Planning Commission - 08/01/1972 AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1972
7:30 P. M. , EDEN PRAIRIE VILLAGE HALL
INVOCATION - - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - - ROLL CALL
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chairman Norma Schee, Chairman Pro-Tem
Herb Fosnocht, Secretary Wayne Brown, Roger Boerger, Ralph Nesbitt,
Don Sorenson, PatricK Casey, Mike Manning, jammie Mikelson.
COMMISSION STAFF: Robert Heinrich, Village Manager;
Dick Putnam, Plannning Assistant.
I. INTRODUCTION OF ROBERT HEINRICH VILLAGE MANAGER
II. MINUTES OF JULY 18, 19 72 , MEETING.
III. PETITIONS, REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS.
A. Doris Rice - Property Division - Near Starring Lake
B. Harold K. Sprouls - Property Division - 9150 East Starring Lane
C. Valley Knolls Addition - Bru-Mar Construction - Preliminary Plat and
• Rezoning - R1 13.5 for single family subdivision on Duck Lake Trail.
D. Ordinance 178 - Amendment to Ordinance 135 (Landscaping)
E. Hipp's Townhouses in Edenvale - Request approval of 26 unit pre-
liminary plat.
IV. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
A. W_ ind•slope - 236 Housing Project in The Preserve - 168 units -
Staff report.
B. Minnesota Highway Department's Proposal for a Maintenance Facility_
Between Highway 169 and Interstate 212 North of Major Center_ Area.._
Staff report and recommendation.
C. Komrich, Inc, - Request for Zoning to R1 13.5 for Single Family
Subdivision Located on Duck Lake Trail.
D. Elliason Construction - Request for R1 13.5 zoning of 50 acres
for single family development west and south of Round Lake.
E. Perkle and_'_Arridt' Baywood - Single Family Subdivision Request
R1 13.5 zoning - Located at County Road 4 and Duck Lake Trail.
• MINUTES .
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, August 1, 1972 7:30 P. M. , Village Hall
Members present were: Chairman No Schee, Secretary Wayne
Brown, Ralph Nesbitt, Don Sorenson,. Patrick Casey and jammie
Mikelson. Also present were Robert Heinrich, Village Manager,
Dick Putnam, Planning Assistant, and Ed Handler.
I. INTRODUCTION OF ROBERT HEINRICH, VILLAGE MANAGER,,
II. MINUTES OF JULY 18, 1972
Casey moved, Mikelson seconded, to approve the July 18 minutes
as corrected. Motion carried.
III. PETITIONS, REQUESTS 'AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Doris Rice - Property Division. Mr. Putnam presented the
proposal for the property division of the Doris Rice property located
northwest of Starring Lake, which is bordered on the south by
Research Road and on the west by Mitchell Road.
• The proposal requested a division of the 2 .3 acres into two par-
cels, 1 .3 acres and 1 acre* respectively. Mr. Putnam noted that
the property was unplatted, and the surrounding area was not
tensively developed. Several members of the Commission mentioned
that the staff should advise Mrs. Rice to build her proposed house
in the southern section in such a way that it would not prevent
her from subdividing that southern section at a later date.; if, she
would ever choose to do so. Mr. Putnam noted that this proposal
is also consistent with the Redrock Plan.
Action Taken
Sorenson moved, seconded by Casey, to recommend to the Council
the property division of the Doris Rice property. Motion carried
unanimously.
B. Harold K. . Sprouls - Pro pert _Division - 9150 East Starring. Lane.
Mr. Putnam presented the proposal for the property division, of the .
Sprouls' property located west of Starring Lane. ' . The proposal rem
quests a subdivision of the 1.6 acres into two parcels of. . 9i and..
.7 acres. Mr. Sprouls requests the subdivision with the: option.
of building a second house in the southern section.
• Mr. Putnam noted that this parcel, as well as the surrounding, area,..
is platted and that the area is thoroughly developed. Therefore--,'
the proposal is consistent with the surrounding-, area, which is.*
heavily populated with single family units on 3/4. to one-acre
lots. The Commission questioned whether or no.t:,there were 'any-
covenants to this property concerning the subditrWiding..of the
property since it is in a platted area. r
. Minutes
Planning & Zoning
August 1., 1.972
Page 2
Action Taken
Sorenson moved to recommend to the Council the property division
of the Harold K. Sprouls property, contingent upon no restrictions
against the subdivision of that lot or a restriction against more
than one unit on one lot. Seconded by Casey. Motion carried.
C. Valley Knolls Addition - Bru-Mar Construction Preliminary
Plat and Rezoning - RI 13.5for Single Family Subdivision on
Duck Lake Trail. Mr. Mary Anderson, assisted by Mr. Bruce
Anderson and Mr. Fred Haas, presented the request of the Valley
Knolls Addition approval of the preliminary plat and rezoning.
Mr. Anderson's presentation touched on several aspects of the
proposal. The proposal consists of 49 lots with a total of about
25 acres. The area consists of two exceptions to the proposal;
one located at the corner of Barberry Lane and Duck Lake Trail,
and the other just west of Du�k Lake Road. These two areas
are owned by a worian, who they have mods an agreement with,
to leave them as exceptions. Mr. Anderson noted that there is
• sewer and water in Barberry Lane and that it is about to be
blacktopped. He said that if this proposed preliminary plat is
accepted, he would like to have the three stubs put in now,
so as to save costs and manpower later when they put in sewer
and water. Mr. Anderson also noted that they have dedicated
about 4 to 4 1/2 acres to the Village as Parkland in the northern
section of the Valley Knolls Addition. He pointed out that them
is a valley bordering the northerly proposed lots, and this really
is completely unsuitable for development but would be quite
appropriate for parkland and park development. Mr. Anderson also
added that the area to the east near Duck Lake Road would be
the last development phase of the project, probably in one to
three years, according to when sewer and water is installed.
The Commission asked Mr. Anderson if he had considered any
other type of scheme for his layout. The Commission seemed
concerned about the cost of snow plowing cul-de-sacs. Mr.
Anderson replied that he had plans for a grid iron, as well as.
a loop layout, but from discussions with the staff and from their
suggestions he had settled on the three cul-de-sac layout, with
the knowledge that this would be the best design to follow. Mr.
Anderson was then asked if he had considered installing walkway
• systems, perhaps on the lot lines. Mr. Anderson responded that
from his previous experience in other developments, walkways
had not been a success due mainly to noise and littering. The
Commission responded by saying that something must be done to
keep the children off the street, especially if the park is going
to be for their full time use. Mr. Anderson was also asked why
all three cul-de-sacs opened up on Barberry Lane. He said that
Iviinutes
Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
. Page 3
there is water and sewer there already, though Duck Lake Trail
has these facilities also. Duck Lake Trail, he felt, would be a
much too busy street to connect the cul-de-sacs with particularly
in the case of the smaller children.
.Action Taken
Mr. Nesbitt moved, seconded by Casey, to refer this request to
the Park and Recreation Commission for review, to set a hearing
date of August 22nd, and refer it to the Village Engineer, the
Maintenance Foreman, and the staff for study. Chairman did
not call for vote as it was not necessary.
D. Ordinance 178 - Amendment to Ordinance 135 - Landscaping.
Mr. Handler presented the proposal for Ordinance 178. He re-
viewed Section One and noted that the "Site Plans" were to secure
minimum standards for good quality. He pointed out that RI zoning
in part (c) was left out because this procedure would not be
realistically adaptable to single family units. Mr. Handler then
said that Subdivision 2.3 of Ordinance 135 is being repealed but
that its content would be included in the new Subdivision 2.3
Mr. Handler specifically mentioned that the performance bond in
. Section 3 along with the site plans are the main scope of the
Ordinance. Mr. Handler explained that the performance bond is
a way of making developers finish their landscaping and screening
according to the plans they submitted. He then noted that the
next additions to Section 3 were just requirements, they were
flexible, but held everyone to general requirements as they in-
cluded the word "all" to refer to open areas. He explained that
the last additions which are more specific in character, were the
ones in Ordinance 135 that were put in this order for the reason
of being more specific. Mr. Handler explained that Section 5 ,
which was to be the new Subdivision 2 .8 was the same paragraph
with one additional sentence referring to previous approved site
plans that had been deleted in Section 4. He explained that he
felt it should be numbered, rather than general language for future
amendments may be possible.
Action Taken
Casey moved to recommend to the Council the approval of Ordinance
178 subsequent to review by the Park and Recreation Commission.
Seconded by Brown. Motion carried unanimously
E. Hipp's Townhouses in Edenvale - Request approval of 26
• Unit Preliminary Plat. Mr. Putnarii- presented the proposal and
was assisted by Mr. Paul Jensen, an architect from Edenvale.
Mr. Putnam first indicated to the Commission that previously the
concept plan and rezoning had been approved by the Council. He
then explained that this preliminary plat is in reference to the
changes prescribed by the Commission previously.
Minutes
Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 4
Mr. Putnam noted that the buildings had been moved a small
distance to appropriate the saving of trees as this was a con-
cern of the Commissions. Mr. Putnam also stated that four
parking spaces had been moved from the entry drive to across
the street to also save trees. He then noted a change in the
location of sanitary sewer lines due to a new Village requirement
of outside lines. However, this could be worked out between
the developer and the Village Staff. It should be noted that
these plans were submitted at a very late date, and the Commission
was quite accommodating to take action on such short notice.
Action Taken
Sorenson moved, seconded by Brown, to recommend to the Council
the approval of the Hipp's Townhouses in Edenvale, Preliminary
Plat, subject to approval of sewer and water by the staff, con-
firmation by the staff, that the building staking is advantageous
to the plans. Motion carried unanimously.
• IV. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Windslope - 236 Housing Prgjgct_in the Preserve - 168 Units.
Mr. Putnam discussed the staff report dated July 30, 1972, on
the Windslope project in the Preserve, co-sponsored by the MAIA.
He noted that the Preserve has "front ended" many of the necessary
urban services needed for residential development, and that the
necessary facilities are either "in place" or under planning/design
contact. He also added that the Village and the Preserve are
jointly providing the needed community services to the Windslope
Project, and will continue to do so In the future. Mr. Putnam
then indicated that the MAIA has assembled a development team
that will provide professional services throughout the project, and
that the physical responsibilities necessary for a successful
project are well conceived and workable. He also mentioned that
the Eberhardt Company and the MAIA are studying the "soft-ware"
capabilities needed and are attempting to determine the proper
services required in a 236 development. He added that the
"committment" is there, but the final management team is not
complete regarding the social systems. Mr. Putnam assured the
Commission that the capability of the Village to provide services
to the 168 subsidized units in the Preserve is excellent.
• Mr. Putnam said generally speaking that Windslope is in an
excellent location for subsidized housing. He mentioned examples
such as streets, underpasses, pedestrian pathways, and commercial
and employment services as being easily attainable. Mr. Putanm
then indicated that the Windslope project is consistent with the
Preserve Concept Plan. He mentioned several aspects of what
he felt to be an excellent site plan; the parking adjacent to the
Minutes
• Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 5
road, the "service court" and "entry courts" to handle usable
open space. The buildings get the maximum number of units
away from the auto areas, and the site plan is an excellent use
of the site/building relationships while incorporating the needs
of the residents.
Mr. Putnam then discussed the unit type and mentioned that there
are 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units and the buildings are grouped in
12 and 18 unit clusters, etc. Mr. Putnam indicated that two-
thirds of the three bedroom units are on the second and third
floors, which is not ideal, but were there due to the need to
"stack units" of the same size. This only affects 14 of the
units and may not be a serious problem.
Mr. Putnam noted that Windslope will provide for the moderate
income level. The proposed financing uses the standard 236
programs, and if the units are not rented under subsidy they
may be rented at market rate. He also. indicated that Windslope
does not propose rent supplement nor a percentage of market rate.
• Mr. Putnam pointed out that the staff at Eberhardt will be expanded
to provide a fill time "social program" oriented professional that
will coordinate the subsidized projects Eberhardt manages, and an
"on site" social worker will assist the resident in every day needs.
Mr. Putnam ahowed concern that no interior recreation space is
proposed.
Mr. Putnam noted some political considerations that were favorable
to the Windslope project. That being the location greatly reduces
any public disfavor (if there were any). It appears the Village
and School District will not be penalized by the 1972 tax law
concerning tax abatement, and the attorney general's ruling will
be available soon.
In summary, Mr. Putnam noted that the Windslope 236 subsidized
project in the Preserve is very well designed. Physically, the
project is as good as any planned in the metro area, market or
subsidized. The factors contributing to the physical product are
location, developers, project design team, and the amenities' of
the site and units proposed.
• The Commission emphasized the need for interior common recreation
space and asked Mr. Hustad if he could supply some additional
information, as well as a committment, to have interior recreation
space. He replied that they were planning to have this space,
but it depended on their financial situation, as they are a minimum
divided corporation. However, he said he would furnish the
Commission with more information.
Minute s
• Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 6
Recommendation
1. The Windslope project for moderate income housing in the
Preserve be approved as an excellent multi-family residert1al
environment.
2. The development plan be approved and the 10.8 acre site be
rezoned to RM 2.5 based upon the site plan and the 168 units
proposed.
3. The Village encourage the MAIA/Eberhardt joint partnership to
consider the inclusion of market rate units and rent supplement
units in the Windslope project.
4. That the Windslope project include adequate interior common
spaces for the residents.
Action Taken
Casey moved, seconded by Nesbitt, to have the Windslope--236
housing project in the Preserve be considered at the next meeting.
• Note
No action was taken at this meeting because of the short time
the information was available to the Commission.
B. Minnesota Highway Department's Proposal for a Maintenance
Facility Between Highway 169 and Interstate 212 North of
Major Center Area. �dMr. Putnam discussed the staff report
dated July 14, 1972 , concerning the Minnesota Highway Depart-
ment's proposal for a maintenance facility. Mr. Pat Chandler
was here from the highway department to answer questions.
Mr. Putnam indicated that Mr. Chandler has said the location of
this maintenance storage facility is excellent from their point of
view. The site has excellent access on and off the freeway with
little distraction to other uses. However, its location in the Eden
Prairie Major Center Area raises some questions as to appropriate-
ness of land use, size of the site limits on any proposed use
and the site is visible from three adjacent areas.
Mr. Putnam said generally speaking the concept behind this facility
is well put together. The utilization of the land is good. Heavily
• screening the maintenance facility from close view is very necessary,
and the two accesses proposed appear workable. One access at
the southerly end would be preferred. In addition, the priority
given to landscaping in this proposal, over $3�,000, is also
necessary.
Minutes
Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 7
Mr. Putnam eXpressed very strenuously that the questions of
land use of all the land between 212 and 169, are very important
ones at this point in time. The land north of the Nine-Mile
Creek, which becomes narrow and low, and the land south of
the site should be left as a buffer/open space area. Mr. Put-
nam noted Mr. Chandler concurred that the land should be left
open. He added that an agreement between the Village and
Highway Department should be arranged at the time Village approval
is granted and completed concurrently, with the building permit.
Mr. Putnam stated that the existing grades of 169 and the proposed
grades of 212 are not indicated in the plan submitted by the highway
department. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the proposed
grading plan. He also noted that in reviewing the grading plan,
the intent of the concept was to have ungulating earth berms with
varied tree nasses providing understory and canopy screening.
However, the earth berming plan suggested in the concept site
plan was not followed when the final engineering grades were
applied. The rather loose and somewhat "playful" earth forming
• of the concept plan has been replaced by a stark earth wall. Our
suggestion is that the grading plan be prepared in accordance with
the concept site plan. Mr. Putnam also noted that the drainage
seems workable, keeping it in the southerly end of the site away
from the creel:. He suggested there should be investigation
concerning the use of some of the earth forms in combination
with retaining walls to form material storage areas or pockets
that would be landscaped to more fully screen and break up the
large paved areas.
Mr. Putnam explained the landscaping proposed in the site plan
indicates an upper story of larger trees (15-25 feetin height)
that will provide an adequate screening canopy, and the use of
lower understory vegetation such as sumak will provide an excellent
visual screen. In addition, the attempt was to give a more natural
appearance to landscaping as in the concept plan. This applies
to the creel; as well as the berm.
Mr. Putnam indicated that from evaluation of the landscape plan,
it is felt that the initial flare of the concept has been greatly
reduced in preparation of the planting plan. He said using a few
species of trees, and combining them in repetitively groupings is
• not the intent of the plan. The clustering of the Russian Olirs,
Hackberry and Green Ash at various locations could well be modi-
fied to incorporate a little more diversity in nature tree type.
Mr. Putnam also added that the use of two forms of sumak as
understory is excellent, and if this is carried out as indicated
would provide a natural unifying element.
Minutes
• Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 8
Mr. Putnam concluded by saying the landscaping approach used
is adequate, and the budget should be sufficient to provide good
landscaping treatment. Mr. Putnam suggests using more varities
of trees and by using species of larger trees. He also noted the
possibility of planting areas within the blacktopped area to break
up the large asphalter surface visible from distance. In addition,
Mr. Putnam said the various B and B trees proposed should pro-
vide excellent 15-16 foot canopy screening within the next few
years.
The Commission expressed concern and asked questions on several
aspects of the proposal. The first centered on the grading and
landscaping plans. Mr. Chandler replied that the highway depart-
ment's landscape architect could get together with the Village Staff
to make corrections. The second concern was about the northern
access to the site, which Mr. Chandler acknowledged that he is
considering eliminating that access as pending the completion of
certain surveys. The last major concern was about the open space
surrounding the site. Mr. Chandler again acknowledged that he was
• in complete agreement with the Village on the open space question.
Recommendation
These recommendations include the amendments as moved by Soren-
son, seconded by Casey, and approved by the Commission at the
meeting of August 1, 1972 .
1. Since the Village may not have jurisdiction over the highway
department uses on highway department property, we feel that
both parties must work together to achieve the best solution.
Mr. Chandler feels it is possible and it is our recommendation
to wort; closely with the highway department on this project.
We feel this facility is inappropriate at this location as it is a
highly visible major interest point to the Village.
2. It is our strong recommendation that land north and south of
the proposed site of Nine-Mile Creek between 169 and 212
be set aside through easement or direct deed to the Village
of Eden Prairie for use as open space in conjunction with
this project. The limited width of the land and also its
high visibility indicates that the future use should be settled
between the highway department and the Village. The main-
tenance facility proposed provides an excellent opportunity to
secure such an agreement. Our recommendation is to have
this land remain as open space with proper landscaping to
provide a buffer from the freeway.
Minutes
Planning & Zoning
• August 1, 1972
Page 9
3. Strongly agree with the concepts of the proposed site plan
indicating earth forms of sufficient heights to screen the storage
and buildings not less than six feet at lowest elevation but
disagree with the grading plan proposed. Secondly, that the
intent of the landscaping proposed in the site plan be developed
rather than the proposed landscaping plan which is rather re-
petitive.
4. Utilize only the southern entrance.
5. The material storage areas, especially the salt or other
chemicals be housed only by some form containing structure
to insure that the runoff shall not damage the creek. Also,
the material storage areas be properly landscaped with in-
vestigation of bins using earth and retaining walls that are
planted.
6. Landscaping within the paved areas be utilized to lessen the
effect of the large asphalt and outside storage areas from a
• distance.
7. That the double row parking arrangement be moved to have
perimeter parking along the edge of the site adjacent to the
earth berm rather than at the north entrance for circulation
reasons and also to reduce the visual effect of the parking.
8. The structure utilize material in keeping with its highly
visible location. We recommend that quality exterior materials
that are not gaudy be used to harmonize with the extensive
landscaping proposed.
Action Taken
Brown moved, seconded by Casey to recommend the Council's
approval of the Minnesota Highway Department's Maintenance
Facility between Highway 169 and Interstate 212 north of the
Major Center Area with the parameters in the July 14, 1972 ,
Staff Report, t,vith the needed amendments.
Due to the need of more information, the last three items on the
agenda were reported on, but no action was taken on them.
• C . Kemrich, Inc. - Request for R1 13.5 for Single Family Subdivision
Located on Duck Lake Trail. Mr. Putnam stated that Mrs. Marks
had not as yet been contacted due to the fact that she is out of
town. He said the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed
the plat and has no objections. He added that Kemrich, Inc. is
in the process of submitting some re-draft material to the Village .
Minutes
Planning & Zoning
August 1, 1972
Page 10
D. Elliason Construction - Request for R1 13.5 Zoning of 50 Acres
for Single Family Development west and south of Round Lake.
Mr. Putnam noted that the Elliason Construction Company has
agreed to build under the PUD concept. Also, the Park and
Recreation Commission has reviewed the plat and find it to be
an excellent plan. A representative from the Human Rights
Commission stated that the Commission =would like to question
Mr. Elliason further concerning his inadequate answers to their.
questions on moderate housing prices.
E. Perkle and Arndt Baywood - Single Family Subdivision Request
RI 13.5 Zoning - Located at County Road Four and Duck Lake
Trail. Mr. Putnam stated that the Highway Department is
still reviewing the entry from Bay 'Lane on to County Road Four.
He added that the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed
the proposal and is in favor of it.
• The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Wayne Brown
Secretary