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

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• Planning & Zoning Board December 13, 2006 Page 5 Mr. Smyser stated that they recently received a traffic analysis for the area. He explained that the results showed that a big box commercial unit would probably not be accommodated by the road system even after the traffic signals are added and a second major access point accounted for. A big box would potentially push the traffic capacity over the threshold for traffic generation. Mr. Nelson pointed out that signals are closer to each other in the city of Shoreview with traffic flowing just fine. Mr. Smyser replied that Hodgson Road is an Anoka County State Aid Highway, and that Anoka County and Ramsey County have different approaches. Ramsey County is much more urbanized and their policies reflect that. Ms. Krall stated that the County has stated their standards for the city. Mr. Laden asked if the fully developed retail could push traffic to the limit. Mr. Smyser said that studies use an inflation factor for background traffic and then add new development. Mr. Laden asked what the time frame for this development is. Mr. Smyser replied they are looking at 2015 for full development. Mr. Nelson asked about the proposal for utilities and if they have specific solutions. Mr. Smyser responded that the plan will be implemented with each development to eventually fit within the plan and that utility connections will be determined as development occurs. Mr. Root asked if staff anticipates that development will occur through Planned Unit Developments (PUD). Mr. Smyser replied that mixed use always require a PUD in this city. He added that PUD's will probably be the most effective solution. Mr. Tralle asked Ms. Krall if Hodgson Road will remain a 55 mile per hour road. Ms. Krall said she has not been given that information. Mr. Smyser pointed out that in urbanized areas you don't drive as fast when there are not wide open spaces, and that they have not proposed reducing the speed limit. Mr. Tralle expressed concern about increased traffic being a safety concern. Ms. Krall responded that one of the reasons to do a master plan is to make sure they make the necessary road improvements. Mr. Smyser pointed out that the overlay images show that the existing businesses have been planned to continue to exist within this plan until they may decide to develop differently in the future. Staff and consultants did the best they could to plan around existing businesses. Mr. Nelson asked if Sadder's would be able to remain. Mr. Smyser and Ms. Krall expressed that physically they could remain. Ultimately they hope that eventually the entire plan will develop as proposed, but that may occur piece by piece. Mr. Pogalz asked what Anoka County's plans are for an expansion of CSAH 49. Staff replied that Anoka County has no plan or funding for an expansion. Mr. Studenski stated that the money that was previously proposed for this area was used elsewhere and that the improvements at Birch Street and the bridge improvements are it. DRAFT MINUTES