Planning Commission - 10/29/1984 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, October 29, 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 Franzen, Senior
Planner; Kate Karnas, Recording Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
III. MINUTES
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
(7:40) A. DIGIGRAPHICS SYSTEMS CORPORATION, by Welsh Construction. Request
for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment of 5.75 acres from Office to
• Industrial; Planned Unit Development District Amendment of 60.85
acres, and Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 for 5.75 acres
for a corporate headquarters, office, research, assembly, storage
facility. Location: Northeast quadrant of Valley View Road and
Highway #169. A continued public hearing.
(8:10) B. CITY WEST BUSINESS CENTER PHASES III & IV, by Ryan Construction.
Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment of City West
Planned Unit Development; Planned Unit Development District Review
of 15.91 acres, with variances, and Zoning District Change from
Office to I-2 for 12.63 acres; and Preliminary Plat of 15.91 acres
into two lots and one outlot. Location: North of Shady Oak Road,
West of City West Parkway. A continued public hearing.
(8:45) C. TECH THREE, by Technology Park Associates. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to I-2 and Preliminary Plat of 4.35 acres
into one lot. Location: South of W. 70th Street, west of
Washington Avenue. A public hearing.
(9:30) D. EDEN PRAIRIE ATHLETIC CLUB, by William 0. Naegele, Trustee. Request
for Planned Unit Development District Review and Zoning District
Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service for 17.7 acres for
an Indoor-Outdoor Athletic & Fitness Center. Location: Prairie
Center Drive at Singletree Lane. A public hearing.
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Agenda
October 29, 1984
(10:15) E. BLUFFS EAST 3RD ADDITION, by the Bluffs Company. Request for Zoning
District Change from R -13.5 to R1-9.5 for 9.63 acres for 29 single
family lots. Location: West of Franlo Road, South of Lee Drive. A
public meeting.
V. OLD BUSINESS
VI. NEW BUSINESS
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: The times listed above are tentative and may be significantly earlier, or
later than listed.
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•
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
•
Monday, October 29, 1984
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MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, October 29, 1984
School District Boardroom
7:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairman Ed Schuck, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett,
Stan Johannes, Hakon Torjesen (9:20 p.m.)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairman William Bearman, Dennis Marhula
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Kate Karnas, Recording
Secretary
Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call
I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to adopt the agenda as
printed.
• Motion carried--4-0-0
II. MEMBERS REPORTS
None.
III. MINUTES
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to adopt the minutes of the
October 15, 1984, Planning Commission meeting as printed, with the following
addition: Under Item IV. C., Eden Prairie Apartments, the minutes should
include the fact that other Commissioners shared the concerns of Hallett
regarding the looping of Golf View Drive to the north and east.
Specifically, looping of the road through Edenvale Golf Course, accessing
the property to the northwest along the railroad tracks, and circulation for
other future residential properties in the vicinity were concerns of all
Commissioners.
Motion carried--3-0-1 (Johannes abstained)
IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
A. DIGIGRAPHICS SYSTEMS CORPORATION, by Welsh Construction. Request
for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment of 5.75 acres from Office to
. Industrial, Planned Unit Development District Amendment with
variances, of 60.85 acres and Zoning District Change from Rural to
Planning Commission Minutes 2 October 29, 1984
I-2 for 5.75 acres for a corporate headquarters, office, research,
assembly, storage facility. Location: Northeast quadrant of Valley
View Road and Highway #169. A continued public hearing.
This item had been continued from the October 15, 1984, Planning Commission
meeting to allow for revisions per the Commission concerns at that meeting.
Mr. Paul Dunn, Welsh Construction, reviewed the three major issues of
concern from the previous meeting, including: 1) Trees and landscaping; 2)
Sensitivity to the creek area; and 3) Overall site coverage of the
developable portion of the lot.
Mr. Darrell Anderson, architect for proponent, stated that overall site
coverage was was now 0.14 for the site. Loading docks were no longer
visible from the creek. Also, 15 parking spaces had been added to the plan.
Mr. Damon Farber, landscape architect for the proponent, reviewed the
changes proposed for the landscape plan, including planting of materials
more compatible to the natural vegetation along the creek area. He
explained the tree replacement plan for the site, also.
Planner Enger reviewed the findings of the Staff Report of October 26, 1984,
with the Commission. He stated that the retaining walls proposed previously
had been reduced in length and the slopes in certain areas of the site had
been reduced to be less steep.
Hallett asked if pedestrian pathways connected between this site and
adjacent sites. Mr. Dunn stated that the private pathways within the Wilson
Ridge development would connect with those within this site. Also, public
pathways would be connected. He added that proponents were working with Lee
Data, to the north, regarding connection of the pathways between their
respective sites. Hallett stated that he felt it would be important for all
these connections to be made and encouraged proponents to continue working
with Lee Data for connection of their respective sites.
Mr. Daniel Enblom, 10610 County Road #39, stated that he and his family
planned on maintaining their homestead, located south of the proposed
Digigraphics development, indefinitely. He expressed concern that the
natural areas be preserved, adding that he did like the current changes to
the landscape plan and the manner in which it enhanced existing natural
vegetation in the area.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Gartner, to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Welsh Construction for Comprehensive
Guide Plan Amendment from Office to Industrial for 5.75 acres, for
Digigraphics Systems Corporation, based on revised plans dated October 25,
Planning Commission Minutes 3 October 29, 1984
i
1984, subject to the findings of the Staff Reports dated October 12, and
October 26, 1984, with the following added items: 1) Pathways throughout
the entire Wilson Ridge development be interconnected; and 2) Proponent and
City work toward interconnection of the pathways on the Digigraphics site
and the Lee Data site to the north.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Hallett, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Welsh Construction for Planned Unit
Development District Amendment of 60.85 acres, with setback variances from
the Shoreland Management Ordinance requirements, and Zoning District Change
from Rural to I-2 Park for 5.75 acres for Digigraphics Systems Corporation,
based on revised plans dated October 26, 1984, subject to the findings of
the Staff Reports dated October 12, 1984, and October 26, 1984, with the
following added items: 1) Pathways throughout the entire Wilson Ridge
development be interconnected; and 2) Proponent and City work toward
interconnection of the pathways on the Digigraphics site and the Lee Data
site to the north.
Motion carried--4-0-0
• B. CITY WEST BUSINESS CENTER PHASES III & IV, by Ryan Construction.
Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment of City West
Planned Unit Development; Planned Unit Development District Review
of 15.91 acres, with variances, and Zoning District Change from
Office to I-2 for 12.63 acres; and Preliminary Plat of 15.91 acres
into two lots and one outlot. Location: North of Shady Oak Road,
West of City West Parkway. A continued public hearing.
The Planning Commission had previously reviewed this request at its meeting
of October 15, 1984, and had returned the item to proponent for revision.
Mr. Pat Ryan, Ryan Construction, reviewed the land use and site plan details
as revised since the previous meeting.
Mr. Ryan stated that more vegetation would be preserved around the pond,
including seven mature trees in this area. Berming had been added to the
parking areas for better screening of the parking areas from the pond area.
Elevations of the structures had also been revised to include spandrel
panels, a glass-looking material .
Planner Enger reviewed the findings of the Staff Report of October 26, 1984,
with the Commission. It was suggested in the Report that there be a
connection of driveways between proposed Phase III and existing Phases I and
II to provide for more flexibility of traffic circulation in this area. Mr.
Ryan stated that they would be willing to work this into the plan.
. Hallett asked where the pathways were located within this development.
Planner Enger reviewed these locations with the Commission. Hallett asked
how Phase IV would connect to the pond area to the north. Planner Enger
showed the access to the pond area for Phase IV. It was suggested that a
more direct pedestrian connection be made available. - Hallett asked if all
Planning Commission Minutes 4 October 29, 1984
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the pathways designed for the overall City West Planned Unit Development had
been installed. Mr. Scott Anderson, ADI, stated that they were in the
process of completing all the pathways of the development at this time.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from the audience.
There were none.
MOTION 1:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes,to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction for Planned Unit
Development Concept Amendment to the City West Planned Unit Development for
12.63 acres based on revised plans dated October 23, 1984, subject to the
findings of the Staff Reports of October 12, and October 26, 1984, with the
following additions: 1) Phase IV be more directly connected to the pond
area with a pedestrian pathway; 2) Phase III connect to existing Phases I
and II by direct driveway connection to provide for better traffic
. circulation in the area; and 3) Proponent shall be required to place snow
fencing around the treed areas of the site for protection and preservation
during the construction of the structures and improvements.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 3:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction for Planned Unit
Development District Review, with variances for front yard setback and
percentage of office usage within the structure, for 15.91 acres, based on
revised plans dated October 23, 1984, subject to the findings of the Staff
Reports of October 12, and October 26, 1984, with the following additions:
1) Phase IV be more directly connected to the pond area with a pedestrian
pathway; 2) Phase III connect to existing Phases I and II by direct driveway
connection to provide for better traffic circulation in the area; and 3)
Proponent shall be required to place snow fencing around the treed areas of
the site for protection and preservation during the construction of the
structures and improvements.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 4:
• Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction for Zoning District
Change from Office to I-2 for 12.63 acres, based on revised plans dated
October 23, 1984, subject to the findings of the Staff Reports of October
12, and October 26, 1984, with the following additions: 1) Phase IV be more
Planning Commission Minutes 5 October 29, 1984
directly connected to the pond area with a pedestrian pathway; 2) Phase III
connect to existing Phases I and II by direct driveway connection to provide
for better traffic circulation in the area; and 3) Proponent shall be
required to place snow fencing around the treed areas of the site for
protection and preservation during the construction of the structures and
improvements.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 5:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Ryan Construction for Preliminary Plat of
15.91 acres into two lots and one outlot, based on revised plans dated
October 23, 1984, subject to the findings of the Staff Reports of October
12, and October 26, 1984, with the following additions: 1) Phase IV be more
directly connected to the pond area with a pedestrian pathway; 2) Phase III
connect to existing Phases I and II by direct driveway connection to provide
for better traffic circulation in the area; and 3) Proponent shall be
required to place snow fencing around the treed areas of the site for
protection and preservation during the construction of the structures and
improvements.
• Motion carried--4-0-0
C. TECH THREE, by Technology Park Associates. Request for Zoning
District Change from Rural to I-2 and Preliminary Plat of 4.35 acres
into one lot. Location: South of W. 70th Street, west of
Washington Avenue. A public hearing.
Mr. Brad Hoyt, representing Technology Park Associates, reviewed the
proposed development and site characteristics with the Commission. Planner
Enger reviewed the findings of the Staff Report of October 26, 1984,
regarding the project.
Hallett asked about sidewalks and bikeways within the development.
Proponent responded that there were none. However, there would be one, or
both, along Golden Triangle Road in the future. Hallett stated that he felt
it was important to plan for pedestrian trails within industrial areas, as
well as residential areas of the community.
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 Hallett, to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried--4-0-0
MOTION 2:
Motion was made by Johannes, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City
• Planning Commission Minutes 6 October 29, 1984
Council approval of the request of Technology Park Associates for Zoning
District Change from Rural to I-2 Park and Preliminary Plat for 4.35 acres
into one lot for an office/warehouse use, based on written materials dated
October 4, 1984, plans dated October 25, 1984, subject to the findings of
the Staff Report dated October 26, 1984, with the following added condition:
Sidewalks be added in appropriate locations to be approved by City Staff,
for pedestrian circulation throughout the project.
Motion carried--4-0-0
D. EDEN PRAIRIE ATHLETIC CLUB, by William 0. Naegele, Trustee. Request
for Planned Unit Development District Review of 17.7 acres and
Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service for
10.11 acres for an Indoor-Outdoor Athletic & Fitness Center.
Location: Prairie Center Drive at Singletree Lane. A public
hearing.
Mr. Don Brauer, representing proponent, reviewed the proposed development
and site characteristics. Planner Enger reviewed the findings of the Staff
Report of October 26, 1984, with the Commission.
Mr. Brauer explained that extensive soil correction work would be necessary
for a portion of the site. In one area, excavation of eight feet of soil
• would be necessary. Mr. Brian Cluts, architect for proponents, reviewed the
exterior materials of the structure, including the "bubble" portion of the
structure and the screening of it from adjacent uses.
Mr. Brauer stated that it was preferred not to plat at this time until road
alignments for the area had been established and until the uses for the
Purgatory Creek Recreation Area had been determined adjacent to their
parcel .
(Torjesen arrived at 9:20 p.m.)
Johannes stated that it thought the area of Singletree Lane and Prairie
Center Drive was to be a gateway to the Major Center Area. He asked if this
was an appropriate use for this location. Mr. Brauer stated that it was the
opinion of proponents that this use would use the park facilities, perhaps
more than any other type of use could. He added that proponents felt the
use would be complementary to the Purgatory Creek Recreation Area.
Planner Enger stated that Staff was concerned with the "bubble" proposed for
the structure. Berming, topped with 18-20 ft. high trees may be necessary.
The large plantings and berming were suggested to break up the appearance of
the large mass of the "bubble." Mr. Brauer stated that he would be willing
to work with Staff to lessen the impact of the "bubble" on surrounding
properties.
Hallett stated that he shared the concerns of Johannes regarding the area
i being a gateway to the City.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the
audience. There were none.
• Planning Commission Minutes 7 October 29, 1984
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Mr. William 0. Naegele, Trustee, for
Planned Unit Development District Review of 17.7 acres and Zoning District
Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service for 10.11 acres for an
Indoor-Outdoor Athletic and Fitness Center, based on written materials and
plans dated October 5, 1984, subject to the findings of the Staff Report
dated October 26, 1984, and subject to the condition that proponents work
with Staff to mitigate the impact of the large mass of the "bubble" portion
of the structure by additional landscaping and screening.
Motion carried--3-1-1 (Johannes against; Torjesen abstained)
Johannes stated that he was uncomfortable with the "bubble" portion of the
structure and encouraged proponents to work this out with Staff. He added
that he felt there should be a workable solution to the screening of that
portion of the structure.
E. BLUFFS EAST 3RD ADDITION, by the Bluffs Company. Request for Zoning
District Change from R1-13.5 to R1-9.5 for 9.63 acres for 29 single
family lots. Location: West of Franlo Road, South of Lee Drive. A
public meeting.
Staff explained that proponents were requesting a change in the zoning to
allow larger homes to be built upon the lots. The transition between zoning
districts would then take place across back lot lines, instead of across the
street from each other. Additionally, the lot sizes of this plat would not
be changed--they would remain as originally platted. Only the zoning
district designation was proposed for change.
Gartner asked why this action was requested of the Planning Commission, as
opposed to the Board of Appeals. Staff responded that, since it involved
the entire plat of 29 lots, it was felt that it would be more appropriate to
have the request reviewed by the Planning Commission, and to avoid 29
separate requests before the Board of Appeals. Also, in Staff's opinion,
the request was more of a zoning issue, than a variance issue.
Torjesen stated that he felt the purpose of the R1-9.5 District was to allow
for more moderate cost units within the community, not to allow developers
to build larger homes on smaller lots. He stated that it appeared as if the
R1-9.5 lots were becoming the standard lot size for the community, instead
of the R1-13.5 lots. Torjesen stated that he felt this issue should be
discussed during the joint meeting with the Council and Planning Commission
in order to re-examine City policy on this matter. The other Commissioners
concurred.
Staff pointed out that the requested change would allow for the same
setbacks on both sides of the street, as opposed to larger setbacks for the
lots to the north. This would provide for consistency in the neighborhood.
Gartner stated that she felt the reason for different setbacks was because
the larger structures in the R1-13.5 and larger lot zoning districts needed
more space between them.
Planning Commission Minutes 8 October 29, 1984
Johannes asked if the City had required the mixture of unit types such that
no two similar units would be located in close proximity to each other when
the property had been rezoned from Rural to R1-13.5. Staff responded that
the City had not. Mr. Ron Dahlen, builder of the structures within the
Bluffs East area, stated that he would be willing to comply with this
requirement for the Bluffs East 3rd Addition. Johannes stated that he felt
this would provide a benefit to the City to have greater control over the
mix of units, if the property were zoned to R1-9.5.
Acting Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the
audience. There were none.
MOTION:
Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Johannes, to recommend to the City
Council, approval of the request of the Bluffs Company for Zoning District
Change from R1-13.5 to R1-9.5 for 9.63 acres for 29 single family lots,
based on plans dated October 26, 1984, subject to the findings of the Staff
Report dated October 26, 1984.
Motion carried--4-1-0 (Torjesen against)
Torjesen stated he felt the City needed to re-evaluate the purposes of the
. R1-9.5 and R1-13.5 Districts and perhaps look at changing the setbacks
within the R1-13.5 District. Gartner stated that she agreed, but that she
felt the difference in this case was that it was a transitional area.
V. OLD BUSINESS
Hallett expressed concern regarding pedestrian circulation for the proposed
elderly structure at the northeast corner of Highway #5 and County Road #4.
While the plans had not yet been presented to the City in more than concept
form, he stated that he felt the City should consider various options for
dealing with a pedestrian crossing in this area for the future. The rest of
the Commission concurred. Staff stated that there was a possibility of a
semi-four at the intersection of Main Street and County Road #4 in the
future, which would mitigate this situation. However, final decisions had
not yet been made.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
None.
VII. PLANNER'S REPORT
None.
Planning Commission Minutes 9 October 29, 1984
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Johannes, seconded by Gartner.
Acting Chairman Schuck adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate K�s
Recording Secretary