04-22-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 22, 2015 Black Tern Pond. There are approximately five acres of buildable property, four of which are proposed for the senior housing project. The Planner noted that the proposal is for two driveway access points, one on Rice Street and one on Country Drive. Given that Rice Street is a County road, Ramsey County will have to approve the Rice Street access point. The Planner noted that of the 120 units, 32 would be dedicated to memory care and the remainder would be split between independent and assisted living. There will be a variety of common area uses on the first and second floors. The proposal consists of 30 to 35 spaces of underground parking and approximately 55 spaces of outdoor parking. The Planner indicated that the parking requirements for senior housing are significantly less than traditional housing. The Planner noted that at the Planning Commission meeting it was indicated that full staffing will consist of 15 employees. The Planner reported that the building is proposed to be four stories in height with another level of underground parking. Building height is 49 to 50 feet from the ground level to half way up the gable roof. The Planner noted that there is no building height maximum in the PUD District, and the City has flexibility in this regard. He did note that the building height maximum in the High -Density Residential (R-3) District is 36 feet or 3 stories. The Planner noted that there are additional submissions and details to be submitted for this development review, therefore, he is recommending approval of the project as a Development Stage PUD and a Preliminary Plat subject to compliance with the recommendations as outlined in his April 3, 2015 report. The Planner noted that the Planning Commission requested additional traffic details. The applicant submitted a traffic study that was completed for a similar project, and the Planner felt this information was consistent with senior housing development. Greg Johnson, Hearth Development, reported that they are a senior housing development company in the Twin Cities. He reported that they just opened their fifth project in Mounds View and have another one in Maplewood. The Little Canada project is a continuation of what they do, and Johnson stated that they are proud of their projects. Johnson indicated that they provide a continuum of care so that residents can age in place. He noted that Ebenezer of the Fairview Health System would operate the senior house, and that Hearth Development would maintain ownership. Montour noted comments at the Planning Commission meeting that the exterior would look aesthetically like the Maplewood project. Johnson 12