Planning Commission - 06/26/1995 ;APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
June 26, 1995
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth C. Clinton,
Randy Foote, Ismail Ismail,
Katherine Kardell, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City
Planner; Donald Uram, Planner;
Elinda Bahley, Recording
Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chair Katherine Kardell.
Absent were Tim Bauer; all other members were present.
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Wissner, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0-0.
M. MINUTES
MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Wissner, to approve the Minutes
of June 12, 1995 as amended: page 8, fourth paragraph should read:
Schlampp indicated that stucco would look nice, but vinyl is used around in
Eden Prairie in very expensive homes. Motion carried 5-0-1 with one
abstention by Kardell.
IV. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. KNOB HILL ESTATES by Knob Hill Homes. Request for Zoning District
Change from Rural to R1-13.5 on 7.0 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.0 acres
into 16 lots. Location: Sunnybrook Road.
Kardell noted that the applicant is withdrawing the project.
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing
and return the development plans to the proponent without prejudice. Motion
carried 6-0-0.
B. FOREST HILLS 8TH ADDITION by Taurus Properties. Request for
rezoning from R1-22 to R1-13.5 on 9.1 acres and Preliminary Plat of 9.1
acres into 20 lots. Location: West of Baker Road south of Theresa Place.
Franzen noted that at the last meeting, the Commission directed the developer
to look at a revised concept plan. The new plan indicates no connection to
Forest Hills Road. There is one less lot along the west property line. A
sidewalk or trail connection is possible within City right-of-way and between
two lots to make the connection between Forest Hills Road and Theresa Place.
The Commission also asked Staff to look into any past traffic studies or traffic
counts that have been done in the area. In June of last year, there were traffic
counts done at 3 intersections. One was at Valley View Road and Golf View
Drive, one at the intersection of Golf View Drive and Kingston Drive, and one
was at Holly Road. Most of the traffic was concentrated down at Golf View
Drive and Valley View Road because that's where the highest density is.
Over the course of a 24 hour period, about 1400-1450 vehicles went over the
meter, and about 40% of those cars would be during peak hours, at 7:00 or
8:00 in the morning. Another busy time period was between 4:30 and 6:00 in
the afternoon when people are coming home from work. The traffic count for
Golf View and Kingston is about 750 cars over the course of the day.
Duane Dietrich, representing Taurus Properties, reviewed his project with the
Planning Commission. He noted that they have removed a lot and are down to
19 units. The lots average about 16,000 square feet each.
Tracy Keibler, residing at 6995 Mariann Driver. commented that the
developer has worked very nicely with the residents, and has provided a good
transition. She said that even though the one lot near her end is being
removed, she was concerned about the fact that it's just going to be rezoned to
13.5. There are 3 lots that are even less than 13.5 that are in the 12,000
range. She is very concerned about the density issue.
Evelette Bjornsen, residing at 6975 Mariann Driver, expressed concern that
there are two many houses in such a small area, that it's too tight. She feels
that all the homes will be crammed in together.
Mike Zimmer, 6923 Kingston Driver, expressed concern that road, as it
connects to Golf View and Holly, has truly become a thoroughfare. He was
concerned about cars speeding and running stop signs. His concerns are for
the safety of the small children.
Glen Bowen, 7025 Mariann Drive, was concerned that the preservation of
trees is critical in providing a satisfactory transition for the new neighborhood
with respect to their lot. The trees extend across a substantial portion of their
. lot, and it would also benefit new adjacent lots in the development.
Larry Steinblock, residing at 13710 Theresa Place, thanked the developer
for listening to the neighborhood concerns. He is concerned about bringing
traffic into an area that was never meant to receive traffic.
Foote was concerned about the removal of trees according to the letter from
Glenn Bowen. Dietrich replied that he will do whatever he can to save the
trees. The ordinance is such that if they are significant trees, they would have
to replace them. The trees that are 30 feet on the back of the Lots 1, 2, and 3
will remain.
Kardell noted that for the benefit of the audience, only a conceptual plan is
being reviewed this evening. The developer is required to come back with a
full set of plans which will include a tree inventory. The Commission's
experience is that trees are a resource.
Clinton expressed concern about the connection of Forest Hills to Baker. He
feels that people are creatures of habit and will continue to use Kingston to get
down to Golf View.
Wissner was concerned about sidewalks being put in if the cul-de-sac is
removed. She is in favor of the cul-de-sac. She has no problem with the
amount of homes. She also noted that the developer made an effort to revise
the plan for a better transition.
Dietrich commented that it doesn't make sense to put one sidewalk in one
block. He said to do it right and sidewalks are needed on other roads in the
area. Wissner suggested a sidewalk only if it became a major thoroughfare.
Kardell suggested that the neighbors who live on Kingston and Golf View
work with the Engineering Staff, and bring their concerns forward to help with
the traffic problems.
MOTION 1: Schlampp moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend that the
project be continued until the July 10, 1995 meeting with direction that the
developer provide the required information on grading, drainage, utilities,
ponding, tree replacement, sidewalks, and the asphalt path from Theresa
Place. Motion carried 6-0-0.
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. PRESERVE VILLAGE CENTER by Semper Holding, Inc. Request for
Zoning District Amendment in the Community Commercial Zoning District on
9.46 acres, Site Plan review on 9.46 acres and Preliminary Plat of 9.46 acres
into one lot. Location: Anderson Lakes Parkway and C.S.A.H. 18.
•
Howard Bergerud, developer, introduced John Kohler, architect for the project
who reviewed the project with the Planning Commission. He noted that the
site is about 9 1/2 acres. It's unique because it's a two step process that takes
into consideration, Anderson Lakes Parkway as it exists today, and the future
design for Anderson Lakes Parkway with C.S.A.H. #18 upgrading. The
proposal is to demolish the north end of the building, which is 24,000 square
feet, and construct a 13,905 square foot free-standing Walgreens. Overall,
this would reduce the square footage. The buildings and parking areas meet
the minimum setbacks required in the C-COM zoning district. The design
depicts 378 usable parking spaces and 40 proof-of-parking spaces. Per staff
recommendation, 7 additional stalls will be placed in proof-of-parking to
improve circulation.
Clinton was concerned about access to the west when leaving Walgreens
parking lot. Bergerud replied that you would have to utilize the frontage road.
Clinton asked if the hardware store would be relocated or would it disappear
completely. Bergerud replied that the hardware store would no longer be
there.
Wissner was concerned about where the tenants would be while the renovation
is taking place. John Kohler, architect, replied that everybody is going to
• remain as they are, or they will be moving around a little bit. They all have
exterior entrances, so those on the outside may shift around.
Wissner expressed concern about the tenants continuing business while the
renovation is taking place. Bergerud replied that everyone will be able to
continue their business, and they are all very pleased that the renovation is
taking place.
Schlampp was concerned about whether actual arrangements have been made
with the tenants. He was concerned about their businesses not surviving.
Bergerud replied that here is a space for every tenant and there is a little extra
space right now. Every tenant will have a space during the renovation.
Uram commented that the City welcomes this project because the shopping
center really needs to be renovated. The City is'concerned about the
businesses economically. This is a very good step in the right direction. Staff
is recommending approval subject to the recommendations in the Staff Report.
John Lunzer, residing at 9702 CIark Circle, expressed concern about the
lighting standards. He was also concerned about the yard and drainage area
on the other side of the fence. He said it is faulty and needs repairs. It's part
of the center property.
Uram noted that one of the requirements for the Staff Report were to have all
the utilities inspected and repaired if necessary. After analysis of the situation,
if repairs are needed, it would be the responsibility of the developer. Staff
will also do an analysis of the pole height to see what kind of illumination they
can get, and they are proposing to have bronze, 25 foot high, downcast, cut-
off luminars pointing downward.
Bergerud commented that they will be taking care of all necessary repairs like
a fence, or a retaining wall that needs to be put in. All of those things will be
part of the renovation for the center, inside, outside and to the property itself.
Royal Provost, residing at 9622 Clark Circle, expressed concern about the
height of the lighting and the downcast. He was concerned about people on
the back end of the property looking over the berm, and having to look at
those lights. He also expressed concern about the traffic situation on Garrison
Way.
Foote asked if there was any other way out of that neighborhood other than
Anderson Parkway. Uram replied that that's the only way out.
Jane Larson, residing at 9672 Clark Circle, expressed concern about the
lighting standard. Right now she gets the lights from the shopping center in
• her bedroom window, and there's noise from the parking lot. She would like
to see the lights come down from 25 feet. Even if they are pointed down, it
will still shine in her rooms and yard. She also expressed concern about the
foot traffic at the property line from C.S.A.H. #18 across the vacant lot and
through the easement. She suggested a fence be put in to eliminate the foot
traffic. This is also a security issue and noise issue for her. She was
concerned about the people that speed in that area.
Dave Oliver, residing at 9661 Clark Circle, was concerned about the truck
deliveries early in the morning. He suggested that Walgreens take the center
and the other tenants take the ends. He feels this would eliminate the traffic
problem.
Bergerud indicated that Walgreens today works only with free-standing
buildings. The reason they do this is because they now have drive-thru
windows for people to pick up prescriptions. They need to be able to have
transportation go around the building.
Foote noted that he drove over there and was concerned that people have a
hard time exiting.
Schlampp was pleased to see the renovation take place, but was concerned
about the small tenants.
Cindy McKee, owner of Snips Salon, noted that she was very excited about
the renovation. Many of her clients have commented about the condition of
the mall. She was concerned about the lighting conditions in the back being
unsafe for her employees to leave.
Clinton shared the concerns about the physical condition of the mall, that it
needs to be upgraded. He also agrees with the lighting conditions not being
safe, and also shares the concerns with the neighbors about the lights shining
in their homes. He was also concerned about the traffic getting in and to the
residential area, versus getting traffic in and out of the retail.
Ismail expressed concern about the lighting conditions, and suggested studies
to be done around the surrounding area.
Uram indicated that Staff will require the developer to do a lighting analysis.
City Code requires that there be no offsite glare. Staff will do what is
necessary. The traffic analysis has been done, and he just needs to find out
the results. He will put a copy in the packets or write a memo for the
Commission regarding the results.
Kardell feels that the project is definitely needed, and very much likes the
feature of the drive-thru. She does not think this project exasperates the traffic
situation. This project is not adding traffic, but reducing the density on the
site by about 10,000 square feet. She would like updates of the traffic studies
that have been done there.
Foote asked if there would be stoplights at the frontage road. Uram replied
that there will be a signal there.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Schlampp, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Semper Holding, Inc. for Zoning
District Amendment in the Community Zoning District on 9.46 acres based on
plans dated June 12, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated June 23, 1995, and that a lighting study be done on the lighting
for the parking lot for the shopping center. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Semper Holding, Inc. for Site Plan
Review on 9.46 acres based on plans dated June 12, 1995, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 23, 1995, and that a lighting
study be done. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 4: Wissner moved, seconded by Schlampp, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request of Semper Holding, Inc. for Preliminary
Plat on 9.46 acres into 1 lot based on plans dated June 12, 1995, and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 23, 1995, and that a
lighting study be done. Motion carried 6-0-0.
B. KINDERCARE by Kindercare. Request for Zoning District Amendment in
the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District and Site Plan Review on 2.75
acres. Location: Hwy. 169 and Anderson Lakes Parkway.
John Dietrich, consultant, RLK Associates, reviewed his project with the
Planning Commission. He understands that Staff is recommending an
alternative site plan. They have looked at that and considered what else they
could do to have a safe site. They feel the site plan functions to the highest
level that Kindercare puts on each and every one of their sites. By
centralizing the access and having multiple accesses exiting out of the parking
lot, it's going to have a good traffic flow through the site. The are proposing
a berm as a result of the safety issues arising from Highway 169. They will
put in the correct amount of landscaping and replacement for caliber inches.
Kindercare has the experience committed to developing quality care, qualities
including safety and the welfare of the children.
Schlampp asked how high is the berm on the west side of the lot. Dietrich
replied that there's a berm that comes up about 3 feet above the roadway, and
then it will be dropping back down into the site.
Schlampp asked if there's a berm on the south side of the lot. Dietrich replied
that it is not a berm. It's more of a flat sidewalk and it moves down at a 3:1
slope.
Schlampp was concerned about the safety of the children and suggested
moving the parking lot to the front and the playground to the rear. He said
the City is recommending that also, and that it's logical.
Ismail inquired about the age of the children that will be at the Kindercare.
Greg Eswine replied that the ages will range from 6 weeks old up to 12 years
old, 180 children maximum.
Ismail asked what was different about the other alternatives for the building
location. He mentioned that other plans have not been shown to the
Commission. Dietrich replied that they have looked at alternatives for the
building location. When the building was in the center, you have dead end
parking. In terms of centering locating it, the need to have the play areas for
the way the Kindercare has structured their facility. This was the best
solution for how they set up their operation in terms of the different levels of
play, and the access point to the building.
Wissner expressed concern about the safety of the children being so close to
169.
Foote shared the same concerns as Wissner and Schlampp did. He also would
not want children to hear the noise of a crash, if it did happen. He would like
to see the play area placed around the back.
Greg Eswine stated that there are over 1200 Kindercares around the country.
Day care is now viewed as commercial instead of residential.
Franzen reviewed the Staff Report with the Commission. He noted that the
main question is whether or not the Commission is comfortable with the plan
as proposed, or should they explore different plans with a different location for
the building, the playground area and the parking.
Mike Hodges,residing at 12575 Creek Court, expressed concern about the
tree replacement. Franzen replied that the City has an ordinance on tree
preservation. A significant tree is based upon the species and diameter of the
tree. For example, an oak or maple tree, greater than 12 inches in diameter,
would be replaced as a percentage of those trees that are removed. The
developer can not touch any trees in the wetland area. All the trees that are
coming out are higher up on the property.
Mike Hodges expressed concern about the holding pond that he see from his
house. He can see it very clearly when there are no trees. He was also
concerned about what type of fencing would go around the play area.
Schlampp asked where the wetland drains. Franzen replied he thought it flows
easterly over towards a wetland area on the south side of Anderson Lakes
Parkway.
Dietrich noted that all of the play areas will have a 4 foot green chain link
fence surrounding the entire site.
Ismail indicated that he would like the developer to go back and work on a
convincing argument about why this specific design is really the best. He
would also like the Staff to take care of the concern of Mr. Hodge's about
drainage.
Wissner commented that she is very uncomfortable with the plan and is not
sure about this site for a day care center as a landuse. She asked the
developer to come back and prove that this site will work for a daycare.
Clinton indicated that he would like a more convincing argument that this site
will work for a day care center. He was concerned about the noise that small
. children must endure.
Kardell commented that the primary concern with the site plan is safety. She
did not hear from Mr. Dietrich why this plan was preferred, especially since
Staff expressed concern from the beginning about the safety and noise issue.
She was also concerned about the parking since it is not clear if there is a
shared parking agreement with the office building. She would like to see that
issue addressed. She would like to see the Staff work with Kindercare on a
better site plan, if possible. If not, she thought this Commission is not
convinced about a day care on this site. She noted that a 3 foot berm and 4
foot chain link fence is not going to stop semi-trailer trucks at that
intersection.
Franzen indicated that he would get the resident's phone number and get
someone from the Engineering Department to call him directly.
MOTION 1: Clinton moved, seconded by Schlampp, to continue the public
hearing to the July 24, 1995 meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0.
C. HARTFORD PLACE - OFFICE DEPOT by Ryan Construction Company.
Request for Site Plan review on 4.43 acres, Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 4.43 acres and Zoning District Amendment in the
Commercial Regional Service Zoning District on 4.43 acres. Location: Lot
2, Block 1, Prairie Lakes Business Park.
Franzen noted that Ryan Companies is requesting the Planning Commission to
approve an alternative plan for the development of Site 1, of the Hartford
Place project. The approved plan was for two small restaurants and an office
building. The current proposal is for a 30,000 square foot Office Depot. This
is a site that has a Commercial Zoning. This is a site that can be done office,
restaurant or general retail. Staff is comfortable with either use of the
property.
Janine Crone, of RLK, reviewed the alternative plan and the approved plan.
She noted that the new plan building is taller that the one already approved,
and for that reason there will be more trees on this site. There will be 187
caliber inches, and on the approved plan there was 127 caliber inches. Two 6
foot retaining walls in the back will be needed to make the grade on this site.
Ryan Construction has agreed to replace the existing City sanitary sewer pipe
with a 10 inch iron pipe which would be required for the extra fill.
The architecture will remain the same on the outside as previously approved.
Staff recommended a rooftop mechanical screening plan with a 3 foot high
parapet wall. Ryan Construction's architect came up with another alternative.
They proposed that a screening wall to enclose all the mechanical equipment.
That wall would be 5 feet tall. The advantage of this would be that it would
not be visible from Prairie Center Drive. It would establish screening and
would also avoid making the building look taller than it already is, which is
about 23 feet tall.
Kardell was concerned about this being less advantageous or more
advantageous in the loss of existing trees. Crone replied that they have saved
a few significant trees on the site. There are not that many on the site. There
are a few in the middle.
Wissner asked if an Office Depot was definite. Tom Palmquist, Ryan
Companies, replied that it's a probable alternative to the property.Kardell
commented that the issue of screening of the mechanical equipment has come
up fairly often in the past. They are very sensitive to that, but if Staff is
comfortable with it, she expects that it be consistent within the balance of the
projects.
Franzen noted that if they approve the mechanical equipment of a certain
height that matches the building, he wants that same application on all other
building projects.
Palmquist asked if he means material or just from the overall color. Franzen
replied material and color.
Foote commented that the project looks good and he has no problem with it.
Regarding the parapet wall, he wondered how they can do this on one and
enforce it on the other ones. Franzen replied that the City ordinance requires
screening from public roads and adjacent land uses. The actual solution
depends upon the project and the circumstances.
Wissner indicated that she supports the project.
Schlampp supports the project.
Kardell supports the project. She indicated that the intent is that Staff will
work out the mechanical screening issue with them, and whatever is
determined will be consistent on the balance of the commercial property as
well.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction Company for Site Plan
review on 4.43 acres based on plans dated June 12, 1995, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 23, 1995, with the addition of
the fact that the parapet would be on this building and in all other buildings
consistent to each other. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 3: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction Company for Planned
Unit Development Concept Amendment on 4.43 acres based on plans dated
June 12, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
June 23, 1995, with the addition of the fact that the parapet would be on this
building and in all other buildings consistent to each other. Motion carried 6-
0-0.
MOTION 4: Wissner moved, seconded by Foote, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction Company for Zoning
District Amendment in the Commercial Regional Service Zoning District on
4.43 acres based on plans dated June 12, 1995, and subject to the
recommendations of the Staff Report dated June 23, 1995, with the addition of
the fact that the parapet would be on this building and in all other buildings
consistent to each other. Motion carried 6-0-0.
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
Temporary Replacement of Tim Bauer
Clinton noted that at the last meeting there was a recommendation to generate
a memo concerning the temporary assignment of someone to fill Tim Bauer's
• term. It was recommended that the person perhaps would be Doug Sandstad.
The Commission suggested making a recommendation to the City Council
regarding a process for appointing members to the Commission. Clinton
indicated that he has not done it yet, but he will do that tomorrow.
Tree Preservation Committee
Foote gave an update of what has happened at the meetings. A further
discussion was held regarding the efforts of the Tree Committee.
Chamber of Commerce
Wissner noted that she is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and they
are putting together an image book from Illinois and Michigan, and the people
were very impressed with Eden Prairie. She was on the committee to talk
about Eden Prairie on how unique they are in comparison to other places. She
thanked the Staff and the Commissioners for helping to make Eden Prairie
what it is.
VII. CONTINIMG BUSINESS
Training for Commissioners
Ismail reminded Staff that he would like something put together to help train
Commissioners. Franzen responded he would put together an outline for July
24th.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
MESSAGE BOARD
Wissner commented that she likes the message board, but suggested that
leveling off the berm a little bit would help people see it clearly coming from
the south.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT
Ismail noted that he received a memo on May 22nd from Mike Franzen
regarding the affordable housing project. He asked about the status of the
project.
Franzen indicated that this project is on County Road 4, and the project is by
Rottland Homes. The Commission will look at this in the last part of July or
the first part of August.
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen gave a list of projects scheduled for the next meeting. There are two
restaurants, possibly another Kindercare project, and a Holiday gas station
convenience store, and a project for small lot single family homes in the range
of$200,000 to $275,000.
X. ADJOLWiMENT
MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Foote, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 6-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
12
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, June 26, 1995 7:00 p.m.
• COMIVIISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner
Don Uram, Economic Development Manager
Scott Kipp, Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. KNOB HILL ESTATES by Knob Hill Homes. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural
to R1-13.5 on 7.0 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.0 acres into 16 lots. Location: Sunnybrook
Road.
B. FOREST HILLS STH ADDITION by Taurus Properties. Request for rezoning from R1-22 to
R1-13.5 on 9.1 acres and Preliminary Plat of 9.1 acres into 21 lots. Location: West of Baker
Road south of Theresa Place.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PRESERVE VILLAGE CENTER by Semper Holding, Inc. Request for Zoning
District Amendment in the Community Commercial Zoning District on 9.133
acres, Site Plan Review on 9.133 acres and Preliminary Plat of 9.133 acres into
two lots. Location: Anderson Lakes Parkway and C.S.A.H. 18.
B. KINDERCARE by Kindercare. Request for Zoning District Amendment in the
Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District and Site Plan Review on 2.75 acres.
Location: Hwy 169 and Anderson Lakes Parkway.
C. HARTFORD PLACE - OFFICE DEPOT by Ryan Construction Company.
Request for Site Plan Review on 4.43 acres and Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 4.43 acres. Location: Lot 2, Block 1, Prairie Lakes
Business Park.
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
• IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
X. ADJOURNMENT