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Planning Commission - 11/12/1996 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday,November 12, 1996 7:00 p.m. WMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Bill Habicht, Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell,Douglas Sandstad, Mary Jane Wissner 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. TCF BANK by TCF Bank. Request for PUD Concept Review on 17.4 acres, PUD District Review on 10.4 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Zoning District on 10.4 acres and Site Plan Review on 10.4 acres. Location: Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive. B: VIDEO UPDATE by Trinet Property Company,LLC. Request for Zoning District Amendment in the N-Corn District on 1.01 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.01 acres for construction of a 7,200 sq.ft. Video Update. Location: Northwest corner of Anderson Lakes Parkway and Hwy. 169. C. LAKE SMETANA APARTMENTS by Klodt Incorporated. Request for PUD Concept Review on 17.19 acres,PUD District Review on 17.19 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres, Site Plan Review on 12.37 acres and Preliminary Plat of 17.19 acres into one lot. Location: Smetana Lane. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS IX. ADJOURNMENT APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 12, 1996 7:00 P.M. CITY CENTER Council Chambers 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote, Bill Habicht, Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad,Mary Jane Wissner STAFF MEMBERS: Mike Franzen, City Planner; Scott Kipp,Senior Planner; Al Gray,City Engineer;Elinda Bahley,Recording Secretary I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-ROLL CALL Chair Clinton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Kardell was excused. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Foote moved, seconded by Wissner,to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to approve the Minutes of the October 28, 1996 Planning Commission meeting as published. Motion carried 4-0-2 with two abstentions by Habicht and Sandstad. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. TCF BANK by TCF Bank. Request of PUD Concept Review on 17.4 acres, PUD District Review on 10.4 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Zoning District on 10.4 acres and Site Plan Review on 10.4 acres. Location: Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive. Dave Sellegren,representing TCF Bank,indicated TCF Bank is planning to move executive offices, its financial corporation, and corporate operation center to the proposed building. Opus Corporation has designed and constructed the building and are in the process of selling it to TCF Bank. Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 TCF Bank has asked Opus to assist in re-figuring the internal and external spaces. They are expanding the parking area and increasing the landscaping as part of the moving process. Michelle Foster, senior director of real estate development for Opus Corporation,reviewed the development proposal with the Commission. TCF Corporation's attempt to purchase this building and use it primarily for office purposes requires an amendment and a variance from 50 percent office requirement to 90 percent office use in the building. In order to permit that kind of usage in the building it was necessary to reconfigure the parking area and expand the parking area to permit the employees to occupy and utilize the building to its capacity. She reviewed the parking plan prepared as a result of discussions with the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the future improvements of Technology Drive and Prairie Center Drive. They have revised the landscaping plan to allow the parking expansion, as well as to provide substantial improvement in the landscaping of the parking lot. She reviewed the landscaping plan which depicted what it will look like upon the completion of the MnDOT improvements and the parking expansion. They have increased the parameter landscaping both to improve appearance of the building and to compensate for the 15 foot setback which they are asking for along Technology Drive. She believes this to be a significant improvement over the existing plan accounting for the changing that will occur with the MnDOT improvements. This will actually provide for a greater green space around the parameter of the site which includes the right- of-way which MnDot will be providing in the improvements. These improvements require two variances and they are in support of staff s recommendations. Ismail was concerned about the 10 percent manufacturing use. Foster indicated there would be no manufacturing done at this building. It would primarily be used for storage type purposes of documents and records. It would be a warehouse or storage use. Wissner asked for a time frame of the project. Foster replied the anticipated closing of the property with TCF Financial is expected to occur before the Christmas holidays. They would be commencing with improvements to the building almost immediately with occupancy for March of next year. Wissner asked when the landscaping will be installed. Foster said the actual timing of the improvements is a little uncertain to the extent of when the 2 • Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 parking lot expansion would occur. Her guess is that it may occur calendar year 1997 or it may coincide with the MnDOT improvements. MnDOT is talking about starting the improvements in this area in late 1997 and in early 1998 over a two year construction period. The parameter landscaping would not make sense to go until the MnDOT improvements are completed. Franzen said staff recommended approval according to the recommendations on page 3 ofthe staff report. Included in the packets are a blue line drawing which represents the 48 additional trees that TCF Bank previously agreed to. The Public Hearing was opened. Ray Pivainen,director of real estate for Fairview Hospital,indicated they are the neighbor property to the south. They are delighted to have TCF Bank moving next door and are looking forward to supporting them. He supported the two waivers being requested and believes the parking lot will coincide nicely with the interaction as well as the roadway works. They are willing to work with Al Gray and MnDOT because it effects both properties. He was concerned about access during construction and the current access which is not seen on the drawing. The current access is further to the south end of their property. He supported this project as it stands. Al Gray, City Engineer, stated that the main access into both this property and to the clinic has a common intersection with new Technology Drive. That will be a signalized intersection and it should provide very good access for both buildings. He commented that the new Transit Hub will be located across the street which will give easy access for employees and patients to get to either building. Southwest Metro may be willing to work with TCF Bank employees to customize some of the service they have. MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Habicht, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Habicht,to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Twin City Federal for PUD Concept Review on 17.4 acres, PUD District Review on 10.4 acres,Zoning District Amendment in the I-2 Zoning District on 10.4 acres and Site Plan Review on 10.4 acres based on plans dated November 8, 1996, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated November 8, 1996. Motion carried 6-0. • 3 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 B. VIDEO UPDATE by Trinet Property Company, LLC. Request for Zoning District Amendment in the N-Com District on 1.01 acres, Site Plan Review on 1.01 acres for construction of a 7,200 sq. ft. Video Update. Location: Northwest corner of Anderson Lakes Parkway and Hwy. 169. Michael Simms,representing Video Update,reviewed the changes made for the development proposal. The concern was screening for Highway 169. The size of the benning was increased per staffs request and additional evergreens were included to provide screening of the parking. They are in total compliance with staff and accept all issues in the staff report. He explained the site plan noting that the materials to be used will match the existing buildings within the Anderson Lakes Center. Wissner was concerned that there was only one entrance to the site. Franzen said the actual entrance to the site is from Anderson Lakes Parkway. Access to the store itself faces Highway 169. Sandstad asked the developer if he had any concern about the traffic access. • Simms replied no. Sandstad asked how long would it be before there was a signal at Columbine. Gray indicated about two to five years. Habicht asked if there was a way the City could assist in helping the traffic flow to get out to Columbine because he was concerned about u-turns at the intersection of Columbine and Anderson Lakes Parkway. Gray said it's something that the center itself would do, not the City. They could install signage. Most people who stop at these places are regulars and they know the way to go, but they will take shortcuts. He suggested a sign at the intersection saying no u-turns. Foote was concerned about a parking problem even though the 58 spaces meet City Code. Simms stated the requirement was for 35 to 40 parking stalls. There is a lot of parking from a tenant prospective and he was comfortable with the 58 stalls. The public hearing was opened. Sandstad was concerned about pedestrian safety along Highway 169. There is no safe route for pedestrians to walk along the highway. He referred to a fatality that occurred at that intersection a couple of months ago and asked staff what has been done since he submitted a memo passing a resolution 60 • 4 . Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 days ago. Franzen replied there has been no progress as to when a pedestrian trail might go in. Sandstad stated the Commission may have to change what they do on this related issue. They keep placing these uses next to the highway and ignoring the safety aspect of it. Gray indicated the pedestrian facility that they would contemplate in the area would be along Columbine. It would be sort of a detached frontage road, or in this case a detached pedestrian facility. One of the things that's lacking today is you can't get north all the way up to Prairie Center Drive as a pedestrian because Columbine has not been completed yet. Sandstad commented he has been a commissioner for seven years and has been hearing about the Columbine connection for that entire period. He lives in the neighborhood and he sees wheelchairs,elderly people,and children on Highway 169. It is now time to do something about it. He recommended adding an item to the staff recommendations, item 4, which would be the recommendation for approval of the project with a requirement for the City to get a 12 month time frame for a design of construction of a safe pedestrian route either parallel to, along,or close to Highway 169 between this property, Anderson Lakes Parkway intersection and Prairie Center Drive. Foote asked when Columbine will be done. Gray replied there have been some events that have happened in the last year and he explained them. Foote commented that Columbine would be a better solution although he agreed with Sandstad that it's a dangerous road and they have to do something. He asked Sandstad if he wanted to attach his recommendation to the approval of the project. Sandstad replied he was thinking of a time frame for a design. If the Commission passes the motion, ask the City to officially do this within such a time frame and see what ideas they come up with. They have not taken this seriously enough. Gray indicated the piece of corridor that might be most significant would be from Fountain Place up to Prairie Center Drive because of the origin of most ofthe pedestrian traffic. He explained they are planning a signal and hope to have a signal under construction next year. Ismail commented he doesn't want this project to be burdened with this issue. This is an issue for the City. It is somewhat related but this project should not be delayed because of it. • 5 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 Habicht agreed with Ismail. He would like to see the recommendation be independent of this project. This needs to be looked at from a long term prospective. Sandstad said he would like to attach his recommendation to this project. It's not going to slow this project down at all and it is directly related to pedestrians that are going to be coming to this space. It's not sufficient for this Commission to not involve this project. It will not hold up this project but it will get the City Council's attention. Kipp noted this recommendation should not effect the approval of this project. It will give staff a direction to discuss this at the City Council. MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Wissner, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION 2: Sandstad moved, seconded by Wissner,to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Trinet Property Company, LLC. Request for Zoning District Amendment in the N-Corn District on 1.01 acres, and Site Plan Review on 1.01 acres for construction of a 7,200 sq. ft. Video Update based on plans dated November 8, 1996, and subject to the amended recommendations of the Staff Report dated November 8, 1996 including item 4 initiated by the Planning Commission. Motion carried 6-0. C. LAKE SMETANA APARTMENTS by Klodt Incorporated. Request for PUD Concept Review on 17.19 acres,PUD District Review on 17.19 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres, Site Plan Review on 12.37 acres and Preliminary Plat of 17.19 acres into one lot. Location: Smetana Lane. Paul Klodt, developer,noted he has been a developer in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for over 40 years and they build hotels, apartment buildings,office buildings and all types of real estate. He has built over 5000 apartment units in the metro area in the last 40 years. Dave Clark, architect, reviewed the development proposal and the site plan noting that the property is approximately 17 acres on the northwest corner of Lake Smetana. They have been working with the various agencies over the last 10 months to put this project together. The proposal is for an apartment site on the upper half of the site above existing Smetana Lane. Down below is another two pieces of the property to be used for ponding areas and natural 6 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 recreational areas associated with the site. The developer will completely design and pay for the construction of the new roadway, sidewalk, and the new utilities. They have been negotiating with the estate trustees so they can create a new roadway in exchange for the easement. They have been working with Mr. Hoyt and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District to continue to get access to his site. Marcella Smetana wishes to stay in the property as long as she lives and they will give her an easement for access. He reviewed the landscaping plan and the easements noting that it is an isolated country roadway which they wish to preserve. They have purposely kept the roadway expansion beyond the creek away from their property. The new roadway will be a standard 32 foot wide public road with curb and gutter up to the creek, then continue as a private road for the remaining section. They are trying to keep as little intrusion to this site as possible. The desire is to maintain as much of a natural feel in this site as they can. The landscaping between the buildings will be formal with birch,maple and pine trees. They will keep the natural prairie grasses and the sumac and other • plantings of that nature. Foote asked if they would still go ahead with the property if they were not able to obtain the easements from Mr.Hoyt. Clark replied there are two ways to work with the property on the north. They can create a retaining wall on the upper corner so they don't have to grade on his property. It's possible to do that but it isn't something that would be beneficial to the project. Foote was concerned that there was no south access. Clark explained the two means of access to the property. There is a permanent access that runs through the two industrial properties. Foote commented that if anybody in the building on the north side wanted to access the underground garage they would have to go through a lot and he was concerned that it seemed hazardous. Clark replied they chose to create that serpentine path rather than give a straight access because they want to keep it with a small town feel. Sandstad asked if the thought on the recreational facility is that there is not very many young residents in the complex or would there be some facility that might not be adult in addition to the two big outdoor facilities shown. Clark replied in the marketing sense they usually find young people 22 through 30 that are interested in all the amenities this has to offer. They also find an older range of people between 40 and 50 without children. Klodt noted the rent 7 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 ranges from $760 to $1,000 a month for a one bedroom, and $1,000 to $1,400 a month for the two bedrooms. Ismail was concerned about Marcella Smetana's feelings about the development. Clark replied he has not personally talked to her but they did receive a letter from her saying she does not object to the project. His understanding is that she just wanted to remain in the house she was comfortable in. She has seen these sort of things happen before around her such as the industrial project and is aware of what will happen. Habicht asked if the easement to the east has been obtained for fire protection access. Clark replied that it's already been platted with the industrial project and continues right up to the property line. Foote was concerned about the 10 percent of units being left available for Section 8 Vouchers. Klodt replied it's up to 10 percent so very little would be held for it. Clinton expressed concern about the City Code having a limit of 17.4 units per acre and the project is at 19.2 units per acre. Clark explained they have been negotiating for ten months and there were a number of things going on earlier in negotiations with the City. The 10 percent of the low income housing happened to work out to 27 units which was the difference they were over in the zoning amount. Kipp commented the main issue with this project is the property is guided for high density residential or industrial, and either land use is appropriate. The question is which land use is more appropriate for the site. Staff has worked with the developer for a number of months on this issue and have looked at residential developments. Staff believes there are some benefits to going with a residential development. Basically that has to do with the opportunity of housing goals and providing housing closer to employments. The developer has agreed to pay for the entire roadway system which would provide access to Valley View Road and provide a developed roadway system for the remainder of the property around there. The proposal also acquires the Frank Smetana Jr. house resolving potential land use incompatibility. The development of the property also prepares the future development for the property to the north as well. The City will be obtaining easements from the developer for public use of remaining property south of Smetana Road. The Commission needs to take a look at what • 8 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 benefits are with granting shoreland waivers versus going with the different land use. Strict compliance with the shoreland code would preclude this development from residential development and leave the site developed as industrial which is a consistent use. While industrial could be developed on the property, staff feels it could have greater visual impact to the lake,higher impervious surface to the lake and potential increased traffic impact on the system. The tree loss would be the same for either land use. Regardless of how the land is developed, there is going to be reduction in the grade in order to work for the existing site. Staff recommended approval of the project. Sandstad asked for clarification as to whether there may or may not be Section 8 Vouchers used in this project. He was concerned that Dave Lindahl's memo sounded like it had not been determined yet. Kipp agreed. He didn't know the full answer to that. There is availability of 10 percent of the units for Section 8 Vouchers. The question is would the buy down with those vouchers work for the number of units or income ranges. That would have to be evaluated further. The developer has agreed to provide the 10 percent availability. Clinton was concerned that the staff report said the grade would go from 950 into 875 to 860 which is 60 to 55 feet but heard 35 feet in the presentation. Kipp explained that the grade varies from Smetana Lane to the northeast comer of the property. The grade cut would be approximately 50 feet at the extreme northeast comer, but about 35 feet near the center of the site. Franzen noted this grade would be very similar to the Fountain Place Apartments which is on the south side of Purgatory Recreation Area. The public hearing was opened. John Kottke, 7665 Smetana Lane, asked what will be posted on the road when there's one entrance from Valley View Road and it's going to be gated on the opposite side. Clark explained the flow of traffic that will occur noting there will be no thm traffic,just the tenants. Kottke asked if there will be posted speed limits. Clark said on their side it will be a 15 mile an hour area and assumes the City's side will be for a standard street. Kottke asked if it will be posted as a dead end street. Gray replied the posted speed limit will be 30 miles and it will be signed no outlet. Kottke was concerned about the culvert and about the flooding. Clark • 9 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 explained that right now it's about a 36 inch culvert and it has not been maintained. They are hoping to put in a 42 inch box culvert maybe five or six feet wide. Kottke expressed concern about the building facing west which faces his property. He was concerned about the contours, the grade, the increase in height, and wants to see elevations. Clark indicated the height increase is because of the pitched roofs. Kottke asked what height are the third floor balconies going to be at. Clark replied each floor is about 8'10" so it's about 27 feet. They want to leave a 150 foot preserve area between the two properties. There is a significant wooded area there that they will not allow anybody to touch. They want to maintain it as much as they can. Mary Smetana, 7722 Smetana Lane, commented they are very thrilled with the project and support it. She thinks this project is the best suitable for the site out of all the ones she has seen. She has lived there for 27 years and it's a wonderful site. She was happy that other people are now going to share this area rather than see it as an office warehouse. Ismail commented it's a beautiful site but was concerned about the amount of multiple dwelling projects the Commission has been approving. Foote stated that during the last couple of months many people have told him about their concerns about the amount of multiple housing projects. However,he would prefer to see housing first versus an industrial use on this site. He commented that if the developer is not able to provide subsidized housing,why would the Commission approve 19.2 units per acre versus 17.4. Clark explained they have been in negotiations with the City and all the government agencies for the last ten months on how to put this project together and reviewed the process they went through. They are at a point now where the project works with 275 units and doesn't know if it would work with 27 less units. This was a part of the whole total package. He doesn't want the Commission to single out that one issue. Sandstad commented his only concern is that transportation and road improvements tend to lay behind development. This site is nicely suited for high density residential. In general they have been approving so many projects that tend to be multiple because of the cost of land driving construction through the roof. Habicht commented he was troubled by the amount of shoreland waivers but industrial use of the property would require many of the same waivers. He said it's a nice transition for the lake and for the shoreline. The multiples are • 10 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 a nice fit on the site and it justifies all of the shoreland waivers because it's a nice transition. He cannot justify the density but that's something they face on every project. Franzen explained how other projects have provided more amenities to justified high density. He agreed with the developer that the commission should consider total package of housing,trails,roads,park dedication, and off site planning considerations for developing this project. Ismail was concerned about the increased height and asked if the developer could make it consistent with the City requirements. Clark replied they could lessen the pitch on the roofs but it would reduce the residential quality of the building. Clinton said he was concerned about the number of multiples that have been approved but assumed the developer did a market survey and this is what the market says it would like to have. They have to go with the economic factor. The project is the best suitable for the site. He had concerns after reading the staff report,but after hearing the presentation he was more comfortable with • it. Wissner was concerned that there are so many multiples out there approved that have not been completed at this point. It's high priced rental and she gets nervous about it. It's probably going to be better than industrial but industrial are now becoming quite attractive. She did not agree that this is providing housing closer to employment. Foote stated it's a good project and he supports the project as it stands. MOTION 1: Sandstad moved, seconded by Ismail, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION 2: Sandstad moved, seconded by Ismail, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Klodt Incorporated for PUD Concept Review on 17.19 acres,PUD District Review on 17.19 acres,Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 12.37 acres, Site Plan Review on 12.37 acres and Preliminary Plat of 17.19 acres into one lot based on plans dated November 8, 1996, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated November 8, 1996. Motion carried 6-0. Sandstad encouraged any efforts to come up with some Section 8 or 11 Eden Prairie Planning Commission November 12, 1996 something else so that everybody could feel a little better about this including Dave Lindahl and the Housing Subcommittee members. V. MEMBERS' REPORTS None. VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS None. VII. NEW BUSINESS Franzen gave a reminder that the Joint City Council Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for November 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The topics will include future land uses for southwest Eden Prairie and road connections. VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS • None. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Ismail moved, seconded by Habicht,to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. 12