HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/20121. CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
The City of Apple Valley Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Melander at
7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Tom Melander, Ken Alwin, Tim Burke, Keith Diekrnann, Paul Scanlan, David
Schindler and Brian Wasserman.
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist, Associate Planner Kathy
Bodmer, Associate Planner Margaret Dykes, City Attorney Sharon Hills, Assistant City, Engineer
David Bennett and Department Assistant Joan Murphy.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the agenda.
MOTION: Commissioner Alwin moved, seconded by Commissioner Burke, moving item 6A —
Holsten Garage Variance to the Consent Agenda. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
MOTION: Commissioner Burke moved, seconded by Commissioner Wasserman, approving the
agenda as amended. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2012.
Chair Melander asked if there were any changes to the minutes. Hearing none he called for a
motion.
MOTION: Commissioner Schindler moved, seconded by Commissioner Burke, approving the
minutes of the meeting of September 5, 2012, as written. Ayes - 7 - Nays — 0.
4. CONSENT ITEMS
A. Holsten Garage Variance — Consideration of variance to allow for the construction of a 1,008
sq. ft. detached garage. (PC12-37-V)
LOCATION: 8488 — 133 Street West
PETITIONER: Milo Holsten
MOTION: Commissioner Alwin moved, seconded by Commissioner Burke, approving the
construction of a 1,008 sq. ft. detached garage on Lot 4, Block 2, Chateau Estates,
8488 — 133 Street West. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
September 19, 2012
Page 2 of 6
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Parkside Village (formally known as Legacy North) — Consideration of proposed
development zoning amendments, replat, and site plan/building permit authorization to allow for
two multiple-family buildings totaling 332 units in the former Legacy North development.
(PC12-31-ZSBG)
LOCATION: Northeast corner of Galaxie Avenue and 153rd Street W.
PETITIONER: IMH Special Asset NT-AVN, LLC, and Titan Development.
Chair Melander opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Associate Planner Kathy Bodmer stated the applicants, IMH Special Asset NT-AVN, LLC, and
Titan Development, requested amendments to Planned Development No. 739, preliminary plat and
Site Plan Review/Building Permit Authorization to construct a 134-unit multiple family building
along Galaxie Avenue, and a 198-unit multiple family building just north of Kelley Park across
152nd Street. The Galante building, located between Galaxie Avenue and Galante Lane, would
have "suburban intensified" characteristics which include construction up to the right-of-way line of
Galaxie Avenue, a flat roof, an outdoor rooftop terrace and elements that will encourage pedestrian
traffic along Galaxie Avenue. The Gabella building, located between Gabella and 152nd Streets,
would have more suburban characteristics which would include being set back eighteen feet from
152nd Street, a pitched roof, and direct vehicle access to the front door from a circular driveway
feature.
The petitioner requested several amendments to Planned Development No. 739:
1. Rezone Blocks 7 and 8 to Zone 1 to allow multiple family only buildings along Galaxie
Avenue.
2. Remove zone lA and allow "assisted care facility" to permitted uses in Zone 1.
3. Allow single-use buildings along Galaxie Avenue.
4. Allow commercial buildings in a single story building with a two-story facade.
5. Align the subzones with the platted lot boundaries.
The Galante building would be a 4-story 134-unit multiple family building located on the northeast
corner of 153rd Street and Galaxie Avenue. At 134 units, the site has a density of 45.6 units/acre.
The building would be setback from Galaxie Avenue six feet (6') which is consistent with the
Central Village Plan.
The massing of the four-story building would be broken up with a one-story community area in the
middle of the building which would contain such amenities as a fitness area, game room, club
area/party room and yoga studio. The building would be designed with distinctive rounded tower
elements at the intersections of the Galaxie Avenue & 153rd Street and Galaxie Avenue & 152nd
Street in keeping with the Central Village Plan vision. The building's mass at 153rd and Galaxie
Avenue had been designed to provide sight lines into Kelley Park from adjacent developed
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
September 19, 2012
Page 3 of 6
properties. A vacation of a portion of Fortino Street is currently being reviewed by the City Council
in connection with this project.
Ms. Bodmer stated the City had been working with the developer regarding parking spaces. She
stated the City Engineer noted that the garage elevation of the Galante building would need to be
raised because of the high water elevation of the downstream stormwater pond to a minimum
elevation of 941.3 feet.
The Gabella building with 198-units would be aligned in an east-west configuration between
Gabella Street and 152nd Street. At 198 units on a 5.2-acre site, the development has a density of
38.1 units/acre. The building would be configured as two u-shaped buildings which would be
connected with a one- story community area with amenities that would include an indoor swimming
pool, fitness center, internet cafe, club room/party room, yoga studio and game room. The Gabella
building would be more suburban in nature and would have more green space than the Galante
building.
Ms. Bodmer reviewed setback requirements, utility plans, parking spaces, elevation drawings and
what was required in Planned Development No. 739. She summarized the landscape plan and
stated the City's Natural Resources Coordinator provided a few minor recommended replacement
plantings to ensure the long term viability of the development's landscaping.
Chair Melander noted there were two lots designated for the expansion of Kelley Park and asked
what the time frame on it was.
Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated the agreement among the City, the EDA
and the developer to proceed with the development of this parcel included the discussion of these
parcels. Acquiring the two parcels to the east as well as the two parcels to the west of Kelley Park
would return the size of Kelley Park recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee. This had been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and
supported by them. The intent was for the City to acquire those parcels and move forward but the
agreement had not been finalized yet.
Chair Melander inquired if we are at the 2 1/2 % for landscape yet.
Ms. Bodmer answered that would be verified as part of the building permit process and staff had
already reviewed that with the petitioner.
Commissioner Scanlan referred back to the sketch plan review and questioned if Block 9 and a
portion of Block 10, as the petitioner expressed interest that depending on market conditions that
area could remain mixed use, and questioned if it was necessary to change the zoning of those
parcels at this time.
Ms. Bodmer said the petitioner is asking for the rezoning and as the plans show there is no mixed
use.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
September 19, 2012
Page 4 of 6
Tony Patine lla, Titan Development, LLC, stated they listened to comments from both the Planning
Commission at the Sketch Plan Review hearing and the Economic Development Authority and
incorporated any ideas and concerns into their submittal to make their project more intriguing and
appealing to the Apple Valley community.
Link Wilson, Kaas Wilson Architects, reviewed images for the proposed site and stated there are
view corridors from Galaxie Avenue and Foliage Avenue into Kelley Park. He stated there would
be a strong pedestrian pull into the park. He shared brick and siding colors as well as amenities of
the two buildings and feels this is a product that will get a lot of attention in the marketplace.
Chair Melander inquired where the roof deck would be and what type of materials would be
proposed.
Mr. Wilson answered that the roof deck, originally thought to be part of the Gabella building, would
now be moved to the Galante building and would overlook to the east facing the Kelley Park.
Materials would include metal railings and non-combustible materials that would not need to be
maintained over time.
Commissioner Diekmann referred to a previous meeting where the project was discussed and
remembered the Galante building had a corridor you could look through the building that was open
and gave visibility to Kelley Park. He inquired if that concept was no longer planned.
Mr. Wilson answered that is correct because the building design has now been filled with amenity
space for the participants for the tenant building.
Commissioner Scanlan questioned the future use on Block 9 and Block 10 and the need for the
zoning change on Block 9 from mixed use.
Mr. Wilson answered they refer to that as future phases and said they cannot predict the future. He
believed there could the possibility on first floor for some element of commercial. Those blocks
could be for retail or could be for housing for senior adults. He stated he could not say what the
future would hold.
Commissioner Scanlan asked why to change the zoning at this time if there is not a clear path as to
what direction the developer is going with those two parcels.
Mr. Wilson stated that is a valid question and asked for assistance from Mr. Patinella.
Mr. Patinella stated he believed the parcels would be housing in the future but did not know that for
sure. He said it gives them more flexibility by rezoning at this time.
Mr. Ed Nelson, 15465 Frost Path, had a very mixed view on this project as being a first time
homebuyer in the Legacy Square Townhome development. He had watched his property value drop
and had been sold on a development that had not come. He wanted to see something built but this
was not what they were sold. He stated they were sold a mixed use development that was a self-
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
September 19, 2012
Page 5 of 6
sustaining community with both retail and small business. He would like to see something built and
would like to see more mixed use. He did not have a problem with vacating the road along Galaxie
Avenue but wanted to make sure there had been a traffic study for the area. He stated they currently
have traffic issues especially with the two one-way streets. He inquired what the plan for the two
southern proposed lots was and felt they should not be rezoned at this time. He questioned if the
roof deck would share a connection and inquired as to the materials. Regarding visual site lines, he
would like to see more of an inviting walking community. He stated he feels the two circular
corners of the one building would suit a retail shop as a better fit. He questioned if the residents of
each building would have access to amenities of both buildings and asked what the potential foot
and vehicle traffic would be generated to use the gym or pool. He inquired how affordable this
housing development would be.
Mark Zweber, 15322 Galaxie Avenue, Shops On Galaxie owner, stated they were waiting for
something to be developed at this site and believed this to be a very good project. He expressed
concern for the one-way street of 153rd Street West and felt it should be turned back into a two-way
street. He believed the street would be safer and traffic would flow better. He stated he is in
support of the project and inquired as to a time line.
Mr. Patinella answered that they plan to start in March of 2013 and finish in August 2014.
Kris Knox, Property Manager/Leasing for Shops On Galaxie, liked the idea of a new development
coming to this area but also expressed concern for the one-way street and would like to see that
section of 153rd Street West returned to a two-way street for better traffic flow.
Mac Sweidan, 15258 Florist Circle, expressed concern for the traffic and would like to see the
eastern lots remain part of Kelley Park and provide more green space. He welcomed the project and
felt some type of development was needed to improve the business in that area but believed traffic
and safety needed more discussion.
Mr. Nordquist asked Mr. Zweber and Mr. Knox about the future of mixed use or the stability of
good mixed use that had already been developed and if they had any thoughts of moving forward
with housing at these locations or mixed use with commercial on first floor and housing above.
Mr. Zweber responded that their office use is up. In the fall of 2008 they had gone from 80%
occupied to 43% occupied in about two months. They are about 85% occupied now. They have
about 3500 sq. ft. of retail space that is available.
Mr. Knox replied that every retail center in Apple Valley has a vacancy in it. It has been a very
tough market. He stated the timing is not right for more competition in Apple Valley because there
are so many other retail vacancies available. In the future he would like to see them because he
feels the market is getting better. He did not feel converting any space, from the two buildings
discussed in this project, to retail space sounded realistic.
Mr. Nordquist thanked Mr. Zweber and Mr. Knox for their feedback.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY
Dakota County, Minnesota
Planning Commission Minutes
September 19, 2012
Page 6 of 6
Mr. Nelson commented on the Music in the Park at Kelley Park on Friday evenings. He stated there
had not been a space to park anywhere. He would like Kelley Park to be able to be used in the same
capacity as it is now with all the new people living in the neighborhood and it was hard to walk,
drive and park in that area.
Mr. Nordquist said that staff requested this feedback now and would return with additional
background with the original intent of the one-way street of an active pedestrian type of
neighborhood. He stated they will revisit and update the Commission on it.
Chair Melander closed the public hearing at 8:06 p.m.
6. LAND USE/ACTION ITEMS
--NONE--
7. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Review of upcoming schedule and other updates.
Community Development Director Bruce Nordquist stated that the next Planning Commission
meeting would take place Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further comments from the Planning Staff or Planning Commission, Chair Melander
asked for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION: Commissioner Alwin moved, seconded by Commissioner Schindler to adjourn the
meeting at 8:08 p.m. Ayes - 7 - Nays - 0.
Res ectfully Submitted,
J Murphy, Planning De artme
Approved by the Apple Valley Planning Commission on