10/08/2014 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board October 8, 2014 Page 5 DRAFT MINUTES Mr. Hyden made a MOTION to close the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Evenson. Motion carried 5-0. (Tralle abstained.) Mr. Laden made a MOTION to recommend approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendments as described in the staff report, based on the following conditions of approval: 1. The adoption of the amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan is subject to review and approval by the Metropolitan Council. Motion was supported by Mr. Hyden. Motion carried 5 - 0. (Mr. Tralle abstained.) C. Concept Plan Review for Watermark Development Katie Larsen, City Planner, presented the staff report. Staff explained that this is an opportunity for the board members to make comment on the concept plan prior to the developer’s submittal of an application for development. Board discussion included: - A mixed use area should include some commercial development. - Staff noted the abundance of commercial zoned land at the 35E/Main St. quadrant available for commercial/retail. - Consider turn lanes on 20th Avenue. Staff noted that a street light will also be considered. - Ensure adequate parking space for the public park. - A utility phasing plan will allow for development in other areas of the city. - City should get the best product for the city rather than the quickest development. - Consider allowing an outlot area to be used for future commercial development. Rick Packer, Developer, Mattamy Homes, 7201 Washington Ave S, Edina, was available to address the concerns and questions of city staff, council and boards. Mr. Packer provided some background information about Mattamy Homes, explaining that it is a privately held company with one owner and, although relatively new, (founded in 2007) is now the 4th largest builder in Minnesota. They expect the Watermark development to take 10 years to complete and in general they do not like to plan projects that will take longer. They prefer to develop large multi-use projects with a variety of lot sizes in order to appeal to a wider market to meet that 10 year limit. Consumer housing demand is currently focused on narrower and longer lots and Mattamy is marketing towards that with a maximum lot width of 75”. Mr. Packer encouraged the board to look at other Mattamy developments in Blaine, Minnetonka, and Maple Grove to see what the end result would look like and to view the lot sizes. Mr. Packer addressed the stormwater management challenges associated with this project and affirmed Mattamy’s commitment to work with the City and with Rice Creek Watershed District to meet all requirements.