Planning Commission - 02/24/2003 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2003 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
BOARD MEMBERS: Ken Brooks, Frantz Corneille, Randy Foote,
Vicki Koenig, Fred Seymour, Kathy Nelson,
Dave Steppat, Ray Stoelting, Paul Sodt.
STAFF MEMBERS: Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Mike Franzen, City Planner
Al Gray, City Engineer
Jane Hovind, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Corneille called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Corneille,
Commissioners Brooks, Koenig, Nelson, Seymour, Sodt, Steppat, and Stoelting.
Absent: Foote
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Nelson, second by Stoelting, to approve the agenda. Motion carried,
8-0.
III. MINUTES
A. Minutes of the February 10, 2003 Community Planning Board Meeting
Corneille stated that on page 5, third paragraph, first sentence should read "Corneille
asked about the original comments made by Mr. Franzen regarding the transition."
Steppat noted the second to the last line on the bottom of page 5 should say "Herbst
was initially correct in his original assessment that the adult lifestyle homes are
important."
Nelson stated on page 5, second paragraph, line 11 should state "Nelson stated that
the distance between the homes seems close but not as much as I expected."
MOTION by Corneille, second by Stoelting, to approve the minutes of the
February 10, 2003 Community Planning Board Meeting. Motion carried, 6-2
(abstained)
IV. PUBLIC MEETINGS
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 2
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. THE ENCLAVE 2'ADDITION by Halley's Custom Homes, Inc. Request for
Zoning District Change from Rural to RM-6.5 on 4.73 acres, Site Plan Review on
4.73 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 4.73 acres into 11 lots, 2 outlots, and road right-
of-way. Location: Southeast corner of Braxton Drive and Pioneer Trail.
Daren Laberee from Westwood Professional Services presented the item. He stated
the project is for 11 units, 4 duplexes and one three-plex, on 4.73 acres. They are
requesting rezoning from Rural to RM-6.5. He said there will be a circular cul-de-
sac surrounded by the townhomes. Issues of concern are ponding, which has been
resolved, and tree loss. The topography consists of a wooded hill which will be
retained.
Franzen stated the project is consistent with the comprehensive guide plan and it
meets all requirements of the City's zoning and subdivision ordinances. Staff
recommends approval according to the recommendations on page 3 of the staff
report.
Stoelting asked the proponent to talk about construction parking and, since the
Braxton Drive and Pioneer Trail intersection is so busy, where the construction
crews would park. Laberee responded that the equipment will be parked on-site,
only the small contractors would park on Braxton Drive. Stoelting asked about plans
for screening and fencing along Pioneer Trail. Laberee responded there will be a 5
foot tall stucco fence and a large line of evergreens. Stoelting asked how the storm
water ponds will work for this development, given the slope and elevation. Laberee
responded that there will be a gutter system that will empty into the sewer system
and eventually into the pond. Stoelting asked about the road and whether it was
private and how that would be maintained. Laberee responded the road is private and
there will be a homeowner's association in place to maintain the area. Stoelting asked
whether parking would be allowed on the streets and whether there would be two car
garages. Laberee stated parking would be allowed on one side of the street and each
unit has a two car garage.
Nelson asked whether the lots on the south side of the development would have
adequate access to Stirrup Lane. Al Gray, City Engineer, responded there are 10
acres to the south which allows access to the streets. Sodt commented that he
thought there was a horse farm or stable south of the site. Gray said there is a large
horse farm in that area.
Koenig asked if the property extends to the fence at the bottom of the hill. Laberee
indicated on the plans how the fence line runs perpendicular to the south of the
property, not along the property line. Koenig asked if the trees in the ravine area in
the southwest part of the site will remain. Laberee stated they will leave most of
them.
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 3
Koenig asked if most of the development was situated on the flat area of the
property. Laberee replied it was because they tried to stay away from the slope to
preserve that area. Koenig stated it seemed as though there is almost 80% tree loss.
Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources, stated that there will be 77% tree
loss. Laberee stated that the trees are clustered and were planted by the homeowner
on that site over the years. They felt it was more important to try to save the small
wooded area in the southwest.
Sodt said that the staff report stated the preservation of the wooded slope in the
southwest section of the property. He asked the developer whether they would be
cleaning out the overgrown brush in that area. Laberee responded they had no plans
to clean up the area.
Sodt asked what the significance was of the change in zoning from Rural to RM-6.5.
Franzen replied since the density is similar to the surrounding area and less than the
guide plan, a multiple family zoning is minor since there are no road or utility
impacts. The multiple family zoning permits the concentration of the townhomes to
protect the area.
Koenig asked if the tree loss could be lowered by reducing the total number of lots.
Fox replied that by looking at two alternatives - twwnhomes clustered or single
homes spread out would have resulted in the same amount of tree loss. The trees are
clustered and there's no way to work around them, they would have to be removed.
MOTION by Stoelting, second by Nelson, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried, 8-0.
MOTION by Stoelting, second by Nelson, to approve the Zoning District Change
from Rural to RM-6.5 on 4.73 acres, Site Plan Review on 4.73 acres, and
Preliminary Plat of 4.73 acres into 11 lots, 2 outlots, and road right-of-way,based on
plans dated February 21, 2003, and subject to the recommendations of the staff
report dated February 21, 2003, to the City Council. Motion carried, 8-0.
B. THREE RIVERS ANDERSON LAKES PARK PLAN A public meeting to
review the park plan for Anderson Lakes Park
Michael Horn of the Three RiversParks District presented this item. He stated that
the Parks District acquired the Anderson Lakes Park property from the City of Eden
Prairie in April of 1981. Anderson Lakes Park will be a part of the Three River's
Regional Park Reserve complex that also includes Hyland Lake Park Reserve and
the Bush Lake Regional Park. Anderson Lakes will remain in a primarily natural,
undisturbed state with trails and natural areas. The Park District has an 80/20
development policy in the reserve parks which preserves 80% of the natural areas
and limits development to the remaining 20% of the property.
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 4
He said the trails will need to be realigned due to the impact of the Highway 169
construction and to reduce the grade. Most of the current trails will remain in their
natural state and there is one trail that will be paved. There will be a paved land
bridge connecting to the causeway at the Highway 169 bridge which will hook up
with the Tierney Woods area. The project will be phased and there are currently
funds available for the parking lot and trails. The trail connection through Temey
Woods will be done at a later date.
Horn stated there is a proposed parking lot allowing 19 parking spaces. It has a
curved drive into the parking site. This was done to preserve the tree stands on
either side and to follow the natural curve of the land. The entrance will line up
with Amsden Way.
Fox said the Anderson Lakes Park property was acquired in the late 60's, early 70's
by the City of Eden Prairie. It consists of approximately 350 acres. In 1976, the
area was designated by the Metropolitan Council as a regional park. An agreement
was made to transfer the land to the Hennepin County Parks District. Fox stated
originally the Nature Center for the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve
was to be located within Anderson Lakes Park. However, the later part of the
1990's the Park District decided to upgrade the Richardson Nature Center instead.
The project was reviewed by the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
Commission on January 6, 2003 and approved on an 8 - 0 vote. Staff recommends
approval of the project based on plans dated December 5, 2002 and subject to the
recommendations in the staff report.
Robert Karol of 8751 Bentwood Drive spoke against the project for several reasons.
He stated tree loss will cause a visual impact along Anderson Lakes Parkway. He
commented that the parking lot is unnecessary since there is parking across the
street in a shopping mall. He suggested looking into a lease arrangement with them
since it is a safe crossing area. He also felt the entranceway to the parking lot was
too long and used too much pavement. He stated flattening out the trails isn't a
good idea and it would seem better to follow the slope of the land. He disagreed
with the idea of a scenic overlook because it's a natural area that shouldn't be built
up. He said the paving of the trail would encourage bike riders to also use the
natural trails. He suggested some kind of barrier to prevent access to the non-biking
trails. He also suggested sound barriers along Highway 169 between the park and
the highway.
Brooks asked Horn how he arrived at the 19 parking spaces relative to the size of
the park. He questioned whether there were statistics or surveys done regarding
park use. Horn responded this was a standard minimum number of parking spaces,
he didn't believe it was based on statistics.
Brooks stated he favors a parking lot but he wasn't sure of the number of spaces,
whether 19 was enough or too many. He said parking in the shopping mall parking
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 5
lot wasn't a good idea; crossing the street would be a barrier and it would keep
people away from the park if they have to cross the road. Brooks said he wouldn't
like to see the trails leveled.
Nelson said she likes the wooded area close to Anderson Lakes Parkway. She asked
if the parking lot will be invisible to the road and whether people would feel
comfortable in the dark going to their cars. Horn responded the parking lot will be
visible from the street, there will be more of a police presence and the park will
close at dusk.
Nelson asked about the possibility of stop signs at Amsden Way to allow for a full
crossing. Gray responded that putting stop signs in that area would cause traffic
jams. He stated that within the next 5 or 6 years there will be a signal installed at
Franlo and Anderson Lakes Parkway. This will depend on how residents respond to
the idea of signalizing this intersection. With the completion of the 169
improvements, there will be an increase in traffic on Anderson Lakes Parkway.
Nelson asked how difficult it will be to get in and out of the parking lot and whether
there would be signs. She said she thought it might be a problem turning left into
the park at certain busier times of the day. Gray responded there will be street signs
and most of the residents exiting the park would be taking right turns back to the
west.
Steppat asked about parking lot lighting and his concern about security within the
park and partying. He asked whether pedestrians walking along Anderson Lakes
Parkway will feel safe with cars turning in and out of the park. Horn replied there
was no plan for lighting but it could be considered. Gray stated that in regard to a
19 car parking lot this will not be heavily used. Pedestrians would have the right of
way. Both pedestrians and motorists would need to be cautious.
Koenig asked how much of the trails is going to be paved and what is the rationale
for this. She commented that lighting would be disruptive in a passive park such as
this. Horn stated that the bituminous trail along Anderson Lake Parkway would
remain and the new trail would start at the parking lot and go north along 169.
These types of trails are for bicycle traffic.
Koenig asked Fox if the parking lot along Staring Lake was 20 spaces. Fox
responded that it holds 40 vehicles.
Sodt stated the plans show a left turn lane on Anderson Lakes Parkway before
Amsden Way. He asked if there were plans for a left turn lane into the park in the
future when Anderson Lakes Parkway is upgraded. Horn responded he didn't
believe the road improvements would go that far. Sodt questioned whether there
are topographic features that are the reason for the longer driveway into the parking
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 6
lot. Horn responded there is a steep grade and they tried to arc it in a flat spot
where the trees open up. It resulted in the least disturbance of the trees.
Sodt stated he would often walk his dog in this area and it never occurred to him to
park in the shopping center parking lot; he parked on the street usually on Amsden
Way. Sodt stated he sees a need for the parking area and it should remain at this
location. He continued parks are meant to accommodate a variety of people and
paving some of the trail and leaving the rest in their natural state makes sense.
Stoelting said he noticed there was a curb cut in that area and asked if the curb cut
was the entryway for the drive. Fox responded it was done earlier when the
Highway 169 and Anderson Lake Parkway upgrade was made. The parking lot was
planned for the park at that time. It is directly across from Amsden Way because it's
important from a traffic standpoint to locate a parking lot opposite a road. Staff felt
by keeping the parking lot behind trees it would remain more of a park setting and
neighbors wouldn't be looking at parked cars.
Stoelting asked about the dashed lines north and south. Gray responded with the
proposed 169 interchange there won't be any change to Anderson Lakes Parkway as
far as width goes, only the elevation may change. The dotted lines indicate how far
back the proposed construction limit on 169 will extend. Stoelting asked when the
work on 169 will occur. Gray responded it depends on the legislature. The
improvements are designated as an accelerated construction program so they could
start construction in 2004, otherwise, it will be put off for 5-8 years.
Brooks asked how many acres of County parks Three Rivers oversees and how
many parks they are responsible for. Horn responded 27,000 acres total. The
number of parks would depend on how you define a park. There are park reserves
developed on an 80/20 policy with 80% of the park left in its natural state and 20%
marked for development, and regional parks which are smaller in size but with
more development.
Don DeVoe of Three Rivers Parks Development stated there are small parking lots
in other parks with approximately 20 car capacity. Monday through Friday use is
sporatic. Use of the park will fluctuate by time of day. The parking lot is never full
during this time. On the weekends there can be an overflow of parking onto the
streets. Some cities request no parking be allowed on streets adjacent to the park.
He said they could provide statistics on the number of people using the parking lots.
Three Rivers has 8 park reserves, 7 regional parks, 3 special recreation features and
regional trail corridors. There's approximately 18-20 different elements.
Koenig asked about the reason for adjusting the grade on the trails. Horn responded
that the turf trails will not be graded; the paved trail will be. Koenig stated she can
see the value of a connected trail system for bikers and that her biggest concern was
them using the natural trails. She asked if there would be signs up to prevent this.
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 7
She asked what the estimate for tree loss will be and how the roadway and parking
lot will affect the stand of trees along Anderson Lakes Parkway. Horn responded
that they will post signs and tree replacement will meet or exceed City
requirements. He said since the entrance has been aligned to reduce impact, the
trees along Anderson Lakes will be minimally impacted.
Corneille asked about the idea of using the shopping center parking lot for park
patrons and also the timing for construction. Fox responded that if we were building
a City park users would never be allowed to park on someone else's property. It
would hold true for this project also. Horn responded that the improvements are
planned for this year.
Stoelting asked if the Board was to vote on just the parking and trail development
and not the overlook area. Horn responded it would also include the overlook
which will be a widened spot in the trail with two benches. Stoelting asked if there
is a fence between 169 and where the land bridge is located. Horn stated the land
bridge would be 15 - 20 feet or so below the highway level.
Koenig asked who oversees protection of the trees and whether the City does this.
Fox responded that when the County applies for grading permits the City would
require erosion control which would establish grading limits. Silt fencing would be
put up at that point that would also serve as a tree protection fence.
Nelson asked if there would be benches anywhere else besides the scenic overlook
along the trails. Horn responded there aren't any planned other than the overlook
area.
Brooks asked if there were any other parks of similar size in the Eden Prairie area
with similar size parking lots. Fox responded that many of the neighborhood parks
have 40 - 60 parking spaces and approximately 10 - 20 acres of usage. Fox referred
to Staring Lake Park and how the parking lot accommodates 40 cars and most of
these people are walkers walking the 2 1/2 miles around the lake. Since this park is
over 300 acres it would make sense to provide at least 20 stalls. The plan also has a
future phase for expanding the lot. Brooks asked how this would be done. Horn
responded they could expand to the south which would result in a doubling of
capacity. Fox stated there is a possibility that the parking lot may become too small
and result in overuse and overflow parking. The park staff will need to monitor the
use of the parking lot.
Sodt said it would seem when the improvements are made there will be an increase
in park use. He said the 19 car parking lot seemed reasonable.
Koenig asked about restrictions not allowing dogs in the park. She asked if that was
a County or City requirement. Horn responded that Three Rivers Park District does
not allow dog walking although they are considering a leashed dog walking trail.
Planning Board Minutes
February 24, 2003
Page 8
Koenig stated that Eden Prairie has a variety of parks and this one is meant to be a
passive one.
MOTION by Nelson, second by Stoelting, to close the public hearing. Motion
carried, 8-0.
MOTION by Nelson, second by Steppat, to approve the request for the park plan
for Anderson Lakes Park subject to the recommendations of the staff report dated
February 21, 2003, to the City Council. Motion carried, 8-0.
Corneille asked about the timing of the park improvements in conjunction with the
169 reconstruction. Gray responded that the construction of 169 will impact the
area but didn't think it would deter people from using the park.
Brooks stated it seems that most of the residents using the park will be coming from
the west.
Steppat stated neighbors will be glad to keep cars off the street and in the parking
lot.
VI. MEMBERS REPORTS
Sodt thanked Mike Franzen for speaking at the Rotary Club. He said he did a great job
explaining planning principles.
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS'REPORTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Koenig, second by Sodt to adjourn. Motion carried, 8-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.