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Planning Commission - 06/09/1997 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 9, 1997 7:00 p.m. 40MMISSION 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. EDENVALE FANHLY HOUSING by Jim Deanovic. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Community Commercial to Medium Density Residential on 3.3 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 6.26 acres,Planned Unit Development District Review on 3.3 acres,Zoning District Change from Community Commercial to RM-6.5 on 3.3 acres,Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into 2 lots. Location:Mitchell Road and Valley View Road. 0 B. SOUTHWEST CROSSING 10400 BUILDING by Liberty Property Development Corporation. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 25.38 acres,Planned Unit Development District Review on 13.28 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Office on 13.28 acres, Site Plan Review on 13.28 acres and Preliminary Plat of 25.38 acres into one lot and one outlot. Location:Viking Drive. C. NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY by Sears. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 15 acres, PUD District Review on 1.15 acres,Zoning District Amendment in the C-Reg-Ser District on 1.15 acres and Site Plan Review on 1.15 acres. Location:Eden Road and Hwy. 212. D. BEST BUY CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS EXPANSION 1997 by Best Buy. Request for PUD Concept Review on 28.46 acres,PUD District Review on 28.46 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 2.25 acres,and Site Plan Review on 28.46 acres. Location:Flying Cloud Drive. V. PUBLIC MEETING VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS VIII. NEW BUSINESS IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS lox. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY,JUNE 9, 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 (absent) STAFF LIAISON: Michael D.Franzen,City Planner; Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT: None I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-ROLL CALL • Chair Clinton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Ismail moved, seconded by Foote,to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried 7-0. III. MINUTES Foote noted on page 2, fifth paragraph,first sentence,the word still should be deleted. MOTION: Wissner moved, seconded by Alexander,to approve the minutes of the May 27, 1997 Eden Prairie Planning Commission meeting as amended. Motion carried 5-0-2 with two abstentions by Ismail and Sandstad. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. EDENVALE FAMILY HOUSING by Jim Deanovic. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Community Commercial to Medium Density Residential on 3.3 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 6.26 acres,Planned Unit Development District Review on 3.3 acres,Zoning District Change from Community Commercial to RM-6.5 on 3.3 acres, Site Plan Review on 3.3 acres and Preliminary Plat of 3.3 acres into 2 lots. Location: Mitchell Road and Valley View Road. Eden Prairie Planning Commission . Monday, June 9, 1997 Jim Deanovic, Developer,noted they started this after speaking with Dave Lindahl and explained the process that took place. Referring to the map,he indicated how the senior housing site fits in with this site. He explained why they were able to get funded and noted they have all of their tax credit money and everything has been approved from the various agencies. Gary Tushie, with Tushie Montgomery Architects, reviewed the development proposal including the site plan,building elevations, and the building architecture. He explained that the family units are on the north part of the site and the assisted living senior units are on the south part of the site. The family units are gathered around the central play area so the parents can watch the children playing from their windows. This is also an enclosed play area away from the senior units. The NURP pond is located in the southwest corner of the site. The family untis are two-story in height and the assisted living is one-story in height. Mike Park, ALS,gave background information about alternative living projects and noted they are building four senior projects around the Twin Cities. This project is for Alzheimer's related memory impairment residents. • Alexander asked if this is only for Alzheimer and memory impairment or can people with other problems live there. Park replied they could but it's geared for Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. They have researched the area and there is such a high demand for this. As soon as the announcement is made this is being built,it will be full. If it's not full,they would open it up to older people having dependent living needs. Sandstad was concerned about the security to keep residents with Alzheimer's from wandering outside. Park said all exterior doors are alarmed and centrally monitored at the front. They are not able to walk out the front unless they are escorted by guests. There is a full time nurse on staff and they have a 1:6 staff to patient resident ratio. It is a heavily controlled environment. He also noted the best way to describe this facility is it's between a fully independent senior housing complex and a nursing home. Franzen explained to the Commission the two decisions they must make on the Guide Plan Change and Concept Plan. He also discussed why staff feels housing is an appropriate land use for the site. The Commission has to give the developer direction on the land use and the number of units on the property. If the Commission is comfortable with the land use and generally the number of units and the type proposed, the developer will come back in a couple of weeks for a normal detailed review. 2 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Staff recommended approving the Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium and High Density Residential and to grant the PUD Concept Review and to continue discussion on the rezoning, site plan,PUD district review, and preliminary plat until the June 23, 1997 meeting. Sandstad was concerned about some buffering at the adjacent northwest corner of the site because it's very busy at two different times of the day. Franzen said the building setbacks are greater than the normal 30 foot minimum. It will be probably 50 to 75 feet before you get to the garage. They would consider doing some berming and large plant material around the perimeter for some noise reduction mitigation. The other reason for perimeter plantings is screening and landscaping required by City Code. The public hearing was opened. Wissner said she liked the concept very much. It's a good location and there is a need for both affordable residential housing and assisted living. The balance compliments each other. She was happy with the play area in the center and was comfortable with the guide plan change and the PUD concept. She asked what the cost of the residential apartments will be. Deanovic said it would be 50 percent of the median • income. Foote commented it is a very much needed project. He was concerned about the tree loss but people are more important than trees. The Comprehensive Guide Plan change is significantly better than industrial or office. Habicht was a little concerned about the access with the right-in/right-out median. He said given the surrounding land uses, it's probably a good fit and supported the guide plan change. Alexander was concerned that the plan did not show trees being preserved because it's important to the emotional development of people. Tushie explained all but two or three are being removed because of the severe grading but there will be over 500 caliper inches of new material being brought in. Alexander commented that its important to keep the children's play area way from the senior area because they are disturbed by lots of noise and lots of activity. Tushie said that's one reason why they have an interior to the townhouse development so it's more secured not only for the kids use and safety but for all outside influences. Sandstad was concerned about some more detailing on either the front or the rear elevation to give the project a distinctiveness. Tushie reviewed the building elevation 3 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 architecture with greater detail. Sandstad supported the guide plan change and the waivers. Ismail said it does not seem compatible to have senior housing on one side and a family development on the other. Parks noted they have put this across the country in other residential settings in new developments because its so residential in nature and the transition goes so well. Clinton supported the project. MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote,to close the public hearing for Guide Plan Change and Planned Unit Development Concept review. Motion carried 7-0. MOTION 2: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Jim Deanovic for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium Density Residential on 3.5 acres and High Density Residential 2.8 acres, and Planned Unit Development Concept Review,based on plans dated June 6, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 6, 1997. Motion carried 7-0. MOTION 3: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote, to continue discussion on the Planned Unit Development District Review, rezoning, site plan review, and preliminary plat until June 23, 1997. Motion carried 7-0. B. SOUTHWEST CROSSING 10400 BUILDING by Liberty Property Development Corporation. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Open Space to Office on 13.28 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 25.38 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review on 13.28 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to Office on 13.28 acres, Site Plan Review on 13.28 acres and Preliminary Plat of 25.38 acres into one lot and one outlot. Location: Viking Drive. John Gattuso, Senior Vice President with Liberty Trust,reviewed the development proposal including the site plan. This is the last large development parcel remaining in the Southwest Crossing PUD District. The site overlooks Smetana Lake so it's a perfect spot for an office building which will maximize the preservation of the trees. 12.5 of the 25 acres are being dedicated to the City of Eden Prairie. He noted a couple of modifications have been made. The building is now 203,000 square feet instead of 190,000. That is the result of a small adjustment to the lobby area. The second change has to do with the parking ramp structure which is now a 4 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 four level structure to accommodate a total of 723 spaces. The parking ramp will be architecturally pre-cast and will match in color the panel which is being used on the building so it will blend. Because the building is located behind the existing office showroom building, by pulling back they are creating additional opportunity for additional landscaping. The visual impact should be minimal as you look at the site from Highway 494. It will tend to disappear or fall back behind the existing office showroom building. There are additional large oak trees that will hide the parking from Highway 494 and it will buffer it from Highway 494. Ismail asked if there are any walkways for people to walk. John Gattuso said there are and showed them on the map. He noted there is an existing public trail system that the City of Eden Prairie has constructed through the park property already. Sandstad was concerned that the developer has not spoken with the new Smetana Apartment complex across Smetana Lake about the parking ramp. He was also concerned about whether the City Forester has determined there to be any historical trees on this site. • Alexander asked if they would be requiring any special maintenance or development by the City on the dedicated land. She was concerned that this might cost the City money in the long term even though it's being dedicated. Gattuso said it was not their intent to require of the City any particular maintenance or restrictions. They have no concerns about this. Sandstad commented there is a 54 inch oak tree,more than 100 years old, which is near the driveway. He suggested planning that driveway around the tree to save it as long as it's healthy. Gattuso said they share the same concern about the tree and are willing to work with the City Forester and their designers to save it. Franzen reviewed the staff report. Staff recommends approval because the plan is consistent with the original PUD framework with setbacks from the lake and the height of the building,tree loss is less, and the architecture is compatible. He noted just found out about the new size of the building and has a couple of problems with the views from the lake and the visual impact from the parking deck because of the change in the size of the building. These concerns have to be evaluated now that the building is larger. There could also be some drainage access and tree questions that can't be answered at this time. They need to have the City Forester and City Engineer look at this. There are also some traffic concerns that need to be checked out. • 5 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Staff was not comfortable with the use of conifers between the building and the lake and doesn't know if the Parks Commission will either. The Parks Commission likes to use for tree replacement a repeat of the materials out there. This just seems unappropriate. He was not so concerned about the parking deck matching the color panels because you don't see it,but he was concerned about the front door to the lake, the deck, and more use of the polished panels. There was also concern about how many of the cars you actually see from that window opening. There may be a need to look at some other type of architectural screening that you see on some ramps in Minneapolis. They should also take another look at the 54 inch tree to see what can be done differently to preserve that. Due to the amount of time, staff did not have a recommendation for the changes that were presented this evening. The public hearing was opened. Tom Schrier commented he owns the property immediately south,the four Southwest Crossing buildings. He was concerned about the parking ramp plans being changed to add an additional level. He had concerns about the visual impact of the additional level and the impact this would have on the traffic. • David Kirkman, attorney representing Mr. Schrier, commented there are two waivers being requested as part of this PUD and he has not heard any mention of it. A waiver is the same as a variance and a variance requires the developer to show a hardship that it can not be developed and consistent with the standards of the ordinance. He has not heard anything here to indicate that hardship. He was not comfortable with the waivers being requested. Smetana lake is designated as one of the most protected bodies of water in Eden Prairie. The ordinance requires all buildings to be 200 feet from the natural high water mark and the building in this case is going to be 105 feet away. The ramp is going to be only 75 feet from the water in the northwest corner. He would like to see the building and parking ramp scaled back in size. The second concern is this ramp appears to provide primarily the access to and from the southeast corner of the ramp directly through Outlot C between his client's buildings. The concept of having an extra 800 cars using that in and out access is not very appealing. The traffic information did show a decrease from the prior plans in total vehicle trips but it did not distinguish between the east and the west access point to this building. Now that it's a four-story ramp instead of a three-story,they were concerned about the visual impact. He shared staffs concerns about large conifers not being able to screen a four-story 800 car parking ramp. • 6 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Habicht referred to Mr. Schrier's comments and asked which their preference would be,the height which would reduce the footprint or decrease the visual impact which would approach in the shoreline area. Schrier said they object to the concept of a ramp if it will increase the size of the building. They are concerned about both. Bob Rohrbach, property manager of Southwest Crossing, objected to the parking ramp because of the traffic impact and the visual impact. He was also concerned about leasing future vacancies because of these impacts. Franzen commented that a waiver and a variance are not the same and explained the differences. Waivers granted through a PUD are a trade-off for a better environmental design than if the waivers were not granted. He explained why staff has justified the waivers requested and gave background information about the original PUD from 1987. Marcella Smetana noted she lives directly north of where the ramp will be. She objected to the ramp and said she would not appreciate it in the winter. Fred Hedberg,leasing agent for the tech buildings,noted he has worked in the market for 10 or 12 years and has leased these buildings for the last three years. He said he objected to the height and size of the parking ramp and was concerned about the amount of traffic in and out of there. He said they have always had nice suburban locations to sell and the trees and the huge parking ramp is going to severely damage his ability to lease it out. He would like to see the ramp scaled down. Mr. Smetana, 7730 Smetana Lane, commented he objected to the height of the building. Foote commented the parking ramp is a little too big and should be scaled down to three stories and would like to see the original 180,000 square foot building. He said he would like to see that plan before it's approved. Sandstad said he never approves a plan he doesn't have. He asked the developer how much time they would need to generate some current site designs and ramp elevations which are concerns to the neighbors and the focus of a lot of the Commission's questions. John Gattuso replied they have them complete right now but they do not have the updated grading and landscaping plan. They could have all the plans ready in a couple of days. They are willing to take direction from the Commission for a three level parking ramp and reducing the size of the building. They thought it was significant to consider the alternative. 7 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Habicht asked what the developer's experience has been with other buildings as far as the parking. Gattuso said they believe very strongly that one of the ways in which a building becomes obsolete is not having enough parking spaces. When the buildings become obsolete it's hard to find tenants when there are vacancies. He said increasing the building allows them to increase the quality of the building. He explained they are long term owners and will not compromise the quality of the building. Sandstad suggested checking the architecture of the ramp on the north side so it doesn't look like the proverbial box. He is open to some other possibilities because the north elevation is the most sensitive. Foote agreed with Sandstad but did not believe reducing the building by 20,000 square feet would compromise the quality of the building. He would like to see it left with the original PUD of 190,000 square feet,a three level parking ramp, and a better view of the lake. Ismail was comfortable with the project and the building at 203,000 square feet provided that the parking ramp be reduced by one level if it's possible. MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Foote,to continue the public hearing for 30 days. Motion carried 7-0. C. NATIONAL TIRE AND BATTERY by Sears. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 15 acres, PUD District Review on 1.15 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the C-Reg-Ser District on 1.15 acres and Site Plan Review on 1.15 acres. Location: Eden Road and Hwy. 212. Larry Levenson,architect,reviewed the development proposal including the site plan, landscaping plan, and building elevations. He noted this is the old Hardees site and they will demolish the building and replace it with a nine bay retail tire store. They do batteries, shocks, struts and brakes. They don't do oil changes and other services. The majority of the landscaping that's on the site will remain in place with some minor modifications. In lieu of the 75 percent brick,the entire building will be brick with the exception of the entry area which will be stucco. They will use their prototype colors of blue and yellow. The metal roof features and the awning will be recessed with bay doors similar to other facilities in town. All of staffs concerns have been addressed. Ismail was concerned about how this would affect the other Sears store. Levenson said they advertise independently and are completely separate. • 8 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Keith Kane, representing Sears, explained how National Tire and Battery is a subdivision of Sears and commented on their locations across the country. Clinton was concerned that Eden Prairie's market was not large enough to support this type of facility. Kane said it could and they did do a feasibility study. Sandstad commented they have 41 parking spaces and the blueprint says 17. He asked if doubling the parking is a city requirement or do they feel they need that. Levenson said that's an Eden Prairie requirement. Foote asked where they dispose of tires. Kane said the junk tires and junk batteries are contained within the facility itself and there is no external storage on the premises. Ismail asked where the entrances are. Levenson said it will be a shared driveway and they have not changed the circulation. Wissner was concerned that people would not know what NTB is when they see the logo on the sign. Levenson replied it says right underneath the logo,National Tire and Battery. He noted that their goal is to get the sign as close to Highway 212 as possible according to what the ordinance will permit. Alexander was concerned that the trash enclosure does not meet the 10 foot rear yard setback and needs to be relocated. Levenson said they are working on that and it will meet the code. Franzen recommended approval of the project according to the recommendation on page 3. However,the building elevation and color are something he did not see until today which raises a question about how did the material,the construction details and colors relate to the City's site plan ordinance that talks about architectural compatibility and the code. He referred to the code which states color and material compatibility with the buildings that are in the vicinity. He discussed the architectural compatibility with the buildings in the area and noted the predominant colors are more tans and browns. He recommended that the colors should be within that color range, not necessarily a dark brown or tan. He suggested using accent colors for the corporate colors and the base of the building being City colors. The public hearing was opened. Levenson showed a sample of the brick to the Commission and noted they are open to working with staff on this. Wissner commented the brick is definitely in the gray family. i 9 Eden Prairie Planning Commission • Monday, June 9, 1997 Franzen commented normally they don't present exterior building samples before the Planning Commission and it's usually left for a staff decision at the time of the building permit. Alexander was comfortable with the lighter color tan suggested by staff. It's complimentary and really tones down the yellow and blue. It looks good. Sandstad encouraged the developer to work with staff on a different brick color. Kane said they are willing to work with staff and follow direction from the Planning Commission. Ismail was concerned if this project was discussed with the neighbors. Walter Klus noted he was the Realtor that sold the property and said they discussed it with everybody there. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Alexander,to close the public hearing. Motion carried 7-0. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Alexander, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Sears for PUD Concept Amendment on 15 acres, PUD District Review on 1.15 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the C-Reg-Ser District on 1.15 acres and Site Plan Review on 1.15 acres based on plans dated June 6, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 6, 1997, in addition,that the developer and staff should work together to come up with a color that would not be gray as the corporate color and not dark brown as some of the colors surrounding Eden Prairie. Motion carried 7-0 D. BEST BUY CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS by Best Buy. Request for PUD Concept Amendment on 28.46 acres, PUD District Review on 28.46 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 1 acre, and Site Plan Review on 28.46. Dave Clark, architect, said their proposal is to provide additional on-site parking to accommodate existing parking needs as a result of the increase in employees. He reviewed the parking proposal on the map and indicated two tennis courts are being taken out where the additional parking will be. There will be an additional 100 parking spaces on the site. It's a short term fix but it will help the problem. He also explained that page 4 of the plans show a future campus concept for their neighboring property to the north and commented about what's happening on the process. This is not part of the current request but they will come back to the Planning Commission with those plans when they are ready. 10 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 Sandstad commented about the wetland fill for the future concept and asked if they have given any thought to a parking deck. Clark explained why a parking deck would not be feasible. Alexander was not comfortable with filling in the wetlands because she was concerned about the wildlife. Franzen recommended approval of the revision to the PUD and the rezoning for the new parking lot areas that were shown on page 4 of the site plan of the developer's packet. MOTION 1: Habicht moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 7-0. MOTION 2: Habicht moved, seconded by Foote,to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Best Buy for PUD Concept Amendment on 28.46 acres, PUD District Review on 28.46 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 1 acre and Site Plan Review on 28.46 acres based on plans dated June 6, 1997 and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 6, 1997. Motion . carried 7-0. V. PUBLIC MEETING None. VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS None. VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS None. VIII. NEW BUSINESS Foote was concerned about how many spaces there are right now at the high school. Franzen said he did not know but would forward him a copy of the memo that went to the City Council. 11 Eden Prairie Planning Commission Monday, June 9, 1997 IX. PLANNERS' REPORT Franzen reviewed the agenda for the June 23 meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Foote moved, seconded by Wissner,to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m. 12