Planning Commission - 05/14/1984 AGENDA
Monday, May 14, 1984
School Board Meeting Room
7:30 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
III. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
( 7:40) A. LION'S TAP, Bert Noterman. Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Low
Density Residential to Commercial for 1.6 acres; and Preliminary Plat of
17.0 acres into three lots. Location: Northwest quadrant of Highway #169
and County Road A. (Board of Appeals action required) A continued public
hearing.
( 7:45) B. BROCK RESIDENCE INN, by Eden Prairie Hotel Company. Request for Zoning
District and Site Plan Amendment for 4.33 acres for 128-unit hotel and
Registered Land Survey for two parcels, (4.33 and 4.22 acres). Location:
Southeast quadrant of Highway #5 and I-494. A public hearing. A continued
public hearing.
( 8:00) C. PRAIRIE KNOLL, by Hestia Homes, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development
District Review and Zoning from Rural to R1-9.5, with variances, for 60
single family residential units and Preliminary Plat of 24 acres into 60
lots and outlots. Location: Northwest quadrant of' Valley ViewRoad and
Edenvale Boulevard. A continued public hearing.
( 9:00) D. RIDGEWOOD WEST 4TH, by Centex. Request Planned Unit Development District
Review of 64.0 acres; Zoning District Change from R1-13.5 to R1-9.5, with
variances, and Preliminary Plat of 8.85 acres into 30 lots. Location:
Cumberland Road at Wellington Drive. A public hearing.
( 9:30) E. SUPER 8 HOTEL. Request for Site Plan and Zoning Amendment in .C,-NTghway
District of 1.29 acres and Preliminary Plat of 5.4 acres into one lot and
one outlot. Location: East of Highway #169, North of W. 78th Street. A
public hearing.
(OVER)
Ogenda
May 14, 1984
Continued
(10:00) F. MIN-TEX PHASE IV. Request for Site Plan and Zoning Amendment for 6.3
acres for one industrial lot in I-2 Park Zoning District. Location:
Southwest quadrant of W. 70th Street and Shady Oak Road. A public
hearing.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. PLANNER'S REPORT
VII. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The above times are tentative estimates, individual items may run more, or less
time.
MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, May 14, 1984
School Board Meeting Room
8100 School Road
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairman Ed Schuck, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett, Stan
Johannes, Dennis Marhula
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman William Bearman, Hakon Torjesen
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael D. Franzen, Senior
Planner; Kate Karnas, Recording Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Marhula, to adopt the agenda as printed.
Motion carried--5-0-0
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
None.
III. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. LION'S TAP, Bert Noterman. Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Low
Density Residential to Commercial for 1.6 acres; and Preliminary Plat of
17.0 acres into three lots. Location: Northwest quadrant of Highway #169
and County Road #4. (Board of Appeals action required) A continued public
hearing.
The Planning Commission had considered this request -at the May 7, 1984, meeting.
The Commission recommended approval of the Comprehensive Guide Plan change from
Low Density Residential to Commercial and continued action on the preliminary plat
to this meeting. The proponent is in the process of trying to obtain an
additional 4.2 acres of land to the north from Mr. Charlson to make Lot 3 a ten-
acre lot. Since this issue had not been resolved by the time of the meeting,
proponents requested continuance to the June 11, 1984, meeting.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Marhula, to continue the hearing to the
June 11, 1984, Planning Commission meeting.
Motion carried--5-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 2 May 14, 1984
B. BROCK RESIDENCE INN, by Eden Prairie Hotel Company. Request for Zoning
District and Site Plan Amendment for 4.33 acres for 128-unit hotel and
Registered Land Survey for two parcels, (4.33 and 4.22 acres) . Location:
Southeast quadrant of Highway #5 and I-494. A public hearing. A continued
public hearing.
Mr. Ken Nelson, reviewed the revisions to the site plan for the Brock Residence
Inn with the Commission. He pointed out that the property boundary had been
revised to meet the concerns of the Planning Commission at the previous meeting
of April 23, 1984. Mr. Nelson stated that proponents would be proceeding to the
Board of Appeals with requests for sign variance and a floor area ratio variance.
He also expressed concern regarding the requirement for a development framework
manual prior to final approval of this project.
Planner Enger reviewed the findings of the revised Staff Report of May 11, 1984.
He stated that the requirement regarding the development framework manual was
meant to apply to the balance of the property, excluding that portion to be used
for the Brock Residence Inn.
Hallett questioned the literature provided by the proponent wherein it was stated
that the hotel had the potential for conversion to office condominiums. He
pointed out that there would not be enough parking for office purposes on this
site for such a conversion. Mr. Nelson responded that in some portions of the
. country where they had developed other inns of this type, this conversion method
had worked out and did meet zoning requirements. However, since it would not work
in Eden Prairie due to Ordinance requirements, it would not be proposed in Eden
Prairie in the future.
Marhula expressed concern for the lack of berming shown and the lack of site lines
available for review by the Commission. Planner Enger responded that these
matters could be dealt with at a Staff level in review of the landscaping plan
prior to building permit issuance.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the
audience. There were none.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Johannes, seconded by Gartner, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2•
Motion was made by Johannes, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request for Zoning District and Site Plan Amendment for 4.33 acres
for a 128-unit hotel for Eden Prairie Hotel Company, based on revised plans dated
May 7, and May 9, 1984, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated May 11 , 1984, with the addition of the following: #14. Proponent shall
submit plans for exterior materials to the Planning Staff for review and approval,
prior to building permit issuance.
Motion carried--5-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 3 May 14, 1984
i
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Johannes, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request for Registered Land Survey approval for 8.55 acres for a
hotel and related uses for Hustad Development, Inc., based on revised plans dated
May 7, and May 9, 1984, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated May 11, 1984, with the addition of the following: #14. Proponent shall
submit plans for exterior materials to the Planning Staff for review and approval,
prior to building permit issuance.
Motion carried--5-0-0
C. PRAIRIE KNOLL, by Hestia Homes, Inc. Request for Planned Unit Development
District Review and Zoning from Rural to R1-9.5, with variances, for 60
single family residential units and Preliminary Plat of 24 acres into 60
lots and outlots. Location: Northwest quadrant of Valley View Road and
Edenvale Boulevard. A continued public hearing.
Mr. Bryan Nowak, representing Hestia Homes, presented slides of the project site.
He reviewed site characteristics and plan features for the proposed development.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report of
May 11, 1984.
• Marhula expressed concern regarding the location of garages in the front of the
houses. He also stated that it did not appear as if there was much open space
available to the individual units throughout the project. Mr. Nowak responded
that the location of the garages was chosen to provide a variety of look to the
site.
Marhula asked if there was enough room for turning space in the driveway areas for
several of the homes. Mr. Nowak responded that this could be mitigated in the few
areas where it was a problem.
Hallett asked how the City would determine a fair purchase price for the 2.44
acres of park to be purchased by the proponent. Staff explained that an appraisal
would be prepared prior to sale of the City property to the proponent. Hallett
asked if the money received from this purchase would be returned to park
improvements in this vicinity. Staff responded that this would be a matter for
the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission to handle.
Hallett asked if the project would be workable without the park property. Staff
responded that the site plan appeared to "fit the site" better with the additional
park property.
Johannes asked what percentage of the units were below the 9,500 square foot
minimum requirement for the zoning district requested. Staff responded that
approximately 40% of the units were under the 9,500 square foot minimum. Johannes
stated that he questioned whether adequate parking space would be available for
• each unit with only a single car garage.
Johannes stated that he felt the building style for this project was a bit
difficult to accomplish. He asked proponent what their experience had been with
this type of unit. Mr. Nowak responded that this type of unit had been built in
Planning Commission Minutes 4 May 14, 1984
several areas of the country and had been successful.
Mr. David Bowers, 15800 Valley View Road, stated that he had several concerns
regarding the proposed project. These included: 1) traffic on Valley View Road,
especially with respect to the single lane traffic underneath Graffiti Bridge; 2)
environmental impact upon the wildlife within the area; 3) the unit type proposed,
and its impact upon the resale value of the surrounding properties in the
neighborhood, as well as the resale possibilities of the units themselves; 4) the
ability of a "zero lot line" concept to work within the City of Eden Prairie; and,
(5) street lighting and safety plans for the project.
Mr. Douglas Page, 15817 Valley View Road, stated that he did not feel any
variances should be granted for this site. He stated that several of the homes in
the area were already experiencing flooded basements during the wet seasons of the
year, and he questioned whether these homes could avoid being flooded due to their
proximity to the wetland area to the north. Mr. Page also expressed concern
regarding the wildlife which would be .disturbed by this development and asked
whether an environmental assessment worksheet was required for this property.
Staff responded that it was not. Mr. Page stated that his major concern was the
potential upgrading of Valley View Road which would be required by this project.
Staff responded that this project, alone, would not be responsible for requiring
the upgrading of Valley View Road. It was pointed out that there were many
projects in process and recently completed along Valley View Road which were
requiring the upgrading of the road.
• Ms. Judy Grimm, 15330 Creekside Court, stated that she felt there was too much
multiple residential development in this area, and that the small lots of this
project would not allow enough open space for future residents of the area.
Mr. Art Weeks, 8789 Sycamore Court, stated that, in his opinion, the project would
look better if the view of the project would not be a line of garages seen down
the main street to the project as shown. He stated that he felt the detached
garages would be more of a maintenance burden than a maintenance-free situation.
Mr. Harry Treager, 15341 Creekside Court, expressed concern about the potential
traffic increases and any harm that would come to wildlife due to this project.
Marhula asked if the City had reviewed this project against the Purgatory Creek
Conservancy District requirements. Staff responded that they had and that the
project was not .in conflict with that study.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked Staff for a status report regarding the upgrading of
Valley View Road. Staff responded that the City had received preliminary cost
estimates for the assessments for the entire road. Staff reiterated that the
upgrading of Valley View Road would be necessary regardless of whether this
project was being proposed or not.
Hallett asked if drainage for this site would impact upon Valley View Road. Staff
responded that the drainage was directed away from Valley View Road, to the north,
• and therefore, would not impact Valley View Road.
Marhula stated that he felt there were many questions left unanswered and
unaddressed based on the information presented to the Commission at this point in
time. Acting Chairman Schuck stated that he concurred with Marhula.
Planning Commission Minutes 5 May 14, 1984
Mr. Nowak responded to several of the concerns discussed by the residents. He
stated that there would be common ownership of the garages and that they would be
maintained through set of Homeowners Association restrictions. The driveways
without proper access would be revised. Regarding storm water drainage, the
engineers for the project had designed a system which would work for the property
and which had been discussed with the City Engineers. Mr. Greg Frank, McCombs-
Knutson and Associates, engineer for proponent, reviewed the storm water drainage
and grading plans for the property. Mr. Nowak added that street lighting would be
providing per City requirements and also stated that his project was not the
single cause for the required upgrading of Valley View Road.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Marhula, seconded by Gartner, to continue the public hearing to
the June 11, 1984, meeting for resolution of the following concerns: maintenance
of garages, access to garages, the fund toward which monies for the park land to
be purchased by proponent will be used, and site drainage.
Motion carried--5-0-0
D. RIDGEWOOD WEST 4TH, by Centex. Request Planned Unit Development District
Review of 64.0 acres; Zoning District Change, with variances, from R1-13.5
to R1-9.5 and Preliminary Plat of 8.85 acres into 30 lots. Location:
Cumberland Road at Wellington Drive. A public hearing.
Mr. Tim Eller, representing Centex, reviewed the overall project with the
Commission.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report
dated May 11, 1984.
Mr. Leonard Flesher, Jr., 14000 Research Road, stated that he was representing the
concerns of over 100 residents who had signed a petition presented to the Planning
Commission regarding this project. He outlined their major concers as being the
that density for this project was too high considering the surrounding
neighborhoods and that Research Road and Mitchell Road were already suffering from
the amount of traffic in the vicinity, and in the opinion of the residents signing
the petition, were'in need of upgrading immediately. The addition of traffic to
this neighborhood would only add to the existing problems.
Ms. Judy Simac, 8800 Knollwood Drive, stated that she had several concerns. She
stated that the bituminus pathway in the vicinity of her home was in need of
maintenance. There was little consistency in the potential for adding decks to
already-built homes. Some of the homes in the area did not have basements, and
storage within the provided garages forced cars onto the street, causing parking
problems. She stated that in her opinion, the development had become of an age
where signage was now appropriate and necessary, especially regarding no parking
areas and stop signs.
. Mr. Terry King, 13915 Carmody Drive, expressed concerns about property value,
traffic increase, lot size, the effect upon wildlife, and proper access to this
development, as well as their existing development to the north.
Mr. Dan Trongard, 13893 Carmody Drive, expressed concern for the safety of the
Planning Commission Minutes 6 , May 14, 1984
children in the existing neighborhood to the north with the addition of many more
residents to this area.
Mr. Gary DeMee, 14002 Carmody Drive, stated that he felt that the land uses in
this area should be better blended.
Mr. John Willard, 13959 Carmody Drive, questioned the distance between his home to
the north of this property and the closest home proposed to be located within this
development to his property. Mr. Eller measured off the distance for him.
Mr. Eller pointed out that the lots proposed to be adjacent to the existing homes
within the Deer Creek Development to the north were larger than those within Deer
Creek. He pointed out that Centex was not proposing to connect the two
developments via a roadway connection. Staff pointed out that with the addition
of upgraded Anderson Lakes Parkway over the Summer of 1984, much of the traffic in
this vicinity and access problems currently existing would be solved.
Gartner stated that while she appreciated the concerns for the wildlife expressed
by the neighboring residents, she felt that the City had done a good job in trying
to purchase and maintain as many wildlife areas as possible within natural
environment parks. She added that she did feel the City could purchase every
piece of property involving wildlife habitat, however.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request for Planned Unit Development District Review for 64.0
acres and Zoning District Change from R1-13.5 to R1-9.5, with variances for lot
size, density, setbacks, and street frontage, for 8.85 acres for 30 single family
homes for Centex Homes of the Midwest, known as Ridgewood West 4th Addition, based
on plans dated April 6, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated May 11 , 1984.
Motion carried--4-0-1 (Marhula abstained)
MOTION 3•
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request for Preliminary Plat of 8.85 acres for 30 single family
residential lots for Centex Homes of the Midwest, known as Ridgewood West 4th
Addition, based on plans dated April 6, 1984, subject to the recommendations of
the Staff Report dated May 11, 1984.
Motion carried--4-0-1 (Marhula abstained)
E. SUPER 8 HOTEL. Request for Site Plan and Zoning Amendment in C-Highway
District of 1.29 acres and Preliminary Plat of 5.4 acres into one lot and
one outlot. Location: East of Highway #169, North of W. 78th Street. A
Planning Commission Minutes 7 May 14, 1984
public hearing
.g. (Floor Area Ratio variance to be reviewed by the Board of
Appeals)
Mr. Harvey Rott, representing Super 8 Hotels, reviewed the site characteristics
and development features for the proposal .
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report of
May 11, 1984.
Marhula asked what the requirements were for fire protection for a building of
this type. Staff responded that the building did not have to be sprinkled, but
that other measures were required by the uniform code adopted by the City.
Marhula questioned the proposed access drives for the site. He stated that he
felt safety would dictate that these access drives align with those existing on
the south side of West 78th Street.
Hallett asked if the site as proposed met the exterior materials requirements of
the major center area. Staff responded that it did.
Mr. Richard Lynch, 11426 Leona Road, expressed concern regarding the lighting
proposed for this site. He stated that he would prefer that it be down lighting
in that his residence abutted this property. He added that he felt fencing would
be a better transitional barrier between his property and the property for the
hotel as opposed to the shrubbery shown on the landscape plan.
MOTION 1 :
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, 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 request for site plan and zoning amendment within the C-Highway
District for 1 .29 acres for a Super 8 Motel, based on plans dated March 19, 1984,
subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated May 11, 1984, with the
addition of the following items: Add to Item 1B. The landscape plan shall be
revised to screen headlights from the adjacent residential neighborhood; and, Add
an Item 1F. Parking lot lighting shall be down-cast, with cut off luminars.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Super 8 Motel for preliminary plat of 5.4 acres into
one lot for a motel and one outlot, based on plans dated March 19, 1984, subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated May 11, 1984, with the addition
of the following items: Add to Item 1B. The landscape plan shall be revised to
screen headlights from the adjacent residential neighborhood; and, add an Item V.
Parking lot lighting shall be down-cast, with cut off luminars.
Planning Commission Minutes 8 May 14, 1984
Motion carried--5-0-0
F. MIN-TEX PHASE IV. Request for Site Plan and Zoning Amendment for 6.3
acres for one industrial lot in I-2 Park Zoning District. Location:
Southwest quadrant of W. 70th Street and Shady Oak Road. A public
hearing.
Mr. Bob Pope, Pope Architects, representing proponent, reviewed the site plan
characteristics and site features with the Planning Commission.
Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report
dated May 11, 1984.
The Commission discussed with the proponent the requested changes of the Staff
Report. Mr. Jim Sorenson, proponent, stated that they felt they could have the
changes made to plans in time for a Council meeting at the beginning of June.
Commission members discussed the need to review the plans as changed prior to
Council review.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the
audience. There were none.
MOTION 1 :
. Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Marhula, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried--5-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Marhula, to recommend to the City Council
approval of the request of Min-Tex for site plan and Zoning Amendment on 6.3 acres
of land, known as Min-Tex Phase IV, within the I-2 zoning district for an
office/warehouse building of 73,000 sq. ft. , based on plans dated March 30, 1984,
and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report of May 11 , 1984.
Motion carried--5-0-0
IV. NEW BUSINESS
None.
V. OLD BUSINESS
None.
VI. PLANNER'S REPORT
None.
Planning Commission Minutes 9 May 14, 1984
is VII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Marhula, seconded by Gartner.
Acting Chairman Schuck adjourned the meeting at 1 :10 a.m.
r Respectfully submitted,
Kate Karnas
Recording Secretary