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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ Minutes; 3-9-20 City of Lake Elmo Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2020 Commissioner Cadenhead called to order the meeting of the Lake Elmo Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cadenhead, Graen, Holtz, Risner and Weeks COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Steil STAFF PRESENT: Planning Director Roberts Approve Agenda: M/S/P: Weeks/Risner move to approve the amended agenda, Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously. Public Hearings Final Plat and Easement Vacation – Legacy at North Star Third Addition Roberts presented that the property owner is requesting a final plat for the third phase of a 266 single family residential development known as Legacy at North Star. The City approved the PUD Concept Plan on June 6, 2017 and approved the Preliminary Plat and st PUD Plans on February 20, 2018. On August 8, 2018, the City Council approved the 1 ndth addition of the Development and they approved the 2 addition on April 16, 2019. The third phase will consist of 66 single family lots. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the Legacy at North Star Third Addition Final Plat and PUD Plans. M/S/P: Graen/Holtz move to approve the Legacy at North Star Third Addition Final Plat and PUD Plans with recommended findings and conditions of approval, Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the proposed vacation of the drainage and utility easements on Outlot B of Legacy at North Star First Addition as shown on the easement vacation Exhibit dated January 8, 2020. M/S/P: Weeks/Holtz move to approve the request for the vacation of the drainage and utility easements on Outlot B of Legacy North Star First Addition for the purposes of platting third addition. Vote: 6-0, motion carried unanimously. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 3-9-20 New Business Land Use and Concept Plan Review – City-owned 180 acres Roberts presented the Land Use and 3 Concept Plans that the City had prepared for the City-owned 180 acres near County Road 14 and Ideal Avenue. The City Council reviewed the three concept plans on February 11, 2020. They received feedback that the area south of County 14 should be planned for business and warehouse uses and the area north of County 14 should have a variety of land uses. Concept A was selected by the City Council as the best choice of the 3 concepts. Mueller mentioned that a park created on the edge of Lake Elmo will be primarily used by residents of Oakdale, especially considering the new development that was just approved for high density housing across Ideal from the proposed park. He also asked if there is a way to include the Lake Elmo Farmers Market. Roberts explained that the reason the ball fields are specifically on this site is in replacement for the ball fields lost in the Royal Golf development. Roberts also explained that sanitary sewer would need to be available in order for any of the developments shown. Holtz asked if there has been any discussion around the ability to fill the 78-80 acres of commercial and industrial uses. What other opportunities are there in the metro area for this size of City driven development? It was noted that St. Paul has the Hillcrest Golf course and the Ford Plant as redevelopment sites and Cottage Grove is looking to develop near Walmart and incorporate a Community Center. Graen asked how this fits into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Roberts explained that any of the concepts plans would need an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan since it is currently designated rural. Weeks explained that Royal Golf is a good example of changing the Comprehensive Plan and adding utilities. The former Tartan Park property was owned by 3M and came up for sale. The City allowed the changes to the Comprehensive Plan when a developer came forward to purchase the land to convert it into the Royal Golf development. Cadenhead opened the public hearing at 7:38 pm th Scott Smith, realtor, 4057 35 Street, asked them to look at the concept more due to size and elevation of the development and the impact on neighbors. He mentioned that the business warehouse market is over saturated or will be in the near future with all the projects that are coming to the area. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 3-9-20 th Dan Van Ampting, 8367 39 St., stated that the commercial industrial park is oddly placed, feels more residential uses and a Community Center would be better. Penny Dempko, 3929 Innsdale Ave., does not believe industrial north of County 14 fits with the park and character of existing area. She also discussed the settlement money, water and street project proposed by the City, and run off concerns in area. Lynn Lambert, 3889 Innsdale Ave, suggested the plan has too much industrial and there is a need for pollinators and maintaining eco systems. Laney Balen, 3563 Iris Ave, stated that commercial and industrial will add to the lights and traffic and reduce safety in the area. Laura Sempf, 3850 Ironwood Avenue, stated that he is concerned about traffic from the development if a through street is put it, increasing traffic and reducing safety for children in a neighborhood with no sidewalks. th Donna Wulfing, 8196 38 Street, stated that she is not thrilled with the ballfields and the noise and lights that will come from them until 10 pm at night. Roberts mentioned that one of the Parks Commissioners suggested shifting the ball fields south away from the homes. th Debbie Anderson, 8229 38 Street, expressed noise concerns from the development. th Geraldine Breheim, 8415 38 Street, wants to know if there will be funds available or if there can be water run to the area with this project. Roberts explained if a development of this sort were to occur it would be with City water and sewer. th Brad Heil, 4068 35 Street, stated that he would like to see no warehouse and no street connection to the neighborhood to the east. Lori Caspers, 3829 Ironwood Trail, noted concerns about commercial spaces and about drainage issues. John Schwingler, 3923 Ironwood Trail, is concerned about the height of warehouses and the asthetics. th Dan Gerding, 3693 37 Street, the Wildflower Shores association president, expressed concerns about a possible road connection to the existing neighborhood. He said he would prefer a pedestrian path instead of a road connection and that the look and feel of the neighborhood would change with this type of development. Mike Karcher, 3655 Iris Ave, suggested moving the location of ponding to be near the existing pond and provide separation from the existing homes. Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 3-9-20 Roberts noted that the City had received two e-mails from nearby residents that echoed many of the same concerns mentioned during the meeting this evening. Cadenhead closed the public hearing at 8:14 pm. Holtz explained that $25 million of 3M settlement money is available to get safe public water to areas in need in an expedited process due to pollution. M/S/P: Graen/Holtz made a motion to recommend to complete an economic survey on the feasibility and necessity for commercial or industrial parks within the 180 acres of 3M settlement area in order to know the market saturation and determine other potential uses for the area. Vote: 5-1, motion carried. Staff and Commission Updates Roberts reported that at the February 4, 2020 City Council meeting, Applewood Pointe of Lake Elmo has been tabled until April, first by council then by developer. Both sides want to ensure all five council members are present at the meeting when it is considered by the Council. rd Roberts also reported that at the March 4, 2020 City Council meeting, the Northport 3 Addition Preliminary Plat and the Ordinance Amendment regarding 20,000 square foot requirement for septic systems were approved. Roberts mentioned that the City is hiring a Building Official. Roberts reminded the Commission of the upcoming PC Meetings on March 23, 2020 and April 13, 2020. Roberts also mentioned that the Springs development has started the tree cutting and grading. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm Respectfully submitted, Tanya Nuss Permit Technician Lake Elmo Planning Commission Minutes; 3-9-20