07-27-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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any zoning change were to be considered, amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan (the property is currently guided for low density use) and a rezoning would be needed in addition to platting requirements. Both of these actions also require public hearings. The Planner then reviewed various development concepts starting with single family (see materials attached). He noted that the minimum lot width pursuant to City Code is 75 feet. The minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet. The concept he presented provided for 13 single - family homes with a common frontage road to avoid separate driveway access to Twin Lake Boulevard. All the lots have lot areas in excess of 13,000 square feet. The second concept reviewed by the Planner was for a townhome development. He again noted that comp plan amendments, rezoning, and subdivision approvals would be necessary for any uses beyond single family. In this sketch, a common access road is provided on the north side of the site. The road solves conflict issues for Twin Lake Boulevard and helps buffer the new development for the mobile home park to the north. The concept also left a substantial front yard area and would help protect more of the existing trees on the site, subject to grading requirements. There were 29 units proposed in this layout. The Planner also noted that this layout provides for better connection possibilities to the Five Star access road given its location is further to the north of the road's intersection with Twin Lake Boulevard. The last concept for was for senior housing, specifically senior coops based on a developer approaching the City a few months ago. Greater density is possible with this type of concept due to its vertical nature. 36 units are shown on the sketch with significant land remaining. It is theoretically possible to double the unit count based on the size of the parcel. More study would be needed to develop a specific layout. It was also noted that the view from a multi -story building might not be the best from this site. Don Williams asked about the County's "fly- over" road proposal. The City Administrator stated this idea is not being pursued. Mr. Williams then noted the traffic congestion at the intersection of Vadnais Boulevard and Rice Street. He stated further development in this area, including the new charter school, would only make that problem worse. The City Administrator commented that Vadnais Boulevard is proposed to be re- routed to the north along Lake Vadnais to eliminate the conflict with the 694 interchange at Rice Street. He also noted that while this may not occur for some time, there is another exit from this area, especially now that the Edgerton Bridge has re- opened. Mr. Williams then asked what the density the townhomes were proposed at. The Planner stated the concept was based on six units per acre, which is pretty common for that type of development. It is not considered overly dense. The City Administrator asked for preferences for development from those present. Mr. Dircks stated he could live with any of the concepts as long as they are done right. Staff then stated they were likely to recommend a townhome development due to the following factors: • Allows for better screening /buffering from Five Star Estates • Higher density should provide more ability to address extra costs associated with access road, buffering, and the lift station. -2-