09-26-2001 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2001 The Planner agreed that there would be adequate property without Lake Street. He again noted that if Lake Street were vacated, Ramsey County makes the decision as to where the property goes. The owner of the apartment building to the south of this proposed development indicated that he had no comments at this time. The Planner clarified his report indicating that it has been the City's impression that multi - family senior housing should be located close to public transportation and commercial services. The Planner indicated that the issue is whether or not this site was an appropriate location for senior housing. Montanari indicated that they could install a walking path from the building to Rice Street. Roycraft noted that the addition of more pavement results in more run -off into Lake Gervais. Knudsen stated that his concern with the proposal is the commercial component. The City Planner noted that should the City rezone the parcel to R -3, senior housing would become a permitted use and there would be no further review by the Planning Commission or the Council. The development would likely require Watershed permits, must meet local building codes and engineering requirements, however. The Planner indicated that there may be some architectural review required, however, he was not sure and would have to check on that. Knudsen felt the senior housing proposal was a nice use of this piece of property. However, he did not favor the commercial component of the development. Knudsen felt there should be some improvements made to the back of the building given its visibility from Rice Street. Knudsen did not feel additional traffic on Park Street would be a big issue. Knudsen asked if the Comp Plan indicates that senior housing should be close to Little Canada Road. Keis thought the Comp Plan indicated that a mixture of residential and commercial would be acceptable along Rice Street. While discussion has been that senior housing would be better located near Little Canada Road, Keis did not think this location would go against the Comp Plan. Knudsen felt the proposal would enhance the area. Knudsen recommended denial of the Property Division as proposed, but recommended approval of the Rezoning from General Business (B -3) to Page 27