Planning Commission - 05/10/1999 APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY,MAY 10, 1999 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton,Randy Foote,Bill Habicht,
Rebecca Lewis,Douglas Sandstad
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner; Krista Flemming,
Planner I; 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: Lewis moved, seconded by Clinton to approve the Agenda as published. Motion
carried 5-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Habicht, to approve the Minutes of the April 26, 1999
Planning Commission as submitted. Motion carried 5-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR MAY 10, 1999
A. FLINT RIDGE by Trek Development Inc.
City Planner Franzen reviewed the history of the previous proposal and asked the developer to
present the new revised proposal.
Beth Simonsted, Trek Development, informed the Planning Commission that they had been
meeting with the neighbors and the revised plan includes changes requested by the surrounding
property owners; including realignment of the river View Road. The density is approximately two
units per acre and less than half of the property will actually be developed to preserve the bluff,
provide open space, and preserve the scenic buffer. Simonsted indicated the tree loss is less than 6
per cent. The exteriors will be primarily of brick and stucco; townhomes selling in the range of
$350-$450,000 and the single family homes in the range of$450-$650,000. The landscaping plan
shows a dense buffer and boulevard trees on each property.
Habicht asked about Outlot B. Simonsted responded that Outlot A, creek bluff area is combined
with Outlot B resulting in gifting back to the city of approximately eight acres.
Sandstad asked about the storm sewer installation down the bluff stating concern. Simonsted
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stated they are relying on the expertise of the City Engineer and the Watershed District, indicating
both have asked for the least impact of the installation.
Franzen stated the staff recommends approval with the stipulations outlined in the staff report and
granting of the variances to cluster as much of the project as possible to preserve the bluff. He
reminded the Commissioners that at the previous public hearing, the Commission members had
requested preservation of the bluff area when the plan was revised.
Sharon Walgren,Larkin Hoffinan,representing T. Michael Clark,property owner in the area stated
her client was in favor of development of the property for housing but had the following concerns:
density of this type conflicts with the Guide Plan; density transfer which permits higher density;
and compatibility with the surrounding area which is much less dense. Walgren, on behalf of her
client, urged the Planning Commission not to grant the density transfer. Walgren referenced a
letter sent to the Planning Commission and staff, also requesting an EAW be done.
Franzen responded to the statements of Walgren as follows: it seemed that they were confusing
the zoning ordinance with the land use plan by referring to the number of units per acre not the
type. He stated the bluff is developable because the flood plain is greater than 300 feet from the
bluff,therefore, in this proposal it does not apply. Regarding compatibility,there are no tri-plexes
on the site so plan review is not required. Regarding the density transfer, historically the city has
for 20 years done density transfers. Regarding the EAW, 47 units does not trip requirements for
and EAW. The EAW requirements are for in excess of 275 single-family units or 375 attached
units.
Joseph Swanson, 10425 Purdey Road, thanked the Planning Commission for actions taken at the
last public hearing. He stated big concerns about erosion and drainage. In his back yard,he loses
more land each time it rains and it has caused a 50-foot deep canyon around the two-foot
drainpipe. He stated the 45-foot dike was removed because of city requirements. He stated
concern because there appears to be no provision for improving the road and protecting his
property. He asked what was going to happen to his backyard and how much of the drainage north
of the road will this plan take care of. He asked the Planning Commission to correct mistakes of
the past.
Helen Fowler, an Eden Prairie resident, appeared with several clarification questions. The
Planning Commission and City Planner clarified the terminology. She stated her opposition to this
plan because of the townhouses not fitting in with the neighborhood. She encouraged the
Commission to keep the value up for the present property owners.
Wolf Schroeder, 10584 Boss Circle, thanked the developer and Planning Commission for taking
into account River Road and Purgatory Creek. He encouraged the Commission to take the
flooding issues seriously. He stated opposition to density transfer because it is not reasonable. He
would prefer that variances not be granted. He reminded the Commission that this is the last area
to develop in this neighborhood.
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Eden Prairie resident Laura Bloom stated appreciation of preserving River View Road. She stated
concern with too small sideyard setbacks of 15 feet. She suggested additional screening for the
trail on the west side of the river and good screening on the north side. She stated a concern about
density transfer.
Bill Hall, 10796 Purdy Road, stated no problem with the Trek Development track record but stated
concern with this proposal. It's out of character with the surrounding developments.
Bill Pentel, 11027 Bell Oaks Estate Road,representing Bell Oaks neighborhood stated they were
all opposed to the character of this development. Bell Oaks is not against development but this is
a desecration of beautiful property. He stated concern with traffic generating more than 200
additional cars a day.
John Mayler, 10461 Purdy Road,moved here six months ago because of what the area offered. He
is opposed to this development.
Carol Smith, 11093 Branching Horn, stated opposition to the density. She asked the Commission
to respect the land and beauty and resources of the area. She stated concern about the erosion on
the south end of the development.
Mark Wagner, 10636 Purdy Road, asked why the bluff area is not being considered for
development to the reduce the density. He has taken a financial risk to live in this area and asked
if this proposal would put his investment in jeopardy.
Tony Fillipe, 10300 River Road, showed an aerial photo of the area from 1945; another one from
the fall of 1996; and an overlay of the proposal.
Sally Hall, 10796 Purdy Road, asked the Planning Commission what their vision is for Eden
Prairie. Hall also asked why zoning changes are granted.
Anita Fillipe, 10300 River Road, stated her concern with density transfer because the land that is
gifted is not available to the residents of Eden Prairie—only to those that live in the development.
Franzen stated that density transfer is discretionary on the part of the city depending upon the
proposal; and again reminded the Commission that at the last proposal they gave staff and the
developer direction to preserve the bluff area.
Will Schroeder, an Eden Prairie resident, encouraged the Commission to walk the bluffs, stating it
is not buildable and future liability will fall back on the city.
The Commissioners discussed the density issues, density transfer issues,the sideyard setback
issue, and the townhome compatibility issue. The Commissioners agreed that it was important to
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strike a balance between preserving the bluff and compatibility with the surrounding area.
Sandstad stated his opposition to continuing this item again when all four issues that were raised in
February have been addressed and resolved. The Planning Commission asked the developer if
they would be willing to come back with another plan. Simonsted indicated they would be willing
to work again with the staff to resolve further issues raised by the neighbors. The Commissioners
agreed to be more specific based on the testimony received at this meeting. Sandstad stated his
opposition to the continuance.
MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Lewis to continue this item to the Planning Commission
meeting of June 14, 1999. Motion carried 4-1 with Sandstad voting no.
Chair Foote informed the residences there would be no further notices sent regarding the June 14
continuance.
The Planning Commission recessed for five minutes.
B. OAKVIEW OFFICE by Mount Properties
Franzen explained this was office building five of the Technology Park PUD. This proposal is
smaller than the originally approved plan.
The development team was introduced. They presented the new plan indicating they are in
agreement with the staff recommendation and stipulations.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Lewis to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Lewis to recommend to the City Council approval of the
request of Mount Properties for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 3.76 acres of
the overall Technology Park PUD,Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers and
Zoning District Amendment within the Office Zoning District on 3.76 acres, and Site Plan Review
on 3.76 acres,based on plans dated April 15, 1999 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated May 7, 1999. Motion carried 5-0.
C. EAGLE PEAK by Luxus Corporation
Flemming introduced the plan to the Commission
Tom Vol,Luxus Corporation, representing Eagle Peak,presented the plan to the Commission. He
stated they were in agreement with the staff recommendation and stipulations.
Sandstad stated concern about noise from the car wash especially in the evening hours. He asked
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if the developer would be agreeable to having the doors closed during washes in the summer,
evening hours. The developer responded that if they do not meet the city noise ordinance they
would be in agreement.
Eden Prairie resident Richard Berry is in favor of this project and told the Commission not to
worry about the noise. He asked what gas station and was informed Mobil; and what fast food and
was told they had not made a decision. He stated concern if there was no right turn allowed. He
also told the Commission to "lighten up"on the brick requirements indicating there's too much
brick now and they should allow the developers to be creative.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Habicht to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-
0.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Habicht to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request of Luxus Corporation for Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional
Service on 1.92 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.92 acres and Preliminary Plat of 1.92 acres into one
lot,based on plans dated April 16, 1999 and subject to recommendations of the Staff Report dated
May 7, 1999. Motion carried 5-0.
D. LINCOLN PARK by Hartford Financial Services
Bill Griffith,representing Hartford Financial Services,presented the plan with commercial on the
first level and apartments above. He explained varying the exterior materials—stucco and brick—
and jogging the roofline to breakup the mass of the building. He stated if required they would
comply with the brick standard of 75 per cent.
The Commissioners discussed their concern with the massiveness of the building.
Robert Bravarius, 87045 Greer Lane, stated he's a new resident to the area and thanked the
Commission for their commitment as volunteers. He encouraged the Commission to live within
the Guide Plan. He stated concern about the density,traffic, and height of the building. He
questioned whether this is the appropriate place for children to be raised. He stated concern about
limited green space. He would like to see a building that has less of an impact.
The Commissioners generally discussed that this was the appropriate use for this area. They
referred to a joint meeting with the City Council where they discussed exactly where tall buildings
should be located in the city; and there was concurrence that this was the area.
Foote stated support for the brick waiver.
MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Clinton to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-
0.
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MOTION: Sandstad moved, seconded by Lewis to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request of Hartford Financial Services for Guide Plan Change from Regional Commercial to
Community Commercial on 4.83 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 4.83
acres,Planned Unit Development District Review on 4.83 acres, Zoning Change from Rural to
Community Commercial on 4.83 acres, Site Plan Review on 4.83 acres, and Preliminary Plat on
4.83 acres based on plans dated May 7, 1999, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated May 7, 1999. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion by Clinton, seconded by Foote to adjourn. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT: 10.30 p.m.