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Planning Commission - 01/14/1985 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, January 14, 1985' 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 A. RESEARCH FARM ADDITION, by Northrup King. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Sports Center, Low Density Residential and High Density Residential to Regional Commercial, Office, Industrial, and Multiple Residential for 189+ acres. Location: West of Highway • #169, at Anderson Lakes Parkway. A continued public hearing. B. EDEN PRAIRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY, by Hennepin County Library. Request Tor Zoning District Amendment within a Public Zoning District on 2.51 acres for the construction of a 10,000 square foot library. Location: Southwest corner of Prairie Center Drive and Preserve Boulevard. A public hearing. C. PRIMELAND II, by MRTT Joint Venture. Request for Preliminary Plat of 3.8 acres into one lot and two outlots for a daycare center. Location: North of Shady Oak Road, east of City West Parkway, west of Highway #169. A public hearing. D. PRAIRIE VILLAGE APARTMENTS, by Derrick Land Company. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office and Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential for 6.61 acres; Planned Unit Development District Review, with variances, on approximately 40 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 6.61 acres; Preliminary Plat of 14.25 acres into two lots and one outlot for two, 56-unit apartment buildings. A public hearing. E. ROBERTS LITHO, by Hoyt Development. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 9.62 and Preliminary Plat of 9.62 acres into one lot for the construction of 107,000 square feet of office/warehouse in two buildings. Location: West of Mitchell Road, south of Highway #5. A public hearing. Agenda January 14, 1985 Page 2 F. BERGIN AUTO BODY, by James J. Bergin. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District for one acre, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 4.74 acres into one lot and two outlots for an auto body repair shop. Location: North of Martin Drive, west of Corporate Way. A public hearing. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. PLANNER'S REPORT VIII. ADJOURNMENT i MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, January 14, 1985 School Board Meeting Room 7:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman William Bearman, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett, Stan Johannes, Ed Schuck MEMBERS ABSENT: Dennis Marhula, Hakon Torjesen STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Plnaning; Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Kate Karnas, Administrative Assistant Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Schuck, to adopt the agenda as printed. Motion carried--5-0-0 II. MEMBERS REPORTS Referendum--Chairman Bearman reviewed the letter addressed to the Commission regarding representation from the Planning Commission on the ad hoc committee which would be studying City needs to be included in a referendum. Hallett volunteered to represent the Planning Commission. Highway 212--Gartner reported that there would be a meeting within one week regarding Highway 212. III. MINUTES MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to adopt the mintues of the December 10, 1984, Planning Commission meeting as printed. Motion carried--3-0-2 (Chairman Bearman and Schuck abstained) IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. RESEARCH FARM ADDITION, by Northrup King. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendmen om Sports Center, Low Density Residential and High Density Residential to Regional Commercial, Office, Industrial, and Multiple Residential for 189+ acres. Location: West of Highway is #169, at Anderson Lakes Parkway. A continued public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes 2 January 14, 1985 Mr. Richard Putnam, Tandem Corporation representing developer, explained the changes to the plan, showing where additional multiple residential usage was being proposed. He reviewed the findings of the meeting the developer had attended of the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission. Mr. Putnam stated that other factors of consideration included future road improvements for Highway #169, proposed to be four-lane in this area by 1986, County Road #18, proposed to be four-lane in this area by 1990, and Highway #212, proposed for construction and upgrading in 2000. Mr. Jim Benshoof, Benshoof and Associates, traffic consultant for the developer, reviewed the amount of traffic expected from the various uses proposed by the developer. Chairman Bearman asked about the source of information regarding the number of trips per day per use. Mr. Benshoof responded that he used nationally recognized standards and formulas to establish the projected daily trips from this area. Mr. Benshoof stated that the conclusion of the traffic information was that the City could amend the Comprehensive Guide Plan for this area to that of the proposed plan with the assurance that the public road system would effectively accommodate the projected traffic. Gartner asked if there would be a signal located at the intersection of Highway #169 and the north boundary of the property. Mr. Benshoof stated that it was too early to judge whether a signal would be necessary in this location. Johannes asked if the road accessing the Hennepin County Vocational School was a public, or private road. Mr. Ed Roessler, Northrup King, stated that he was unsure whether it was public, or private; however, he stated that Northrup King had been granted permanent access rights to the road. Chairman Bearman asked how the number of trips per day would be affected if the property were developed as completely residential . Mr. Benshoof responded that the amount of traffic would increase by two, or three times that projected by the plan proposed by the developer, that there would be a better balance of traffic with the mixed use plan proposed. The Commission asked for a comparison of the two figures for trips per day based on a completely residential project and the mixed use plan for their next meeting on this project. Mr. Andy Freyer, 8872 Knollwood Drive, stated that he felt the developer had been diligent in keeping the residents informed of their plans. He expressed concern regarding the proposed multiple residential development of the property. Mr. Freyer suggested that cluster homes be built on both sides of the creek, instead of placing higher density residential units across the creek from the existing residential area. Mr. Putnam responded that the soils in this area of the property were poor for development purposes and that this was one reason for proposing a different unit type in this area in order to cluster the density and the units. Mr. Freyer stated that he was concerned about exactly what the developer meant by industrial , what would be visible from the existing homes to the west of the proposed development, the impact the project would have on Mitchell Road in the future, and whether the upgrading of the major roads in the area would actually take place on schedule in order that traffic could Planning Commission Minutes 3 January 14, 1985 be handled from this development. Mr. Jim McGlennen, 8888 Knollwood Drive, expressed concern about traffic impacts from the development. He stated that any traffic projections should take into account the fact that Highway #169 would be a major route used to access the race track to the south in Shakopee. Mr. Freyer added that he was also concerned about the number of semi-trucks that would be part of the traffic for a development like this. Mr. Ed Ludtke, 12630 Crowfoot Court, also expressed concern about the amount of truck traffic to be added by this development, stating that currently the amount of truck traffic on Highway #169 was great. Mr. Larry Bailey, 8604 Darnell Road, questioned the impact of this development upon the school system. Hallett responded that the School District had plans for a new school site to be located at Preserve Boulevard and Anderson Lakes Parkway. Chairman Bearman stated that he would prefer the residential use to be high density and to be located all in one area. He added that he was concerned about potential industrial usage for the property and also concerned about how the office and "high-tech" uses would look in this location. MOTION: Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Gartner, to continue the public hearing on this item to the January 28, 1985, Planning Commission meeting to allow the developer time to prepare the additional data necessary to evaluate the project. Motion carried--5-0-0 B. EDEN PRAIRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY, by Hennepin County Library. Request for Zoning District Amendment within a Public Zoning District on 2.51 acres for the construction of a 10,000 square foot library. Location: Southwest corner of Prairie Center Drive and Preserve Boulevard. A public hearing. MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to move Item IV. B. to the end of the agenda. Motion carried--5-0-0 C. PRIMELAND II, by MRTT Joint Venture. Request for Preliminary Plat of 3.8 acres into one lot and two outlots for a daycare center. Location: North of Shady Oak Road, east of City West Parkway, west of Highway #169. A public hearing. Mr. Pat Hagen, representing proponent, reviewed the proposed platting with the Commission, stating that the purpose of the plat was to relocate lot lines. Planning Commission Minutes 4 January 14, 1985 Planner Enger reviewed the findings of the Staff Report regarding the project. Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of the audience. There were none. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Johannes, to close the public hearing. Motion carried--5-0-0 MOTION 2: Motion was made by Schuck, seconded by Gartner, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of MRTT Joint Venture for Preliminary Plat of 3.8 acres into one lot and two outlots for a day care center, based on plans dated December 19, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. Motion carried--5-0-0 D. PRAIRIE VILLAGE APARTMENTS, by Derrick Land Company. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office and Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential for 6.61 acres; Planned Unit Development District Review, with variances, on approximately 40 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 on 6.61 acres; Preliminary Plat of 14.25 acres into two lots and one outlot for two, 56-unit apartment buildings. A public hearing. Planner Enger reviewed the history of the development proposals in this area and, specifically, the City's approval in 1980 of a Planned Unit Development Concept Plan for mixed land uses, including single family, multiple family, elderly housing, office, and retail uses. He added that the City had adopted a policy to help elderly housing develop in the community through Community Development Block Grant funding, as well . Chairman Bearman asked if approval of the Planned Unit Development Concept required upgrading of the Highway #5, County Road #4 intersection prior to development. Planner Enger stated that the requirement was for none of the commercial development to take place prior to the upgrading of that intersection. He added that the State and County planned to have the intersection upgrading underway by early 1986. Chairman Bearman asked about the location of a median break in County Road #4 to match up with the property to the west, the shopping center. Planner Enger responded that the median break would probably take place across from the south entrance to the shopping center, at Main Street. Chairman Bearman asked if placing the median break at the north shopping center entrance had been considered. Planner Enger stated that -it had been considered but that an acceptable alternative was not available. He added that the median break at the shopping center's south entrance matched up with the entrance to the proposed development at Wagner Way. Planning Commission Minutes 5 January 14, 1985 Mr. Richard Krier, Derrick Land Co. , proponent, reviewed the proposed development with the Commission. He explained that 25% of the project was proposed for subsidized housing for elderly residents, or 28 units of the 112 units proposed. The units would be split into two 56-unit structures with elderly residents in one structure and families able to rent in the other structure. Mr. Krier stated that the reasons for choosing this site for elderly housing development included the proximity of the site to shopping, medical facilities, churches, public transportation, and public facilities. Mr. Will Montgomery, architect for proponent, reviewed the site plan and elevation features with the Commission. Johannes stated that he was concerned about the compatibility of the elderly structure with the family structure. Mr. Krier stated that it was undesirable to segregate the elderly residents from other people, therefore, proponents felt the combination of the uses was compatible. Johannes asked why the parking spaces provided for the elderly building was less than the family building. Mr. Krier explained that it had been shown by their studies that elderly residents seldom had as many cars as younger families. He stated that "proof of parking" had been provided for the elderly portion of the project should the need for additional off-street parking become evident in the future. The amount of underground parking was the same as for the family building, however. Hallett asked if it would be possible to connect the project to the public trails and walkways of the area. Mr. Krier stated that this could be accomplished. He added that there were plans to include a picnic area, or benches near the ponding area and that an internal system could be connected to this private recreation area. Schuck expressed concern for the safety of the elderly and family residents in crossing of County Road #4, or Highway #5. He stated that the only location which could be considered safe would be at the semi-four at the intersection of County Road #4 and Highway #5. Staff stated that they would be exploring the possibility of a Pedestrian Demand Activated Signal in this area with the upgrading of the intersection in 1986. Chairman Bearman stated that he felt the project approval should be based on a requirement for provision of a safe pedestrian crossing. Gartner asked if the units would be accessible for handicapped people. Mr. Krier responded that they would be. Gartner stated that she felt it would be a better idea to move the driveway to the west of its current location. Chairman Bearman asked what methods the City had used in the past to buffer single family residential areas from multiple family areas. Planner Enger responded that often the multiple residential units would be built first in order that future single family residents would be aware of the presence of the multiple structure. In addition, site features, such as berming and buffering were used to screen the different uses from each other. Planner Enger pointed out that the developer had shown a buffer area on the landscape plan for this purpose. 0Planning Commission Minutes 6 January 14, 1985 (Schuck left the meeting at 11:00 p.m.) Chairman Bearman commented that he felt the design framework manual for the project should have the language "tightened," for example, changing the word "should" to "will ." He added that he was concerned about safe access to the shopping center. Mr. Ray Ruuska, 7660 Superior Terrace, stated that the plans for this property had changed over the years. He expressed concern regarding the view of the rooftops of the structures, amount of parking spaces provided, potential traffic problems at the County Road #4 and Highway #5, the safety of the proposed location for the median cut in County Road #4, the potential of Hennepin County taking over Highway #5 in this area which would possibly mean loss of funding for the improvement of that portion of the intersection, the burden of additional families on the school system, and the request for tax increment financing on this project. Mr. Leo W. Burton, 7662 Superior Terrace, expressed concern for the current traffic delays present at the south exit of the shopping center to the west. He also was concerned regarding potential conversion of the elderly building to family housing at some time in the future, maintenance of the exterior of the buildings, whether the construction of the multiple housing would cause less expensive housing to be built to the north in the single family portion . of the Planned Unit Development, and the timing of the improvements to the intersection of County Road #4 and Highway #5. Mr. Doug Rueter, 8750 Black Maple Drive, indicated that he felt the density of the project was too high in such close proximity to single family residential units. 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 Derrick Land Company for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office and Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential for 6.61 acres for two apartment buildings, based on plans dated December 5, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985, and subject to the following added conditions: A. A safe pedestrian access be established for crossing of County Road #4. B. Internal circulation pathways be established, with a picnic, or sitting area, within the project for the benefit of both structures. C. A method be established make certain that the structure would remain as an elderly structure, not convert to family housing, for a period fanning Commission Minutes 7 January 14, 1985 of at least ten years. D. Exploration of the potential for connection of the internal circulation system to the public pedestrian circulation system in the Bittersweet Drive area. E. The driveway for the family structure be relocated to the southwest corner of the lot. F. The design framework manual be amended to include stronger language requiring the type of improvements listed. 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 Derrick Land Company for Planned Unit Development District Review, with variances, and Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-2.5 for 6.61 acres for two apartment buildings, based on plans dated December 5, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985, and subject to the following added conditions: A. A safe pedestrian access be established for crossing of County Road #4. B. Internal circulation pathways be established, with a picnic, or sitting area, within the project for the benefit of both structures. C. A method be established make certain that the structure would remain as an elderly structure, not convert to family housing, for a period of at least ten years. D. Exploration of the potential for connection of the internal circulation system to the public pedestrian circulation system in the Bittersweet Drive area. E. The driveway for the family structure be relocated to the southwest corner of the lot. F. The design framework manual be amended to include stronger language requiring the type of improvements listed. 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 Derrick Land Company for Preliminary Plat ` of 14.25 acres into two lots and one outlot for two apartment buildings, based on plans dated December 5, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985, and subject to the following added conditions: Planning Commission Minutes 8 January 14, 1985 A. A safe pedestrian access be established for crossing of County Road #4. B. Internal circulation pathways be established, with a picnic, or sitting area, within the project for the benefit of both structures. C. A method be established make certain that the structure would remain as an elderly structure, not convert to family housing, for a period of at least ten years. D. Exploration of the potential for connection of the internal circulation system to the public pedestrian circulation system in the Bittersweet Drive area. E. The driveway for the family structure be relocated to the southwest corner of the lot. F. The design framework manual be amended to include stronger language requiring the type of improvements listed. Motion carried--4-0-0 E. ROBERTS LITHO, by Hoyt Development. Request for Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park on 9.62 and Preliminary Plat of 9.62 acres into one lot for the construction of 107,000 square feet of office/warehouse in two buildings. Location: West of Mitchell Road, south of Highway #5. A public hearing. Mr. Brad Hoyt, Hoyt Development, reviewed the site features and proposed development characteristics with the Commission. He pointed out that the building would have a twelve-foot clear height, there would be screening of the parking and loading areas as shown in the sight sections in the plans, and that the rooftop mechanical units would be screened. He stated that the structure would have a lower profile than those existing in the surrounding area. Mr. Hoyt expressed concern about the need for Technology Drive. He stated that his project could function without the extension of Technology Drive as access was currently available to the site without the extension. Mr. Hoyt suggested that perhaps the platting of the property could be left as a single lot at this time, instead, to allow him opportunity to discuss extension of the road with the Council prior to platting the right-of-way for the road extension with this phase of the project. Currently, Hoyt Development did not have immediate plans for development of the west portion of the parcel . Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and conclusions of the Staff Report of January 11, 1985, regarding the proposal . 0 Planning Commission Minutes 9 January 14, 1985 The Commission concurred that the matter of development of the west portion of the property could be reviewed at a later date and stated that at the time of such review, the project would be reviewed based upon its own merits. Mr. Hoyt stated that he understood this. Chairman Bearman asked for comments and questions from members of 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 Hoyt Development for Zoning District Change from Rural to I-2 Park for 4.62 acres for construction of an office/warehouse for Roberts Litho, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans dated December 20, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. 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 Hoyt Development for Preliminary Plat of 9.62 acres into one lot for office/warehouse use for Roberts Litho, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans dated December 20, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. Motion carried--4-0-0 F. BERGIN AUTO BODY, by James J. Bergin. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District for one acre, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 4.74 acres into one lot and two outlots for an auto body repair shop. Location: North of Martin Drive, west of Corporate Way. A public hearing. Mr. James Bergin, proponent reviewed the proposed development and site features with the Commission. Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and conclusions of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985, regarding the proposal . Staff pointed out the request of the proponent for a lot size smaller than the I-2 Park District allowed, adding that there were other lots in this vicinity with I-2 Park zoning which were approximately the same size--one acre. Planning Commission Minutes 10 January 14, 1985 Johannes asked if sufficient screening existed towards the rear of the lot. Mr. Bergin stated that there would be trees for screening in this area. Staff responded that the detailed landscape plan would be reviewed prior to building permit issuance and that screening would also be checked at that time. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to close the public hearing. Motion carried--4-0-0 MOTION 2• Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Hallett, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Bergin Auto Body for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District on approximately one acre, for an auto body repair shop, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans dated September 1, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. 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 Bergin Auto Body for Preliminary Plat of 4.74 acres into one lot and one outlot for an auto body repair shop, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans dated September 1, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. Motion carried--4-0-0 B. EDEN PRAIRIE PUBLIC LIBRARY, by Hennepin County Library. Request for Zoning District Amendment within a Public Zoning District on 2.51 acres for the construction of a 10,000 square foot library. Location: Southwest corner of Prairie Center Drive and Preserve Boulevard. A public meeting. Staff reviewed the proposed plans for the library building and presented the Staff Report findings and conclusions regarding the proposal . Hallett asked if the Historical Society had planned space in the structure. Staff responded that the had not at this time, but that there was space available on the lot for expansion in the future. Chairman Bearman 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 'fanning Commission Minutes 11 January 14, 1985 Council approval of the request of Hennepin County Library for Zoning District Amendment with the Public Zoning District on 2.51 acres for construction of a 10,000 sq. ft. public library, based on plans dated December 10, 1984, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated January 11, 1985. Motion carried--4-0-0 V. OLD BUSINESS None. VI. NEW BUSINESS None. VII. PLANNER'S REPORT None. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Johannes, seconded by Hallett. Chairman Bearman adjourned the meeting at 12:40 a.m.