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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