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Planning Commission - 12/14/1992 EDEN PRAIRIE, PLANNING COMNIISSION APPROVED MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992 7:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7600 Executive Drive COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Ken Clinton, Cynthia Clish Katherine Kardell, Karen Norman, Doug Sandstad, Mary Jane Wissner. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri STAFF MEMBERS: Mike Franzen, Senior Planner; Deb Edlund, Recording Secretary ROLL CALL: Norman absent. I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION• Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried 5-0-0. H. MEMBERS REPORTS O. MINUTES MOTION: Bauer moved, seconded by Wissner to approve the minutes for the November 9, 1992 Planning Commission meeting as published. Motion carried 4-0-1. Kardell abstained. MOTION• Bauer moved, seconded by Wissner to approve the minutes for the November 23, 1992 Planning Commission meeting as published. Motion carried 5-0-0. Clish arrived after the minutes were approved. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. BEARPATH by Sienna Corporation. Request for rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 38 acres and Preliminary Plat of 420 acres into 77 single family lots and 12 outlots. Location: North of County Road 1 and West of Dell Road. Franzen reported that the EAW documents presented to the Planning Commission were written for many other agencies. All agencies would have 30 days to make comments. Franzen noted that Sienna Corporation had done a lot of work up-front with many of the agencies involved with approval for the project. Sandstad asked if the comment period was actually from December 20th through January 20th. Franzen replied yes. Rick Packer, representing the proponent, reported that many changes had been made in the last 5 months since the plan was first presented to the Planning Commission. The name of the project had been changed from Marsh Creek to Bearpath. Packer believed that the project was going well with sales averaging one per day since Jack Nicklaus had made an appearance in Eden Prairie. Packer noted that many of the buyers were current Eden Prairie residents. Packer stated that the project would be presented in many phases over several months. The plan presented tonight would be for Phase I only; requesting a Preliminary Plat approval for 77 single family lots. Packer said that within the next 6 weeks a formal tree removal plan would be completed. One of the major issues at the first meeting had been the location of Dell Road. Packer noted that an agreement on the exact location of Dell Road had been arrived at and the permits from the State would be forthcoming by Christmas. A second issue had been school bus service. Packer noted that the cul-de-sac would be enlarged to allow for school bus access and the School District had given approval for this plan. A third concern had been the preservation of wetland areas. Packer noted that initially the wetlands affected were estimated to be 1.7 acres; however, after further study, the wetland area affected would only be .3 acres. Packer believed that relative to the size of the project the proponent had done a good job in planning to avoid the wetland areas. Packer stated that the proponent was currently conducting a chemical analysis on the cranberry bog to see what could be done to preserve it. Packer reported that the estimated tree loss was 32%. Packer noted that the type of tree preservation methods proposed were not new to Sienna Corporation. Packer also noted that the area in Phase I had the highest density of trees and other phases would have much lower losses. The Centex method of tree preservation would be used. In addition trees under 12 inches in diameter would be preserved but were not included in the figures. Packer said that even though several builders would be used on the project there would be controls to insure the tree preservation methods were carried out. Packer reported that this plan had been reviewed by 22 different agencies. He added that 6 staff members at Sienna Corporation had seen every detail for the project. Sandstad asked exactly what Phase I entailed. Packer replied that the single family residential area was located in the northeastern corner of the site. Sandstad asked if this area represented approximately 20% of the entire project. Packer replied that it represented no more than 20%. Packer added that the total number of units had been reduced to 300 units. Sandstad asked if Phase II would be seen by the Planning Commission before spring. Packer replied that Nicklaus had now agreed to the details for the golf course and within the next 4-to-6 weeks the proponent would return with a preliminary plan for the Commission's approval. Sandstad asked if Dell Road would be constructed as part of Phase I. Packer replied yes and added that Lake Riley Park Road would also be graded as part of Phase I. Clinton asked if the Planning Commission could get a schedule for the phases. Packer replied that the phasing would be somewhat determined by the market. Packer noted that the prices of homes would range from $250,000 to $400,000. 2 Wissner asked if there would be more than 1 homeowner's association. Packer replied that only 1 association was planned at this time unless a good reason could be presented for an additional one. • Franzen reported that the developer had prepared the plan within the City guidelines. Franzen stated that the construction of Dell Road and Lake Riley Road should be done at the same time which will result in a saving for the City. Franzen reported that the Planning Commission would be kept up to date on the comments from the other agencies which have control over the development of this project. Franzen reviewed the Staff Recommendations. Staff recommended approval of the project. John Bushey, 9000 Riley Lake Road, asked the location of the sewer extensions to County Road 1. Packer showed the sewer extension locations to the south at Pioneer Trail and another stub at Riley Lake Road. Bushey asked if the EAW Report was available to the public. Franzen replied that a copy was available for review at the City offices. Bushey asked if the entire storm water system would be done all at once or in phases. Franzen replied that the storm water system would be done in phases. Bushey asked if the systems would be compatible. Franzen replied that 27 N.U.R.P. ponds would all be compatible. Bushey asked if any improvements were scheduled to the west of the creek. Franzen replied no. If any improvements were made at this time it would have to be a City project. Bushey asked why the storm system would end at the creek. Packer replied that the proponent was paying for assessments on both sides of Riley Lake Road. Bushey asked if there would be a trial system north of Riley Lake Road. Franzen replied that a trail would be constructed concurrent with the road system. Sandstad asked if the N.U.R.P. ponds would affect the storm water drainage to help improve the current situation. Franzen replied that Staff would look at the grading plan during the golf course phase of the project and if the direction of water flow can be changed it would be corrected. Bushey asked when the golf course grading would begin. Packer replied that the proponent hoped to begin in May 1993. Bushey asked when the golf course phase would be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. Franzen replied that the plan would be reviewed in January or February 1993. Bushey asked if residents would be notified. Franzen replied yes. Clish asked if the proponent was required to preserve the cranberry bog. Packer replied that the proponent was offering on their own to look into the possibility of preserving the bog. Packer noted that the bog covered approximately 10 acres. Clish asked if the proponent desired to maintain the bog. Packer replied that the DNR would say the proponent was required to do so. If extra chemicals are required regularly an agreement would need to be made with the DNR. Sandstad asked if the elevation of Highway 212 would be above or below grade. Packer replied that the elevation of Highway 212 would be at grade level. Packer added that noise abatement would be required. Clinton asked for clarification on a statement in the EAW regarding an adequate water supply. Franzen replied that this statement pertained mainly for fire protection and size of the City's 3 water treatment plant. Franzen added that there would be one main water line on Scenic Heights Road and another main on Pioneer Trail. Sandstad asked what would happen to the whitetail deer in this area. Packer replied that the fence would only be 5 to 6 feet high and the deer would be able to jump the fence. Packer added that the fence would be vinyl clad and green in color to blend in. Kardell asked what property would be dedicated as park. Packer replied that a trail corridor along the western boundary and several small areas would be dedicated. Packer added that park fee would also be paid. The areas of dedication would not be in lieu of park fees. Bushey stated that he was surprised to hear that the fence would be vinyl clad. Bushey asked what happened to the iron fence with stone columns discussed at the initial meeting. Franzen replied that there was no City requirement for a fence. Bushey believed that the minutes of the meeting would indicate differently. Clinton stated that he recalled that the entrance fence was to be iron with stone columns. Wissner believed that this was discussed in detail at the City Council meeting and not at the Planning Commission meeting. Bauer recalled that the residents did not want the entire area to be fenced in at all. Bauer also noted that nothing was finalized regarding the fence. Bushey believed that the issue of the fence was very important. Bauer recommended that the fence issue be decided during the golf course phase of the project. Sandstad stated that the vinyl-clad fence tended to be a low profile fence and was best with wood posts. Bushey asked if changes were made to a plan how residents were notified. Bauer replied that certain items were addressed as part of the developers agreement. Kardell noted that what was discussed at the previous meeting was a concept plan only. Bauer believed that what the residents had to say was important; it was simply a matter of bringing the issue up at the appropriate time. Bushey asked if the agreement for four access points to the trail system had changed. Franzen replied no. Bushey asked to see where the access points were to be located. Packer replied that he did not remember a specific number of access points being agreed upon. Packer further stated that the access points were for homeowners. Packer stated that public access points were not discussed at either the Planning Commission or City Council meetings; however, he would be happy to discuss it further. Bushey recalled that the access points were to be open to the public and only the guard station at the entrance was for homeowners. Bushey asked how he could obtain a copy of the minutes. Franzen replied that he should contact the City offices for copies. Packer replied that pedestrians and bicyclist would be allowed access in through the front gate; however, a controlled access concept had never been abandoned by the proponent. Sandstad believed that it was important to review the minutes of both the Planning Commission and City Council minutes. Bushey believed that he as well as many other residents were looking for a more open project. Bauer stressed the importance for Bushey to voice his opinion at the City Council meeting as well as at this meeting. MOTION 1: Bauer moved, seconded by Kardell to close the public hearing. Bauer stated that the EAW Report was dropped off at his home at 6:30 PM on Friday evening and he did not have adequate time to review it. Bauer requested that comments from the commissioners on the EAW Report be allowed at the January 11, 1993 meeting. Bauer believed 4 that it was important for a policy to be in place so that residents, commissioners, and Staff were clear on what statements made by the proponents were binding. • Kardell stated that while she was not overly enthusiastic about these expensive projects, she was pleased that the developer was trying to preserve many of the amenities on the site such as the wetlands, trees, and the cranberry bog, etc. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 2: Bauer moved, seconded by Kardell to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Sienna Corporation for rezoning from Rural to R1-13.5 on 38 acres based on plans dated December 11, 1992, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 11, 1992 with the addition of Staff Recommendation#9. Prior to City Council review the Planning Commission will have the opportunity to make comments on the EAW at the January 11, 1993 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0. MOTION 3: Bauer moved, seconded by Kardell to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Sienna Corporation for Preliminary Plat based on plans dated December 11, 1992, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated December 11, 1992 with the addition of Staff Recommendation #9. Prior to City Council review the Planning Commission will have the opportunity to make comments on the EAW at the January 11, 1993 Planning Commission 10 meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0. V. OLD BUSINESS A. HOUSING MEMO Sandstad stated that he was surprised at the actual number of R1-9.5 units. Franzen replied that in the last 4 years the price of R1-9.5 had gone up. Clish asked if there were any figures available on rental units. Franzen replied that there were approximately another 20 pages of data available regarding housing. Kardell stated that what was being built today was vastly different from what was being built 5 years ago. Sandstad stated that he now believed that there was more entry level housing in the City. Kardell believed that the entry level homes were not available since many of the homes were built in the 70's and new affordable housing is not available. Franzen noted that these figures were based on assessed values; the market value could be higher. Clish did not believe that the job was done yet. She believed that more pieces of information were needed. Clish questioned if the Planning Commission should have a discussion with members of the Human Rights Commission. 5 Franzen stated that the City had taken a comprehensive look at housing affordability since interest rates were high in the early 80's. Clinton believed the problem would not be solved until transportation was addressed. Sandstad concurred that public transportation was important. Franzen stated that employment, housing, and transportation were all linked together. Franzen noted that the initial task was to focus on starter housing. Clish asked if the City had a long-range housing plan. Franzen replied that the City's plan was updated in the 1980's. Clish asked if it would be possible to have a couple of commissioner's talk with other members of commissions. Kardell and Wissner both indicated an interest in helping. Bauer believed that a subcommittee was a good idea. Sandstad believed that a staff liaison would be appropriate. Sandstad asked if the committee wanted encourage a specific focus. Clish believed that the focus should not be too narrow. Franzen recommended that a first meeting allow broad base comments. Bauer believed that the concept needed to be presented to other commission. Sandstad requested that Clish and Kardell return to the Planning Commission with written plan of approach. MOTION: Bauer moved, seconded by Clinton to form a subcommittee on Housing. The committee members are to be Cynthia Clish and Katherine Kardell. Motion carried 6-0-0. VI. PLANNERS' REPORTS VH. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Bauer moved, seconded by Clish to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 PM. Motion carried 6-0-0. 6 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMIVIISSION Monday, December 14, 1992 i 7:30 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Cynthia Clish, Katherine Kardell, Karen Norman, Douglas Sandstad, Mary Jane Wissner STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Lisa-Marie Gualtieri STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael D. Franzen, Senior Planner; Donald Uram, Planner; Deb Edlund, Recording Secretary Pledge of Allegiance -- Roll Call I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA H. MEMBERS REPORTS M. MINUTES IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. BEARPATH by Sienna Corporation. Request for rezoning from Rural to Rl- 13.5 on 38 acres and Preliminary Plat of 420 acres into 77 single family lots and 12 outlots. Location: North of County Road 1 and west of Dell Road. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. PLANNERS' REPORTS VII. ADJOURNMENT