HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/2002CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 20, 2002
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Karen
Edgeton at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Karen Edgeton, Tom Melander, Jeannine Churchill, John Bergman, Jim
Hadley, David Schindler
Members Absent: Tim Burke
Staff Present: City Engineer Keith Gordon, City Attorney Sharon Hills, City Planner Tom
Lovelace, Assistant Planner Kathy Bodmer, Assistant Planner Mazgazet Milton Dykes, Community
Development Director Rick Kelley
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
0.
MOTION: Melander moved, seconded by Hadley, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 6-
3, APPROVAL OF JANUARY 16, 2002 MINUTES
MOTION: Churchill moved, seconded by Bergman, to approve the minutes as presented. The
motion carried 4-0 (2 abstentions-Hadley, Schindler)
4. CONSENT ITEMS -None -
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Hawthorne -- Rezoning (A to PD), Preliminary Plat (15 Condominium Lots, 284
Townhouse Lots, One Common Lot), Site Plan Review/Building Permit Authorization for 374
Multiple-Family Residential Townhouse Units
Chair Karen Edgeton opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. with the standazd remarks. Assistant
Planner Kathy Bodmer introduced the item, noting there aze three housing types proposed. Bodmer
stated the city's traffic consultant will review the plan, and that there is adequate parking shown.
Melander asked if the Fire Department had reviewed the teardrop cul-de-sac. Bodmer noted that
the city engineer has reviewed it.
Bergman queried whether the pone would always have water in it, and whether it would be
aerated. City Engineer Keith Gordon said that they are being pulled in two different directions: (1)
infiltrate as much as possible; (2) residents like to live on a body of water. He went on to say the pond
has been designed to incorporate 3 1/2 to 4 feet of water in the pond. The pond will be lined to insure
water will stay in it Also, between the liner and outlet would be two vertical feet on the side of the
pond that would soak away the water. Only in severe storms would water leave the outlet. Gordon
also noted that the city does not require aeration, but that he understood that the developer was
planning to install aerators.
Larry Frank, project manager of Arcon, stated they are working with Ryland on this development.
He introduced Chris Enger, resource manager for Ryland. Enger reviewed the changes made since the
sketch plan review last fall. He showed and described the three housing types. Enger also pointed out
green space, open space and the amenities to be offered. He noted that irrigation should provide for
Planning Commission Minutes 1 February 20, 2002
the larger plants to do very well. He also pointed out that there aze no back-to-back units, that all units
will get natural light from at least two sides.
Hadley asked about the color combinations, whether they aze the same for the rear of the units.
Enger describedthe proposed color palettes and combinations of the various units.
Bergman wondered if the decking and railing would be wood or maintenance free. Enger replied
that the railing is maintenance free, and that they would use high-quality cedar decking.
Melander questioned whether there would be an association and a sprinkler system. Enger
answered that there will be a common maintenance homeowners association, and that the property will
all be irrigated.
Julie Middleton of 15985 Garret Drive stated she was opposed to the rezoning. She feels the city
should offer an incentive to keep the land agricultural, that she likes the country-like feel. Middleton
went onto say she doesn't want more townhome, that she would encourage single family if
development must occur. Also, if possible, she would like the city to petition the state to reduce the
speed limit on Galaxie. Finally, Middleton said they had put up an 8-foot privacy fence to curb noise,
and she wondered what would happen with all those extra housing units.
Susan Jensen of 15862 Galveston Avenue wondered why the single-family homes in the original
proposal had been eliminated. She expressed concern that they would lose privacy with 2 1/2-story
townhomes looking down into their homes. Jensen also noted that the traffic on Galaxie Avenue is
ridiculous.
Robert Young of 15842 Galveston Avenue asked about a commercial component. He also wanted
to know if the Shakopee development. includes single family homes. Young said he would like the
height of homes not to exceed what is adjacent to them. He also would like to see a sketch or picture
of what the adjacent homeowners would see. Lastly, Young asked if it was possible to restrict high
density from abutting single family.
Sue Paron (sp) of 15820 cited an increased number of accidents at 157s' Street and Galaxie
Avenue.
Middleton expressed concern about a through street at Garrett and wondered if a stop sign could
be placed there.
Bergman asked about the location of the Shakopee development by this petitioner. Enger said it is
west'of County Road 18 and south of Southbridge Parkway.
Churchill noted boulevards between the private streets and Galaxie and asked if there would be
any private fencing. Enger replied that they would provide large overstory trees on the east side of the
frontage lane.
Bodmer informed the Commission and audience that Traffic Consultant Glen Van Wormer will
make a presentation at the next meeting.
There being no further comments, Edgeton closed the publidhearing at 8:11 p.m
B. The Legacy of Apple Valley --Comprehensive Plan Amendment (C to Mix), Rezoning
(GB-1 and P to PD), Preliminary Plat (Nine Lots, One Outlot), an Site Plan ReviewBuilding
Permit Authorization for One 132-Unit Senior Apartment Building, One 299-Unit Apartment
Building, l00 Multiple-Family Residential Townhouse Units, and Neighborhood Commercial
and Restaurant Buildings
Chair Edgeton opened the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. with the standard remarks. Assistant
Planner Margaret Milton Dykes described the proposal. She stated that an Environmental Assessment
Plamung Commission Minutes 2 February 2Q 2002
Worksheet (EAW) is required, so no action can be taken until that review is completed. Dykes noted
that pazking and traffic need further analysis, and that Traffic Consultant Van Wormer will be
reviewing those issues. Dykes showed color renderings of residential buildings and commercial areas.
She pointed out that this development would be affected by regulations that emerge from the Small
Area Plan, so changes are likely. For that reason, she recommends that the hearing be held open until
both the Small Area Plan and EAW are completed.
Hadley asked if the senior housing parking requirement is less than general occupancy. Dykes
answered that Apple Valley's zoning code does not distinguish between the two currently, so her
parking calculations for the senior component were the same as for the general occupancy apartment
building.
Melander estimated 80% impervious surface for the development, which would create more runoff
than the pond could handle. Dykes confirmed that the on-site pond would not handle all the runoff
from the pazcel. She pointed out other segments of the city's storm water system designed to
accommodate the area.
Hadley queried about truck deliveries, noting that restaurants usually have some semi deliveries.
Bill Griffith of the Hartford Financial Group, the petitioner, stated that they do want to maintain
the layout,: density, land use and mix, acknowledging that some changes may occur. He introduced the
other members of his team. Griffith noted that the main water amenity is handicap accessible. He
pointed out refinements to the plan, brick pavers at entrances, traffic calming features and added green
space. Griffith went on to say that he can provide detailed parking studies relating to reduced parking
needs for senior buildings. He also drew attention to shared parking opportunities -- that the
commercial parking peaks during the day, while the restaurant uses will peak at night.
Edgeton expressed concern about parking adequacy with three restaurants.
Churchill asked if the senior units are age restricted, rental? Griffith answered that the senior units
are restricted to 55 and older, and that they are all rental units. Churchill said she has just heard that
more people are planning to work until they are 70. Griffith responded that they do have good
feedback from their seniors indicating they generally work and volunteer in the middle of the day.
Melander said the plan looks blocky and dense. Griffith said they are looking for higher densities,
but that through design they don't want it to feel that way.
Bergman wondered if it was possible to close off an access to Foliage. He also would like to see a
rendering of the apartment in relationship to the plaza.
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS -None -
7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Resident Communication to Commission Regarding Cedar Avenue Noise
The Commission received an email from Douglas Scofield and referred it to the Traffic Advisory
Committee. ,
8. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Hadley moved, seconded by Churchill, to adioum the meeting. Motion carried 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Planning Commission Minutes 3 - Febiuary 20, 2002