04/25/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff recommended the Planning and Zoning Board discuss the site plan, building design and signs proposed, provide direction to the applicant and then continue the public hearing until such time as the EAW process was completed and wetland fill and mitigation plans were approved by Rice Creek. Staff stated the retail, other than the Target Store, would probably be downsized and the plans would be resubmitted once they were changed. Chair Schaps asked about the timeline for the closing of the public hearing. Mr. Smyser responded they expected this item to be back next month. Because of the size of the project, an Environmental Assessment Work would need to be done and that had to be completed before the City could approve the project. Mr. Corson asked if the EAW application had been made, or if that be applied for in the final process. Ms. Sherman replied the EAW had not been submitted or completed yet. Steve Baker, 77th & Carroll Drive, stated his concern was that 77th Street was going to be cut in half. Mr. Powell responded the City vacated 30 feet of right -of -way and had given it back to the property owners on the north side. Mr. Powell indicated the City was very concerned about the traffic patterns and Apollo Drive would not connect to 77th Street. Mr. Baker stated he had moved to this area to have quiet and now there was going to be a store in his neighborhood with bright lights. He also asked if there would be enough economic support for a Target Store in this area. Mr. Smyser replied with respect to the lighting, it was a very important concern and they were aware of the potential effects this project would have on the resident's near -by. He stated the lighting would only be on in the parking lot when the store was open. He stated this project was a huge investment on the part of Target Corporation. It would be a Target Superstore and that kind of an investment would not have been made lightly without a lot of market research. He stated Target Corporation would not invest that kind of money if they did not believe it would survive in this area. Resident, 874 Oak Lane, was concerned about the traffic issues. He asked what was going to be done about the traffic. Mr. Powell responded they were taking this development and assigning traffic generation to that use. He stated Lake Drive in its current state was not the future. He indicated there would be signals added, and they were in the evaluation process to determine what would be needed for this project. Sue Miller, 7780 Lois Lane, stated she came to this area for peace and quiet. She asked why they needed a Target Store in this area when there was one 10 miles down the road. She stated it did not fit with the City's concept. Tom Vacca, 77th and Lake Drive, asked if the City agreed with the Anoka County's findings on traffic with respect to Apollo Drive being the only entrance. Mr. Powell stated Target Corporation had proposed another connection to Lake Drive and that would be evaluated and discussed with the County. They had not received any answers from Anoka County. However, Anoka County had indicated Apollo Drive would be the main entrance, but Target Corporation wanted another connection, which the City would need to evaluate. Hamar & PexpeanovBoapc Xtrz o� Acvo Awcec 13