01/10/2007 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Planning & Zoning Board December 13, 2006 Page 4 Mr. Smyser explained the existing guided uses (land use map) according to the Comprehensive Plan, and the existing zoning map for this area. He showed the trail plan for the area, pointing out that wetlands should be viewed as open space and buffer areas. Mr. Smyser pointed out the importance of recognizing the impact to neighborhood residential developments in the area. Staff is trying to accommodate the interests of many residents and property owners. They need to consider access and traffic circulation and development potential. Reducing the number of access points is an important safety issue and allows better flow on the roads. Mr. Smyser pointed out that most of the traffic generated to this area is generated outside of the study area. A signal is necessary at the County Rd J/Hodgson Rd intersection. Mr. Smyser explained that there are a number of existing driveways within the study area. The concept is to provide one major access point to the north of County Road J that would connect to interior streets leading to driveways. Staff has had extensive discussions with the Anoka County Highway Dept to determine the location of the major access point. The goal of the Anoka County Highway Department is to provide circulation along Hodgson Road. The Anoka County Highway Department stated that a signal would not be allowed at the proposed access point. Mr. Smyser explained the existing water network within this area, pointing out four potential locations to hook up to the city's water system. He explained the existing sewer system and showed areas of capacity constraints on the east side of the study area. The issue is to determine how to hook up to existing locations. Carolyn Krall, LandForm, stated that she is an urban designer and architect who has been working on this project with city staff for the past two years. Ms. Krall presented the Master Plan. A lighted intersection with pedestrian improvements was a key element in the process. Planning determined it was important to maintain residential flow between Lino Lakes and Shoreview. Ms. Krall confirmed this area is a gateway to the city. There is an opportunity to create pleasing elements on the corners and provide identity by way of a welcome to the city sign. They do not want to create a generic suburban shopping mall area. They placed businesses closer to the roadway in order to be pedestrian friendly and for traffic calming. Ms. Krall pointed out that parking is proposed behind the buildings with walkable connections between the buildings. She explained the vision for trails throughout the study area. Ms. Krall explained that the proposed plan provides for a variety of small retail and commercial buildings with a range of housing types that meet the comprehensive Plan's anticipated densities. She pointed out that the area to the east is an ecologically sensitive area that has been addressed and accounted for. She addressed trail connections to existing parks, buffer areas, wetland mitigation and reduced parking. She added that they have tried to incorporate the interests of property owners and interested developers in this area. She said that they have been approached with an interest for a small big box and they have studied the potential impact for this area. DRAFT MINUTES •