02/12/2003 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Bruggeman Properties Page 2of13 ANALYSIS Development Moratorium While a significant portion of the subject site overlays an area intended for future medium density development, the present moratorium prohibits the City from accepting residential development applications until such time as the moratorium terminates. While this development application considers impacts of future residential uses in the area, no specific applications may be considered and approvals for such uses cannot be granted. Thus, this application shall be limited in scope to the commercial component of the project. Rezoning To accommodate the proposed commercial land uses, a rezoning of the northwest corner of the site from R -3, "Medium Density Residential" to GB, General Business is necessary. It is the applicant's intent to retain the existing R -1 and R -3 and zoning classifications upon the balance of the site until such time as the residential development moratorium is lifted and an application for such development may be considered. The City's Land Use Plan suggests commercial use of the northwest corner of the site and medium density residential use of the balance of the site. As a result, the proposed land uses are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. To accommodate various design flexibilities (private streets, two buildings upon a lot) a PDO, Planned Development overlay has also been requested. Preliminary Plat Review Access. Access to the commercial lots is proposed via a single point along Birch Street and two points along Hodgson Road. In prior review of the development proposal, both the City and Anoka County Highway Department have recommended that the most northerly access point along Hodgson Road (County Road 49) be eliminated. Thus, such access should be eliminated as a condition of plat approval. While all three commercial lots technically can be accessed via a public street, the retail center (which shares Lot 1 with the motor fuel station) is dependent upon a private street for access. While the Ordinance requires all lots be provided access via a public street access, flexibility to this requirement can be accommodated via the PDO. A cross easement and operation and maintenance agreement will be required as part of the • Development Agreement. Birch Street/Hodgson Road Intersection. Obviously, the proposed development will affect area traffic patterns and escalate volumes encountered at the intersection of Birch Street and