Planning Commission - 04/26/2004 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY,APRIL 26, 2004 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
BOARD MEMBERS: Ken Brooks, Larry Kacher, Kathy Nelson, Peter
Rocheford, Fred Seymour, Jon Stoltz,William
Sutherland, Ray Stoelting, Vicki Koenig
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael Franzen, City Planner
Alan Gray, City Engineer
Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Acting Chair Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Ken Brooks, Larry
Kacher, Kathy Nelson, Peter Rocheford, Fred Seymour, Jon Stoltz, William Sutherland.
Absent: Ray Stoelting, Vicki Koenig
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Kacher, seconded by Seymour, to approve the agenda. Motion carried
7-0.
III. MINUTES
A. Minutes of the April 12, 2004 Community Planning Board Meeting
MOTION by Kacher, seconded by Seymour to approve the minutes. Motion
carried 7-0.
V. PUBLIC MEETINGS
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. VARIANCE #2004-04. Petition of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Render for property at
11292 Mount Curve Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. A side yard setback variance
from 15 feet to 11.86 feet on the west side lot line. A variance from 25 feet total
setback to 21.86 feet total setback for both sides.
The petitioners Thomas Render and Jean Render, 11292 Mount Curve Road,
Eden Prairie were present. Mr. Render said that the primary reason they are
asking for the variance is because of the odd shape of the lot. The golf course has
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April 26, 2004
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a drainage easement running across the east side yard creating a narrow 10-foot-
wide setback. Mr. Render said the addition would be added to the west side of the
house because there is more room on that side, and it would keep the best distance
between homes on the east and west. Mr. Render indicated that the neighbors to
the east of them were supportive of the new addition. Alternate locations did not
work out because the south side is already 30 feet from the house, the northeast
corner has a water runoff problem, and on the north side there is the greenhouse.
Mr. Render said that they could not go any further to the north because they
already have had enough glass breakage because of golf balls.
Stoltz asked Mr. Render if he had anything in writing from the neighbors
supporting the addition. Mr. Render responded that he did not.
Rocheford said that the neighbors were notified of the addition.
Michael Franzen, City Planner, said that the application was very thorough. The
distances between the houses created enough open space. The front building
elevation architecture blends in well with the neighborhood. There are three
options for the board — there is approval, approval with modification, or denial.
Under the approval option there are items that could be in support of the variance
such as the variance does not alter the character of the neighborhood, there are no
wetlands affected, no trees will be moved from the site, the building addition
could meet code if the lot line is moved, there is the minimum separation (20 feet
between buildings)required by homes in the R1-13.5 district.
MOTION by Brooks, seconded by Seymour, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 7-0.
MOTION by Rocheford, seconded by Seymour, to approve the variances for
property at 11292 Mount Curve Road, Eden Prairie for a side yard setback
variance from 15 feet to 11.86 feet on the west side lot and a variance from 25
feet total setback to 21.86 feet total setback for both sides. Motion carried 7-0.
Acting Chair Nelson indicated to Mr. Render that he had one year from today to
put it into effect.
B. SLUMBERLAND (continued) by C. M. Architecture P.A. Request for
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Regional Service Commercial
on 7.18 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on 7.18 acres,
Site Plan Review on 7.18 acres, Preliminary Plat on 7.18 acres into one lot.
Mr. Gary Fagerstrom, Siemik Architecture, said that they have met with staff to
work on unresolved issues. Mr. Fagerstrom said that the biggest change was that
there were two buildings and now there is one building which has moved the
building further west and created more green space. Mr. Fagerstrom said that
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April 26, 2004
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they have worked with staff closely to develop a look that staff was comfortable
with which resulted in arches over the windows and some relief on the front
fagade.
Franzen said that the Board looked at this project about one month ago and the
direction was to revise the architecture and the site plan. The changes that
Slumberland has made with the plans such as putting the buildings together,
putting the plaza area in the front, and changes in the building architecture, has
satisfied staff and staff recommends approval.
Seymour asked Al Gray, City Engineer, to describe the traffic flow on this site.
Gray said that this site has a right-in and right-out access to Valley View Road
with a median in place. There is cross access available through the site
immediately to the west. When this site was last reviewed as an office building,
the site would benefit from an access to Topview Road and access to Valley View
Road. This proposal now is for retail with a different traffic pattern and the
applicant was asked to do a detailed traffic analysis. The traffic would occur at all
periods of the day and not at a certain peak hour. The timing of traffic would not
present a problem with a right-in, right-out on Valley View Road only. Gray said
the applicant, based on their analysis, decided to have a right-in, right-out access
onto Valley View Road and this would be adequate for their business.
Brooks asked if Slumberland decided at a later date that they needed the other
access, is the plan laid out so that would be feasible.
Gray indicated that it would not be possible unless significant grading was
completed. Gray said that Slumberland should decide that now or it would be
very difficult to build in the future.
Stoltz asked the applicant why they decided not to add an entrance by Topview
Road.
Mr. Paul Kaufman, Slumberland, said that the major reason is the safety factor.
Mr. Kaufman said that the neighbors had a signed petition saying that the hill was
very steep and could be a dangerous situation. Mr. Kaufman said that
Slumberland agreed.
Rocher said he assumed the road parallel to Valley View Road that goes to the
west by the office building would be a way people could get out. Gray said that
yes, that road is the cross-access between the two sites.
MOTION by Sutherland, seconded by Brooks, to close the public hearing.
Motion carried 7-0.
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MOTION by Sutherland, seconded by Brooks, to recommend approval of the
request of a Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from Office to Regional
Commercial on 7.18 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser on
7.18 acres; Site Plan Review on 7.18 acres; Preliminary Plat of 7.18 acres into one
lot. Motion carried 7-0.
C. FOUNTAIN PLACE RETAIL (continued) by North American Properties.
Request for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from High Density Residential to
Regional Commercial on 2 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on
16.5 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 12.8
acres, Zoning District Change fro Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 12.8
acres, Site Plan review on 12.8 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 16.5 acres into 3
lots, and road right of way. Location: West of T.H. 212, east of Columbine
Road, south and east of Castlemoor Drive.
Mr. Steve Johnson, North American Properties, 12300 Singletree Lane, Eden
Prairie. Mr. Johnson said that they had met with staff and they have come with a
plan that is amicable to all concerned. Mr. Johnson said that he would like to
review the changes and answer any questions that the Board may have. There has
been a retaining wall added in the back to allow for more plantings and screening
for the apartment buildings. The trees are at a higher caliper inch and are more
mature trees for better screening. There are two levels of plants as well as
conifers and deciduous trees. The Circuit City building is now on the end cap
along Columbine and Sportmart will be in the middle flanked by the smaller shop
space (11,000 s.q.) along the side. We have added pedestrian friendly light posts
along the front sidewalk. Mr. Johnson said that they have incorporated wall
sconces and have added architectural features so that the building did not have the
"big box" look. Mr. Johnson indicated that the City has required 2,770 caliper
inches, but the replacement trees would be approximately 2,507 caliper inches.
Mr. Bill Whitrock, said that they have tried to establish an implied pedestrian
zone about 12 feet wide. Mr. Whitrock said that other details were incorporated
such as canvas awnings with goose-neck lighting, additional banding with wall
sconces. The landscaping up against the building will also help to define the
pedestrian zone. The side elevation of the Circuit City building has been
extended to match up with a series of other layers of details that would help form
the focus of that elevation which would be the signs. In the back there has been
details added to the truck dock screening walls and have focused signage areas
giving each tenant a composition and a focus. Architectural banding has been
done with contrasting colors to help keep the scale and implied height of the
building within the implied pedestrian zone. There is text only signage to provide
a variety of signage. Mr. Whitrock said that by moving the building back 20 feet
there will be additional plantings and screening.
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Nelson asked if the double tiered wall would be in front of Castlemoor. Mr.
Johnson replied that the retaining wall would not be in front of Castlemoor, but
would taper down before it reached Castlemoor.
Mr. Whitrock said that it had been a pleasure working with staff and he felt that
they have arrived at a very good plan.
Franzen said that this site plan was much more challenging because there are four
frontages and the building is much bigger than Slumberland. Staff supports the
architectural changes and the plan for screening of the loading area and the
implied pedestrian zone. Franzen said that with the changes made in this plan,
staff is recommending approval.
Mr. John Mehrkens, Presbyterian Homes, 2845 N. Hamline Avenue, Roseville,
said that they own the adjoining Castle Ridge Care Center and he is representing
the apartment and land owners of the adjacent property. Mr. Mehrkens said that
they have met with North American Properties on a number of issues. Mr.
Mehrkens said that they have discussed with North American Properties the
possibility of a more comprehensive redevelopment plan that could include, over
time, the entire property, which includes the proposed development property and
the property that they control. Knowing eventually this property is likely to be
redeveloped it seemed appropriate to look at a master plan that would tie together
a single well-planned flowing project. Mr. Mehrkens said that they have concerns
if the project is approved as presented today. Mr. Mehrkens said that the three
main concerns with the proposed development is: (1) appropriate screening of the
property, (2) increased traffic along the new Castlemoor Drive, (3) location of a
proposed drive to the furthest southwest portion of site. Mr. Mehrkens said that
they are requesting additional landscaping or berming on either side of the road to
help screen their property. Also they are requesting that the southwestern drive be
relocated to match up with the entry drive to their facility.
Nelson asked that Gray respond to the possibility of the driveway being moved.
Gray said that it would be hard to respond to moving the driveway without seeing
new plans.
Brooks stated he understood the neighbors desire for more screening.
Nelson asked why there is no water fountain.
Mr. Johnson said that they have not ruled out the water fountain. They have to be
careful of the placement of any fountain. The fountain, if placed in the parking
lot, would take away parking space. Mr. Johnson said he would like to explore
this further with staff.
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Seymour asked if the visual displays included the additional plantings. Mr.
Johnson responded that the visual displays did not include the additional
plantings.
Kacher asked Franzen to comment given the issues that Mr. Mehrkens has raised.
Franzen said that the City cannot wait until both parties can get together and come
up with a comprehensive master plan for the corner, since the applicant has a plan
the City can approve. In regard to the landscaping, because of the way the road
curves, you would have to be very sensitive to where the trees are located. The
traffic engineering group would have to look at all the site plans. It may be better
to do more screening on the other side of the road.
Kacher asked if Franzen thought the concerns and issues were addressed.
Franzen said that they would take a second look at the landscaping on both sides
of the road before the plan goes to City Council.
MOTION by Brooks, seconded by Seymour, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried 7-0.
MOTION by Brooks, seconded by Seymour, to approve the request for a
Comprehensive Guide Plan Change from High Density Residential to Regional
Commercial on 2 acres; Planned Unit Development Concept on 16.5 acres;
Planned Unit District Review on 12.8 acres; Zoning District Change from Rural
to Commercial Regional Service 12.8 acres; Site Plan Review on 12.8 acres;
Preliminary plat of 16.5 acres into three lots and road right-of-way based on plans
dated April 23, 2004, subject to the recommendations of the staff reports dated
March 19, 2004 and April 23, 2004. Motion carried 7-0.
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
Seymour reported that he attended the Walkable Community Workshop and it was very
well done. Seymour thought that Eden Prairie has done a very good job working to have
walk-about space where people can move freely.
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen said that the an upcoming issue for the first meeting of May is a variance request
from the Parks and Recreation Department to add onto a storage building out at Staring
Lake. There is a request for development of the north central part of Eden Prairie and
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there will be an informational meeting. There is a presentation by Leslie Stovring,
Environmental Coordinator, on the Well-Head Protection Plan.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Seymour, seconded by Brooks, to adjourn. Motion passed 7-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.