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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/04/2005 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, August 4, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Schwartz, S. Rymer, B. Combs, K. Corson, J. Kuschke, K. Hansmann, J. Helgemoe, T. Vacha MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Milbauer OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Divine, Greg Hayes (Hardwood Creek LLC) & Kendra Lindahl (Landform) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of July 14, 2005 were approved. VILLAGE OF HARDWOOD CREEK Ms. Divine introduced Greg Hayes from Shingobee Builders and Kendra Lindahl from Landform, the real estate planner, representing the Village of Hardwood Creek, LLC (VHC). Mr. Hayes notified members that the group included KKE Architects on the commercial and Centex Home Builders. He stated they have been doing updates with the P&Z, council and at neighborhood open houses, as well as bi-weekly staff meetings. The 362-acre project is northwest of 35E.Cty Rd. 14. Mr. Hayes discussed the current zoning classification of the parcel, which is industrial, with some limited high and medium density housing. The first step in the process will be asking for a change in the Comprehensive Plan to allow for a mix of commercial and housing. The draft AUAR allows for up to 1500 housing units and 650,000 sq. ft. of commercial. VHC calls for less housing and about the same amount of commercial on 90 acres. Mr. Hayes maintained that commercial uses bring a lot of jobs. He estimated a 1,000 sq. ft. of retail brings about 5 jobs. A major retailer could employ up to 300 people. The AUAR will be adopted before VHC makes submittals. Mr. Hayes stated they will submit a PUD process. Centex Homes was selected because they will do a minimum of seven distinct housing types, plus open up an area for local custom home builders. A range of color palettes and styles allow for up to 200 different variations of products, including townhomes and single family. Members asked about median prices. Townhomes may range from $170,000 plus, and single family may start at $220,000. They are working on firming up price points. No apartments are being considered. 2 VHC has met with the three school districts (Centennial, Forest Lake, and White Bear) and have letters from all stating the school districts can handle the growth. Mr. Hayes said the project will be phased. The road infrastructure and connections were discussed, the style of the access is not defined. He said they were trying to bring in commercial of the scale and quality of the Blaine Village. Ms. Schwartz asked how the 40 acres on the interchange not under VHC control would enter into the mix. Mr. Hayes explained Dick Schreier isn’t interested in selling and that the new interchange design will take approximately half of Mr. Schreier’s piece. VHC doesn’t know yet how the connection to Cty. Rd. 14 will occur. Mr. Corson asked about the residential cap on growth. Ms. Divine stated a Comp Plan Amendment will be required. Council will need to decide whether this project warrants an exemption from the ordinance. Ms. Lindahl stated they intend to apply as a Conservation Development. With a master planned development, the growth management ordinance does not work. Mr. Hayes stated the housing phasing is probably 3-5 years, with commercial at about 3 years. The next phase of the concept plan will be brought back to the next EDAC. Mr. Rymer stated that connections from the housing to the commercial area do not seem conducive to limiting the amount of time people spend in their cars. Residents want to feel like the retail is a part of their neighborhood, rather than something that attracts cars from other areas. Mr. Hayes maintained that studies show if a consumer has to walk more than 300 feet from one store to another, they get in their car. He stated they are working with the site plan to try to get some walkways from the housing to the commercial. He referred to the Blaine Village as an example of providing a walkable area. They are looking at creating nodes with walkable choices within the nodes. Mr. Hayes stated greenways and open space would stay private and be controlled by associations. They are trying to preserve the agricultural heritage. Members asked about public art and ballfields, and other amenities. They are not planning ballfields, but there are landscaped greenways and private pocket parks. The largest green space park is about 7.5 acres. Opportunities for places to stay and linger are being planned. The landscaping plan will include streetlights, water features, street trees, pedestrian crossing, etc. Ms. Schwartz asked how a softening of the commercial market would impact the development. Mr. Hayes he thinks the Minnesota market shows a long term growth cycle, and they are not expecting a softening of the market. Members asked if developers would ask for public incentives. TIF would not be used, but Mr. Hayes expects there will be issues with Anoka County, because they should not expect this project to carry the cost of large scale traffic improvements, including the interchange. 3 Ms. Divine stated the land is currently zoned Rural Business Reserve, which was to set aside undeveloped ag land for future industrial growth. Ms. Kuschke asked about the likelihood of the council accepting the AUAR and Comp Plan amendment. Ms. Divine stated she was optimistic that there has been considerable public involvement on both issues and that may reflect on the council’s decisions. Ms. Schwartz asked if the Comp Plan amendment was not approved, what position did that put VHC in? Mr. Hayes stated if they thought they did not have approval, they would ask to table until they felt they would have support. He believes the council, the neighborhoods, and the AUAR Advisory Group have been kept involved. The Comp Plan approval will allow the developers to begin to design the details of the engineering and site plan. Ms. Lindahl reminded members the developers are asking the city to consider “is this is the right land use and the right plan?” If they get the amendment, then all the details about housing types, design issues, and so on can be answered. Mr. Hayes stated the neighborhood group meetings and open house were well attended. Ms. Divine stated the developers will be back one more time and that EDAC will be making a recommendation regarding the change in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Hayes reiterated that this is about tax base, opportunities for growth and management of growth. CITY COUNCIL GOALS FOR 2005-2006 Ms. Divine reviewed the city council’s goals, which are largely in keeping with EDAC goals:  Completing the Town Center  Finalizing YMCA funding  Improving the city’s image  Exploring a public relations campaign, including a survey and visioning process  Plan for and implement transportation improvements (local roads)  Adopt a redevelopment and revitalization plan  Complete the AUAR  Diversify the city’s tax base by implementing the EDAC work plan  Update the Comprehensive Plan OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Divine stated she appreciated the questions members asked the developers of the Village of Hardwood Creek. Staff has been working with the developers on issues, but details such as pedestrian/retail links will be worked out in more detail once the developers have the Comp Plan amendment. Members agreed that future plans need to address these issues. Mr. Helgemoe stated his concern for 1100 homes without a recreational facility that included a ballfield. No other business. Meeting adjourned.