Planning Commission - 09/09/2002 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 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
Alan Gray, City Engineer
Mike Franzen, City Planner
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Corneille called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Corneille,
Commissioners Brooks, Foote, Koenig, Nelson, Seymour, Sodt, Steppat and Stoelting.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Brooks, second by Stoelting to approve the agenda. Motion carried, 9-0.
III. MINUTES
A. Minutes of the June 24, 2002 Community Planning Board Meeting
Steppat noted a change to page seven. He would like the fifth paragraph moved
beneath the following paragraph.
MOTION by Koenig, second by Stoelting, to approve the minutes of the June 24,
2002 Community Planning Board Meeting. Motion carried, 7-0-2, abstentions
Brooks and Corneille.
B. Minutes of the July 8, 2002 Community Planning Board Meeting
MOTION by Foote, second by Koenig to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2002
Community Planning Board Meeting. Motion carried, 6-0-3, abstentions Brooks,
Nelson, and Seymour.
C. Minutes of the August 26, 2002 Community Planning Board Meeting
Koenig stated it should be noted she was not present at this meeting.
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September 9, 2002
Page 2
MOTION by Brooks, second by Stoelting to approve the minutes of the August 26,
2002 Community Planning Board Meeting as amended. Motion carried, 7-0-2,
abstentions Koenig and Sodt.
IV. PUBLIC MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. SOUTHWEST STATION by North American Properties of Minnesota. Request
for Guide Plan Change from Regional Commercial to High Density Residential on
8.89 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 15.55 acres,
Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 15,55 acres, Zoning
District Change from Rural to Commercial Regional Service on 6.66 acres, and
from Rural to RM-2.5 on 8.89 acres, Site Plan Review on 15.55 acres, and
Preliminary plat of 20.3 acres into 6 lots. Location: North of Technology Drive,
south of TH 312 and west of Prairie Center Drive.
The public hearing opened at 7:05 p.m.
Jay Scott, North American Properties, reviewed the project. This mixed-use
development incorporates housing, retail -commercial, and a transit station. The
western portion of the property is 236 units of multi-family housing; the center
portion is the transit hub. There are a number of restaurants to be added along the
eastern portion. The vision for the project was to take advantage of the existing
conditions and create amenities for commuters, workers at existing offices, and
residents. Anticipated tenants at the site are Krispy Kreme, Culvers, Ruby
Tuesdays, and a multi-tenant building with such tenants as Caribou's and Chipoltle.
As part of the approval they wish to create a signalized access. A right-in right-out
is proposed on the far western portion of the site. The parking garage will be used
by transit customers during daytime hours.
The proposed residential is 236 units, offering sixteen floor plans; 60 percent will
be efficiency, with the remainder 2-bedroom plus. The target resident is a rent-by-
choice, work-force customer. The apartments will offer a business center, clubhouse
facility, basketball and racquetball courts. There are three stories of parking,
creating two stalls per unit. The architecture of the existing transit hub has been
incorporated into the development. Restaurants will have specific design elements
to ensure compatibility.
Nelson inquired about the retail area, whether there was a street behind the Culvers
or whether it was only a drive-through. It appears to be a street on the plans.
Scott stated both, a drive-through and a pass-through. There are various directions
for travelers to drop people off at the transit station.
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September 9, 2002
Page 3
Franzen stated staff recommended approval based on the conditions listed in the
staff report. Plan changes are listed on page seven of the staff report.
Sodt requested clarification on the conditions in the staff report regarding the
residential access 150 feet east of Culvers. He asked why this would be done if it
presented a significant obstacle.
Scott stated most of these items in the staff report were small technical engineering
issues that were easily accommodated. They will meet with the planning staff to
discuss extending a guard rail. It would have a big impact on the curb design.
Currently the access is 105 feet; another 45 feet would be difficult.
Gray stated the trail will wrap around behind the guard-rail and the space is needed.
The driveway opening and curb may be an issue.
Sodt asked about the right-in to the eastern residential and why removing it was
recommended. This would allow access only from the west.
Gray noted the recommendation means do not construct a right-turn lane. The
driveway will not be removed. The purpose of a right-turn lane is for deceleration;
if it is made too small, it will not serve this purpose.
Brooks inquired about stacking on the drive-through.
Jerry Anderson, architect, stated stacking space from the window is approximately
5-6 vehicles and from the order area to the street another 5 vehicles. There will be
room for passing and for backing up to park.
Foote inquired whether they had discussed a smoking ordinance with any of the
restaurants.
Scott stated the restaurants were aware of the ordinance.
Stoelting stated he did not see a service area for Krispy Kreme or Culvers.
Scott noted they both have an independent service area. He showed the location on
the elevation. Everything is screened behind walls or parapets. Trash is fully
enclosed and fully screened from view.
Stoelting asked whether there were gates in the parking garage.
Scott stated no; the garage was not secure.
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September 9, 2002
Page 4
Stoelting noted the Shoreland Code was referenced. The staff report states
maximum building height is 35 feet for residential and this project is considering 50
feet.
Franzen stated there have been 50 feet high projects in Shoreland Areas. The type
of colors and existing vegetation are considered; the southern portion full of trees
mitigates a portion of the height. At its closest point to the creek, it is 150 feet. This
portion of the creek has no trail planned; there is more urban than rural character to
the development. There will be creek plantings.
Sodt stated this was isolated from any other type of development and height would
not have that much of an impact.
Steppat stated he was in favor of the development. He expressed concern about
pedestrian traffic.
Scott reviewed pedestrian movements. There are connections with trails across the
street and park. This is meant to open up and welcome pedestrian movements into
the site. Within the site all movements have been identified with defined pedestrian
access materials. There are defined pedestrian links from the main intersections and
walkways throughout the development and around the pond. He reviewed all of the
pedestrian movements in the development.
Koenig stated the variance for building height was likely similar to the existing for
the parking garage.
Scott stated they would likely not be taller than the parking garage.
Koenig requested review of the access to Krispy Kreme.
Scott stated straight through the parking garage as well as the primary access point
for all of the restaurants.
Sodt asked about Krispy Kreme's priority goal in development.
Scott explained visibility was important as well as location and access. Access
keeps customers coming back; this is important for all of the clients. They are
comfortable that the access is sufficient. Traffic control measures will be in place in
the early opening stages if it is a concern.
Seymour inquired about the construction schedule and the area between transit and
residential.
Scott stated the parking garage was currently under construction and will be
complete this fall. The existing bus turnaround facility will stay with the transit
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September 9, 2002
Page 5
authority. There is no immediate construction activity planned for this portion of the
site. With the overall phasing they will need to be careful they do not disrupt
existing businesses. He reviewed phasing. They will grade and update the area near
the Pickled Parrot; when this is complete Pickled Parrot will have a parking area to
use. Immediate construction is planned. The general timeline varies,but in 18-24
months residential will be complete. Retail will begin this fall with hopes to have all
tenants open in the summer.
Seymour asked about the fill area by Highway 5.
Scott stated it is MNDOT right of way; they've applied for a permit to landscape.
Most of the property will be turned back to the City. They would like to grade and
fill, then manicure the landscape up to Prairie Center Drive.
Nelson asked about the 15 foot setback with the townhomes and how far from the
street they would be.
Franzen stated it was 15 feet from the right of way line and 15-20 feet from the
property line to the curb line.
Nelson inquired whether CMU block was an acceptable material to use on the
residential buildings. She would like its use to be revisited.
Franzen stated no more than 25% would be acceptable.
Scott noted issues with soil conditions were a concern. The CMU is for structural
purposes. It is not all CMU block; there are different design elements. They have
brought in metal and stucco.
Nelson inquired about the west driveway; the garbage area is near a main entrance—
she inquired whether it would be screened.
Scott stated trash would be fully enclosed within the building and would be brought
out only at time of pickup.
Foote asked when the parking ramp would be complete.
Scott stated in October or November.
Foote expressed concern about the parking, which was minimal. He inquired
whether existing parking would be disturbed during building.
Scott stated access must be open at all times. Temporary relocation would take
place.
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September 9, 2002
Page 6
Nelson stated people are going onto the busses at all times of the day; safety should
be a consideration at all times.
Scott stated they would provide construction barricades and safety.
Koenig noted they had requested several variances; she asked about green space
and landscaping.
Scott explained green space on the housing side was incorporated; there is a large
outdoor courtyard. The buildings were pulled back for the most part. They created
additional park area. On the commercial side they were seeking waivers on most of
the outlying buildings. They are set back from the road but want setback waivers
from the property line to address parking. Landscaping and decorative fencing has
been provided.
Koenig inquired about the permit from MNDOT.
Scott stated it could be utilized in the future for expansion; the permit was
submitted by Southwest Metro Transit.
Koenig inquired about rental costs.
Scott stated there were 16 unit plans and would be priced differently. They would
be on the higher end of the rental scale. Exact rates have not been set.
Corneille inquired about closing the parking garage during the day; there would be
traffic coming in.
Scott noted it was designed with adequate parking. There is more parking than what
would be needed.
Corneille inquired about height of ADC building.
Franzen stated 60 feet for the building and 65 for the parking garage.
MOTION by Stoelting, second by Foote to close the public hearing. Motion
carried, 9-0.
The public hearing closed at 8:17 p.m.
Sodt expressed further concern with the location of the driveway.
Franzen noted it was a staff recommendation because of concern with safety and
site distance. Staff will work with the developer and forward its findings to Council.
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September 9, 2002
Page 7
MOTION by Stoelting, second by Foote to approve Southwest Station by North
American Properties of Minnesota Request for Guide Plan Change from Regional
Commercial to High Density Residential on 8.89 acres, Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 15.55 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review
with waivers on 15,55 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to Commercial
Regional Service on 6.66 acres, and from Rural to RM-2.5 on 8.89 acres, Site Plan
Review on 15.55 acres, and preliminary plat of 20.3 acres into 6 lots. Motion
carried, 9-0.
Corneille thanked the developer and staff for their work on this project.
VI. MEMBERS REPORTS
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen noted there were no projects for the meeting on September 23rd and thus no
meeting.
X. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Stoelting, second by Koenig to adjourn. Motion carried, 9-0.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.