Planning Commission - 11/22/1993 EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVED MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1993 7:00 p.m. City Center Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Douglas Sandstad, Chairman; Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton,
Cynthia Clish, Katherine Kardell, Edward Schlampp, Mary Jane
Wissner.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa.-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner; Kathy Hengel, Substitute
Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Doug Sandstad. A moment of silence was
observed in memory of Grant Hussey.
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
• Clish moved, seconded by Kardell to approve the Agenda as published. Motion carried 7-0-0.
III. MINUTES
The minutes from the November 8, 1993 meeting have been included in this week's packet for your
review and action.
MOTION:
Clish moved, seconded by Schlampp to approve minutes as written. Motion carried 7-0-0.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. SUMMERFIELD by The Rottlund Company. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change
from Public to Medium Density Residential on 19.59 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change
from Neighborhood Commercial to Medium Density Residential on 3.03 acres, Comprehensive
Guide Plan Change from Office to Medium Density Residential on 2.5 acres, PUD Concept
Review on 38.14 acres, PUD District Review with waivers on 38.14 acres, Rezoning from Rural
to RM-6.5 on 5.53 acres, Rezoning from Public to RM-6.5 on 19.59 acres, Preliminary Plat of
38.14 acres into 78 lots, and 1 outlot for 180 multi-family units. Location: Dell Road and
Highway 5.
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
1. Franzen presented the following background information. Originally,this site was guided
Industrial and Open Space. The site was also zoned I-General, R1-22, and Rural.
In 1990, the City approved a Comprehensive Guide Plan Change, PUD Concept, and
zoning change for the Assembly of God Church. The Guide Plan was changed to
Neighborhood Commercial, Office and Public. The PUD included a convenience gas
station, restaurant, office and a church. The zoning was changed to Public for the
church.
2. Don Jensen of Rottlund Homes, made the presentation of the current proposal for this
property for 180 units including; Villas (back to back), Row housing/side by side with
2 car garages, and Rambler/Town Home for empty nesters.
Don presented both a Site/Grading Plan, Landscape Plan, as well as providing overheads
for clarification of this project. Some of the primary issues were:
- Change the Guide Plan to Medium Density Residential.
- The hardwood trees (primarily oak) to the north will be saved. The trees along
the edge of the wetland on the southeast corner of the site will also be saved.
- The wetland area is not designated as a shoreland area, and is not controlled by
• the shoreland ordinance or the DNR.-
1/2 acre of fill is proposed within the wetland area for which 1/2 acre of
mitigation is proposed.
Sandstad asked if there was an intention to add greenery landscaping as recommended in
the Staff Report. There really isn't significant trees shown now in the presentation.
Jensen added that on Saturday afternoon, November 20, 1993 a group of the
neighborhood people gathered and invited Rottlund Homes to attend.
There was a fair amount of concern regarding the elevation of the units, especially
for the walkouts.
How close will pedestrian trail came to housing - closest home is 20'.
Drainage - the project provides two NURP ponds to pretreat storm water before
discharge into the wetland area.
Don Jensen stated that any development of this land will have a visual impact on the
surrounding land uses. The current plan depicts a transition in building size from smaller
two and four unit buildings wrapping around the edge of the wetland to 12 unit buildings
near the Dell Road Highway 5 intersection. With the exception of a few single family
homes directly abutting the property on the north end, the majority of the view of the
multiple family units would be across the wetland area at a considerable distance. To
help mitigate the view of the project, additional screening is suggested. Rottlund concurs
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
with Staff to add more plant material around the wetland. They will pull the buildings
apart so they don't look so massive.
Tim Witten presented the following designs for the buildings:
Witten stated:
- There are 8 combinations of A and B units. Some single/mostly double garages.
- The 4 unit buildings are 2 story, slab on grade.
- The buildings will be in brown tones with separate entrances.
- The townhomes will be$120,0004180,000 homes with 2 baths, 2 car garage and
an enclosed 4-season porch.
Sandstad asked if there had been any thought to designing units for the disabled? Witten
replied no.
Sandstad asked if buildings would be built as shown on the elevations. Witten replied
yes. Witten should exterior material boards for Lapp siding with a brick entrance.
Sandstad asked for clarification of the Southerly entrance if the median acts as a right in
and a right out.
Clinton asked if there had been a traffic study? Jensen replied that a traffic study was
• not requested since the traffic generated was less than the Church. The existing park
connects with the current walkway. Clinton also asked about the different elevation of
the berms if they are intended to cover the visibility of all ground level doors and
windows.
3. At this time Sandstad closed the presentation and opened the discussion to the public.
The first speaker, Julia Foote, pointed out that the meeting began at 7:00 p.m., however
the City Notice stated 7:30 p.m. as the scheduled meeting time. Consequently many
people missed a good portion of the presentation.
Don Jensen agreed to repeat their presentation and address changes from the
neighborhood meeting.
- Will pull the buildings facing North further back.
- NURP ponds will pretreat storm water before discharge into the wetland.
- Separated buildings to look appropriate as a single building (20' between them).
- Will "beef' up the plant area to provide additional screening along the wetland.
4. Franzen presented background information from the Staff Report. Originally this
property was Guided Industrial. In 1990 the City approved a Comprehensive Guide Plan
Change, a PUD concept and a zoning change for the Assembly of God church. The
Guide Plan was changed to Neighborhood Commercial, Office and Public. The PUD
• included a convenience gas station, restaurant, office and a church.
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
The 1993 would change the Comprehensive Guide Plan to Medium Density Residential
for 180 multiple family units. Adding 180 multiple family units increases the percentage
of multiple housing in Eden Prairie by 1%.
Franzen summarized the differences in plans:
- 150,000 sq. ft. Church and a 1,000 car parking lot
- Smaller residential buildings.
- Wetland Fill; Church 1/4 acre, Multiple Family 1/2 acre.
- Church tree loss 37% - this project 28%.
- Residential has less impact on local traffic.
- Church proposal - no pretreatment of stormwater, this project has two NURP
ponds.
Schlampp stated that the City will need an easement to allow for maintenance of the
NURP ponds. All ponds dedicated or provide an easement of access.
1. Donna Yonchak Kathie Carr
18138 Settlers Way 18110 Settlers Way
Both are residents of the Jamestown development. They are here to request that any
buildings have an exterior access for the utility rooms to the fire sprinkler system. Their
• experience was to have lock boxes installed and access keys for 110 people. Don Jensen
responded that these buildings will have an exterior access to the fire system.
2. Julia Foote, 7603 Kimberly Lane, presented a petition from the people on Ridge and
Eileen Streets. She would like to see an open line of communication
neighbors/City/Rottlund.
Her primary concerns were:
• Density - too congested with 180 units.
• Transition from single to multiple units destroys views they paid for.
• Impact on wetland - remaining wild life has retreated.
• Traffic
• Property values will be reduced.
Her recommendations were:
• Area and pond (natural cresting of wetlands) be preserved
• Development should be set back farther from wetlands
• Zoning be restored to single family, 1/2 acre lots
• Summerfield development density should be reduced to preserve these wetlands.
•
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
She added that on Saturday, November 20, 1993, 25 neighboring families met 1 hour
before meeting with Jensen of Rottlund homes to discuss concerns. They favor single
family zoning.
3. Michael Mueller, 7571 Kimberly Lane said this is an emotional issue, it came as an
abrupt shock that a development of this size could be built in our backyard. His concerns
were:
- Wetlands and wildlife encroached.
- Prepared to accept church at this site - one building, heavy use 1-2 days per week.
- Need for severe grading of proposed project.
- Doesn't like view, particularly of 2-story units.
- Dogs may present a problem to wild life.
- Objects to 2 Northern-most units/too close.
4. Mike Neely, 7579 Kimberly Lane said his concerns were:
- Traffic concern for kids safety, he has 11 and 2 year old.
- Heavy rains of last summer, there is concern for flooding.
- View of 180 units.
5. Mark Heyer, 7587 Kimberly Lane said his concerns were:
• - His is closest home, most impacted.
- Invested in home based on current zoning and paid $16,000 for lot premium.
- Rottlund never disclosed that they controlled this property.
- 4-plex is now 200' from his home.
6. Jeff Rotschafer, 7576 Eileen Street stated his concerns were:
- This is a significant change affecting the edge of the wetland and vegetation in the
center.
- The number of single car garages will mean on-street parking.
-Pedestrian traffic-number of feet from porches/decks to walking paths impacts privacy.
- Supports building on the ridge.
- Preserve wildlife.
7. Lynn Wilde, 7546 Kimberly Lane said her concerns were:
- 3 years ago the church came forward and contacted all the residents regarding their
intentions. We had to negotiate with Rottlund and spend $15,000 of City money for
access.
- There are no convenient parks for children.
- Adding 180 units is too dense.
8. David Miller, 7483 Kimberly Lane stated his concern was:
- Rottlund intends to put housing on a steep embankment.
• 9. Jim Stover, 7538 Kimberly Lane stated his concern was:
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
- Disappointed with builders, concerned by their lack of cooperation in plan changes.
10. Steve Johnson, 7450 Kimberly Lane stated his concern was:
- High School kids drive 35-40 miles per hour through this area, concern for children.
Sandstad asked if the 1990 traffic study show a change in traffic patterns on Dell Road?
11. Clint Cutler, 7626 Kimberly Lane stated his concerns were:
- Studies statutes in his job. Would like time to study the wetland, state and federal
statutes/laws pertaining to this area.
- DNR permit is needed for fill and storm sewer. The Army Corp. goes beyond the
DNR's requirements, has a local and a National requirement.
DISCUSSION of PLANNING COMMISSION:
Schlampp stated that mitigated area (over 1/2 acre) is already wetland. Rottlund is not really
providing mitigation.
Bauer stated that there appears to have been too little an opportunity for the community to meet
and was recommending continuance. His primary concern of building a church in this area was
• the traffic and voted no on this project. He would vote for this plan based on less traffic, it
provides affordable and has less site impact.
Sandstad stated the 1990 minutes show a motion for the City Council to do a further review of
traffic and asked Staff to provide an updated.
Clish said she concurs with Bauer and added if the neighborhood had an opportunity to view all
the information available demographics, would show there will be few children in this
neighborhood. She felt the neighborhood needs further opportunity to review and meet with the
developers.
Kardell said she concurs with Bauer and Clish. She would like the developers to look again at
the 4 northern most units to see if there are any other options for the placement and size of these
units. Eden Prairie does need to address the need for mixed and multiple housing. This project
transitions gradually. Most of the traffic would be near the intersection. She would vote to
approve tonight, based on the information presented.
Schlampp said he would like to scale back the housing around the wetlands to reduce the wetland
fill.
Clinton stated that he is in favor of the project based on site impacts and affordable housing but
felt a continuance was needed to revise plans according to the Staff Report.
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Minutes - EP Planning Commission
Monday, November 22, 1993
i
Wissner stated she concurs with other board members and likes the affordable housing that this
project will bring Eden Prairie.
Sandstad stated that he would like to see wetland fill eliminated. He added that plan changes to
reduce densities raises the cost of housing.
Don Jensen apologized for not getting out to the neighborhood soon enough. This was an error
judgement. He asked if since Commission was in general support of the project, could it be
published for the December 21, 1993 meeting. The Commission responded yes.
MOTION:
Clish moved, seconded by Clinton, to continue Rottlund's request for Comprehensive Guide Plan
Changes, a PUD Concept Review and Rezoning for the Summerfield subdivision. Motion
carried 7-0-0.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
O. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION:
Wissner moved, seconded by Clish to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0-0. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
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AGENDA
EDEN PRAIIUE PLANNING COMNIISSION
Monday, November 22, 1993
7:00 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Cynthia Clish,
Katherine Kardell, Douglas Sandstad, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Community Development;
Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner;Donald Uram,
Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
M. NH UTES
i
. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS j
I
A. SUNDJERFIELD by The Rottlund Company. Request for Comprehensive Guide l
Plan Change from Public to Medium Density Residential on 19.59 acres,
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Neighborhood Commercial to Medium
Density Residential on 3.03 acres, Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from
Office to Medium Density Residential on 2.5 acres, PUD Concept Review on
38.14 acres, PUD District Review with waivers on 38.14 acres, Rezoning from
Rural to RM-6.5 on 5.53 acres, Rezoning from Public to RM-6.5 on 19.59 acres,
Preliminary Plat of 38.14 acres into 59 lots, and 1 outlot for 188 multi-family
units. Location: Dell Road and Highway 5.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VII. NEW BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT