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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/20/2008CITY OF APPLE VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2008 1. CALL TO ORDER The City of Apple Valley Planning. Commission meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Tom Melander at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Tom Melander, Keith Diekmann, David Schindler, Frank Blundetto and Tim Burke Members Absent: Jeannine Churchill Staff Present: Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist, City Planner Tom Lovelace, Associate City Planner Margaret Dykes, City Attorney Sharon Hills, Assistant City Engineer David Bennett and Department Assistant Barbara Wolff 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the agenda. There being none, he called for approval of the agenda. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Blundetto, to approve the agenda. The motion carried 5-0. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 Vice Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the minutes. There being none, he called for approval of the minutes. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Blundetto, to recommend approval of the minutes of the September 3, 2008, meeting. The motion carried 5-0. 4. CONSENT ITEM A. Singh Setback Variance - Consider a 2 foot variance from the 5 foot sideyard setback requirement for a new deck staircase and a 3 foot variance from the 5 foot sideyard setback requirement for an existing retaining wall. Vice Chair Melander asked if there was any discussion. Hearing none, Vice Chair Melander called for a motion. MOTION: Cormissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Blundetto, to recommend approval of: S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008m.doc A 3 foot variance to allow an existing retaining wall, a portion of which exceeds 4 feet in height, at 12082 Gantry Court subject to the execution of a License to Encroach Agreement with the City. The agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of the building permit. A 2 foot variance to construct a 3 ft. by 20.5 ft. staircase onto an existing deck at 12082 Gantry Court subject to execution of a License to Encroach Agreement with the City. The agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of the building permit. The motion carried 5-0. 5. PUBLIC HEARING --NONE-- 6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS A. 2030 Draft Comprehensive Plan -Recommendation to forward. the draft plan to the City Council and release for agency review and comment. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist thanked the Planning Commission members for their hard work over the past year in updating the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. He also invited the Planning Commission members to the City Council meeting on October 23, 2008, to be recognized for their work on the Plan. The update is required by state statute once every 10 years. Nordquist made a PowerPoint presentation for the Planning Commission. The following is an outline of the presentation. Overview • City is required by State Law to update • Planning process started in August 2007 • Draft plan ready for review by affected local governments • Formal adoption process Spring 2009 •. Complete draft plan on City website, www.ci.apple-vallev.org Key Changes • Builds on current (2020) plan • Focus on key future issues: identity, development, transportation • Several new chapters • New format Comp Plan Chapters 1. Introduction 2. Vision for Apple Valley 3. Community Context 4. Land Use 5. Housi;,g 6. Utilities 7. Economic Development S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008m.doc 8. Parks and Active Living 9. Transportation 10. Using the Plan Vision for Apple Valley • New section ^ Not part of 2020 Comprehensive Plan Qualities and characteristics desired for Apple Valley in 2030 Comprehensive Plan is blueprint to achieve vision Series of 11 "keys" Vision for Apple Valley 1. Sustainable 2. Livable 3. Business oriented 4. Employment focused 5. Safe 6. Play and preserve 7. Healthy and active 8. Accessible 9. Successful downtown 10. Learning 11. Service Community Context Chapter • Future built on existing foundation • We are a living history; contemporary pioneers • Variety of factors shape the future ^ We are the center of south of the river development • Important to understand these factors and implications for future planning • This is where you find the data • Past trends; residential neighborhoods, compact Downtown • Recent development; Fischer Marketplace and the Central Village • Location; increasing importance • Physical characteristics; sculpting of the landscape, improving what is built • Characteristics of the population • Family households are our backbone • Aging of the population will be significant Metroroolitan Council Forecasts • Employment ^ by 2010: 16,800 ^ by 2020: 20,100 • by 2030: 22,000 POp ula~ilGn • by 2010: 61,700 ^ by 2020: 69,100 5:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008m.doc • by 2030: 71,200 Land Use Chapter • Foundation for Comprehensive Plan • Preserve and enhance existing development with new connectedness • Guide Apple Valley to full development by 2030 • Anticipate potential for redevelopment in future; support an evolution of change Land Use Chapter Contents • Policies • Focus areas • Land use plan map • Land use categories Land Use Policies • Land use objectives for Apple Valley • Overall development • Residential land use and neighborhoods • Neighborhood buffering • Commercial land uses and downtown • Employment areas • Institutional land uses • Land use-transportation relationship • Community design • Natural resources • Rehabilitation and redevelopment • Intergovernmental relations • Historic preservation • Energy Land Use Focus Areas • Areas receiving additional attention • South Central Planning Area • Downtown • Transit Corridors • Neighborhood Service Centers • Existing Neighborhoods Land Use Categories • Define categories shown in Map • No change for majority of city • Less use of "mixed use" from 2020 Plan ^ Some planned mixed use has been built • Shift to more specific uses in future development areas • Places to create jobs • Continued emphasis on live, work and shop opportunities • Business Campus S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc q • New land use category ^ Reflect desire to attract high quality and job producing employers • Interest in placing those business, office and manufacturing employees in a higher density configuration Housing Chapter • Public actions required to meet local housing needs • Chapter contents • Background ^ Housing needs and issues • Goals and policies • Implementation Key Housing Issues • Maintenance of existing homes • Growth in homeowner's associations • Balanced housing supply and choice • Availability of affordable housing • Aging of the population • Foreclosure trends Economic Development • New chapter • Framework for City's role in facing economic development issues ^ "Everything is Economic Development" More active role and involvement will be needed in future ^ Who we are ^ What we become ^ The use of small amounts of financial resources • The positive aspects of competition Economic Development Charoter Contents • Background • Economic Development Issues • Development Potential • Redevelopment, including TOD • Image/Identity • Economic Sustainability • Goals and Policies • Economic Development Strategies Parks and Active Living • New focus on active living ^ Use of parks, trails, open space and recreation facilities to promote active and healthy living • After our housing, downtown focus, and quality education, it is our park system that binds us together in terms of quality of life and healthy living S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc Parks and Active Living Chapter Contents • Existing Systems • Issues and Opportunities • Goals and Policies • 2030 Parks and Active Living Plan. • Implementation Keys b • Complete Quarry Point Park • Provide parks to support growth ^ Expansion of Regatta Park • New park east of Pilot Knob Road • Continue high standards of maintenance and reinvestment • Adapt to changing community needs • Complete key links in community and tegional trails Transportation • Summary of Apple Valley Transportation Plan • Overall Transportation Plan updated in 2008 • Highlights issues, plans and policies for all types of movement Transportation Chapter Contents • Introduction • Goals, Objectives and Policies • Roadway System Plan • 2030 Forecast Traffic Volumes • Transit System • Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities • Aviation • Freight and Commercial Vehicles • Implementation Keys to Transportation Planning • Primary corridors not under City jurisdiction Collaboration and a shared vision is essential • Need to make City corridors function well (Gardenview, Pennock, Galaxie, etc.) • Balance roadway and land use needs • Business access is a priority • Don't want afreeway-like experience • Maximize benefits of Cedar Avenue improvements and BRT service ^ A transitway evolution over a long period of time • Complete street system with future growth ^ North and south; the completion of Flagstaff Avenue and Johnny Cake Ridge Road ^ East and west; the completion of 147th, 153rd, and 157th Streets • Meet needs of vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles • The evolution ofmulti-modal options occurs during this period to 2030 S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc Utilities Chapter • Summary of more extensive policy plans for municipal utility systems • Sanitary sewer ^ Water supply ^ Surface water management Using the Plan and Actions to Consider • Actions and strategies for implementing the Plan • More than just adopting the Plan • Ongoing process of addressing issues and moving towards vision • Each of the vision statements represents a facet of quality of life to be achieved and maintained Using the Plan Chapter Contents • Statutory Framework/Official Controls • Coordination of Actions ^ The City Council and Planning Commission work together • Community Partnerships are numerous • Amendments and Updates have a process • Key Initiatives to 2030 ^ Business Campus Development • Economic Development priorities ^ Cedar Avenue Transitway evolution ^ Sustaining neighborhoods and the Downtown Next Steps • Review of draft Plan (October -April, 2009) ^ Adjacent and overlapping governments • Informal Metropolitan Council review • Public review and discussion • On website now • Formal input sessions in first quarter of 2009 • Public hearing and Planning Commission approval likely in Apri12009 • City Council submission to Metropolitan Council by end of Apri12009 • Final approval after Metropolitan Council review Vice Chair Melander thanked Nordquist, City Staff and Consultant Rusty Fifield of the Hoisington Koegler Group for their hard work. He also recognized Chair Jeannine Churchill and past Commissioner Thomas Helgeson for their contributions to the plan. The project was an active team effort. The Comprehensive Plan is referred to on a regular basis and is the guiding document for how the City will operate. He encouraged residents to check out the Comp Plan on the website and make comments where appropriate. Vice Chair Melander called for a motion. MOTION: Commissioner Diekmann moved, seconded by Commissioner Burke, to forward the draft plan to the City Council and release for agency review and comment. The motion carried 5-0. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc OTAER BUSINESS A. Cobblestone Senior Complex Sketch Plan -Review of a sketch plan revision of proposed rezoning and amendments to the planned development ordinance; subdivision of 10.06 acres into one lot and one outlot; and site plan building permit authorization to allow fora 214 unit independent living, assisted living and memory care facility on a 6.8 acre lot. City Planner Tom Lovelace stated the petitioner is requesting a sketch plan review for proposed rezoning and amendments to the planned development ordinance; subdivision of 10.06-acres into one lot and one outlot; and site plan building permit authorization to allow fora 214-unif continuum of care facility on a 6.8 acre lot. The site is generally located south of the intersection of Cobblestone Lake Parkway and 157th Street West. The petitioner is proposing to rezone the property from "PD-703/zone 8" (Planned Development), which allows for sand and gravel mining as an interim use, to "PD-703/zone 6", which would allow for high density townhomes and apartment dwelling units at an overall density oftwenty-four (24) units per acre and mixed retail business, limited business, and insfitutional uses.. As part of the rezoning, the petitioner is also requesting amendments to the uses and performance standards in zone 6. The site plan/building pemut request would be for approval of a 3-4 story continuum of care facility that will include 152 independent living units, 32 assisted living units, and 20 memory care units, with 152 underground parking spaces. Additional parking would be provided in the form of 62 surface parking spaces, 17 surface proof-of-parking spaces, and 34 on-street parking spaces directly adjacent to the site. The site is currently zoned "PD-703/zone 8". It was intended that this zone would be temporary for the purpose of extracting sand and gravel deposits. When the mining was completed, the areas would become one of the other zones (zones 1 through 7), as defined, within the planned development consistent with proposed platting and development plans. Therefore, this property will need to be rezoned. The original Planned Development Ordinance No. 703 identified future zones, including one (zone 6), that would allow for high density townhomes and apartment dwelling units at an overall density oftwenty-four (24) units per acre and mixed retail business, limited business, and institutional uses. The density of this project, which is approximately 31 units per acre, is greater than the maximum expected for this planned development zoning district. The project is located on unplatted property, which will need to be platted prior to any construction. The plans show that the senior building will have 152 garage, 62 on-site parking and 17 proof-of- parking surface spaces, which is just over one space per unit. Thirty-four on-street parking spaces, directly adjacent to the site will be available but are not included in the City's parking calculation. Staff will need more information to deternvne adequate parking for this type of prof ect. The elevations show the use of "Hardie" lap siding and shakes, cultured stone, and painted rock-face block for the exterior finish of the senior building and "Hardie" lap siding and shakes and cultured stone for the senior town center/community center. The colored finish of the rock face block should be integral to the block and not painted. S:\p]anning\I'LANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc The prof ect has been reviewed by other members of the City staff who have provided comments, which are included in this report or their attached memos. These comments will need to be adequately addressed prior to any planning staff recommendation. Two patios, a gazebo, and fire pit are located along the east side of the building. The petitioner should consider a sidewalk connection between the most northerly patio and the sidewalk along the south side of the community center wing. A monument sign is shown along the south side of the north driveway. No detailed sign plans have been submitted. All signage shall be constmcted in conformance with city code: Mr. Lovelace asked the Planning Commission if they had any comments or questions. Vice Chair Melander hearing no questions or comments from the Planning Commission, asked the petitioner to step forward. Mr. Tim Trimble of Oxford Senior Funds stepped forward to address the Planning Commission. He stated that he was before the Commission last fall to discuss the senior campus on the northwest comer site and some of the Commission members had the opportunity to tour the Summit Place campus in Eden Prairie. A lot of what was created at Summit Place will be mirrored at the campus in Cobblestone Lake. He appreciates the patience of all parties involved in figuring out the plans to make the building work on this site. His team has worked hard to fit the building to the site and also respect the quality of Cobblestone Lake development. A lot of input was accepted from Tradition Development and others, realizing that the building is a transition from single family living to multiple family living and then to commercial. The concept of the building is the same. There is a focus on wellness care for healthy and better living for seniors. They have been excited about being part of the Cobblestone concept since the first time they seen the site. He commented on the statement made by Mr. Nordquist, while discussing the Comp Plan, about the aging of the community; that is one of the reasons why they're here. They recommissioned another market study and received a draft of that today and it reconfirms what they've suspected all along, that there is still a need in Apple Valley, and that need is going to continue to grow. It reconfirms their vision on why they're before the Commission with plans. Vice Chair Melander asked if there would be similar amenities to the ones offered at Summit Place in Eden Prairie. Mr. Trimble stated that the services and amenities are the same with two exceptions. In Eden Prairie there is a hydro-works pool that won't be replicated at Cobblestone because market research showed that that is a one of a kind market for that amenity. Also, in Cobblestone there will be a central entrance, office area and gathering place instead of two separate areas. Vice Chair Melander asked if there would also be a stage area for performances. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc Mr. Trimble stated there would be a performance room, chapel, a bistro overlooking the lake, a bank and perhaps a small pharmacy, more for the convenience of the residents. Commissioner Diekmann stated that he likes the overall site plan and it is very well thought out. He would like to see more architectural interest. He feels that the building is plain and the colors depicted on the renderings don't represent the vibrancy of what is in Cobblestone Lake development now. Mr. Trimble responded that Mr. Ken Norby has brought along a color board to show the actual colors. Commissioner Schindler stated that the previous proposal included a community center area that would be open.to guests outside of the residents. Will that same concept be included in this plan? Mr. Trimble stated that they had tried to do an area that was for the senior residents and also an area for the Cobblestone Lake. community and attempted to merge those two together for this plan. The architect did a good job, although they ran into some difficulty with the functionality and also with the lenders and financing. So there were more obstacles than they had hoped and so they will forego that and there will still be services for residents and for those that visit. Their philosophy is still to get the community into the building so they will host VFW events, rotary with breakfast in the dining room, etc. Commissioner Burke commented that he likes the plan and it fits the site much better than it did at the other location. He also asked if parking is a concern. Mr. Trimble stated that the parking is over a 1:1 ratio. The assisted and memory care residents are not going to drive cars. There are 152 stalls undemeath the building which is more than enough for the independent residents. Typically when a building like this opens, about 75% of independent residents will drive a vehicle initially and that will fall off as they age and that percentage goes into the low 60's over time. So there will be enough for the independent residents and staffparking underneath and then surface spaces for visitors and also proof of parking if they need it. They recognize that there are still some issues and are working on those with Mr. Lovelace and staff. Mr. Trimble stated that he is very appreciative of the comments and feedback so far. Commissioner Blundetto stated that it was a great plan and a good location Commissioner Schindler asked what type of income group their facility would be targeting. Mr. Trimble answered that their goal is middle to upper middle class. Their market research came back with recommendations on rents after looking at the demographics of seniors. Ken Norby of NAI Architects passed proposed color samples for the Commission to see. He stated that they're trying to hone in on the vibrant colors of Cobblestone Lake development but also keep it warm enough for the residents. He reviewed the floor plans. The town center will have an aerobics pool, lap pool, fitness area, exercise room, spa area, conference room and offices on the lower level. The first level will have a bistro with a deli, outside patio, lounge area, card room, performance area and a chapel. The second level will have a kitchen and two dining rooms. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008mdoc 10 Mr. Norby continued with color renderings of the exterior of the building. There will be a parapet wall on the roof to screen the mechanicals. Also, a portion of the roof will be a green roof. Vice Chair Melander asked if the green roof will be grass. Mr. Norby stated that it will be a green grid with a series of planting beds in plastic containers with a soil depth of 4-8" with a drainage system. The plantings will be able to sustain the winter and come back in the spring. It will be comprised of small shmbs and/or native grasses which will grow each yeaz. The plantings will absorb and use the rainfall. Hearing no fiirther questions or comments from the Planning Commission, Vice Chair Melander thanked the representatives of the project. B. Review of upcoming Schedule and other Updates. Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist reminded the Commission of the informal work session immediately following the meeting, to review the Cobblestone Ponds/Broback Property Master Plan. 8. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further comments from the Planning Staff or Planning Commission, Vice Chair Melander asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Blundetto, to adjourn the meeting at 8:16 p.m. The motion carried 5-0. S:\planning\PLANCOMM\2008 agenda & minutes\102008m.doc 11