Planning Commission - 03/26/2001 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 26, 2001 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
BOARD MEMBERS: Kenneth E. Clinton, Frantz Corneille, Randy
Foote, Vicki Koenig, Kathy Nelson, Ken
Brooks, Susan Stock, Ray Stoelting
STAFF MEMBERS: Krista Flemming, Planner I
Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural
Resources
Alan Gray, City Engineer
Scott Kipp, Senior Planner
Leslie Stovring, Environmental Coordinator
Donald Uram, Community Development/
Financial Services Director
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Corneille called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Clinton,
Corneille, Foote, Stock, and Stoelting. Absent: Brooks, Koenig, and Nelson.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Foote, second by Stock to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
III. MINUTES
A. February 26, 2001
Motion by Stock, second by Stoelting to approve the minutes of the February 26,
2001 Community Planning Board Meeting. Motion failed 3-2-0, abstentions Clinton
and Foote. There were not enough votes for a quorum.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. SCHNEIDERMAN'S FURNITURE by Schneiderman's Furniture, Inc. Request
for Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 3.61 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers on 3.61 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 1.53 acres and Zoning District
Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 1.08 acres, Site Plan
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 2
Review on 3.61 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 3.61 acres into 1 lot. Location:
13013 Valley View Road
This item was withdrawn at the request of the proponent.
Motion by Clinton, second by Stoelting to accept the withdrawal of
Schneiderman's Furniture by Schneiderman's Furniture, Inc. without prejudice.
Motion carried, 5-0.
B. LIND ADDITION by Eric Ling. Request for PUD Concept Review on 1.68
acres, PUD District Review with waivers on 1.68 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to R1-22 Zoning Distrit on 1.18 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 1.68
acres into 3 lots. Location: Southeast corner of Eden Prairie Road and Scenic
Heights Road.
The public hearing opened at 7:06 p.m. Franzen stated that the Board
recommended a continuance of the project at the February 26, 2001 meeting and
directed staff to work with the Developer and adjacent landowner to resolve
concerns for a shared driveway. The solution is a separate "right-in", "right-out"
access to Scenic Heights Road from Lot 2.
The adjacent landowner(proposed lot 3)has also requested his lot be included
with the project to straighten the jagged lot line. The 1.68 acres is proposed to be
subdivided into 3 single family lots and rights-of-way. The density is 1.78 units
per acre. A PUD waiver is necessary to allow a lot size smaller than 22,000
square feet on Lots 1 and 2; staff supports the waiver because the project is
consistent with the adjacent Red Rock Shores concept from 1990. This concept
did not anticipate road improvements made to County Road 4 in 1999 which
require the dedication of the additional right-of-way.
Staff recommends approval of the project.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Stock to close the public hearing. Motion carried,
5-0. The hearing closed at 7:09 p.m.
Stock asked whether the neighbors concerns were addressed with this plan.
Franzen said the concerns were addressed with this plan.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Stock to approve the Lind Addition by Eric Lind,
request for PUD Concept Review on 1.68 acres, PUD District Review with
waivers on 1.68 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-22 Zoning
District on 1.18 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 1.68 acres into 3 lots. Motion
carried, 5-0.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 3
C. ADC THE BROADBAND COMPANY SIGN PACKAGE by ADC The Broad
Band Company. Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on
91.03 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 91.03
acres, and Zoning District Amendment within the I-5 Zoning District on 91.03
acres. Location: Technology Drive
The public hearing opened at 7:09 p.m.
Franzen said Council approved the ADC Telecommunications PUD in 1999,
including 1,180,000 square feet of office, research, and development uses. Phase I
is 430,000 square feet and is currently under construction. The site is zoned I-5
(Industrial). ADC is requesting sign waivers because of the scale of development,
number of employees (2,500-5,000), internal and external intersections
(directional signs needed), and potential public uses of auditorium and parking
ramps.
Sign waivers should be considered because in terms of signs and total square
footage it is similar to an industrial park. The board should discuss whether the
sign request is reasonable; is there a common scheme to the sign and are the signs
consistent.
Mark Raische of 18616 Twilight Trail Eden Prairie, representing the sign
company, said he was present to answer questions related to signs.
There was no further public comment.
Corneille asked whether the board felt ADC had represented adequate reasons for
needing waivers.
Foote said considering the scale of the project there shouldn't be a problem with
it. The signs look nice and ADC has provided good reasons for the waiver.
Stoelting noted as he looks at the package there is not a lot of color. It appears
they are all red on a grey background.
Raische said the three primary colors in the project are a medium bronze color,
red, and white. Materials from the project would be added to the signs. The
monument signs will not be fully illuminated at night; only the wording would be
lighted at night.
There was no further public comment.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Foote to close the public hearing. Motion carried,
5-0. The public hearing closed at 7:15 p.m.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 4
Motion by Stoelting, second by Foote to recommend approval of the request by
ADC THE BROAD BAND COMPANY for a Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 91.03 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review
with waivers on 91.03 acres, and Zoning District Amendment within the I-5
Zoning District on 91.03 acres,based on plans dated March 6, 2001, and subject
to the recommendations of the Staff Report dated March 23, 2001 to the City
Council. Motion carried, 5-0.
D. BLUFF COUNTRY VILLAGE AMENDMENT by the Bluffs Company.
Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 7.2 acres,
Planned Unit Development District Review on 7.2 acres, Zoning District
Amendment within the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District on 4.2 acres,
Rezoning from rural to Neighborhood Commercial on 3.0 acres, Site Plan Review
on 7.2 acres, and Preliminary Plat on 7.2 acres into 5 lots. Location: Pioneer Trail
and Hennepin Town Road.
The public hearing opened at 7:16 p.m. Wallace Hustad, developer, presented the
plans and described the changes from the approved 1999 plan.
Hustad said the plan as approved by the Council indicates 27,000 square feet of
retail, a gas/convenience project, a park and ride, dividing the site with
Walgreens, 30 units of senior housing, 15 live-work units. The Bluff Company
revised the site plan, removing the gas station entirely. Residential replaces the
park and ride, residential and live-work replaces the gas/convenience. The
live/work will face east. Where the senior building was previously approved there
is underground parking and retail. They have attempted to incorporate the
Planning Board's suggestions with the basic plan approved by Council. Overall
there is 166 residential units and 50,000 square feet of retail. Hustad apologized
for incorrect data included in the submission of 181 caliper tree loss. He said they
were within 28 caliper inches of the approved plan.
Hustad said 11 were lost in addition to approved. In reviewing their data, two
significant trees will be lost, a 12 inch and a 14 inch that were critically located.
They would need a setback and parking variance if there were two properties but
not if it was only one property. They would like to have it as two properties.
There was a rear-yard setback issue that can be resolved by turning the building.
There was a transition issue with live/work that could be addressed with
landscaping. The building is recessed as well. Driveway access can be
accomodated-traffic generated has been reduced by nearly 60% primarily by
eliminating the gas station. A right-in right-out would be an acceptable alternative
to a full interchange.
Franzen said the Board held an informational meeting in January to discuss the
proposed use of the property. Senior housing is in the location approved by
council. The combination of seniorihousing/commercial addresses the visual and
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 5
noise concerns. Franzen thought the main concern with the trees was the view
from Pioneer Trail. There is a large tree mass along Pioneer Trail that should be
saved. The setback concern next to the conservation area is the proximity of
building and keeping the grading out of the conservation area. The front
townhouses face the back of retail and there is no transition or buffer. Staff
recommends the board discuss first whether the use is acceptable, then site plan
details. The project should be continued for a new plan with reduced tree loss and
better transition.
Bruce Webster of 9953 Balmoral Lane, said he was representing Balmoral Lane
residents. They have no issue with the structure or retail shops with the senior
units. They have concerns with no site protection from 169 at the end of the sound
wall and beginning of development. There is no drop in elevation at that point and
only a few newly planted trees. He doesn't know what can be done to alleviate
that,but it exposes the neighborhood to 169. At the west side of Hennepin Town
Road, the developer pushes the limits. The retail space is still just under 50,000
square feet and it did not decrease. The living units have increased. Green space,
trees, and the conservation area should not have to give. Neighbors think it is "just
too much" with this development.
Corneille summarized the issues of sound protection, screening at 169 and
preservation of green space, trees, and conservation area by decreasing retail or
residential.
Stoelting said in regard to Webster's comments addressing the "big picture" he
would like to know about the end of the sound wall and existing barrier near
senior units. He asked if the current development plan was impinging on the
conservation area.
Franzen said the distance between the sound wall and property is 100-175 feet.
MNDOT planted trees. A storm sewer pipe runs across the property. MNDOT
may allow additional trees in that area. Staff will talk with MNDOT.
Foote asked whether there had been discussions with MNDOT to extend the
sound wall.
Franzen said it would have to be paid for by the City or Developer.
Foote asked whether the city could now lobby MNDOT for an extension of the
wall.
Franzen said it would be worth asking them.
Clinton asked Franzen to clarify state laws relating to sound walls on property not
yet developed.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 6
Franzen said the commercial guiding of the property along the frontage of 169
was the primary reason MNDOT did not extend the noise walls.
Corneille asked for clarification on the time frame for construction of the new
interchange at Pioneer Trail.
Franzen said there was no time frame for construction. When the design is done
the right of way will be acquired.
Corneille said there appears to be no disagreement with land use among the board
members.
Foote noted the plan was better without the gas station.
Corneille noted the second issue was location of appropriate land uses.
Stoelting said he was concerned about the location of retail and townhomes still
appearing close and not enough transition. He likes the eastern side senior
housing. He is concerned with providing additional tree plantings and a sound
barrier. With the west side issues he is not happy about the building layout on the
property. There is concern with townhomes proximity to retail, more transition,
parking spaces, proof of parking, retail next to senior units and livework.
Franzen said the retail buildings require 6 spaces per 1000 square feet. 37 of 77
are in front of the senior/live-work for commercial. 40 spaces to the west of proof
of parking are adjacent to senior. The developer calculated the first floor as office.
Hustad said live/work is new territory, they used the maximum number 40 spaces.
The proof of parking, if commercial needs require, they would put in. If it is not
needed, this can be open space. They would like less blacktop. Space is available
for adequate parking. They could have residential backed up to commercial.
Stoelting asked whether they would prefer not to put townhouse next to retail.
Hustad said marketing told them no driveways or backing into street. The second
issue with commercial and residential is difficulty with live/work and financing
for senior housing with mixed use.
Stoelting asked whether the lack of transition between townhomes and retail was
because of elevation.
Hustad said at the north end it was 8 feet, 12 feet at the south end. The bedroom
level is on the garage side and 15 feet over top of roofs.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 7
Stock shared parking concerns and asked about trucks backing in.
Franzen said the wall was as tall as trucks; 12 feet as high as the roof line of retail.
Clinton said four townhomes seem out of place near the conservation area.
Hustad said the single unit townhome was adding to the product line. There is a
mix of residential units on the project.
Clinton asked about the townhomes behind retail and whether the developer
considered a plan with only 4 townhouses and 2-unit.
Foote asked Franzen about the configuration of the intersection without the gas
station.
Franzen said the 1999 traffic study determined that a full access would work
provided the intersection at Pioneer Trail is upgraded. Even though traffic is less
with this proposal, the full access may not work opposite Walgreens since
stacking, speed, turning movements and site vision must also be included in the
study.
Corneille asked about tree mass issues with Pioneer Trail.
Fox said the developer was to save the tree mass in the outlot as part of base
protection. The west side was adamant about a visual buffer and a buffer along
Pioneer Trail with large oak trees. 5 plans were reviewed. Trees remain along
Pioneer. This plan shows reduction of those, 32" oak and those immediately west
where 4 townhouse units would be impacted by grading. Both 4 unit townhomes
and live/work grading south grading go out to the right of way.
Hustad said the tree issue along Pioneer Trail should not be different than the
original approval. The 32" tree is #66 and won't be lost. Trees #85, #86, #90, #95,
#105 will not be lost. Moving townhomes away from the property line will not be
in conservation easement. If they move buildings they can save#74, #83, #84 by
adjusting site plan.
Corneille asked about the timeline for the project.
Franzen stated the project can still be completed within the required 120 days.
Foote said the big issue was transition. Tree loss on the approved plan was high.
They may only lose 11-12 12" trees but may lose more than that in mass. They
would like to see no more loss than now.
Maureen Dagan, resident, said the buildings were close together and there was
little green space. Add more green space and more transition between buildings.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 8
Patrick Hart, west side of pond. He watched trees go up down, boulder walls, and
noise from 169. Density proposed creates a village and stops noise from 169. He
is not moving into the neighborhood but is on the other side. He likes the way the
project was approached.
Corneille asked whether it could be revised in two weeks.
Hustad said they could accommodate.
Franzen said they would need a plan by Thursday so as a project team they could
view in detail.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Stock to recommend a continuance of the request
by the Bluffs Company to the April 9, 2001 with direction to reduce tree loss,
meet parking and structural setbacks, change access to the commercial site-
residential west, and improve the internal transition between the townhomes
commercial building on the west side, of Hennepin Town Road, and show a cross
section of west to east townhomes over the retail building. Motion carried, 5-0.
E. REDSTONE GRILLE by Redstone, Inc. Request for Guide Plan Change from
Office to Regional Commercial on 2.97 acres, Planned Unit Development
Concept Review on 4.81 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with
waivers on 2.97 acres, Zoning District Change from Rural to C-Reg-Ser Zoning
District on 1.76 acres and from Office to C-Reg-Ser Zoning district on 1.21 acres,
Site Plan Review on 2.97 acres, and Preliminary Plat of 4.81 acres into 1 lot, 1
outlot, and right-of-way. Location: Eden Road
Scott Foster said there was a Redstone property in Minnetonka. The goal was this
second location. Redstone offers a warm interior atmosphere with earthtones and
open site lines, music is hand-picked. The exterior is natural rock. Fountain is a
possibility. Food is traditional.
Foote asked whether there was sufficient parking in Minnetonka.
Scott Foster said the only problem was people don't come in because it looks full.
There is enough parking for the facility. They are looking at 300 seats to ensure
adequate parking.
Franzen said staff recommends approval; waivers are the same for Fuddruckers,
Extended Stay America, Office Building. Without waivers the site cannot
develop. No parking problem on city streets or fire lanes. Staff approved alternate
parking plan for shopping center. Chammps is parked at 1 space for every 3 seats.
Redstone's parking requirement is 100 spaces. There are 185 spaces on the plan.
Corneille asked staff to address the trail.
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 9
Franzen stated that all projects were required to build 8 foot trails. Part of one trail
is tapered to 6 feet.
Clinton said Redstone in Minnetonka had a big parking facility across the street;
Ridgedale Mall is used. As there are more restaurants opened in the city, parking
should get better.
Stock said overflow parking may continue into DQ mall
Franzen said a private cross access to Dairy Queen would conflict with the drive
thru. Also, the city cannot require a private cross access.
Stock asked about the layout of the outdoor bar area.
Craig Hackett reviewed the bar area on plans for outdoor,patio, open firepit. The
porch area is covered by an awning in the summer. There are four tables with
umbrellas and no screened areas.
Stoelting inquired about the clientele.
Hackett said in Minnetonka it was a 35-50 age group. There are a lot of singles on
W, Th, Fri, after work. Saturdays people come more than 1 per car.
Foote asked about decreasing width of stalls.
Franzen said reduced stall widths do not work in the winter or for retail because
of turnover. For office buildings with parking decks, reduced width could work
better.
Clinton asked whether it was the intent to have trails around the entire lake.
Fox said it was the intent of the guide plan to create a trail around Idlewild.
Fuddruckers and Extended Stay completed a portion. Eden Prairie convenience
center completed a part.
Motion by Clinton, second by Stoelting to close the hearing. Motion carried, 5-0.
The hearing closed at 8:35 p.m.
Motion by Clinton, second by Stoelting to approve the request by Redstone, Inc.
for a Guide Plan Change from Office to Regional Commercial on 2.97 acres,
Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 4.81 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers on 2.97 acres, Zoning District Change
from Rural to C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 1.76 acres and from Office to C-Reg-
Ser Zoning District on 1.221 acres, Site Plan Review on 2.97 acres, and
Preliminary Plat of 4.81 acres into 1 lot, 1 outlot, and right-of-way,based on plans
Community Planning Board Minutes
March 26, 2001
Page 10
dated March 23, 2001, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff Report
dated March 23, 2001 to the City Council. Motion carried, 5-0.
The board thanked Commissioner Clinton for his contributions and inspiration to
the Board and the city for the past 6-7 years.
V. PUBLIC MEETING
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Stoelting, second by Stock, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.