HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Memo Wildflower Sketch Plan; 3-17-14 (2) THE CITY OF PARK COMMISSION
LAKE ELMO DATE: 3/17/14
AGENDA ITEM: IV.B—NEW BUSINESS
ITEM: Wildflower at Lake Elmo Sketch Plan Review
SUBMITTED BY: Nick Johnson, City Planner
REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director
Dean Zuleger, City Administrator
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
The Park Commission is asked to review a Sketch Plan, Wildflower at Lake Elmo, submitted by
Robert Engstrom Companies, for a proposed 143 unit single family residential subdivision in the
northern portion of the Village Planning Area. The Park Commission is asked to review the plan to
provide direction on park and recreation facilities for the development.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As noted in the Sketch Plan Narrative,the applicants are proposing some type of conservancy in the
northern portion of the site. Planning for this amenity is very preliminary at this time, and it is still
not determined if there will be a public component. In addition to this natural preservation area,the
applicant is proposing to include multiple interior park-like courts within the residential
development. It is the City's understanding at this time that these lands will be private and HOA
maintained.
The proposed subdivision has yet to be presented to the Planning Commission or City Council.
However, in reviewing a Sketch Plan for a single family neighborhood proposed on the property to
the west,the Planning Commission requested that a small neighborhood park be incorporated into the
plan. In addition,they suggested that the small neighborhood park could be shared with the
Wildflower at Lake Elmo development. The Park Commission should consider if and where a
neighborhood park would be appropriate in for this proposed development.
Finally, it should also be noted that the City has engaged with discussion with the school district on
the possibility of entering a joint powers agreement (JPA)to make facilities at Lake Elmo
Elementary School open to the public as a shared City-School District facility. This facility does
have two smaller baseball diamonds, one soccer field and playground equipment. If the City entered
into a JPA with the school district,these facilities,which are in relative close proximity to the
proposed subdivision, could be made available to the public.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the Park Commission provide guidance to the applicants in the form of a
formal motion.
NEW BUSINESS - ITEM IV.b
2
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
2. Sketch Plan Narrative
3. Wildflower at Lake Elmo Sketch Plan
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction.......................................................................................... City Planner
- Report by Staff..................................................................................... City Planner
- Questions from the Commission............................Chair&Commission Members
- Discussion by the Commission..............................Chair&Commission Members
NEW BUSINESS - ITEM IV.b