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Planning & Zoning Board <br />September 27, 2005 <br />Page 5 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Greg Hayes, Vice President of Shingobee Builders, complimented the City on the overall <br />AUAR. He stated it creates a guide plan for them to follow, and takes in a lot of <br />conditions on air quality, noise, and traffic that they can use as a tool for planning as they <br />move forward. He indicated that in the AUAR they had submitted a much higher <br />density, and the concept plan has come down from that. He stated the number of housing <br />units was at 1500 in the AUAR, and they are now at 1250, and the commercial square <br />footage was at 650,000 and is now at 550,000. <br /> <br />Chair Rafferty noted there are still several steps that need to be gone through with <br />different agencies, but asked if based on what those agencies have been given, there is <br />general agreement with the general idea at this point. Mr. Hayes stated there is, but <br />concurred there are many steps to still go through. <br /> <br />Mr. Tralle stated that at the last meeting they approved a hotel, and there is possibly a <br />second hotel on the horizon, and asked if there is a hotel component in this plan. Mr. <br />Hayes indicated they do not have that concept in their mix, but the zoning would allow <br />one. He stated he does not foresee a hotel in the plan right now. <br /> <br />Barb Bor, 7707 20 th Avenue North, asked how many acres are dedicated to park, trail and <br />open space in the conceptual plan. She also wondered about designs, in terms of <br />affordable housing, and what the mix of housing will be. She stated she believes there is <br />more detail to the plan, but she has not seen that detail. Chair Rafferty indicated that the <br />applicant can probably answer the park question, but as to design and affordable housing, <br />he does not believe they are far enough through the process for that, and does not want <br />there to be any misconceptions formed. <br /> <br />Mr. Hayes stated there are approximately 85 acres in green space, open space, and park. <br />He noted there is one large park on the west side that is five acres, and are several <br />neighborhood parks. He indicated the green space does not include backyards, <br />boulevards, etc. He stated about 27% of the site is open space and that percentage would <br />increase if you included all the backyards and the like. <br /> <br />Chair Rafferty reiterated that the importance of the design process is there, but he does <br />not think the detail is there yet, and he does not want the discussion to go too far that way <br />at this time. He noted the case before the Planning Commission is a Comprehensive Plan <br />Amendment recommendation for the City Council, not the concept plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Smyser stated Staff did calculate the site, and it works out to 4.5 units per acre. He <br />indicated in the single-family home areas it will be less than that, and in the higher- <br />density areas it would be more, but overall it is 4.5 units per acre. <br /> <br />Mr. Hayes stated this has been a good process, but they have a long way to go. <br /> <br />Mr. Pogalz asked in a perfect world, when the applicant sees the project starting. Mr. <br />Hayes indicated they hope sometime in 2006. He stated there will be a lot of work on <br />grading, utilities and roadwork, but they are hoping that some housing can be constructed <br />late in 2006.