Planning Commission - 04/28/1997 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, April 28, 1997 7:00 p.m.
6-
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Beverly Alexander,Kenneth E. Clinton,Randy Foote, Bill Habicht,
Ismail Ismail,Douglas Sandstad,Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Jessica Lind
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael Franzen, City Planner
Scott A.Kipp, Senior Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE--ROLL CALL
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FOSS SWIM SCHOOL by Jon Foss. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office
to Industrial on 1.3 acres,Rezoning from C-Hwy to Industrial on 1.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.3
acres with variances. Location: Flying Cloud Drive,Hwy 212 and Shady Oak Road.
B. `FAX CMUSTI CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ADDITION by Pax Christi Catholic Community.
Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 24 acres, PUD District Review on 24 acres, Zoning
District Amendment in the Public District on 24 acres and Site Plan Review on 24 acres for
construction of a 47,000 sq.ft. addition. Location: 12100 Pioneer Trail.
C. HOMESTEAD VILLAGE by Homestead Village,Inc. Request for PUD.Concept Amendment
on 11.5 acres,PUD District Review on 2.4 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the C-Reg-Ser
District on 2.4 acres and Site Plan Review on 2.4 acres for construction of a 97 unit hotel. Location:
Technology Drive and Highway 212.
D. LAKE SMETANA APARTMENTS by Klodt Incorporated. Proposed amendment to the
original project. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 17.19 acres,PUD District Review on
17.19 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres and Site Plan Review on
12.37 acres for a proposed amendment to an apartment project. Location: Smetana Lane
V. PUBLIC MEETING
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VII. CONTINUIN-G BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
MONDAY,APRIL 28, 1997 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Beverly Alexander, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy
Foote, Bill Habicht, Ismail Ismail, Douglas
Sandstad,Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Jessica Lind
STAFF LIAISON: Mike Franzen, City Planner; Scott Kipp, Senior
Planner; Elinda Bahley,Recording Secretary
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kenneth E. Clinton
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -ROLL CALL
• Acting Chair Foote called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Habicht moved, seconded by Alexander, to approve the agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Foote noted the approval of the minutes of March 10, 1997 and March 24, 1997
Planning Commission meetings would have to be postponed until the next meeting
because a quorum was lacking.
MOTION: Alexander moved, Ismail seconded,to approve the minutes of the April
14, 1997 Eden Prairie Planning Commission meeting as published. Motion carried
6-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. FOSS SWIM SCHOOL by Jon Foss. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan
Change from Office to Industrial on 1.3 acres,Rezoning from C-Hwy to Industrial on
1.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 1.3 acres into one lot.
• Location: Flying Cloud Drive,Hwy 212 and Shady Oak Road.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
Franzen explained Jon Foss has requested a continuance for 60 days because there are
soil problems on the property and they are looking at different site plans.
MOTION: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail,to continue the public hearing until
June 23, 1997. Motion carried 6-0.
B. PAX CHRIST I CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ADDITION by Pax Christi Catholic
Community. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 24 acres, PUD District
Review on 24 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the Public District on 24 acres
and Site Plan Review on 24 acres for construction of a 47,000 sq. ft. addition.
Location: 12100 Pioneer Trail.
Jerry Roth, Director of Pax Christi Catholic Community, briefly gave background
information about the church noting it is 16 years old with over 4000 members at the
present time. The space plans respond directly to the critical needs of the church. He
complimented staff because they have been responsive to the church's questions and
have given guidance.
John Justice, architect, gave a brief overview of the proposed addition including a
• review of the site plan and building elevations. The request is to construct a 47,000
square feet multi-purpose activity center and connecting link providing additional
meeting space,nursery, activity center and youth room. There are two levels and the
brick will match the existing building. There will be an additional 182 parking spaces
added to the north side of the building. Access for the addition will take place along
Homeward Hills Road. A small portion of parking will be added on the far west end
of the property adjacent to the cemetery. Pioneer Trail will be upgraded in the next
few years. They are currently working with Hennepin County for a new right-in/right-
out access to Pioneer Trail. A sedimentation pond is proposed on the north side of
the site within the City outlot. They are also working closely with the engineering
staff and the DNR to develop a plan to not only deal with the runoff from this site but
also from Homeward Hills which right now does not have a sedimentation pond. The
trash enclosure will be constructed of face brick to match the building. They will
continue dialogue with the City in terms of implementation of a landscape plan.
Kipp commented parking for the church is based on the number of seats within the
main sanctuary and this plan meets that. There is not additional parking provided for
this addition because it's often used for evening type activities so the parking demand
will not increase. The two main issues are the buffering of the church and also the
drainage of the area. By constructing a NURP pond, it will pick up some drainage
from Homeward Hills Road which will benefit the City by providing additional
treatment of storm water. The pond will be located in an existing wetland and may
• 2
• Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
require wetland replacement. This determination must be made by the Corp of
Engineers. Should replacement be necessary, one option is to locate it on site
adjacent to the existing pond near the central portion of the Church property. The
plan does identify the need for additional landscaping for buffering the property to the
north. Staff can work with the Church to establish a proper buffer plan.
Habicht was concerned about the right-in/right-out and asked if the Commission
could approve this with the access in, subject to approval or denial by Hennepin
County. Kipp said the County has sent a letter saying they are not in favor of that
access point and that's why staff is recommending it be removed from the plan at this
time.
Wissner asked why Hennepin County is against the right-inhight-out. Kipp replied
they're concerned it is too close to the cemetery access and Woodridge Drive.
Foote asked if the Fire Marshal reviewed this plan. Kipp said yes.
Ismail asked if the Church would accept a central portion of the property for the pond
location. Kipp said when staff met with the Church that was part of the discussion.
• There appears to be some land area just to the north of the pond or the wetland on
their site that is not wooded. That area could be used for the wetland replacement
and that would work to meet the 1:1 ratio. There is another option to relocate the
pond toward the southeast to minimize the amount of impact of the wetland, but it
would result in the loss of additional trees.
The public hearing was opened.
A resident from Creekwood Drive commented his property abuts the existing pond
on the church property, and was concerned how this plan will effect the ponds ability
to store ran-off because it does come up close to his property which is slightly lower.
Kipp replied if wetland replacement takes place adjacent to this pond, this would
create additional storage area,thus increasing storage capacity. The Corp will make
a determination whether wetland replacement is required. Staff asks that this
determination be made before City Council review.
Sandstad commented the project as designed is reasonable and would like to see the
landscaping plan similar to stars request for a reasonable compromise. He hopes the
Corp goes along with the wetland as designed off the site so they don't have to disturb
the existing pond on site. He was comfortable taking the advice of Hennepin County
regarding the roadway and it should be pulled off the drawing. He supported the
plan.
• 3
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
Habicht pointed out there are a number of Commission members that are members of
the Church and the consensus is there is no conflict of interest, and no financial or
potential gain from their review of this proposal.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Ismail,to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Pax Christi Catholic Community Addition for PUD
Concept Amendment on 24 acres, PUD District Review on 24 acres,Zoning District
Amendment in the Public District on 24 acres and Site Plan Review on 24 acres based
on plans dated April 16, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated April 25, 1997. Motion carried 6-0.
C. HOMESTEAD VILLAGE by Homestead Village,Inc. Request for PUD Concept
Review on 11.5 acres,PUD District Review on 2.4 acres,Zoning District Amendment
in the C-Reg-Ser District on 2.4 acres and Site Plan Review on 2.4 acres for
construction of a 97 unit hotel. Location: Technology Drive and Highway 212.
• Paul Crabtree, representing Homestead Village, gave a brief history of Homestead
Village. He presented the site plan and elevations of the site. The colors are meant
to match Fuddruckers and the proposal is for 75 percent brick and glass. They
concurred with staff s recommendation of adding more landscaping on the site.
Ismail asked if there are any other facilities like this in the Twin Cities. Crabtree said
they are just starting construction of one in Eagan and are working on another one in
Plymouth so there will be three.
Alexander commented this is a large project for a very small piece of land and was
concerned about finding enough parking for 97 cars. Crabtree said they have met the
requirements and usually operate at about 80 percent occupancy. He pointed out the
parking area on the site plan.
Wissner was concerned about whether there is a market for this type facility since
there are two other ones already in Eden Prairie that have not been built yet. Crabtree
said the market in Eden Prairie is very strong for this product and is probably the best
area in the City for it. They looked for high technology, a growth area, close
proximity to the airport, and visibility to Highway 494.
Wissner asked where the sign would be. Crabtree said it's located way below the road
so it's not very visible. It will be a pylon sign about 16 or 20 feet high.
4
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
Staff recommended approval of the plan subject to a minor revision which is an
attachment to the staff report about adding additional landscaping along the lake to
enhance what's out there now.
Ismail was concerned about the required parking setback waiver from 35 to 10. A
waiver was granted when these both were restaurant sites to 10 feet to save more
vegetation along the edge of the lake and have room for construction of the trail.
This was a mitigating reason for going closer to Technology Drive.
Sandstad asked if the impervious surface would be the same as it was when this was
a restaurant site. Franzen said it's the same.
The public hearing was opened.
There was no present wishing to make public comment.
Ismail was uncomfortable approving this project with seven waivers. He understood
they are minor but was very concerned about the 10 foot setback of the parking lot.
Franzen explained normally staff does not like to come forward with waivers of any
• kind. If they did require the developer to meet all the requirements,nothing could be
built on the property and that would be a legal taking. The DNR has indicated they
do not have money to purchase the site and this was not one of the purchase choices
of the Natural Resources Committee. This really becomes a judgement call on the
part of the City as to how much development is reasonable on the property. Staffs
concern was protecting the edge of the lake to provide a nesting habitat and to screen
parking. It seems like a good trade off against some cars that are going to be more
visible. You have to also look at what fits in with downtown Eden Prairie and what
uses are complimentary. A hotel is a good use next to a restaurant and a lake.
Habicht was comfortable with the fact that the parking is moved to the north away
from the lake. This proposal is very similar to the Lifetouch proposal. This is a tough
site to work with and the waivers are reasonable. He supported the project.
Sandstad said it was a reasonable use of the site and supported the project.
Foote said he understood Ismail's thinking but when you get into a situation like this
there's not-much choice. This works and putting a hotel next to a restaurant is
probably better than another restaurant. He supported the project.
Wissner commented she licked how the developer worked with the piece of property.
She was comfortable with the project.
• 5
• Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
MOTION 1: Habicht moved, seconded by Sandstad, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0.
MOTION 2: Habicht moved, seconded by Sandstad, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Homestead Village,Inc. for PUD Concept Review
on 11.5 acres,PUD District Review on 2.4 acres,Zoning District Amendment in the
C-Reg-Ser District on 2.4 acres and Site Plan review on 2.4 acres based on plans
dated April 16, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
April 25, 1997. Motion carried 5-1-0 with no vote by Commissioner Ismail.
D. LAKE SMETANA APARTMENTS by Klodt Incorporated. Proposed
amendment to the original project. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on
17.19 acres,PUD District Review on 17.19 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural
to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres and Site Plan Review on 12.37 acres for a proposed
amendment to an apartment project. Location: Smetana Lane
Kipp commented this project was reviewed and recommended for approval by the
Planning Commission and the City Council for a 275 unit complex in two buildings
in December 1996. The City Council has given First Reading to that proposal. The
• proponent is asking for amendment at this point prior to the Second Reading for an
additional 43 units to the second building.
Dave Clark, architect, explained when they started developing the property a year
ago, Staff was willing to support higher density on this site since it was in the Major
Center Area and surrounded by industrial land uses. The developer said no because
of the way the market was at that time. Today,the market is different than last year.
The proposal is to add a fourth floor to building#2. He reviewed the site plan and
elevations. He noted the site plan has not changed except for a new access point to
the lower level parking area. There is an additional 120 caliper inches of trees added,
per the staff report,because ofthe additional floor area in the building. He discussed
why they chose building#2 to add the floor. They thought building#1 would have
more impact to the lake on this site. Building#2 is a little more hidden on the site and
closer to the industrial site.
Student Representative Lind asked if they increased the parking. Clark said the
underground parking has 75 stalls so they have more underground parking than
needed. They also have a proposal,if necessary,to put 20 stalls of proof-of-parking.
6
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
Ismail asked what the status of the project is right now. Clark said his understanding
is closing for the land is set for Wednesday of this week, and are hoping to have the
project in the ground late summer. They hope to have the first building up so they
can work inside through the winter.
Foote asked what the rents will be. Clark said they start at$565 for a studio up to
$1,500 for a specialty duplex. Most of the apartments are one bedrooms in the$760
range. Foote asked if they will accept Section 8 vouchers. Clark replied Mr. Klodt
has agreed to set aside 10 percent of the project as Section 8. Foote asked if any of
the units will be handicapped accessible. Clark said by State law, six will be
completely handicapped accessible and more of the units will be handicapped
adaptable. If a handicapped person wishes to rent they can make some easy
modifications to make it more accessible.
Kipp commented there is minimal site alteration changes with this addition. The 318
unit complex will now have a net density of 22.2, slightly up from 19.3 originally
approved. The property is within the Major Center Area which allows residential
densities up to 40 units per acre and staff believes this is a prime candidate for that
higher density because of the surrounding land uses. This will also reduce some of
the pressure that could be put on other sites in the community to try to obtain that
additional density somewhere else. He explained what waivers will be needed and the
reasons for them to be granted. There will be an increase in traffic by 16 percent,
resulting in 20 additional peak hour trips based on the original traffic study for the
project. Landscaping has been revised to meet City Code. Staff recommended
approval.
The public hearing was opened.
There was no one present wishing to make public comment.
Ismail was comfortable with the project and supported it.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Habicht, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0.
Sandstad asked if they gave any consideration to one building instead of two which
might have been similar in density. Paul Klodt, developer, replied yes. High rise
buildings cost a lot more and the rents would have to be doubled. That's why you
don't see high rises in the suburban area. The communities don't like high rises and
the people think they look too commercial. Sandstad supported the project.
7
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Habicht, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Klodt Incorporated for PUD Concept Amendment
on 17.19 acres, PUD District Review on 17.19 acres,Zoning District Change from
Rural to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres and Site Plan Review on 12.37 based on plans dated
November 8, 1996 and April 16, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report dated November 8, 1996 and April 25, 1997. Motion carried 6-0.
V. PUBLIC MEETING
None.
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
Ismail commented at the last Joint Meeting with the City Council, staff was working
on some growth strategies for the City. He was concerned that the Commission is
still looking at projects and recommended putting a freeze on looking at projects for
a few weeks. Sandstad said the only way is a moratorium which is something City
Council can do legally but it's very controversial to stop certain types of developments
while studying an issue. The time frame for a moratorium is usually six months or a
year.
Franzen explained staff is just finishing growth strategies which is geared primarily for
the land outside the MUSA line. Staff had to figure out how many units they can
build,how many units will the Met Council allow them to build, and how many units
the road system can handle. On May 12 the Commission should get a presentation
by staff regarding strategies. The timing is good because staff just submitted the
Transportation Plan to the Met Council. We are expecting an approval on the MUSA
in 30 days. Franzen said the strategies are quite simple and reflect doing what we
have already done by following the Guide Plan.
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
A. Election of Officers
Election of Officers will be continued until May 12th when all commissioners are
present.
Franzen explained there are enough projects to warrant a second meeting in May.
The dates reserved are Wednesday,May 21 or Tuesday, May 27. The Commission
agreed on Tuesday,May 27 for the meeting.
• 8
Eden Prairie Planning Commission
April 28, 1997
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
None.
IX. PLANNERS' REPORT
Franzen reviewed the projects for the May 12 meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
• 9