Planning Commission - 11/14/1988 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, November 14, 1988
7:30 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Julianne Bye, Richard Anderson, Christine Dodge, Doug
Fell , Robert Hallett, Charles Ruebling, Ed Schuck
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael Franzen, Senior
Planner; Don Uram, Assistant Planner; Sue Anderson, Recording
Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
*NOTE: THE TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE TENTATIVE, AND MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY EARLIER,
OR LATER, THAN LISTED.
(7:35) A. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT MASTER PLAN--A public hearing.
(8:35) B. STARVIEW TERRACE, by Patrick Bauer. Request for Zoning District Change
from Rural to R1-13.5 on 15.62 acres, Preliminary Plat of 15.62 acres into
30 single family lots, two outlots, and road right-of-way for construction
• of a single family development. Location: West side of Starring Lake,
west of Mitchell road. A continued public hearing.
(8:40) C. FAIRFIELD PHASES 2 THROUGH 6, by Tandem Properties. Request for Planned
Unit Development District Review, with waivers for street frontage and lot
size on 118.2 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7
acres and from Rural to R1-13.5 on 33.6 acres, and Preliminary Plat of
118.2 acres into 299 single family lots, 28 outlots, and road right-of-
way, for construction of a residential development. Location: West of
County Road #4, southeast of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. A
continued public hearing.
(9:00) D. ELIM SHORES, by Brauer & Associates. Request for a Zoning District
Amendment within the RM-2.5 Zoning District on 8.36 acres with variances
to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, Preliminary Plat of 8.36 acres
into 3 lots for construction of a 64-unit senior housing development.
Location: West of County Road #4, east of Mitchell Lake. A public
hearing.
(10:00) E. MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION ADDITION, by MTS Systems Corporation. Request for
Zoning District Change from Rural to I-5 on 36.8 acres for construction of
an 85,000 square foot addition to the MTS building. Location: South of
Highway #5, north of Technology Drive, west of Purgatory Creek. A public
meeting.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 14, 1988
City Council Chambers
7:30 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairperson Richard Anderson, Christine Dodge, Charles Ruebling,
Doug Fell, Robert Hallett and Edward Schuck
MEMBERS ABSENT. Julianne Bye
STAFF PRESENT: Michael Franzen,Senior Planner; Don Uram,Assistant Planner; Jean
Johnson, Zoning Administrator; and Sue Anderson, Recording Secretary
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Fell and seconded by Schuck to approve the agenda as printed.
Motion carried 5-0-0
11. MEMBERS REPORTS
None
Ill. MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 11, 1988.
Fell requested the following change: Page 4, paragraph 1 ,sentence 2 and 3 should read: He
wanted a fire truck to be able to get into the area and turn around. He feels the Fire Marshall should
review this road development.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Fell and seconded by Dodge to approve the minutes of the October 11, 1988,
Planning Commission meeting as published and amended.
Motion carried 4-0-1 (Schuck abstained)
• (Hallett arrived 7.35 pm)
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 2
. IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. FLYING CLOUD AIRPORT MASTER PLAN -- A public hearing.
Johnson introduced the FCAAC (Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission). Representative Greg
Albjerg presented the four issues they would discuss at this meeting: 1) inventory of existing
conditions and uses,2)forecasts that are constrained and unconstrained, 3)facility
recommendation for unconstrained forecasts, and 4) alternatives evaluation for best alternative. He
reported that MAC (Metropolitan Airports Commission)would make the decision for item#4. The
history of the airport was given as in the Flying Cloud Airport Master Plan. At present there are
212,325 operations per year, and the forecast is 323,000 by the year 2010. Aircraft storage at
present is 492 and projected storage is 843 increasing the present 90 acres for storage to 129
acres. The runway length would be increased to 5000' permitting the landing of business jets. The
5000' runway would classify Flying Cloud as a minor airport.
Albjerg presented the four alternatives for the building/storage area. #1) The southwest side of the
airfield requiring sizeable fill and land acquisition. #2)The west area of the existing hangers abutting
County Road#1 presently owned by MAC and partially used as a soccer and softball field area.
#3)The southwest area closer to the runway would require additional fill but not as much as
alternative#1. 4) The space between the west and south ends of the existing airport property, and
would eliminate one ball field and some soccer/football fields.
Regarding the runway length, he stated that the present length is 3900'. An extension of 1100'
would bring it to the desired 5000' length. Three alternatives to accomplish this extension were
presented. A) Build onto present runway to the west. B) A 600'extension to the west would bring
. the runway to 4500'which would be adequate for light business jets. C) No extension of the runway
with a"no build"scenario.
The next issue was the noise level. This was defined as A=serious, B=nuisance, C=annoying and
D=minimal. He mentioned the public hearing on December 7th at which time the residents can state
their concerns which will be reviewed by MAC, City Staff and the Planning Commission.
Anderson inquired if the airport met its present needs. Albjerg responded yes, but it could not
bring in the business jets at this time. Anderson stated that in that light,alternative C was the best
solution, and in ten years when the demand was greater the runway could be extended. Anderson
also felt the present hangers should be rehabilitated before expanding with new construction. The
appearance and safety of the airport would better serve the people at this time.
Albjerg stated that 90% of eligible costs would be through a grant from the federal government.
The City has not adopted the airport zoning for liability reasons at this time. The FAA evaluates the
noise and the land safety.
William Bearman, 5460 Feltl Road, stated that after studying the staff report, zone A was not
mentioned but zone B had been clarified. Jean Johnson responded that the staff memo first drafted
had been changed. She pointed out the new A and B indicating that new zone A is 1100 feet
longer than before, and extends to Eden Prairie Road. The zone A is also referred to as the"clear"
zone. Bearman asked how much closer the propeller driven aircraft and the jet aircraft would be
flying over Wood Bear Stables. He wanted to know the difference as it pertained to weather
conditions rather than on an average basis. He was concerned about spooking the horses.
•
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 3
• Proponent replied the height would be 400-500 feet. Bearman asked about the noise level, and
proponent replied it would at 75 decibels which is the B noise zone. MAC states that 75 is a slight
noise level,similar to the inside of a jet aircraft.
Bearman asked what affect did 75 decibels have on horses. Proponent did not have an answer.
Bearman concluded that if additional aircraft was going to affect his business,they should know what
the effects were going to be.
Anderson suggested to proponent that before this issue goes to the City Council,they could find
out what the long-term effect of aircraft noise had on horses and other animals. Bearman thanked
the Commission for their concern.
Hallett added that the proponent might also give the long-term effect on people living in the area and
the present property. He also felt people moving into the area should be aware of the present and
possible future noise levels. Proponent replied that the current plan indicates a 55 LDN which is the
common level in most areas of the Twin Cities.
Anderson inquired if the planes changed their present direction, would they be flying over homes.
Proponent replied that the tower directs so many planes in each direction. They did noise
monitoring for three days at six sites on a Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday(a variety of high usage
days).
Art Weeks , 14469 Village Woods Drive, commented that the projections for operations in 1985,
1990 and 2010 were based on the unconstrained forecast. He wondered if there was an overall
projection on jet aircraft if Flying Cloud was expanded. Proponent replied that operation shows
. 13,000 by the year of 2010.
Weeks stated that he had lived in Minneapolis close to the airport, and the expansion to Flying Cloud
was a snap shot of MSP in the year 1993 and 2010. He wants to see and encourages the Planning
Commission to request more detailed information on anticipated noise level in 1993 and 2010.
Weeks also asked what constituted where the line was set for the safety zone. Proponent replied
he did not think there was much data on what it was based on. How it had evolved he suggested
that perhaps someone in the State Department would know.
Daryl Benson, 8676 Shiloh Court, inquired as to what jets would make the loudest noise.
Proponent felt the worst scenario would be in the summer on a warm day with a Lear 24. Benson
asked if Flying Cloud expected more of those jets with the expansion. Proponent replied those jets
had been discontinued and would be phased out by the year 2005. Benson asked if during the
three-day noise test if any jets departed or arrived at Flying Cloud. Proponent said only overhead
noise was recorded, not takeoff. Benson did not feel this was an accurate analysis.
Benson asked if the flight patterns were monitored. Proponent replied that the tower gives the
direction and the only stipulation is the business jet. He added that circling aircraft can go as close or
wide as they like. Benson commented that after living in south Richfield and south Bloomington,the
residents in the Flying Cloud area could be assured that while the noise level will remain the same,
the frequency of the noise would increase.
Calvin Astry, 14131 Westridge Drive, asked who controlled the weight regulation at the airport.
Proponent replied the tower observers, and the airport commission had the authority to change the
weight control. Proponent added that weight was important to the noise level.
•
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 4
• Astry inquired how many corporations were interested in using Flying Cloud for their company jets.
Proponent replied that had not actively inquired in Eden Prairie but had two corporations express
interest.
Ruebling commented that the proponent felt the expansion would not have an affect on wildlife, but
the Staff Report indicated that it would. Proponent stated that migrating water fowl in flight can
cause a lot of damage to the aircraft, and he reminded the Commission that the FAA donated the
land for the wildlife refuge.
Hallett felt an expansion was not necessary in view of the fact that the forecasted numbers for 2010
would not exceed those from 1978. He felt it would be unfair to present home owners to now
expand the airport jeopardizing the value of their property. Yes there was a landfill in the area, but
that would go away and the airport would there forever. Flying Cloud should not be expanded this
massively to accommodate 20 jets.
Dodge commented that if business jets had another landing area, it would alleviate some traffic at the
Minneapolis airport. What effect has the St. Paul airport expansion had in getting some of the jet
traffic from Minneapolis. Proponent replied that at the present time DC9 cannot land in St. Paul as it
is prohibited by the FAA due to certification of the airport.
Fell inquired if the FCAAC people all had aviation connections. Proponent replied that the advisory
commission consisted of business advisors as well as citizens of Eden Prairie. Fell commented that
with any expansion there would automatically be more traffic in an area that already is congested.
Fell agreed with Hallett that if the airport could handle 648 in 1968,then the forecast for the year
2010 did not seem to be a problem. He felt that to spend this kind of money to accommodate a few
• jet owners did not serve the people of Eden Prairie.
Anderson stated that the residents would be shocked by the significant change, and the residents
must be taken into consideration on this issue.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Schuck to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Hallett to recommend to the City Council approval
of the proposed Flying Cloud Airport Master Plan, subject to the findings of the Staff Report dated
October 26, 1988, (and findings of the Planning Commissions meeting of November 14, 1988).
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Hallett and seconded by Fell to withdraw Motion#2.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 4;
Mot�o��rtas made by Kalle�a�dseco�dedby Fe«�o�eeo��e�b�o'�'�eG�yGo��c�`b��a��`�,
Flying Cloud Airport Expansion based on the Staff Report dated October 26, 1988, (and findings of
the Planning Commissions meeting of November 14, 1988).
• Motion carried 5-0-0
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 5
•
B. STARVIEW TERRACE, by Patrick Bauer. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to
R1-13.5 on 15.62 acres, Preliminary Plat of 15.62 acres into 30 single family lots,two outlots,
and road right-of-way for construction of a single family development. Location: West side of
Starring Lake,west of Mitchell Road. A continued public hearing.
Uram reported that a two-week continuance to the November 28, 1988 meeting was necessary due
to the construction of Mitchell Road through the area had changed the grades which need to be met
where the property meets the public street, This was causing changes to the grading of the
property. Uram felt the changes would be positive for the proposed development.
MOTION 1
Motion was made by Ruebling and seconded by Fell to continue the public hearing to the
November 28, 1988 Planning Commission meeting pending receipt of amended grading plans for
the property.
Motion carried 5-0-0
C. FAIRFIELD PHASES 2 THROUGH 6, by Tandem Properties. Request for Planned Unit
Development District Review,with waivers for street frontage and lot size on 118.2 acres,Zoning
District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7 acres and from Rural to R1-13.5 on 33.6 acres,and
Preliminary Plat of 118.2 acres into 299 single family lots,28 outlots, and road right-of-way for
construction of a residential development. Location: West of County Road#4,southeast of the
Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. A continued public hearing.
. Franzen reported that after revisions were made to the development,two concerns remain. First is
the final platting of the property should not be allowed until the intersection of Highway#5 and
County Road#4 has been upgraded. Second the developer was proposing to export 90,000 cubic
yards of granular material and to import 50,000 cubic yards,creating a great deal of truck traffic on
County Road#4 and adjacent roads. Franzen felt a mining permit might be in order.
Proponent presented the project and explained the phases of development. He distributed the
architecture variations and spoke to the matter of hauling 2000 yards of dirt per day. He stated the
removal of the dirt was necessary to move Scenic Heights Road to the north.
Franzen stated that Staff was recommending approval of the preliminary plat with six conditions listed
in the Staff Report. Staff felt the grading operation could be compared to a mining operation on the
site.
Hallett asked,if in fact, a mining permit was necessary. Franzen replied that Staff was concerned
about the weight of the trucks and how many trips it would take to move it all. Hallett asked if there
was a fee for the permit. Franzen replied there was a$200,000 bond which would cover road
damage,etc. He added that the mining permit had nothing to do with loss of trees.
Proponent stated they did not have to haul the fill away,they could deposit it somewhere else on
the site.
Fell commented he was concerned about removing all the fill. He would be comfortable if the fill
could be reworked back into the site.
• Ruebling was comfortable with staff recommendation, and feels Staff and proponent can work the
grading levels out without moving the fill from the site.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 6
• Fell stated he wanted to stay with current staff recommendation in order to reduce traffic. He did not
want to impose a mining operation on the residents or the road.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Fell and seconded by Ruebling to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Fell and seconded by Ruebling to recommend approval of the request of
Tandem Properties for Planned Unit Development District Review, with waivers for street frontage
and lot size,on 118.2 acres,with underlying Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7
acres and from Rural to Ri-13.5 on 33.6 acres,for Fairfield, Phases 2 through 6, based on plans
dated November 10, 1988, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated November
10, 1988.
Motion failed 2-3-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Hallett and seconded by Ruebling to recommend approval of the request of
Tandem Properties for Planned Unit Development District Review, with waivers for street frontage
and lot size, on 118.2 acres,with underlying Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 82.7
acres and from Rural to R1-13.5 on 33.6 acres,for Fairfield, Phases 2 through 6, based on plans
dated November 10, 1988, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated November
10, 1988,with the addition to recommendation#5 to include a mining permit to be worked out by
• Staff and County Highway Department.
Motion carried 4-1-0 (Fell opposed due to mining permit)
MOTION 4:
Motion was made by Hallett and seconded by Anderson to recommend approval of the request of
Tandem Properties for Preliminary Plat of 118.2 acres into 299 single family lots,28 outlots,and road
right-of-way for construction of a single family residential development to be known as Fairfield,
Phases 2 through 6, based on plans dated November 10, 1988, subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated November 10, 1988, and further subject to the condition that no final platting
of the property take place until the intersection of Highway#5 and County Road#4 has been
upgraded with the afore mentioned changes on staff recommendation #5.
Motion carried 4-1-0 (Fell opposed for same reason)
Clarification by Hallett and Dodge that all dirt removal take place between 9 am and 3 pm.
D. ELIM SHORES. by Brauer&Associates. Request for a Zoning District Amendment within the
RM-2.5 Zoning District on 8.36 acres with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals,
Preliminary Plat of 8.36 acres into 3 lots for construction of a 64-unit senior housing
development. Location: West of County Road#4, east of Mitchell Lake. A public hearing.
Bill Myerson, proponent, described the 64 unit senior housing that would be owned by the
Evangelical Church. They presently have nursing homes in four locations and have been in the
business for 61 years. The goal is provide rental living for seniors and meet their physical needs as
well as their age.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 7
• George Watson indicated that this land has severe erosion, a steep and dangerous bluff. The
development would not eliminate the cedar and maple trees. The zoning of this property has been
changed several times,and last was approved for townhomes. This care facility would have an
average age of 74. It would not look much different from an apartment complex. The density would
be much less than for apartments,the height would increase.
He continued that on October 17th a neighborhood meeting was held. Only 4 or 5 people attended
and they were all in favor of the development. A four story construction is necessary because of the
age and the nursing nutrition center that would be closely aligned to the living spaces giving a
compact floor plan.
Proponent did present other drawings without peaked roof, and different style of architecture. This
would be a 58.2" height with a residential facade, adjacent to Mitchell Lake and 47.2 feet facing
County Road 4.
Franzen stated that although there were many variances with this development,density is not an
issue. The height and shoreline setback are issues. The original decks and gazebos were not
granted a variance and have been eliminated from the request. However a hardship for the height
of the building could not be validated according to the Board of Appeals. Staff is requesting along
with a lower height,a 28-foot wide driveway access into the site. Staff does recommend approval of
the request for the building and feels it is a good land use.
Kermit P. Hansen, 8002 Timber Lake Drive, identified himself as board member of the Timber
Lakes Condominium Association,and stated that the board took official action at a hearing and
approved the plans and strongly recommended that the variance be approved for height. They
looked at other uses of the property and feel the proposed use best retain the type of community
• they have.
John Petry, 7906 Island Road, stated he did not feel a four-story building was compatible with two
story homes in the area. Even having a flat roof, lowering the height,the appearance then does not
coincide with the residential area.
Hallett inquired if the Staff is recommending approval, does the Commission overrule the Board of
Appeals. Franzen replied that a recommendation will go to the City Council from both boards. The
developers are appealing the Board of Appeals and have requested a hearing before the City
Council.
Hallett inquired if there was a walkway along the lake for the people. Proponent replied that they
discussed this with the Parks&Recreation,but they do not have the ability to make a walkway go
anywhere.
Ruebling asked how this development compared to Castle Ridge. Franzen replied that Castle Ridge
was life care and this development was independent apartment care.
Fell stated his only concern was the height. Dodge and Anderson were of the same feeling. Fell
asked staff how much focus should be put on height verses land use.
Ruebling felt that the height and the mass looked too institutional for the neighborhood.
J. D. Pakarinen, 7966 Island Road, stated he did not get a notice of this hearing. He stated he
would be looking at the four stories and requested it be at a lower height. He also commented on
the walkway to the lake as 6'-8'of muck. He stated it should have been developed as a walkway 20-
• 25 years ago.
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 8
. Franzen asked the Commission if the land use was good for an elderly resident building, if they were
content with the landscape and setbacks, if the overall building was acceptable. He indicated to the
Commission that a recommendation regarding the height was in order.
Anderson felt the project should be continued to allow the proponent to come back with a three-
story 37' building.
Hallett responded he is for the proposed development, unless impacts cannot be mitigated on the
adjoining land uses.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Anderson and seconded by Fell to continue the public hearing to the next
regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting on November 28th.
Motion carried 5-0-0
E. MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATION ADDITION. by MTS Systems Corporation. Request for
Zoning District Change from Rural to 1-5 on 36.8 acres for construction of an 85,000 square foot
addition to the MTS building. Location: South of Highway#5, north Technology Drive,west of
Purgatory Creek. A public hearing.
Uram stated that the overall P.U.D. approved in 1982, depicted the proposed expansion; however,
the parcel of land was divided in half and zoned separately. Because of the rezoning requirement,
the developer would have to go back through our entire process and all plans reviewed. The
property is presently zoned rural and should be changed to industrial to accommodate the building
• and parking expansion.
Ruebling inquired about recommendation #3 whereby dedication would take place when the entire
project was completed.
Anderson asked when that would take place. McOwens commented that the whole flood plain area
is an on-going issue with the City and adjacent landowners. He stated that they will be in compliance
with the Parks Committee and have already initiated discussion with the City. Franzen stated that
the dedication could be tied to the next development proposal.
Uram commented that at the Parks and Recreation meeting it was stated that the land should be
dedicated at one time, but a date or time was not recommended.
Anderson stated that dedications are usually tied to a project. Proponent replied he received a letter
from Bob Lambert to sit down and talk about the dedication. He assured the City that no one would
be building in the flood plain area.
Dodge suggested it be tied to the next project
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Dodge and seconded by Fell to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Hallett and seconded by Dodge to recommend to the City Council approval of
• the request of MTS Systems Corporations for Zoning District Change from Rural to 1-5 on 36.8 acres
for construction of an 85,000 sq.ft. addition to the existing use, based on plans dated October 26,
Eden Prairie Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 14, 1988 Page 9
1988, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated November 10, 1988, adding to
40 recommendation#3 that dedication be concurrent with next project.
Motion carried 5-0-0
Hallett stated that if Bob Lambert can bring it up at City Council, they can delete it if he has a better
reason.
V. OLD BUSINESS
The Planning Commission recommends the adoption of the Park and Open Space System Plan
Amendment to the Comprehensive Guide Plan with the published comments. An additional item
was added. #9 Trap and skeet shooting location possibility south of 169.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Hallett and seconded by Fell to approve the Open Space System Plan
Amendment with the recommendations #1 through #9.
Motion carried 5-0-0
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Hallett inquired about a funeral parlor, and future cemeteries for Eden Prairie. Staff stated they
would report on that after the first of the year.
• VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
Franzen briefly mentioned upcoming projects for Starview Terrace, Marcus Development
Corporation Building and a proposed Arby's
Vlll. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Motion was made by Fell and seconded by Dodge to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 p.m.
Motion carried 5-0-0