all over creating too much traffic and people taking shortcuts through the neighborhoods. Terry Johnson, 9846 Balmoral Lane, stated concern about the traffic and invited the Planning Commission to walk through their neighborhood. Habicht likes the concept of mixed uses but has issues with the density building flow from east to west. The proposed amount of commercial use is excessive given the area but the original 50,000 s.f. of commercial would be acceptable. Habicht stated he would accept an upward deviation of 50,00 s.f. with some trade-offs, i.e., considerably less number and size of townhouse units and the bulk of the commercial on the east side of Hennepin Town Line. In summary,Habicht would like to see better utilization of the site. Clinton commended Hustad for innovative and creative development design. He stated there is just too much, and suggested the plan would be workable on a smaller scale while still achieving the valued project. Clinton explained that the nine criteria needed to change the Guide Plan were developed to assist the City in making recommendations on proposals. He stated there would be excessive traffic and does not support the 58 per cent tree loss. Clinton did not believe that having a gas station closer than a mile from home is an issue to him. He stated the development needs to be scaled down and meet the Guide Plan. Lewis thanked the citizens for attending the tonight's meeting and sharing their opinion and to all those who wrote their opinion about this proposal. She mentioned that Hustad's letter referred to this proposal as a mini-Centennial Lakes. She likes the concept but stated it is too much for this corner. She would also like to see progression of density. Regarding traffic, she has faith in the Eden Prairie traffic studies being correct. She believes the issues of buffers and setbacks can be worked out. Sandstad gave a"hats off'to the citizens in attendance; stating both the developers' and homeowners' input was productive. He stated the commercial west has merit;but agrees with staff of putting the gas station on Pioneer Trail for the commercial east project. He sees a problem PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 7 with lack of transition and buffering for homes to the north. He stated he will not approve the 58 per cent tree loss. He supports a continuance of the hearing for this proposal. Alexander likes the concept but stated it is quite dense. She likes the arrangement of townhomes to provide a buffer between the residential and the commercial. She does not see the gas station as a necessity. Andrews supports the senior housing. Overall, she stated the proposal needs to be less dense. Foote supports holding to the Guide Plan. He pointed out this proposal calls for twice or more the traffic; twice the tree loss allowed; and the transition is not adequate to the north. He supports the live/work concept,moving the gas station to the corner; and agrees that the `park and ride' concept which would generate less traffic. Foote would like to see the commercial area cut in half and meeting the Guide Plan. Hustad told the Commissioners he accepts the continuance and will come back with a project that meets the Guide Plan. He stated the gas station will not fit on the corner. He also stated that the grade of the site will dictate what the new proposal will include; doubting the senior housing and live/work units will fit. Foote stated his disappointment that the senior housing would be removed. MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Clinton to continue the Bluff Country Village East— Commercial to the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on May 24, 1999. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Clinton to continue the Bluff Country Village West— Commercial to the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on May 24, 1999. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Lewis moved, seconded by Clinton to continue the Bluff Country Village West— Residential to the regular meeting of the Planning Commission on May 24, 1999. Motion carried 6-0. Chair Foote informed the public there would be no new public hearing notices mailed regarding the continuance. D. ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS Bob Riselman,ADC,Project Manager introduced the project team members. He reviewed the changes as outlined in the staff report. He anticipates groundbreaking in May or June for Phase I; Phase II will occur in a couple of years; and Phase III timing has not been identified at this time. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 8 Clinton expressed concern for the residents about the parking ramp Bob Riselman stated they have met with the residents extensively and their plan now shows increased size of trees and plantings. In addition, the ramp has been shifted 14 feet to the north. Franzen explained the waivers being granted for the following benefits this project provides: greater setback to the parking deck, office standards in an industrial zone for brick, stone, and glass; greater wetland buffers, and tree preservation. Alexander expressed concern about filling four acres of wetlands; and the affect of filling where two wetlands flowed together. Darren Lazan, engineer for the project stated that the area being filled is a man-made channel and by filling this ditch it would restore the wetlands to what they were before the channel was created. MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Alexander to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Alexander to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of ADC Telecommunications for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 91.03 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 91.03 acres, Rezoning from Rural to I-5 Industrial on 91.03 acres, and AUAR Review on 91.03 acres based on plans dated April 23, 1999 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 23, 1999. Motion carried 6-0. E. PILLSBURY ADDITION Gary Gandrud Fagre &Benson(?),representing Pillsbury reviewed the proposal located at the northwest corner of Mitchell Road, 212 and 5. Andy Kortcamp, Manufacturing Manager at the Eden Prairie plan stated there are approximately 300 employees working a 24-hour operation. As a result of the expansion of 212, it is necessary to increase the employee parking. Wayne Jeske, architect, explained the Phase is the addition of temporary parking on the west side of the building and addition and a semi stating area along Martin Drive. Phase II will start the summer or late fall of 2001 after the highway changes are completed. There is a possible future addition of 23,000 s.f. to the building. Jeske spoke about the waivers and benefits of more open space and plantings. Gary Ganrud entered a letter into the minutes from Michael Nordstrom, regarding their best estimate of completion of all work including the 23,000 s.f. addition being fall of 2001. He stated concern with the staff recommendation of a fence on top of the plantings being excessive and asked the Planning Commission to consider eliminating the fence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Eden Prairie April 26, 1999 Page 9 Franzen indictaed that plantings alone cannot screen the loading area as required by City Code, and the fence is required. MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Lewis to close the hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Lewis to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Pillsbury for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 8.25 acres,Planned Unit Development District Review on 8.25 acres with waivers, Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Zoning District on 8.25 acres, Site Plan Review on 8.25 acres and Preliminary Plat of 8.25 acres into 1 lot and road right-of-way,based on plans dated April 8, 1999 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated April 23, 1999. Motion carried 6-0. VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS Alexander brought in a shovel and photos of the debris left behind from a construction project. Franzen will turn over the"evidence"to the appropriate city staff. VH. PLANNER'S REPORT Franzen reviewed the next agenda. VIH. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Motion by Clinton, seconded by Foote to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0. ADJOURNMENT: 10:25 p.m.