07/11/2001 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Board July 11, 2001 Page 12 mitigation. Mr. Grochala advised that the overall internal circulation pattern has been improved. However, the secondary access into the site, located between Apollo Drive and 77th Street, and first intersection internal to the site is wide, off -set, and at an odd angle. Based on the users identified, this will be a high traffic location. The entrance and intersection should be redesigned to eliminate the offset and angle to improve site circulation and reduce vehicle conflicts and confusion. Chair Schaps asked what the speed limit will be on the internal streets. Mr. Grochala stated the speed limit will be set at 15 miles per hour for the Apollo Drive Extension. Mr. Grochala indicated a desire to reduce the number of drive aisle conflicts within the access drives. The Kohl's parking has been modified so that each drive aisle is forced out to the main drive. Staff is recommending that only two access points to the extension of Apollo Drive from the Kohl's parking lot be allowed. At a minimum the easternmost and westernmost drive aisles shall be eliminated due to their proximity to the adjacent intersections. Mr. Grochala explained that, generally, the number of parking stalls is adequate based on the ordinance. The Kohl's lot is designed with their standards, which is a 9.5 foot wide stall with 20 foot deep parking spaces and 25 foot drive aisles. Any parking lost to the limitation of access to Apollo Drive could be partially replaced by reducing the stall width to the standard 9 feet. The balance of the site has stalls 9 feet by 19 feet, with 25 foot two -way drive aisles. The main drive areas are 30, feet in width. Mr. Grochala noted that the handicap parking on the Kohl's lot needs to be shifted southerly to allow for a landscaped island at the end of the parking rows. The proposed layout forces handicap unloading to take place immediately adjacent to the main drive in front of Kohl's. Staff has requested that the remnant parcel located between Apollo Drive and Lots 3 and 4 of the development be integrated into the proposed development. At a minimum a cross access and ingress /egress easement should be provided for this parcel. Mr. Grochala reported that the traffic analysis has been completed for improvements the City anticipates. Because Lake Drive is a County road, the County ultimately has to approve access and schedule improvements. Dedication of access control to Anoka County should be shown on the plat along Lots 1, 2, 3, and Outlot C adjacent to Lake Drive. The opening width for the secondary access will need to be determined by Anoka County. Mr. Grochala pointed out that screening is proposed to consist of landscaping materials. There is not adequate space to provide a berm in the area behind the stores. While the landscape materials will provide visual relief, it will not screen the site or drive aisles. We believe the critical points of screening are where vehicles will be directing headlights • • •