Planning Commission - 03/12/1984 AGENDA
Monday, March 12, 1984
School Board Meeting Room
6:30 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman William Bearman, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett,
Stan Johannes, Dennis Marhula, Ed Schuck, Hakon Torjesen
STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael D. Franzen,
Senior Planner; Kate Karnas, Recording Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
A. Election of Officers, 1984
III. MINUTES
IV. PURGATORY CREEK RECREATION PLAN (6:30 p.m.)
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. SOUTHWEST CROSSING, by Vantage Companies. Request for
Planned Unit Development - Concept Amendment and Zoning
District Change from Commercial Regional to Office for an
Office building on 8.17 acres. Location: Northeast
Quadrant of Prairie Center Drive and I-494. A public
hearing.
B. AUTUMN WOODS 2ND ADDITION by Trumpy Homes, Inc. Request for
Zoning District Change from RM-6.5 to R1-9.5 and from Rl-
13.5 and R1-9.5 for 11 .09 acres; and Preliminary Plat of 31
acres for 80 single family lots and 8 duplex lots (8 units)
for a total of 88 units. Location: East of Highway #101,
north of C. M. St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. A public
hearing.
C. NORSEMAN 6TH ADDITION, by Herliev Helle. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to I-2 Park and Preliminary Plat
of 11 .88 acres into two lots and one outlot. Location:
West of Washington Avenue, south of Valley View Road. A
public hearing.
D. DOUGLAS INDUSTRIAL PARK, by Douglas Skanse. Request for
Preliminary Plat of 5.9 acres for two lots for industrial
use. Location: Northwest quadrant of Washington Avenue and
Valley View Road. A public hearing.
E. WELSH OFFICE PLAT. Request for Preliminary Plat of 4.72
acres for two lots. Location: Northeast corner of Prairie
Center Drive and W. 78th Street. A public hearing.
Agenda
March 12, 1984
Page 2
F. WILSON RIDGE, by Wilson Ridge Joint Venture. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment; Planned Unit Development
District Review and Zoning District Change from Commercial
Regional to I-2 Park, with variances, and Preliminary Plat
for two lots and four outlots Location: North of Valley
View Road and East of Highway #169. A continued public
hearing.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. OLD BUSINESS
VIII. PLANNER'S REPORT
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, March 12, 1984
School Board Meeting Room
8100 School Road, 7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman William Bearman, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett,
Ed Schuck, Hakon Torjesen
MEMBERS ABSENT: Stan Johannes, Dennis Marhula
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael D. Franzen,
Senior Planner; Kate Karnas, Recording Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
IV. PURGATORY CREEK RECREATION PLAN (6:30 P.M.)
Mr. Gary Tushie, Saunders-Thalden, Associates, explained the
revisions to the overall draft master plan for the Purgatory Creek
Recreation Area. He stated that the concept had remained basically
the same as the Planning Commission had previously seen. Ponds
would be used for flood control, aesthetic, and recreational
purposes under the plan. Mr. Tushie also reviewed the
implementation strategies and the phasing plan for the project.
Phase I would include major grading work on the site, including a
main entrance to the park and parking areas. Phase II would include
picnic shelters, trails, bridges, general landscaping, wildlife
blinds, and water and sewer to serve these uses. Roads would also
be developed for the entry plaza to this park. Phase III would
include the golf course and the remaining recreational facilities.
Mr. Tushie reviewed the financing for the various phases of the
project.
Chairman Bearman asked what the financial obligation of the general
citizenry would be for the project. Planner Enger responded that
the Council would be reviewing possible methods of financing to
avoid any further charges, beyond normal park dedication fees which
would be normal with development, back against the citizens. He
explained that the Community Services Department would be reviewing
the possibility of grants, as well .
Torjesen asked if it was still the intention of the plan to use
Singletree Lane as a major park entrance and to tie the Singletree
Lane entrance into the Eden Prairie Shopping Center. Mr.Tushie
responded that this was still the intention of the park plan.
However, final details had not yet been arranged.
Schuck asked how the crossing of Highway #5 would be accomplished
for the connection to this Purgatory Creek Recreation Area. Mr.
Planning Commission Minutes 2 March 12, 1984
Tushie stated that it would be accomplished by a trail link. This
trail link would not be part of the overall Purgatory Creek
Recreation plan, but would be an additional trail element developed
at a future time by the City.
(Hallett arrived at 7:30 p.m.)
Torjesen asked how the amount of parking spaces had been determined
for the project. Mr. Ted Wirth, Wirth and Associates, stated that a
combination of private parking in conjunction with public parking
had been used to determine the final allocation of parking spaces.
The park would be somewhat dependent upon use of private parking
facilities of the adjacent uses to be developed in the future.
Torjesen asked if there were contingency plans if the citizens would
decide against the use of a golf course for the park. Mr. Wirth
explained that the use of a golf course was not necessarily final .
The decision to include a golf course had evolved after the input of
all the commissions and the City Council, as well as the surrounding
property owners. If, at some time in the future, it was the
decision of these groups to exclude a golf course and include tennis
courts, or hockey, or skating, or any other use, the park plan would
remain flexible enough to change the use from a golf course to one
of the other uses.
Gartner expressed concern for the openness of the park towards the
south end. She stated that it appeared that the north and east
sides of the park were more interesting than the south end. Mr.
Tushie explained that this was done intentionally as this would be
the wildlife area for the park. It was their intention to leave
this area undisturbed as much as possible for wildlife.
Chairman Bearman asked about the availability of passive recreation
within the park. He asked, specifically, if the ponds would be
available for skating and if cross country skiing would be available
in the winter months. Mr. Wirth responded that this would be done.
Chairman Bearman stated that he also recalled from the previous
presentation that it was the intention of the plan to include the
flavor of Eden Prairie within the park design. He asked whether any
historical data had been offered and considered in the design of the
plan. For example, in one of the design competition plans, a period
farm had been included. Planner Enger responded that at this time,
no historic uses had been shown. The City was concentrating its
historic preservation efforts on the Grill house currently. Planner
Enger stated that an historic use could certainly be included at a
future time within the plan. He reminded the Commission that this
was still a concept plan at this point. Mr. Tushie added that it
was the concern of the citizens adjacent to this property that this
not become another passive recreation area such the Anderson Lakes
area--they had expressed a definite preference for active park uses.
Mr. Tushie pointed out that it was also their concern that the .park
attract businesses which would benefit from not only the aesthetic,
but the recreational uses to be provided within the park. This
Planning Commission Minutes 3 March 12, 1984
would provide more of an urban center for the park.
Gartner asked if rental of boats would be available within the park.
Mr. Tushie responded that row boats and canoes would be available,
but no motorized boating would be allowed.
Hallett asked if duck nesting areas had been planned within the
park. Mr. Wirth responded that within the wildlife area towards the
south end of the park, wildlife habitats had been planned, including
duck nesting areas. Hallett stated that islands were ideal
locations for duck nesting and wildlife habitats and suggested that
more than the one island shown be included in the plan.
Hallett also asked about the possibilities of fishing within the
park. Mr. Wirth responded that this would also be a possibility and
that they had done work with the Department of Natural Resources of
the State of Minnesota to determine the necessary depth for the
ponding areas to allow for fish to live and breed within the park.
Mr. Tushie stated that the Department of Natural Resources had told
them that a maximum depth of 15 ft. of would be necessary for
fishing purposes.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Torjesen, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to
the City Council adoption of the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area
Concept Plan as presented at their March 12, 1984, Planning
Commission, with the suggested amendments to the plan as discussed
at the meeting.
Motion carried--5-0-0
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to adopt the
agenda as printed with the following change: Item IV. be moved to
Item I, with the remaining items to follow in order.
Motion carried--5-0-0
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
A. Election of Officers, 1984
The Commission members considered the election of officers for 1984.
Nominations for Chairman were opened.
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to nominate
William Bearman as Chairman for 1984. Nominations were closed and
the secretary was ordered to cast a unanimous ballot for William
Bearman as Chairman of the Planning Commission for 1984.
Planning Commission Minutes 4 March 12, 1984
Motion carried--4-0-1 (Chairman Bearman abstained)
Nominations were opened for Vice Chairman for 1984.
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to nominate Hakon
Torjesen as Vice Chairman for 1984. Nominations were closed and the
secretary was ordered to cast a unanimous ballot for Hakon Torjesen
as Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission for 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
Nominations were opened for Secretary for 1984.
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to nominate Ed
Schuck as Secretary for 1984. Nominations were closed and the
secreatry was ordered to cast a unanimous ballot for Ed Schuck as*
Secretary of the Planning Commission for 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
IV. MINUTES
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to approve the
minutes of the February 27, 1984, Planning Commission meeting as
written.
Motion carried--5-0-0
V. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. SOUTHWEST CROSSING, by Vantage Companies. Request for
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment and Zoning
District Change from Commercial Regional to Office for an
Office building on 8.17 acres. Location: Northeast
Quadrant of Prairie Center Drive and I-494. A public
hearing.
Mr. Raliegh Newsam, Vantage Properties, reviewed the history of
Vantage as a developer over the past several years. He stated that
they were one of the ten largest real estate developers in the
United States, with a local office in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Mr. Roger Seitz, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill , architects for the
proponent, reviewed the site in relation to the surrounding uses.
Mr. Robert Turner, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill , reviewed the
elevations of the building and site characteristics. Mr. Seitz
added that Vantage felt strongly about the landscaping for the site,
especially along the highway frontage.
Mr. Newsam stated that it would be their intention to break ground
by mid June, 1984. Construction time would be approximately
fourteen months, therefore, allowing opening of the building in
Planning Commission Minutes 5 March 12, 1984
approximately September, 1985. Concurrent with the early phases of
the construction for the office building, it was Vantage's intention
to construct Viking Drive to it's intersection with Prairie Center
Drive.
Planner Enger reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff
Report for the project. He pointed out several concerns regarding
exterior materials, landscaping to provide scale for a building as
large as this, proper sight distances at entrance drives to the
site, and parking. Planner Enger stated that all of the
recommendations made in the Staff Report had been discussed with the
proponent, and that they had no difficulties with compliance with
any of the recommendations.
Torjesen asked what uses had been included in the previously
approved Planned Unit , Development for the site. Planner Enger
stated that four auto dealerships were proposed as uses at that
time. Torjesen expressed concern that this building was shown more
or less in isolation from the remainder of the 100-acre site. He
asked about its relationship to future surrounding uses. Mr. Newsam
responded that it was the intention of Vantage to move the higher
office density to the west where the access was the best. Less
intense uses would be planned in the future to the east of this
site.
Torjesen stated that the normal process for showing density transfer
would be through a Planned Unit Development; however, even though
proponent was proposing a Planned Unit Development Concept amendment
at this time, the majority of land included within the Planned Unit
Development was not shown as to its future uses. He stated that he
felt uncomfortable allowing for the transfer of density without
knowing what the remaining uses would be and how they would relate
to this site. Torjesen stated that it should be made clear to the
proponent that it was not- the City's intention to allow this high of
a density on the entire 100-acre site.
Mr. Newsam stated that a Concept Plan did exist for the entire 100-
acre site. This plan had been presented to the City Staff and would
be appearing before the Planning Commission at a future meeting. At
this time, however, it was Vantage's intention to have this
building, on its own merits, reviewed by the City. It was Vantage's
opinion that this site would stand on its own.
Chairman Bearman asked if Vantage had ever done a project of this
size in the past. Mr. Newsam stated that they had and reviewed
three other projects of this size, or greater, that Vantage had
completed in other cities within the United States.
Chairman Bearman asked Vantage representatives about the variances
proposed for floor area ratio and height of the structure. Mr.
Newsam stated that upon review of the City's Major Center Area
Planned Unit Development, Vantage felt that the variances were
appropriate. For height, the City had stated that additional height
over the Zoning Ordinance maximums would be allowed within the Major
Planning Commission Minutes 6 March 12, 1984
Center Area. As to floor area ratio, it was Vantage's opinion that
they had compensated well for this by provision of underground
parking. Actual impervious cover of the site was comparable to that
of other sites of office usage within the City. Mr. Turner stated
that the quantity of structured parking for the project was 66%.
Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of
the audience. There were none.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Gartner, to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2•
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the request for Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment for Vantage Companies for the Southwest Crossing,
for a 247,000 sq. ft. office building on 8.17 acres, based on plans
and written materials presented to the Planning Commission, dated
February, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated March 9, 1984, and based upon the assumption that the
increased density of this site will be offset by lower densities in
the development of the property to the east within the overall 100-
acre project. Also, prior to approval of any additional plans
within the 100-acre area, a concept plan for the entire area,
justifying the density transfer, shall be submitted for review and
approval by the City.
The Commission discussed the availability of parking on the site.
Mr. Newsam stated that in other projects they had done, and with
this project, they had proposed four spaces per 1,000 square feet of
gross floor area. However, after review of the ordinance
requirements with Staff, Vantage had amended the plan to be at 4.9
spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area for the project.
It was their intention to build approximately 80% of these spaces at
this time. It would be left to the City's discretion as to the time
for the need to construct the remaining 20% of the parking spaces.
Motion carried--4-1-0 (Chairman Bearman against)
Chairman Bearman stated that he voted against as he felt the concept
plan for the entire area should have been presented prior to
approval of an isolated site within the 100-acre area.
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the request for Zoning District change
from C-Regional to Office for Vantage Companies for the Southwest
Crossing, for a 247,000 sq. ft. office building on 8.17 acres, based
Planning Commission Minutes 7 March 12, 1984
on plans and written materials presented to the Planning Commission,
dated February, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated March 9, 1984, and based upon the assumption that the
increased density of this site will be offset by the lower densities
in the development of the property to the east within the overall
100-acre project. Also, prior to approval of any additional plans
within the 100-acre area, a concept plan for the entire area,
justifying the density transfer, shall be submitted for review and
approval by the City.
Motion carried--4-1-0 (Chairman Bearman against)
B. AUTUMN WOODS 2ND ADDITION by Trumpy Homes, Inc. Request for
Zoning District Change from RM-6.5 to R1-9.5 and from Rl-
13.5 to R1-9.5 for 11 .09 acres; and Preliminary Plat of 31
acres for 80 single family lots and 8 duplex lots (8 units)
for a total of 88 units. Location: East of Highway #101,
north of C. M. St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. A public
hearing.
Mr. Dennis Truempi, proponent, reviewed the project with the
Commission. He stated that responsive to the request of Staff that
lots be eliminated in order to comply with Guide Plan densities
allowed for the project, four lots had been removed from the plan.
He showed the revised plan to the Commission and explained the
difference that the elimination of the lots made to the project.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the
Staff Report with the Commission. He stated that six lots would
need to be eliminated from the project in order to meet the Guide
Plan allowable densities. Planner Franzen pointed out that, while
elimination of four of the lots did solve several of the frontage
problems within the project, it did not bring the plan into
conformance with the 2.5 units per acre allowed.
Mr. Truempi stated that in his opinion, the elimination of two more
lots would not make enough difference, nor would it improve the
project. He stated that due to the shape of the property, it would
be difficult to obtain additional lot depth for any of the lots.
Planner Enger pointed out that the previous plan proposed for this
property had 15-16 lots less than what was currently proposed.
Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of
the audience. There were none.
MOTION 1 :-
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to close the
public hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 8 March 12, 1984
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to recommend to
the City Council, approval of the request of Trumpy Homes, Inc. for
Zoning District Change for Autumn Woods 2nd Addition, from RM-6.5 to
R1-9.5 and from R1-13.5 to R1-9.5 for 11 .09 acres, based on written
materials dated January 27, 1984, and plans dated January 23, and
February 2, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated March 9, 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the request of Trumpy Homes, Inc. for
preliminary plat of 31 acres for 80 single family lots and eight
duplex lots for a total of 88 units, for Autumn Woods 2nd Addition,
based on written materials dated January 27, 1984, and plans dated
January 23, and February 2, 1984, subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated March 9, 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
C. NORSEMAN 6TH ADDITION, by Herliev Helle. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to I-2 Park and Preliminary Plat
of 11 .88 acres into two lots and one outlot. Location:
West of Washington Avenue, south of Valley View Road. A
public hearing.
Mr. Herliev Helle, proponent, reviewed the site characteristics and
project design with the Commission. He pointed out how this 6th
addition would relate to the other Norseman Additions, as well as
the surrounding properties. He also reviewed the road patterns in
the vicinity.
Planner Enger reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff
Report for this project with the Commission.
Torjesen asked how many acres would be left after the development of
this site within Mr. Helle's control . Mr. Helle responded that he
would have approximately 20 acres remaining.
Ms. Sharon Schneider, representing Valley Place Offices, asked what
uses would be allowed on the sites. Mr. Helle responded that
industrial uses similar to those in other I-2 Park areas of the City
would be developed on these sites. Ms. Schneider asked if there
would be additional hearings regarding these proposed uses.
Chairman Bearman responded that the Council would be holding
additional hearings on this project. Notices would be sent to the
surrounding property owners of that meeting as well . Ms. Schneider
expressed concern for the lack of information available about the
future uses on these sites.
Planning Commission Minutes 9 March 12, 1984
Gartner asked how much control the City would have if these sites
were allowed to be zoned without knowledge of the proposed uses.
Planner Enger responded that, as in the past with other Norseman
Additions, this could be handled in the developer's agreement for
the project. It was Staff's recommendation that at such time as a
user was found for the sites, those sites would be required to be
reviewed by the Planning Commission and Council and receive City
approvals. Also, surrounding property owners would again be
notified of the meetings regarding these projects.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Hallett, to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request for Zoning District change from
Rural to I-2 Park for Norseman 6th Addition by Herliev Helle, based
on written materials dated January 31, 1984, and plans dated January
27, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated
March 2, 1984, with the addition of item #7 to read: "No further
subdivision or rezoning of the balance of the property shall occur
without dedication of right-of-way for the north/south collector
street to the property south of W.' 70th .Street extended. Dedication
of fight-of-way shall 'octur within two (2)' years of the date of the
final plat approval ."
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request for Preliminary Plat of 11 .88
acres into two lots and one outlot for Norseman 6th Addition by
Herliev Helle, based on written materials dated January 31, 1984,
and plans dated January 27, 1984, subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated March 2, 1984, with the addition of item #7
to read: "No further subdivision or rezoning of the balance of the
property shall occur without dedication of right-of-way for the
north/south collector street to the property south of W. 70th'Street
extended. Dedication of right-of-way shall occur within two (2) years
of the date of the final plat approval . "
Motion carried--5-0-0
D. DOUGLAS INDUSTRIAL PARK, by Douglas Skanse. Request for
Preliminary Plat of 5.9 acres for two lots for industrial
use. Location: Northwest quadrant of Washington Avenue and
Valley View Road. A public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes 10 March 12, 1984
Staff explained that this project proposed only the platting of two
existing metes and bounds lots within the industrial area in the
northeast quadrant of the City. Proponent had approached the City
regarding an addition to one of the buildings. Due to the need for
additional right-of-way for Valley View Road and the need for
adjustment of the property line between the two lots to accomplish
the addition, the City required a platting of the two lots by the
property owner. Buildings exist currently on each of the two sites.
In addition, due to the required right-of-way for Valley View Road,
front yard variances would be necessary for both sites. The project
would also, therefore, need to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the
Staff Report for this project.
Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of
the audience. There were none.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Torjesen, to close the
public hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the Preliminary Plat for the Douglas
Industrial Park by Douglas Skanse, for two lots on 5.9 acres, based
on plans dated February 17, 1984, and subject to the recommendations
of the Staff Report of March 2, 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
E. WELSH OFFICE PLAT. Request for Preliminary Plat of 4.72
acres for two lots. Location: Northeast corner of Prairie
Center Drive and W. 78th Street. A public hearing.
Mr. Dennis Doyle, Welsh Companies, reviewed the request for platting
of two lots along W. 78th Street with the Commission. One office
building, the current home of Welsh Companies, had already been
built. The second office building was already under construction.
The platting of the project would clear up metes and bounds
descriptions and dedicate appropriate right-of-way for roads within
the area.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the
Staff Report for this project with the Commission.
Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of
the audience. There were none.
Planning Commission Minutes 11 March 12, 1984
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Torjesen, seconded by Schuck, to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Torjesen, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the request of Welsh Companies for
Preliminary Plat of 4.72 acres into two lots, based on plans dated
February 10, 1984, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated March 2, 1984.
F. WILSON RIDGE, by Wilson Ridge Joint Venture. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment; Planned Unit Development
District Review and Zoning District Change from Commercial
Regional to I-2 Park, with variances, and Preliminary Plat
for two lots and four outlots Location: North of Valley
View Road and East of Highway #169. A continued public
hearing.
Mr. Darrell Anderson, architect for proponents, reviewed the changes
made in the site plan since the previous meeting. The buildings had
been reduced from approximately 70,000 sq. ft. to 66,300 sq. ft. ;
proof of parking has been shown to 3.4 spaces per 1 ,000 square feet
of gross floor area; the landscaping plan had been revised; the road
elevation adjacent to the major hill had been revised so that the
total height of the retaining wall had been diminished to one four-
foot wall, compared to a 21 ft. effective height on previous plans;
mechanical equipment had been located in plan view on the roof, and
would be screened with metal spandrel panels to match the building;
sight lines had been provided showing that the loading area would
not be visible from the proposed office building to the east due to
the 20 ft. height of the building wall in the loading area, compared
to the 12 ft. height for a semi-truck; and, the traffic study
provided identifies forecasted traffic volumes and distribution of
traffic.
Mr. Anderson stated that the traffic study had shown that 47 trucks
per day could be expected on the site.
Planner Enger reviewed the plan against recommended conditions of
approval of the February 24, 1984, Staff Report, stating to the
Commission that the recommendations as stated in that report still
applied to the site as revised.
Hallett asked if the tree inventory had been submitted. Staff
reported that it had.
Planning Commission Minutes 12 March 12, 1984
Torjesen asked when Flying Cloud Drive would be completed through
the City. Staff stated that the proponent would be petitioning for
the improvements for Flying Cloud Drive from Shady Oak Road to
Valley View Road. Mr. Wally Hustad, proponent, stated that the road
and utilities would need to be started before any construction could
take place.
Planner Enger stated that at this time, no grading was proposed for
Outlots D or E, but grading would take place for the road, the area
south of the road, and west of the road according to the grading
plan submitted.
Hallett asked the Wilson representatives if they were satisfied with
the view they would have of the loading areas and the rooftops of
the buildings on Site #2. Mr. Bob Brown stated that they had
reviewed the sight lines and were satisfied with the resultant views
from their building.
Chairman Bearman asked what the total amount of impervious cover
would be for this project. Mr. Anderson responded that the Wilson
Learning Center site would be approximately 65% and Site #2 would be
approximately 80%.
Hallett asked if the reduction in the amount of retaining wall
. necessary for the site resulted in the saving of more trees. Staff
stated that it did not as the slope remained the same for the hill .
Torjesen asked that record reflect his opinion that, inspite of the
fact that he had expressed positive opinions of the project at
previous meetings, he had changed his mind as to the appropriateness
of this proposal for this site. He stated that he felt it was a
plan which altered the site to fit the plan, rather than a plan
which took site features into consideration by design. Torjesen
added that he felt the development was too intense for the site and
that this site may not be the appropriate location for the uses
proposed.
Planner Enger pointed out that the developers would be using
approximately one-third of the site for development, with the rest
remaining in preservation areas. He added that it was Staff's
observation that this plan preserved at least as much, if not more
of the natural areas than the previously approved Thorn Creek Place
plan.
Mr. Dan Enblom, 10610 Valley View Road, stated that he felt there
should be a check made of how many dead or diseased elms existed on
the site. He stated that he felt it was likely more than the City
was aware of at this time.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to close the public
hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes 13 March 12, 1984
16 Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request for Planned Unit Development
District Review and Zoning District change from Commercial Regional
to I-2 Park, with variances, for Site #2 of Wilson Ridge, based on
plans dated March 9, 1984, and subject to the recommendations of the
Staff Report of February 24, 1984, as amended to reflect items
complied with by proponent.
Motion carried--3-2-0 (Chairman Bearman and Torjesen against)
Chairman' Bearman and Torjesen stated they were against the plan as
they felt it was too intense of a development plan for this site and
that the uses proposed, with the exception of the Wilson Learning
Center site, were inappropriate for the property.
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to recommend to the
City Council approval of the request for Preliminary Plat for two
lots and four outlots for Wilson Ridge, based on plans dated March
9, 1984, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report of
February 24, 1984, as amended to reflect items complied with by
proponent.
Motion carried--3-2-0
VI. NEW BUSINESS
None.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
None.
VIII. PLANNER'S REPORT
None.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Schuck, seconded by Torjesen.
Chairman Bearman adjourned the meeting at 11 :45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Karnas
Recording Secretary