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.