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Planning Commission - 03/25/1985 AGENDA EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, March 25, 1985 School Board Meeting Room 7:30 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Ed Schuck, Julianne Bye, Christine Dodge, Virginia Gartner, Robert Hallett, Stan Johannes, Dennis Marhula STAFF MEMBERS: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; Michael Franzen, Senior Planner; Kate Karnas, Administrative Assistant Pledge of Allegiance--Roll Call I. APPROVAL OF AGENDA II. MEMBERS REPORTS III. MINUTES IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. BRYANT LAKE BUSINESS CENTER, PHASE II, by Welsh Companies, Inc. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Regional Commercial to Industrial, Zoning District Change from C-Regional to I-2 Park for 7.96 acres, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 7.96 acres into two lots for construction of three office/warehouse buildings. Location: South of Valley View Road, East of Market Place Drive. A continued public is hearing. B. PRIMETECH PARK PHASE I, by MRTT Joint Venture. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on approximately 20 acres and Planned Unit Development District Review and Zoning District Amendment from I-2 Park to Office on 2.46 acres for a 31,500 sq. ft. office building. Location: North of Shady Oak Road, East of City West Parkway. A public hearing. C. EDEN PRAIRIE TECHNOLOGY PARK III, by Technology Park Associates. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Industrial/High Density Residential to Office on 19.65 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept for 68.36 acres for Office and Office/Showroom uses, and Environmental Assessment Worksheet Review on 68.36 acres. Location: South and East of Valley View Road, West of Washington Avenue, North of Viking Drive. A public hearing. D. VALLEY GATE, by Sigmund and Herliev Helle. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District on 4.18 acres, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, for an office/warehouse building. Location: Southeast quadrant of Valley View Road and future Golden Triangle Drive. A public meeting. V. OLD BUSINESS VI. NEW BUSINESS • A. CDBG Funding Year XI Allocation VII. PLANNER'S REPORT VIII. ADJOURNMENT MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, March 25, 1985 School Board Meeting Room 7:30 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Ed Schuck, Julianne Bye (8:15 p.m.), Christine Dodge, Virginia Gartner, Dennis Marhula MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Hallett, Stan Johannes STAFF PRESENT: Chris Enger, Director of Planning; 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 Dodge, to adopt the agenda as printed. . Motion carried--4-0-0 II. MEMBERS REPORTS Gartner reported that she had attended a meeting regarding Highway #212. She stated that the alignment was changed to route through the School Addition and north of Riley Lake, not as currently shown on the Comprehensive Guide Plan. Because of the revised alignment, changes to the Comprehensive Guide Plan may be necessary in several areas. III. MINUTES MOTION: Motion was made by Marhula, seconded by Dodge, to adopt the minutes of the March 11, 1985, Planning Commission meeting as printed. Motion carried--3-0-1 (Gartner abstained) IV. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. BRYANT LAKE BUSINESS CENTER, PHASE II, by Welsh Companies, Inc. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Regional Commercial to Industrial, Zoning District Change from C-Regional to I-2 Park for 7.96 acres, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, and Preliminary Plat of 7.96 acres into two lots for construction of three office/warehouse buildings. Location: South of Valley View Road, East of Market Place Drive. A continued public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes 2 March 25, 1985 • At its March 11, 1985, meeting, the Planning Commission continued this item pending resolution of matters involving screening and landscaping, access to Valley View Road, and use of a portion of the right-of-way of the Hennepin County Highway Department along Valley View Road and a portion of right-of- way of the State Department of Transportation along Highway #169 for construction of berms for screening of parking and loading areas from public roads. Since that time, proponents had met with Staff to discuss amendments to the plans. Planner Enger reported that there were still details unresolved at this time. He stated that the issue regarding the eastern-most access from Valley View Road was still a concern. The screening issues had nearly all been mitigated and would be resolved prior to Council review of the project. Mr. Dennis Doyle, proponent, stated that proponents were expecting a letter of approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding use of their right-of-way for screening from Highway #169. He added that proponents were still negotiating with Hennepin County regarding which of the three access points would be allowed for the property. Mr. Dennis Mulvey, architect for proponent, stated that revisions had been made to provide for all the parking spaces required by Code. The total square footage for the structures had been reduced by 1,000 sq. ft. and • "proof-of-parking" had been shown on the plans for 21 spaces. Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the audience. There were none. Marhula asked if the changes would be made prior to the Council 's review of the project. Mr. Doyle stated that there would be no difficulty in accomplishing the changes by that time. Marhula asked Staff to review the requested Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment requested by the proponents. Planner Enger explained that it may be appropriate to complete this area of the City as I-2 Park, as this was the only remaining parcel in this vicinity subject to the pressure of change from "high-tech" businesses. He stated that he did not feel it would be appropriate to leave the area guided for Regional Commercial use, when the uses were more industrial by nature as it may place pressure on lands within the Major Center Area to allow for more industrial-type uses in areas the City had intended for pure office. There would be a danger of setting a precedent for allowing more industrial-type uses in these areas, if the City did not choose to change the Comprehensive Guide Plan designation for this parcel for the uses proposed. Dodge asked if the Comprehensive Guide Plan change proposed for this property would make it possible for more manufacturing uses to be placed within these structures. Planner Enger stated that the underlying zoning district of I-2 Park allowed such industrial uses to occur and the it was • the underlying zoning district which controlled the uses allowed on the property. Chairman Schuck stated that he felt that the manner in which the buildings were proposed with interior finished space, office character to the exterior Planning Commission Minutes 3 March 25, 1985 • finishes, etc., dictated more what types of uses would be attracted to these structures. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Marhula, seconded by Dodge, to close the public hearing. Motion carried--3-0-1 (Gartner abstained) MOTION 2: Motion was made Marhula, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Welsh Companies, Inc., for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Regional Commercial to Industrial , based on revised plans dated March 22, 1985, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 8, and Staff memorandum dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--3-0-1 (Gartner abstained) MOTION 3: Motion was made by Marhula, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Welsh Companies, Inc., for Zoning District Change from C-Regional to I-2 Park for 7.96 acres, with variances • to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, for construction of three office/warehouse buildings, based on revised plans dated March 22, 1985, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 8, and Staff memorandum dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--3-0-1 (Gartner abstained) MOTION 4: Motion was made by Marhula, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Welsh Companies, Inc., for Preliminary Plat of 7.96 acres into two lots for construction of three office/warehouse buildings totalling no more than 91,000 sq. ft., based on revised plans dated March 22, 1985, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 8, and Staff memorandum dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--3-0-1 (Gartner abstained) B. PRIMETECH PARK PHASE I, by MRTT Joint Venture. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on approximately 20 acres and Planned Unit Development District Review and Zoning District Amendment from I-2 Park to Office on 2.46 acres for a 31,500 sq. ft. office building. Location: North of Shady Oak Road, East of City West Parkway. A public hearing. Mr. David Broesder, architect for proponents, reviewed the site characteristics and features of the proposed site plan with the Commission. Planner Enger reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report regarding the project. The only issue of concern was the need for Planning Commission Minutes 4 March 25, 1985 additional sidewalks on the parcel to connect to existing sidewalks within the Primetech development. Marhula asked why the sidewalks were proposed to be seven feet in width. Planner Enger explained that, for the sidewalks located adjacent to parking areas, the additional width was for purposes of allowing for overhang of the cars across the sidewalks, while still allowing the normal five-foot width for pedestrian use. Staff stated that they were willing to consider other technical solutions to this problem; however, it had been determined that a two-foot wide grass strip would not work. Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the audience. There were none. MOTION 1: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Dodge, to close the public hearing. Motion carried--4-0-0 MOTION 2: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of MRTT Joint Venture for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on approximately 20 acres for an office building, based on plans and written materials dated March 8, 1985, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--4-0-0 MOTION 3: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of MRTT Joint Venture for Planned Unit Development District Review Amendment of approximately 6.0 acres and Zoning District Change from I-2 Park to Office for 2.46 acres, for an office building, based on plans and written materials dated March 8, 1985, subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--4-0-0 (Bye arrived at 8:15 p.m) C. EDEN PRAIRIE TECHNOLOGY PARK III, by Technology Park Associates. Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment from Industrial/High Density Residential to Office on 19.65 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept for 68.36 acres for Office and Office/Showroom uses, and Environmental Assessment Worksheet Review on 68.36 acres. Location: South and East of Valley View Road, West of Washington Is Avenue, North of Viking Drive. A public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes 5 March 25, 1985 • Mr. Mike Gair, representing proponent, reviewed the site characteristics and proposed development of the property. He explained where various uses were proposed on the site and where natural features and major public utilities and facilities would be located. Mr. Gair stated that the project was proposed for less than a 0.30 floor area ratio overall . Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the Staff Report regarding the project. Of major concern were traffic volumes, traffic patterns, and the location of Golden Triangle Drive through the property. Planner Enger stated that the Staff Report recommendation for a reduction in the amount of traffic generated from the site did not necessarily mean that the amount of square footage needed to be reduced. He pointed out that this could be accomplished in several different ways, including, a different mix of land uses, ride-sharing programs or transportation management, variation in the hours of operation of the uses, or by controlling the occupancy of the structures. All of these methods would have a positive impact towards traffic reduction. Planner Enger stated that the proposed uses were consistent with the . Comprehensive Guide Plan, adding that the final land use designations could remain open at this time. For example, a final user with a corporate headquarters structure, or a research and development use, could affect traffic volumes. Marhula asked if traffic had been evaluated for the major office project south of this site. Staff responded that it would be at the time of review of their proposal . Submittal of that proposal was expected soon. Mr. Brad Hoyt, proponent stated that he felt it would be difficult to relocate Golden Triangle Drive through,,the property in a manner which would save the hill in the south-central portion of the site and allow for adequate lot depths for office sites along the southwest portions of the property. He stated that he had discussed this with his engineers and that an alternative plan relocating the road 50 ft. to the west had been offered. Mr. Hoyt stated that, in his opinion, this was the greatest amount of relocation possible to meet both the needs of the City for saving the hill and the needs of proponents for adequate lot sizes to the west of the road. Mr. Hoyt stated that he felt the proposed development to the south, which was largely office, would be the largest generator of traffic for this area. He pointed out that the volume of development allowed on this site and the mix of uses which would be proposed, were not under his control for the property to the south. However, they would be using the roads through his property. • Regarding extension of Smetana Lane as proposed by the draft traffic study for the area, Mr. Hoyt stated that he did not feel extension of the road was necessary for this development. Staff stated that they would be interested in reviewing the proposed Planning Commission Minutes 6 March 25, 1985 • realignment of Golden Triangle Drive 50 ft. to the west and that they would be willing to review the possibilities of elimination of the extension of Smetana Lane. However, it would be incumbent upon proponents to refute the information provided by the traffic engineers in the draft of the traffic study done for the City. Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the audience. There were none. Marhula stated that he felt there were several issues yet to be resolved for this major project including the alignment of Golden Triangle Drive, extension of Smetana Lane, and a possible 20% reduction in traffic volume, and that perhaps the item should be postponed to allow resolution of these issues. Chairman Schuck stated that he felt that Golden Triangle Drive should be moved as far west as possible for purposes of maintaining the hill in the south-central portion of the site. Gartner concurred. Marhula stated that he felt the land uses proposed were appropriate for the property, if the traffic issues could be resolved. MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Bye, to continue the public hearing to the meeting of April 8, 1985, to allow Staff and proponents additional time to resolve issues raised at this meeting. Motion carried--5-0-0 D. VALLEY GATE, by Sigmund and Herliev Helle. Request for Zoning District Amendment within the I-2 Park District on 4.,18 acres, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, for an office/warehouse building. Location: Southeast quadrant of Valley View Road and future Golden Triangle Drive. A public meeting. Mr. Sigmund Helle, proponent, reviewed the site plan features with the Commission. He stated that one of their major concerns in design of the structure was the view of the building from Valley Place Offices, an existing project to the east. Mr. Helle stated that they had prepared the plans to screen from the exisitng building and from Valley View Road. Planner Franzen reviewed the findings and recommendations of the . Staff Report regarding the project. Marhula asked about the variances proposed for setback from Valley View Road. Planner Franzen responded that, if adequate screening could be achieved, the variances could be justified for this project. Marhula also asked about the access points to the site. Planner Franzen responded that one access aligned directly across the street from an existing access to another project; the other had been determined to have adequate sight vision distance to provide safe access. Mr. George Hoff, attorney for proponents, questioned the requirement for Planning Commission Minutes 7 March 25, 1985 additional landscaping based on Code amendments which had not yet been adopted. Planner Enger responded that the Planning Commission had already reviewed the proposed change in the Code, recommending approval to the City Council . He added that Staff had determined that it was likely the amendment to the landscaping section of the Code would be adopted by the time proponents requested their building permit; therefore, the condition was included in the Staff Report to provide proponents as much notice as possible regarding the future requirements. Marhula asked if reduction in the amount of the square footage of the structure would alleviate the need for the variances requested. Staff responded that it would. Chairman Schuck asked for comments and questions from members of the audience. There were none. MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Dodge, to recommend to the City Council approval of the request of Sigmund and Herliev Helle for Zoning District Amendment within I-2 Park District for 4.18 acres for an office/warehouse building, with variances to be reviewed by the Board of Appeals, based on plans and written materials dated March 5, 1985, subject • to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 22, 1985. Motion carried--5-0-0 V. OLD BUSINESS None. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. CDBG Funding Year XI Allocations The Commission discussed projects proposed for funding of Year XI Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies to be allocated to the City of Eden Prairie. Staff had provided a list of several items for consideration. Gartner stated that she felt the requested allocation for child care should be considered, and that she agreed with the need stated by the Human Rights and Services Commission for funding of this item. Bye stated that she agreed with the need in the area of child care and stated that she also felt funds should be allocated toward scattered site housing. Gartner added that she felt the roof repair for the Senior Center should be taken care of with these funds. Planner Enger stated that the Director of • Community Services had stated that, sooner, or later, a new Senior Center building would be necessary; therefore, he was hesitant to recommend too much investment into the structure. Gartner stated that she felt a roof in need of repair was a dangerous situation, which should be corrected. Planning Commission Minutes 8 March 25, 1985 Marhula asked how many families might be helped by the proposed allocation to the child care program. Staff responded that approximately five to seven children would benefit from such a program. Bye stated that she felt it would be better to fund even a few families, rather than force the working parents into a situation where they must stay at home to take care of their children themselves and be on other Welfare programs, as well , instead of working. The Commission asked for additional information about the proposed program for scattered site housing. Planner Enger explained that this program would allow for families to receive a subsidy in order to allow them to qualify for home ownership within the community. Other items which had been recommended by the Planning Commission for funding in the past and were recommended for funding again included: the Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly program and the Comprehensive Guide Plan Update. MOTION: Motion was made by Gartner, seconded by Bye, that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council funding of the following items with Year XI CDBG monies: Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly ($2,700), • Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association ($9,000), Comprehensive Guide Plan Update ($14,000), Scattered Site Housing ($31,300), and Senior Center Improvements ($15,000). Motion carried--5-0-0 VII. PLANNER'S REPORT None. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION TO ADJOURN was made by Marhula, seconded by Gartner. Chairman Schuck adjourned the meeting at 11:00 p.m.