Planning Commission - 12/10/2001 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, December 10, 2001 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER
Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
BOARD MEMBERS: Ken Brooks, Frantz Corneille, Randy Foote, Vicki Koenig,
Kathy Nelson, Fred Seymour, Paul Sodt, Susan Stock, Ray
Stoelting
STAFF MEMBERS: Mike Franzen, City Planner
Stu Fox, Manager of Parks and Natural Resources
Alan Gray, City Engineer
Scott Kipp, Senior Planner
Kirsten Oden, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE—ROLL CALL
Chair Corneille called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Corneille,
Commissioners Foote, Seymour, Sodt, Stock, Stoelting, and Nelson. Absent:
Commissioners Brooks and Koenig.
II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Stoelting second by Nelson to approve the agenda. Motion carried, 7-0.
III. MINUTES
A. Minutes of the November 13, 2001 Planning Commission
Stoelting noted on page one in section three the date listed, October 1, was a typo.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Foote to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2001
Planning Commission as amended. Motion carried, 7-0.
IV. PUBLIC MEETINGS
V. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. UNITEDHEALTH GROUP PUD by UnitedHealth Group. Request for Guide Plan
Change from Office to High Density Residential on 19 acres, Office to Regional
Commercial on 4.2 acres, Office to Neighborhood Commercial on 4.5 acres, Medium
Density Residential to Quasi-Public on 10 acres, and from Medium Density Residential
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December 10, 2001
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to Office on 5 acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 72 acres, and
Alternative Urban Area-wide Review (AUAR) on 72 acres. Location: South of
Highway 62, east of Shady Oak Road, North of City West Parkway.
The public hearing opened at 7:04 p.m.
Tom O'Connor Real Estate and Procurement, UHG, thanked city staff for its
assistance.
John Dietrich, RLK, stated the 72 acre plan will utilize density transfer to allow a
higher floor area ratio and higher density by going vertical and preserving the wooded
knoll, DNR wetlands, wetlands within the site, and creating water quality ponds. They
are working with MNDOT on plans for storm water ponds north of Highway 62. The
eastern knoll will be preserved and is covered with oak trees. A landscape plan and tree
mitigation are part of this proposal. The plan as presented is a mixed-use development
including office, commercial, retail, and residential to create a live-work environment.
Pedestrian trail systems will be included. The wetland systems have been studied
extensively. Traffic generation to Shady Oak and proposed infrastructure
improvements, as well as a travel demand plan are included. Four office buildings and
three parking structures will be built in phases.
Franzen stated much of the proposal is re-arranging existing land uses on the property.
Adding commercial is the only significant change. Saving trees and minimizing
environmental impacts, creating affordable housing, and travel demand management
are integral components. This project embodies all of the City's development and
preservation goals. Staff recommends approval as presented.
Nelson inquired about sidewalks throughout the property and bicycle racks in parking
areas.
Dietrich explained sidewalks and trail systems are included in the PUD. The specific
locations of bicycle racks are undetermined but they will be included near parking
areas and retail.
Nelson inquired about the mixed use residential/retail and access security.
Patrick Bourgier stated retail and residential access will be separate.
Stoelting asked about the high density residential and shared parking.
Dietrich showed it would take place in the retail/residential area. Each residential
building has parking beneath. Sharing space will not mean overlapping.
Stoelting inquired about the zero internal setback.
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December 10, 2001
Page 3
Franzen stated the code requirement is 10 feet from the edge of the lot line. The zero
setback to parking allows more green space as a wetland buffer.
Foote asked whether they had met with Southwest Metro Transit.
Dietrich stated not yet; the internal roadway was designed anticipating a couple of
transit stops.
Foote asked about the hotel/restaurant parking and whether one spot per room, one
per employee, and one per every three seats in the restaurant would be adequate.
Franzen said it was adequate. With small restaurants with parking at one per every
three seats is adequate.
Seymour asked staff to comment upon traffic improvements.
Gray stated basic improvements are on Shady Oak at the intersection of City West
Parkway and 62nd street. Intersection improvements and full dedicated turn lanes will
be provided. In the long run, it would be desirable to have two south bound lanes on
Shady Oak. More details will be worked out in the development agreement. 212
improvements will be driven by MNDOT.
Sodt inquired whether trails would be restricted to those who live and work in the
complex.
Dietrich stated they would be for public use and not restricted.
Stock inquired about parking ramp heights.
Dietrich said they would be four stories.
Stock asked about the three story residential backing up to the parking ramp.
Dietrich said they were different elevations. There will be 80 feet of space between.
Stock inquired about the residential units and whether they were condos or apts.
Dietrich stated at this time they would be apartments.
Stock asked about the height of office building H.
Dietrich confirmed it was a ten story building. The top of the knoll is about 1000. The
finished floor is 1025.
Stock inquired about the anticipated retail tenants.
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Dietrich stated they anticipated mainly services such as cleaners, video, and stores
complimentary to existing City West shops.
Stoelting asked about the timeline for the project.
Franzen stated portions of the project would come in at different times. All buildings
must return to the Community Planning Board for zoning and site plan review.
Foote asked whether the trails were paved or wood chip.
Dietrich stated wood chip.
Corneille inquired about wetland fills.
Michelle Crohn, project engineer, reviewed the wetland alteration plan. No impacts to
the DNR wetlands are anticipated.
Stock inquired about the time frame for development.
Dietrich said as yet there was no timetable. The project will be staged and phased.
Nelson noted she was very impressed with the project.
Motion by Nelson, second by Stoelting to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 7-
0.
The public hearing closed at 7:40 p.m.
Motion by Nelson, second by Stoelting to approve the UnitedHealth Group PUD by
UnitedHealth Group. Request for Guide Plan Change from Office to High Density
Residential on 19 acres, Office to Regional Commercial on 4.2 acres, Office to
Neighborhood Commercial on 4.5 acres, Medium Density Residential to Quasi-Public
on 10 acres, and from Medium Density Residential to Office on 5 acres, Planned Unit
Development Concept Review on 72 acres, and Alternative Urban Area-wide Review
(AUAR) on 72 acres according to conditions listed in the staff report. Motion carried,
7-0.
B. THE WATERTOWER by North American Properties of Minnesota. Request for
guide Plan change from Regional Commercial to Community Commercial on 5.59
acres, Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 5.59 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review with waivers on 5.59 acres, Rezoning from Commercial
Regional Service to Community Commercial on 5.59 acres, and Site Plan Review on
5.59 acres. Location: Singletree Lane, east of Bachmann's.
The public hearing opened at 7:41 p.m.
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December 10, 2001
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Jay Scott, Partner NA Properties, discussed the new urbanism concept. The proposed
plan contains office, commercial retail and housing connected by a skywalk system.
The property has been zoned commercial for some time. It includes 220 units of
apartment housing and a three story building off Single Tree. Housing is secured on the
top two levels. Clubhouse facilities are part of the building. Over 100 surface parking
stalls, and below level parking is included. Some covered parking is available to the
public. A commercial space leasing office, banquet center, office space will be part of
the building, along with 70% one bedroom, 30% two bedroom apartments at 750-1250
square feet. NA Properties has built these nationally.
Franzen stated staff recommends approval according to the recommendations in the
staff report.
There was no public comment.
Foote asked how long the city has owned the property and how long they had been
looking for a project.
Franzen stated the City has owned it for about 8 years and there has been limited
interest in commercial use of the site.
Foote stated he was concerned there is limited commercial land left in the City and 18
acres was rezoned to residential on the Hartford site.
Franzen noted the remaining commercial sites are small and scattered. Converting
commercial to residential land has been offset by 500,000 of new retail at the Eden
Prairie Mall.
Stoelting stated he liked the project, the mixed use, and architectural design. He
questioned the waivers requested.
Franzen noted the waivers are similar to Lincoln Parc. This site is part of the Major
Center Area PUD which envisioned larger buildings and taller buildings. Impervious
surface ordinances were adopted before treatment ponds. Treatment ponds are
mitigation for increased impervious surface. Water from this site will go from a pond
across the street into the flood plain of Purgatory Creek, not Lake Idlewild. Similar
waivers have been granted.
Stock asked who would use the clubhouse.
Scott stated the amenities would be for the residents, office tenants, and employees as
an internal amenity.
Stock asked whether apartments were single or multi-level.
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December 10, 2001
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Scott stated single level.
Stock said the building in the back looked too large and appeared as a big box. She
asked what could be done to reduce building mass and create more usual interest.
Scott said they would incorporate interesting elements into the architecture to create
different views.
Stock inquired about space between buildings.
Scott said 76 feet.
Stock said there seems to be too many different materials, and it looks busy.
Franzen noted colors in the rendering don't represent actual colors. Proposed materials
are available for viewing.
Sodt noted he likes the architecture. It compliments the character of the area. He likes
the relationship to Purgatory Creek Park.
Nelson said the amount of parking adjacent to the restaurant appears inadequate; she
inquired about the number of stalls in close proximity to the restaurant and banquet
facilities.
Scott stated a 1.75 ratio would be provided and adequate. Based upon city code, they
feel over-parked. They are meeting code and practical requirements. There are 70 stalls
within short walking distance from the restaurant. There is not a formal easement with
next door and there will be some cross-parking.
Nelson inquired about underground unsecured parking and how access would be
controlled.
Scott stated there were two levels below grade. Above grade, a secured parking with
card key access would restrict the flow of parking.
Nelson asked about security through the walkway.
Scott said only residents would have access to the walkway.
Nelson asked about the demand for one versus two bedrooms.
Scott stated these were renters by choice, mostly singles,professionals, and retired
people. This is not designed for family housing.
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Nelson asked whether the one bedrooms had dens.
Scott stated yes.
Foote said when Lincoln Pare was reviewed he expressed concern about the size; it is
big. This will be set back further and may appear smaller.
Franzen stated there are several architectural ways to address building size.
Foote said he would like to see it improved.
Stock said in Lincoln Pare the building detracts from the Watertower. There is mass
without variation, and the height compared to the adjacent strip mall.
Seymour asked whether the ceilings were vaulted.
Scott said they tried to create different heights in working with staff to add variation. It
is difficult to build these in suburbs because of the mindset.
Corneille stated he liked the urban look. He asked whether there would be pavers or
variations between buildings.
Scott said there would be a variety of bricks and pavers to add interest.
Sodt said most people want a set amount of space; reducing height could create more
architectural problems.
Nelson said the balconies have a low impact visually; more substantial looking
balconies could add some variation.
Foote asked what Stock would propose for improving the building.
Stock said she would like to see 3 instead of 4 stories and altering the roof. There is a
lot of mass and no variation.
Foote said he would like to see that.
Scott stated they are obligated to purchase it in the month of December. It would not be
feasible to continue the project.
Franzen said the Board could either recommend approval with changes or hold a
special meeting next Monday.
Seymour asked where the service entrance and trash enclosure would be from the
restaurant.
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December 10, 2001
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Scott said it was front loaded, fully enclosed, disguised, and serviced from the inside of
the restaurant.
Seymour inquired whether there was sufficient room to accommodate delivery traffic.
Scott stated the turning radius had been calculated to accommodate delivery trucks and
vans.
Seymour stated he liked the project; the second building may be too large; the roof
could be broken up.
Scott noted they will add strength to corners and balcony, and there would be variation
in the roof line.
Corneille stated he was comfortable approving the plan and trusted staff to work with
them on architectural elements.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 7-
0.
The public hearing closed at 8:41 p.m.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Seymour to approve The Watertower by North
American Properties of Minnesota, Request for guide Plan change from Regional
Commercial to Community Commercial on 5.59 acres, Planned Unit Development
Concept Amendment on 5.59 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review with
waivers on 5.59 acres, Rezoning from Commercial Regional Service to Community
Commercial on 5.59 acres, and Site Plan Review on 5.59 acres; approval to include
additional architectural enhancement of the roof, corners, and balcony. Motion
carried, 7-0.
C. EDEN PRAIRIE CITY FIRE STATION by City of Eden Prairie. Request for
Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on 30 acres, Planned Unit
Development District Review within the I-5 Zoning District with waivers on 30 acres,
Zoning District Amendment in the I-5 Zoning District on 30 acres, and Subdivision of
30 acres into 2 lots. Location: 14800 Scenic Height Road.
The public hearing opened at 8:42 p.m.
Franzen noted the purpose was to create a second lot for the mortgage on the fire
station, to save money for the city. Staff recommends approval.
Foote asked when it was built.
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Franzen said two years ago.
Foote asked whether there had been complaints.
Franzen stated no.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Motion carried, 7-
0.
The public hearing closed at 8:44 p.m.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Nelson to approve Eden Prairie City Fire Station by
City of Eden Prairie's Request for Planned Unit Development Concept Amendment on
30 acres, Planned Unit Development District Review within the I-5 Zoning District
with waivers on 30 acres, Zoning District Amendment in the I-5 Zoning District on 30
acres, and Subdivision of 30 acres into 2 lots. Motion carried, 7-0.
VI. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VII. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
IX. PLANNERS' REPORTS
A. Pumatory Creek Recreation Area Plan - Phase I
Ken Gustaver SRN Consulting Group, stated the soil borings showed a high
concentration of clay soils, causing difficulty in paving and parking areas. A revised
plan moved the parking lot and spread out the impervious surface area. The north/south
site line is maintained. The multipurpose building is in the same location. Internal paths
have been added. Construction will begin in February 2002 with fill. Phase I will
include paving parking lots, storm pipe extension, and incorporating irrigation. Phase II
will include a pedestrian walkway from Flagship, and a path system around the
perimeter. Phase III will include seating areas.
Stoelting noted on the phase I schedule site grading is scheduled from February
through April. He questioned the time of year.
Gustaver stated filling wetlands required frozen conditions on the site.
Nelson noted she did not understand why the building was still 8-9 years out.
Gustaver stated it was because of the funding mechanism. $800,000 was for the first
phase. Also the use of the building was subject to further discussion.
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Sodt inquired about the purpose of the road through to Technology Drive and whether
a road from Flagship was necessary.
Gustaver noted that access was determined before the property use.
Gray stated this access was the best solution for park use and for Flagship use. It may
have cross use.
Sodt said people may go through Flagship to get to the park. The road uses a lot of
space.
Gustaver said they will strengthen the curve and add cross walks and stop signs to slow
cars.
Sodt asked whether the future concrete walk was park property or Flagship property.
Gustaver said it was park property, and part of the trail system. The sidewalk crosses
the access drive and gets pedestrians across. The note saying connect to existing
concrete walk is the east-west. The line indicating the property line is a sidewalk.
Fox said the amenities are nothing new. The roadway system has always been in place.
They are surcharging to put entrance/exit points. The 2.5 mile trail around the wetland
complex is part of phase I. And there are limited construction funds available.
Stock inquired about the timing of the future access drive.
Gustaver stated 2-3 years. For now they will keep the existing access.
Nelson said they did a good job and it is progressing well.
Motion by Stoelting, second by Stock to approve phase I improvements to the
Purgatory Creek Recreation Park. Motion carried, 7-0.
B. Comprehensive Guide Plan Workshop Summary Report
Franzen stated he would send a summary to the Council.
Nelson said on future traffic plan upgrades to four lane divided highway, this should
go four lane undivided as with Scenic Heights. Anderson Lakes Parkway should be the
same as Scenic Heights and Valley View Lane. A four lane divided highway is
inappropriate.
Gray stated if designed in the future with or without a median, the element to consider
is the safety element. Even a narrow median such as 212- 169 east of Preserve is very
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December 10, 2001
Page 11
curvy. It separates opposing traffic. Speed limits are not necessarily raised; they would
maintain existing limits. They would create turn lanes in the vicinity of school.
Nelson said she would not mind flexibility if they could add that they would not have
the speed limit higher. Eden Lake School is close to the road. There will be continued
growth in traffic along these corridors.
Gray said the geometries don't allow for increased speed.
Franzen said the summary could be changed to add reduced impact to the existing park
and school, increased safety on the roadway Anderson Lakes Parkway.
Sodt stated in the housing section he would like to add support for keeping existing
housing in an affordable price range as they come up for resale.
Stoelting asked whether staff or the board would like to revisit the airport section based
on the memorandum of understanding with MAC.
Franzen stated the airport element will return to the Board after a final recommendation
from Council.
Nelson stated she would like to see some neighborhood commercial on Pioneer Trail.
Franzen said there can be an additional policy to consider additional neighborhood
commercial in southwest Eden Prairie.
Franzen stated that Nelson felt it was important to have a workshop on PUD waivers
and variances. It was originally scheduled for this evening, but because of the number
of items it was not put on the agenda. He asked how the Board would like to review
this item. January 14th is a full meeting.
Corneille suggested moving it to the 28h of January.
Nelson stated they could meet at 6:30 for the workshop and start the regular meeting at
7:30.
X. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Stoelting, second by Sodt to adjourn. Motion carried, 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.