Planning Commission - 06/14/1999 APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY,DUNE 14, 1999 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Beverly Alexander,Randy Foote, Bill Habicht,
Rebecca Lewis
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner;
Scott A. Kipp, Senior Planner
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 Alexander to approve the Agenda as published. Motion
carried 4-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Alexander moved, seconded by Lewis,to approve the Minutes of the May 24, 1999
Planning Commission as submitted. Motion carried 4-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR JUNE 14, 1999
A. MATT'S AUTO SERVICE by Matt Strodel.
Franzen referred the Planning Commission to a letter from the proponent, Matt Strodel,requesting
continuance until the June 28, 1999 Planning Commission Meeting.
MOTION: Lewis moved, seconded by Clinton to continue the public hearing to the June 28,
1999 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
B. EDEN SHORES SENIOR CAMPUS by Silver Crest Properties, LLC. (continued from
5/24/99)
Kipp introduced Mike Gould, President of Silver Crest Properties, LLC.
Gould introduced Michael Krisch, of BKPV&Associates,the architect for the project. Krisch
summarized the modifications made to the proposal, including: a reduced south wing to three
stories, a reduced easterly end down to two stories, a reduction in the number of units from 325 to
321, and reduced overall building height from 57 feet to 50 feet,proposed improvements to Eden
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June 14, 1999
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Lake rather than an on-site pond to preserve the existing tree mass in the southeast corner of the
site, and added fencing and plantings along the townhouses for additional screening.
Jan Anderson,HTPO Landscape Architect, indicated the evergreens they would plant would be
from 14 feet to 20 feet high, using a mixture of spruce and pine in double to triple rows.
Franzen responded to a question from the Commission regarding tree loss stating it is 70 to 80 per
cent because most of the trees on the site are located in the center where the building will be
located. The tree loss would be similar if commercial development took place to the central
location of the trees.
Kipp stated staff is recommending approval of the project.
Tom Braun, 12540 Porcupine Court, asked questions regarding grading and stated concern about
the site line; asking if the site line actually has been reduced and if the building is still located at
the same elevation. Braun asked about the tree loss along Porcupine Court but on the development
site, stating a significant number of trees would be lost. Braun's major concern is that he only sees
a change from 4 to 3 stories and that the building is still too high.
Scott Vohnoutka, 8541 Flying Cloud Drive, stated his approval of the project and that high
buildings are not the eyesore being depicted. He stated this is an ideal location. He raised the
question about what view would the residents of this development have of the residents living in
the neighborhood. He stated the City needs this type of development and strongly urged the city
not to shrink this project. He asked,why hide it?
Jason Vohnoutka, 8541 Flying Cloud Drive, stated his concern if the developer loses more units,
economics will increase the cost to the new owners. He is in favor of the project and pointed out
there are nine property owners here that are against it,what about the 400 new residents moving
in.
Kirk Esser, 12565 Porcupine Court, said he would have a"front yard"view of the development
and has no problem with the facility but is concerned about the view he will have being too
massive.
Mike Gould stated he has been working with the neighborhood group and it has been a good
experience. The revised plan tonight shows consideration for the objections of the neighborhood
to the overall height.
The Commissioners agreed that the developer has met the requests brought up at the last public
hearing.
MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Alexander to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 4-0.
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MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Alexander to recommend to the City Council approval
of the Silver Crest Properties, LLC for Guide Plan Change from Low Density Residential and
Neighborhood Commercial to Neighborhood CommerciaUHigh Density Residential on 11.5 acres,
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 11.5 acres,Planned Unit Development District
Review with waivers on 11.5 acres, Zoning district Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 11.5 acres,
Site Plan Review on 11.5 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 11.5 acres into one lot based on plans
dated June 11, 1999, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Reports dated May 21, 1999,
and June 11, 1999. Motion carried 4-0.
C. LAKE PLACE TOWNHOMES by S&H Realty Management Co., LLP.
Kipp introduced the proponent.
Miles Lindberg, BRW,reviewed the background of this two-acre site. The proposal is for 15
townhouse units, 9 two-story units with tuck under garages, and six walkout units. They have met
with some of the members of the Preserve Association but not all of them. The Association has
brought up a conflict regarding the restrictive covenant for a 50-foot setback. Lindberg stated they
have met the requirements;however, it is their intent to continue to work with the Association.
Kipp stated staff recommends approval.
Carol Tomlin, 9260 Tallis Circle,President of the Preserve Association stated they did not
received property notification and request the Planning Commission continue this item so that all
members of the Association have a chance to give their input to the proposal. She stated this
project affects 1,684 people; and they were not given time to notify all members. She stated there
are covenants that cover design,building materials, etc. and they have had not process for input.
Franzen indicated that all property owners within 500 feet of this development were properly
notified, as required by state statute.
Scott Elfstrom, S&H Realty, stated that this proposal has been delayed for 4-5 years and is an
extension of the original project. Scott also stated it is their intent to work with the Association.
Neal Crocker, 9376 Amsden Way,head of the Design Review Committee of the Preserve
Association, stated that he only found out today about the meeting and requested continuance.
Susan Dickman, 11032 Hyland Terrace, new general manager as of October of the Baypoint
development, stated she has never heard about this development. She stated Baypoint was not
notified and they are not in support of this proposal.
A resident of 10735 Northmark Drive stated his surprise that this project has gone this far without
being reviewed by the Preserve Association.
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June 14, 1999
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Commissioner Habicht stated that the Planning Commission is the proper forum for review of the
proposed development and its related issues, and that the Association can enforce its covenants for
architectural review as a private matter.
Dennis Suttliff,ESG Architects, stated their intent to start construction in the fall and it is their
intention to work with the Preserve Association. A continuance might delay their construction
start.
Franzen stated the Association can review this proposal for conformance to its private covenants,
but that the Planning Commission does not make recommendations according to Association
covenants. That is a private matter.
Alexander stated she would like to see the development meet with the Association. Lewis stated
the covenants are a private matter and strongly urge the developer to meet with the Association;
she feels the proposal is overly dense. Foote asked if the developer was willing to accept a
continuance;but he was in favor of the proposal because of its technical merit.
The developer requested a two-week continuance.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Lewis to continue the public hearing to the June 28,
1999 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 4-0.
Chair Foote noted that no new notices would be sent out regarding the continuance.
D. DELL ROAD/HIGHWAY 5 OFFICE by Tandem Properties.
Jim Ostenson, Tandem Properties,pat of Jamestown development, stated the neighborhood
presented a petition for a one-story office building and this proposal is for a one-story office
building. He review the plans for the development.
Barb Boyle, 18322 Cascade Drive, asked if she would be allowed to use their parking lot in office
hours because of limited parking in the area. She also requested a stoplight be installed at Dell and
Cascade. Franzen stated that the city reviews traffic counts and makes changes based on those
counts. He stated he would ask the Engineering Department to review this intersection.
The developer stated he would look at the request for using the parking lot.
MOTION: Alexander moved, seconded by Lewis to close the hearing. Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION: Alexander moved, seconded by Lewis to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request of Tandem Properties for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 2.72
acres of the Jamestown PUD,Planned Unit Development6 district Review with waivers on 2.72
acres,Zoning District change from rural to Office on 2.72 acres, and Site Plan Review on 2.72
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June 14, 1999
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acres based on plans dated May 28, 1999, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated June 11, 1999; and requesting city staff to have the Engineering Department review the need
for a traffic signal at the intersection of Dell and Cascade. Motion carried 4-0.
E. SPRING HILL SUITES by CSM Lodging.
Bruce Johnson, CSM Corporation,reviewed the site plan, stating this will be a four story Marriot
and a Hopp's Restaurant.
Franzen stated staff recommends approval.
MOTION: Lewis moved, seconded by Alexander to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 4-0.
MOTION: Lewis moved, seconded by Alexander to recommend to the City Council approval of
the request of CSM Lodging, Inc. for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 4.12
acres of the overall Town Place PUD,Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on
4.12 acres, Zoning District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 4.12 acres, site
Plan Review on 4.12 acres, and Preliminary Plat on 4.12 acres on two lots,based on plans dated
June 11, 1999, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 11, 1999.
Motion carried 4-0.
F. FLINT RIDGE by Trek Development,Inc. (continued from 5/10/99)
Beth Simonsted,representing Trek Development,presented a revised concept plan for 38 single-
family lots, and requested approval of the plan so they can develop detailed plans and return to the
Planning Commission on July 26, 1999.
Kipp stated staff recommends approval of the concept and continuance based on the specific
recommendations listed in the June 11, 1999 Staff Report.
Joe Swanson, 10425 Purdy Road, addressed his concerns about the drainage problem on his and
his neighbor's property. He told the Commission that the house next to his is now vacant because
the owner cannot sell the house because of the water/drainage problems. He stated concern with
safety issues of the entrance of the proposal. He asked what assurances he has that his neighbor's
house and his backyard doesn't go down the hill because of the increased drainage problems. He
asked how much fill would be needed for this proposed development. He asked the Commission
to look closely at the setbacks and determine if they are adequate.
Peter Coyle, of Larkin,Hoffinan law firm,representing Mike Clark, owner of the neighboring
property, stated concerns with zoning and PUD actions. He stated appreciation of the Planning
Commission for the review process they are using for this site.
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Helen Fowler, 10315 Riverview Road, appeared stating her concern that the density is still too
high. She asked why the road change was still in the proposal when she thought that was decided
at a previous meeting not to be done. She asked what the development will do the natural
environment and wildlife. She asked if the ravine is filled in,will she end up with a wall of dirt?
She stated concern about drainage.
Kipp stated the details of the proposal will be submitted for an upcoming Planning Commission
meeting and that tonight the developer is asking only for concept approval. He stated all lots will
meet the required setbacks.
Ms. Fowler asked if the Planning Commission received a letter from her engineer. They indicated
they had not yet but would look for it. She again stated her unhappiness about changing the road.
Bill Hall, 10796 Purdy Road, stated that he is the original owner of his home of 8 years. He stated
concern that the project is too dense and asked that the Commission protect the neighborhood.
Chuck Bond, 11068 Bell Oaks Estates Road, stated he is not in agreement with the proposal and
that 20-25 homes would be better. He stated concern with the road change, safety because of
additional traffic,values of these homes being consistent with the existing homes, and the wildlife.
Scott Addyman, 10449 Purdy Road, asked the Commission not to change the road and stated his
concern that the density is too high. He also asked why the City doesn't take care of the problem
at Mr. Swanson's home before they continue with further development in the area.
Wolfgang Schroeder, 10584 Boss Circle, asked that the road be preserved and stated concern with
building on the north side to save the road.
Mark Ebel, 10903 Purdy Road, asked for a successful development but is concerned about the road
being moved.
Anita Phillippi, 10300 Riverview Road, asked if the community could receive some benefit from
this development, e.g.,the vista. She asked the Commission to leave the road where it is.
Laurel Blummel, 10545 Riverview Road, asked the benefit of gifting property at the bottom of the
bluff when no one monitors it or provides safety features such as trails to it.
Habicht stated the property should be developed without waivers. He would be in favor of not
moving the road and building over the hill.
Lewis stated her concern with Mr. Swanson's water/drainage problems and hopes for resolution
but advised that the Planning Commission is not the right city body to address the problem. She
sees the developer making headway on the density issue and would also like to see the
development without waivers.
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Alexander would like to see the road remain where it is and agrees with Commissioner's
Sandstad's comment at the last meeting,to have a viewing area and not to build on the north side
of the road. She stated her disappointment that the erosion problem on Mr. Swanson's property
has not been taken care of. She also stated that the road should not be moved or built on the north
side. She agrees with the proposed density.
Franzen stated the project will need waivers for the private drives accessing the bluff lots,which is
consistent with other bluff developments. The Commission agreed.
MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Lewis to continue the public hearing to the July 26,
1999 meeting with the direction that the developer prepare detailed plans based on the following
conditions:
A. Meet City Code requirements for the R1-13.5 Zoning District.
B. Do not exceed 20% significant tree loss (the average for bluff developments).
C. Avoid impacts on any documented archeological features.
D. Meet Fire Marshal requirements.
E. Provide stormwater handling to NURP standards.
F. Leave River Road generally in its current alignment.
G. Be attentive to public comments made at tonight's hearing especially with regard to
density.
Motion carried 4-0.
Chair Foote stated no new notices would be sent regarding the continuance.
V. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alexander moved, seconded by Habicht to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:10 p.m.