03-24-1982 Additions - Laserfiche WebLink

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Little Canada Planning Conanission, Mayor and City Council 1 February 1982 Page Three The applicant has proposed 152 parking spaces. This is consistent with the parking requirements of the Zoning Ordinance: 30,560 square feet - 10% (3,056) = 27,504 square feet 4 1,000 square feet = 27.5 x 5.5 spaces = 151 spaces. To the developer's credit, it should be noted that the design of the parking areas exceeds minimum ordinance requirements. That is, individual spaces are 10 feet wide and setbacks are wider than minimum. The additional setback allows space for landscaping of the site, as well as area for snow storage in winter. Loading areas are proposed along the south side of the building,and comply with ordinance requirements. No indication has been made as to trash collection facilities. Presumably these will be located at the rear of the building where ample room appears to be available. 4. Grading, Drainage and Utilities. No information has been submitted to date regarding grading, drainage or utilities. These items should be reviewed by the City Engineer as part of the replatting process. The preceding analysis of the site plan presumes a satisfactory review of these items by the City Engineer. 5. Landscape Plan. Exhibit B illustrates the proposed landscaping for the site. The landscaping is considered as quite adequate and displays a pleasing mixture of plant materials. As proposed, the landscape plan screens and /or breaks up the visual impact of the parking area when viewed from outside the site. Although the south side of the site has not been treated, it is presumed that future connercial development will ultimately back up to this part of the site. 6. Potential Future Road Alignment. The City Council has discussed the possibility of a potential north /south connection between Minnesota Avenue and Viking Drive. The purpose of the connection would be to divert traffic from Viking Drive, which would either be closed or made one -way to Minnesota Avenue. This would consolidate traffic flow at the Minnesota Avenue /Rice Street intersection where a stop light would ultimately be installed. This would eliminate the need for traffic lights at two intersections and reduce the turning movements near the Highway 36 /Rice Street intersection. Such a street connection would undoubtedly have an impact on the applicant's proposed site plan. Still, the suggestion deserves further consideration. The physical feasibility and desirability of the connection should be reviewed from a cost /benefit perspective as part of the replatting process. Information submitted as part of platting can be used to analyze this suggestion.