Planning Commission - 06/06/1972 MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1972
EDEN PRAIRIE VILLAGE HALL
Members Present: Chairman Pro Tem F=osnocht, Casey, Sorenson, Brown
Schee. Staff Dick Putnam, Planner.
I. APRIL 4, 18, MAY 2, 16, 1972, MINUTES. Having had two weeks to
review the minutes, Casey moved and Schee seconded to accept the
minutes as written. The motion carried.- .
II. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COPE JUNICATIONS.
A. Propose EEdenyale Third AdditionPre im nary Plat.
Don Peterson, President Eden Land Corp., presented the proposed pre-
liminary plat of the 3rd addition located in the Edenvales NW Sector.
The sector presently has trio development proposals before the Village;
Shelter Development Corporations, 236 proposal on Outlot 0 and Hipp's
Townhouse proposal on Outlots Y,X.
Mr. Peterson said that most changes from the initial concept plan are
in outlot shapes and the road alignments. The shifting of property
lines and roads are important because when out in the field looking
at the trees, soils, and terrain so the graphic must reflect what
• is on the site.
Changes on this preliminary plat from the original concept plan are:
The enlargement of church Outlot M and the reduction in the size of
Outlot L, which is limited commercial. These were minor shifts to
accommodate the uses proposed. The commercial center in Outlot L
was reduced from its original 7 acres to proposed, 3.2 acres, dLIC to
some rethinking of the center concept. The.-inclusion of a 160,000
sq. ft. commercial center at the intersection of Valley View and
Mitchell Baker Road is the major land use changed proposed.
Other changes noted by Mr. Peterson were the changing of the public
open space acreages: The school park site remains essentially the
same; an acre or two greater. The public space south of Valley View
Road has been enlarged by approximately two'acres, and the park
' adjacent to Edenvaie Blvd. in the NW Section has been enlarged from
5 % g. ac. to 6.8 g. ac. Also, a realignment and rethinking of a
trail system carried out by Bailey and Associates -has been completed
and the third addition plat reflects the new trail alignments.
The planner explained some concerns that the Village staff has about
the proposed Third Addition Plat. The first concern is the public
dedicated parkland adjacent to Purgatory Creek on 'the west, partic-
ularly in its relationship Outlots I and J. N6rmal subdivision
regulations require 100 ft. on either side of the major.,creeks in
in Eden Prairie to be dedicated for public purposes. In looking
at the plat, the dedicated lands along Purgatory on lots I and J
are belmi the 100ft. minumum. Mr. Putnam noted there would have
to be some further negotiations between Edenvale, the Watershed
District, and Village. Mr. Peterson pointed out the amount of
parkland to the South of Outlots I and J Edenvale has dedicated
for public purposes. He noted the off setting amount of land
is considerably greater than the 100 ft. required on either side
of the creek. The planner noted that these areas and Outlots I
and J should be field staked so on site determination of where the
exact public right-of-way would be.
A second concern was where Edenvale Boulevard extends Onto the
Birch Island Park to connect with Birch Island Road. As indicated
on the preliminary plat, a segment of right-of-way would have to
be acquired from the railroad to complete the road as it extends
north out of Edenvale. It was felt that Edenvale should acquire
that right--of-way from the railroad or the road should be moved
slightly to the viest to fall completely in Edenval 's Outlot A.
This matter would have to be worked out between the railroad,
Edenvale and the Village.
The third area of concern was the reasoning behind location of
lot lines of the outlo,:s.
Action Taken. Sorenson moved, seconded by Schee, to refer Eden-
vale's Third Addition Preliminary Plat to the Park and Rec. Com-
mission for review and to the staff for report. Motion was carried.
B. . Re-Plat Potions of Edenvale Industrial Park-Second Addition.
Don Peterson, President of Eden Land Corp. and Richard Reimen,
President of the National Prestessed Building Systems, are pro-
posing a modification of the standard industrial park development
in the area bounded on the south by Martin Drive and on the west
by Commerce Lay in Edenvale Industrial Park.
Mr. Peterson explained the type of development which for. Reimen is
proposing has not been built in the Twin Cities area. Mr. Reimen
has considerable industrial park development experience of a
similar character in the Chicago's O'Hara Airport area. The
proposal in Block 2 of the proposed re-plat involves small lots,
minimum of approximately 16,000 sq. ft. with small office industrial
buildings of approximately 5,000 sq. ft. An advantage of this
system is that the 5,000 sq. ft. building can be combinod into
groups of two and three on larger lots to accommodate the needs
of the users. The buildings are built of masonry; primarily
prestessed concrete. The intent of this style industrial park
is to provide the individual small industrial office/warehouse
type of user with his own building at minimal coat, in an attractive
environment. Site planning advantages can be gained through this
type of development; joint use of driveways and parking areas
effective screening of parking and loading areas from the street
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vier, and rather attractive individual buildings that can use varied
set backs to create a very interesting industrial park
The=planner noted that this proposal has some unique features not
tried in industrial parks in Eden Prairie previously. Such zoning
requirements as: modification of the standard set-back requirements,
tailoring them to the site and buildings proposed, specialized
requirements regulating parking and loading areas that best uti-
lize the building system and smaller individual lots below the
normal industrial park minimums. These factors, combined with its
location in Edenvale, indicate to the developers and Village staff
that perhaps a P.U.D. approach to industrial parks might be appro-
priate just as with other large scale land planning. It is felt
that modifying the normal zoning requirements for industrial parks
in areas such as Edenvale, will result in better planning, design
and land utilization with industrail areas.
The critical public decisions pertinent to this project are that
the replat of Outlots A and B and Outlots 2 and 3 of Block 2 in
Edenvale Industrial Park be approved in compliance with the Dec-
laration of Protective Covenance of the Edenvale Industrial Park.
Also, upon submission of fir Reimen's development stage application
for the 1st phase approval is asked at that time.
Action Taken. Fosnocht moved, Schee seconded, that the Edenvale
Industrial ark Seconddd Addition Re-plat be referred to the staff
for report. Motion carried.
C. Revised Edenvale P.U.D. Concept Plan.
Don Peterson presented the revised land use plan for Edenvale;
approximately 995 acres of which 854 are owned by Eden Land Corpo-
ration. I-Ir. Peterson pointed out that in the continuing development
of a large tract of land modifications to road systems, land use,
exact location of open space and minor modifications of proposed
use are all common occuerences. He noted that in trying to cope
with these changes Eden Land Corporation found it necessary to modify
their comprehensive plan for the area and this is the product of
modificating the July 1970 plan.
Briefly, the changes to the 1970 land use plan are; the realignment
of the fairways in Edenvale Golf Course. The original 115 gross
acres of the proposed golf course has been surveyed at 109 gross
acres today. Corresponding to the golf course realignment are
the residential areas adjacent to the golf course; their realignment
and reshaping. fir. Peterson pointed out that the number of units
within the developments adjacent to the golf course are essentially
the same or less. Another alteration is the proposal for a neigh-
borhood commercial center at the intersection of Valley View and
Hitchell combined with a church site of 4.2 acres. A major change
in the revised May 1972 plan is the inclusion of a 160,000 sq. ft.
mall shopping facility at Mitchell/Valley View in the south quadrant.
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In the 1970 land use plan the site was indicated as multiple with
a density of approximately 23 units per acre. The change is to com-
munity commercial on a 19.6 gross acres. .=ir. Parkhill , representing
f;etro Associates, presented a schematic plan of the proposed shopping
center development. The center shown was a mall "H" shaped, Jr.
department store, major super market, and related shops. 11r.
Parkhill and Mr. Peterson indicated that this was only a first attempt
at design and merely indicated the ways that the use could be handled.
The planner noted that perhaps the center could be incorporated into
the "new town" type of center, such as being developed in Columbia
or Reston. It would include more than just commercial facilities
and may provide some community service, office space and informa-
tional space for Edenvale.
Action Taken. Casey moved, Sorenson seconded, to refer the revision
of the Edenvale concept plan dated May 1972 to the staff for report.
The motion carried.
D. Kemrich Incorporated, Preliminary Plat on 13 Acres Subdivision Durk
Lake Trai .
The representatives of. Kemrich were not at the meeting and the matter
was deferred until the next Planning Commission meeting.
E. Hark Z. Jones Development Stage Proposal For Approximately 40 Acres
At The South End of Anderson Lakes Located in The Preserve.
The proposal is a joint venture arrangement between Hark Z. Jones
and Associates and The Preserve for 350 multiplt units located
south of Anderson Lakes, adjacent to the east-west parlalay. Bill
Bonner, planner for The Preserve pointed out the general Preserve
concepts of providing varied and unique housing for all incomes of
people, in different housing styles and types. He said that the
Mark Z. Jones proposal does provide housing types and income ranges
not yet provided in The Preserve. The unique natural character of
the site, combined with the quality approach to building that Mark
Jones does, should provide a very proud and unique project.
Hark Z. Jonesgave a brief background of the development of his
company over the past 15 years beginning with apartment development
in the Lake St. area of Minneapolis, next moving out into the subur-
ban areas such as Richfield in apartment developments. Today
liark Z. Jones and Associates have developments in Hopkins, Minnetonka
and now proposed in Eden Prairie. Mr. Jones mentioned the low vacancy
rates that his projects have in the Metropolitan area less than 2%.
The management company that runs the developments is well established.
Presenting slides of various projects Mr. Jones explained the atmos-
phere of his developments. The projects of Greenbriar, a 360 unit
muli:iple in Minnetonka, Creekwood in Hopkins, Edina Park and Edina
Highlands were shown in the slides. fir. Jones stressed the amount
of amenity that is normailybuilt into each project. The Anderson
Lakes site already provides beautiful physical location.
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James Robin, landscape architect for the project, briefly explained
the numerous plates depicting site data such as slopes, sun and shade,
natural characteristics and forces. 11r. Robin explained the unique
character of the marsh that extends south from Anderson Lakes as a
breeding ground for numerous wild life species. Also, the large
tree masses on the site are of very good quality, many hard wood
trees. Three distinct areas on the site are the meadows, Lakeridge
and hilltop locations, each demanding a different building style and
treated separately.
Herb Baldwin, the Preserves original site planner, briefly explaned
how this proposal has taken shape using many diverse disciplines and
blending them all together in a 4vell sited project. Mir. Baldwin
expressed the importance of a quality development on this sensitive
site, and he felt that this development would accomplish that goal .
Richard Schwartz, project architect, discussed the various building
types at each of the four locations. The north Lakeridge units are
small scale, two or three story multiple units, ranging from 10 to
16 dwelling units per building. These units would have individual
entrances with thorough building units. Garages v-,ould be provided.
The Meadows, located south of the Lakeridge area, adjacent to the
east-crest parkway, has 2 and 22 buildings with approximately 30 to
50 units per building. These units would have clustered entry ways
with stairways to the second and third levels. The units are grouped
into a pinwheel shaped building providing good exposure for each
apartment. Garages are provided on this site. The South Slope
is the southerly building on the %illtop location. This building
would be a large, 92 unit, double loaded corridor, three story
apartment building. The building would use the slope and views to
blend in with the natural surroundings. The units in this building
would be of moderate rent in comparison to the higher priced hilltop
luxury building. Adjacent to this building is the commons area
which would have the recreational and office facilities for the
project. The size of the south slope building is approximately 1 ,000
feet in length when viewed from the east-►nest parkway. Parking
for this building will be provided in a ramp structure and ongrade
just north of the building. The Hilltop building which has 78 units
in the luxury rent category is located east of the marsh overlooking
Anderson Lakes. Again, this structure is a three story, double loaded
corridor, security system building viith such built in amenities as
pool, party room, and very spacious apartment units. The hilltop
unit will also have underground parking, will be provided necessitating
high rents.
Dr. Al Jones, naturalist for the project, explained the significance
of the marsh in the center of the project. It is a nesting grounds
and a supportive function for the Anderson Lakes wildlife area. In
Dr. Jones environmental report he notes the existence of various
species of wildlife that inhabit the area and the importance of
preserving their habitate. He felt that the alteration of the initial
plan that by moving tennis courts and other recreational activities
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does enhance and preserve the wildlife in the marsh areas.
George Carter, president of Carter Gertz, recently returned from
extended travel , explained the significance of this joint venture
to The Preserve and Eden Prairie. fir. Carter pointed out that the
idea of a "critical mass" or development impact is very neceasary
for the Preserve's continued existence. This project will be at
the entrance to The Preserve for the next few years and is very
important to the image of The Preserve. The upgrading of Amsden
Road and building the east-west parkway is a good indication of
the significance at the site. Mr. Carter mentioned the importance
of creating something exciting and he felt that through a joint
venture with The Preserve and Plark Z. Jones, that this project
would satisfy that goal.
Mr. Carter mentioned the increase in the units per acre figure from
the initial concept plan, but felt that this increase was justified
and was consistent with the concept of The Preserve; the preservation
of major open spaces for the benefit of all . Along this line Mr.
Carter mentioned the importance of the "Rhino Head Park" to the
metropolitan area as a wonderful wildlife sanctuary. He stressed the
importance of the inner workings of the Neil Lake, Purgatory Creek,
the Rhino Head and Anderson Lakes area in the ecological cycle of
species.
The planner noted the conflicts that exist between the proposed
Hark Z. Jones development and the Anderson Lakes Tearney's Woods
1972 Lawcon application park plan. The 1972 Lawcon park grant appli-
cation was submitted to.thd Federal Government in May and including
the land that is now under consideration for this project, also
adjacent lands not owned by the Preserve east and north of this
project. The reason for including these lands in the grant app-
lication was to provide service and supportive space for the "Rhino
Head" area that fir. Carter mentioned as a natural wildlife area.
An area of conflict exists between the initial preserve concept
plan which indicates the moorings site as a medium density residential
as proposed and the Lawcon application plan which indicates the
land as park. It was noted that we have a situation that requires
further study and negotiation to resolve the proposed use of the
area. The planner suggested that the moorings proposal be referred
to the Park and Rec. Commission for further study and recommendations.
Action Taken. Brown moved and Schee seconded that the Moorings
proposal by Park Z. Jones be referred to the Park and Rec. Com-
mission at their next meeting for review and study and that a report
by the staff and Park and Rec. Commission be made as soon as
possible. The motion carried.
III. RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS
A. St. John's Woods Review of First Stage Development & Preliminary
Plat.
The planner discussed the staff report dated flay 29, 1972 on the
first phase preliminary plat of 8.36 acres. He noted the continuing
megotiations with Mr. Burry regarding the morrain and tree line
west of the site, and that the agreement was being completed to
preserve the morrain. Also, noted was the Baker Road upgrading
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and the proposed alignment indicated in the approved concept plan
for St. John's floods. In recent conversations with the highway
department there is .concern about the approved alignment using
IS and 12 degree curves for Baker Road. The county does not
have final designs but requires less than l6o curves on arterial
streets. The eventual realignment of Baker will not affect the
St. John Woods first phase proposal . Car. Putnam noted that the
later phases of the project may require modification due to this
recent change in the Baker Alignment.
Action Taken. Schee moved, seconded by Brown, to recommend the
preliminary plat of E.36 acres, the first phase of St. Johns Woods
for approval to the Council. The motion carried.
B. Shelter Development Corporation. Briarhill 236 Development Edenvale.
The Human Rights Commission has received the Briarhill brochure and
has had a chance to review this proposal before the meeting. h1olf
Penzel , read a statement by the Human Rights Commission saying that
they agreed in concept and felt that this project was a necessary
and good step in providing a wide range of housing opportunities in
Eden Prairie; and that the minor revisions should not hinder the
acceptance of the housing concept.
Jay Van Dyke from ililler, Melby and Hanson Architects for the
project, discussed the changes in the site plan suggested at the
last meeting. The changes were: balconies overlooking the garage
doors have been revised to better provide acceptable v•ievis. Also,
the garages which initially were large blocks have been broken up
into single garages and moved to create courtyards between the
units and garage and to provide a more intimate, personal space
for each ground floor unit. Another detailed change was the roof
lines in Burnsville units have been modified to include more over-
hang on each building. A major modification was the site plan and
alignment of buildings with regards to natural features of the site.
The northeastern end of the project with the large ridge and grove
of trees has been respected by moving the buildings to the west.
Also, the southwest corner where there is a large grove of trees
the buildings were modified from apartment to townhouse units to
take advantage of the wooded character. Another change in the site
plan was the modification of the parking and building alignments
to "loosen up" the regimented character pointed out initally.
Also, the entry has been changed by opening it up and providing
greater elevations to break up the view of parking as you enter.
In response to the concern for ground floor one bedroom units
that elderly people may use, (•fir. Van Dyke discussed hove on each
end of the apartment buildings have one bedroom units and some
two bedroom units. This was done to (1 ) fulfill the required
standards for handicapped persons under the new state statutes and
(2) to respond to the concern voiced by the Planning Commission
iembers at the last meeting. A total of 3 units out of the 126
units were brought down to grade level ; the 4 one bedroom and 4
two bedroom units.
The movement of buildings away from the southeast edge of the
project closest to the railroad is very noticeable in the revised
site plan. Also, the tot lot area has been moved from this south-
erly location. The planner walked the site with Carty Jessen and
Paul Jensen to determine the extent to which screening or fencing
viould be required along the railroad right of way. Preliminary
examination of this site indicates that some screening or fencing
would be needed along the southeast edge of the site but as one
goes north along the lot line the underbrush slope and distance
from the railroad track provides a sufficient buffer. Mr. Putnam
also said the grove and ridge of trees on the northerly edge of
the site provides an excellent pathway environment as one moves
north along the site.
The question of elderly residents and the appropriateness of the
gallery exterior corridors was again brought up. Some of the sug-
gestions involved putting in glass partitions between the eave and
the gallery railing to provide all weather types of access.
Another question raised was a continuation of the last sessions
meeting where the advisability of elderly people using the third
floor units was questioned. Dick Bienapfl and Mike Carroll from
Shelter discussed the type of tenant and the proportion that would
be expected in each group. They felt that there would not be a
• large proportion of elderly people that could not use these units
in Eden Prairie. It was noted that over 20% of the units rented
in the 236 projects in Minneapolis have elderly tenants. 1,1r.
Bienapfl felt that this would not apply in Eden Prairie and that
the population of elderly today is only three percent in Eden
Prairie. Again, their is a great concern by members of the Planning
Commission and Human Rights Commission about this particular point.
A question regarding the management policy and the programs sug-
gested to the brochure was asked which Per. Carroll responded to.
The programs as normally used are not additional charge such as:
bingo games, card parties, pot luck suppers or whatever, but only
provided at the resident's requests. Other functions such as base-
ball games or football games would be something that the residents
would pay for and would be such things as a minimum bus charge
and then the game tickets. Mr. Carroll stressed that Shelter does
not go in an impose programs on anyone, but only provides the
personnel to organize and the area to meet the needs of the residents.
It is up to the resident to initiate many programs and determine
what their group wants to do. Hence, it can be tailored to the
type of residents in the building.
11r. Bienapfl briefly explained the state law regarding taxation of
this project. The potential 5% tax of full and true value rather
than the 20% which is normal for subsidized projects. This matter
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is discussed in the Shelter brochure and will be resolved as soon
as possible and a report will be made by the staff regarding this
Eden Prairie particular situation.
Mr. Bienapfl hoped that the Chancelor Manor project in Burnsville,
which is very similar to Eden Prairie's Briarhill 's project, would
be ready for inspection before the next meeting and a trip for Park
and Rec. Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Planning Commission
would be scheduled before that time.
Action Taken. The revised proposal for Briarhill was referred to the
staff for review and a staff report by the next Commission meeting.
C. Village School District Joint Site Analysis Study Progress Report.
Regarding the late hour, the report of this study was deferred to
the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 11 :35 P.h.
Respectfully submitted,
I-Jayne Brown, Secretary
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