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Planning & Zoning Board <br />October 14, 2015 <br />Page 4 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Evenson commented that it is difficult to imagine another 140 units in the <br />development. Ms. Larsen indicated ways the developers could incorporate the additional <br />units into the plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Root observed that because the area is already busy, this is an area where you would <br />want to put a high density development and he appreciated the comments about adding <br />trails since so much traffic already exists in the area. <br /> <br />Mr. Hyden has concerns about both intersections since there is so much traffic in the <br />area. Diane Hankee, City Engineer, pointed out that there will be a traffic study done. <br /> <br />Mr. Kassner seconded that he is concerned about adding the minimum amount of <br />rooftops. <br /> <br />Mr. Laden could not support this development without a commercial component. He <br />wants to ensure that those who are residing in these rooftops would be able to patronize <br />local businesses. <br /> <br />Brought about by Mr. Masonick, Ms. Larsen and the board discussed city boundaries and <br />commercial potential in the area. <br /> <br />Gary Eagles, Vice President of Development with North Oaks Company, approached the <br />podium to address concerns risen by the board. Mr. Eagles agrees with traffic concerns, <br />which is why they do not want to add much more traffic and they chose their access <br />points with this in mind. <br /> <br />He discussed that developers did look at adding mixed use for commercial and he <br />understands the board’s desire to set aside space for commercial use, however the studies <br />they have done have not proved that it would be a viable corner for commercial <br />businesses. They would be willing to set aside some space for mixed use if the board <br />would like, but their marketing studies have found that the outlook would not be positive. <br /> <br />Mr. Eagles addressed further concerns with traffic, specifically at Ash Street. He then <br />addresses concerns about the density. In North Oaks they worked with VLAWMO and <br />the DNR in the Wilkinson Lake area. Their idea of shoreland ordinance was to tier the <br />lower density towards the lake and higher density away from the lake, which is opposite <br />of what the City of Lino Lakes is looking for in this development. Mr. Eagles agreed that <br />he doesn’t see how they can add 140 units on this site unless they add more apartments, <br />though this would lead to more senior housing available than what would be needed. <br /> <br />Mr. Hyden asked if Mr. Eagles could explain why their market studies showed that the <br />area was not viable for commercial properties. Mr. Eagles explained that it is not an area <br />for high population not only due to a small amount of rooftops, but also due to the large <br />expanses of wetland to the north and to the west as well as difficulties in the east from an <br />access standpoint. Mr. Eagles can share their market studies with the City if requested.