02/13/2001 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • • Planning & Zoning Board February 13, 2001 Page 3 development as proposed, it was necessary to process the application under the PDO, Planned Development Overlay District. Section 3, Subd. 3 of the Zoning Ordinance required a PDO to allow subdivision of lots for a single building. This process allowed greater flexibility and consequently a more creative and imaginative design. It allowed flexibility in the internal setbacks and in parking for combined uses and was the appropriate means for review of a development of this size and scope. Access to the site was proposed via an extension of Apollo Drive from Lake Drive through the site to 77th Street. An additional access was proposed to Lake Drive approximately 520 feet north of the Apollo access. All accesses with Lake Drive (County Road 23) were subject to the approval of Anoka County. The City Engineer was in the process of conducting a traffic study that would identify which improvements were necessary to accommodate the development. Improvements may include, but were not limited to turn lanes, by -pass lanes and signalization. Design alternatives to deter traffic from using Carole Drive needed to be examined and implemented if necessary. Staff explained detailed plans had been submitted for sanitary sewer, water and storm water management. The City Engineer had reviewed the information submitted. With respect to natural features, there was a large wetland located on the eastern portion of the site that was proposed to be impacted. There were 752 trees on the site and 566 of those were significant based on their size and species. The grading proposed on the site would result in the removal of 437 significant trees for a total of 458 trees. Most of the trees on the property were concentrated in around the wetland or on the southwest portion of the site The site design had incorporated a sidewalk layout along Apollo Drive and throughout the site along the storefronts. There were sidewalk connections shown at both accesses proposed with Lake Drive. Additionally, different pavement treatments were proposed at significant crossing points within the development. Green space on the site was concentrated around the perimeter of the site and surrounding ponding and wetland areas. The landscaping plan called for plantings within parking lots along drive aisles and surrounding the site. The overall plan was well done and provided a variety of plantings. Some plantings were shown within MnDOT right -of -way, which would require cooperation from MnDOT. The critical portion of the landscaping proposed was along the northern edge of the site, which was adjacent to existing residential lines. The plan as proposed would provide a visual break, but it would not provide a complete screen. Staff explained the exterior of the buildings were proposed to be a combination of masonry materials including brick and rockface block with EIFS (stucco) sign bands and accenting. The decorative rock elements included standing seam metal that complemented the roof designs in existing Town Square buildings. Awnings were proposed over the storefront areas. The Target Superstore used a combination of brick and stucco on the front which transitions to stucco and rockface block on the sides. The rear elevation was proposed to be painted CMU (concrete masonry unit). With the surrounding land uses, more attention needed to be paid to the architecture on the rear of the building. It would be very visible from 77th Street. There was a screen wall shown on the rear of the building, but materials to be used were not identified. This should be constructed of materials to match the building and should be of sufficient height to screen the dock area. Trash enclosures had not been identified on the site plan.