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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-2019 PCAPPROVED PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting January 16, 2019 Mounds View City Hall 2401 Mounds View Boulevard, Mounds View, MN 55112 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevenson at 7:00 p.m. for January 16, 2019. ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Roll Call Members Present: Commissioners Farmer, French, Klander, Monn, Nelson, Rundle, and Stevenson. Absent and Excused: None. Also Present: Community Development Director Jon Sevald, City Administrator Nyle Zikmund, and Council Member Bill Bergeron. ______________________________________________________________________________ Index to Minutes Page Sketch Plan – Long Lake Woods Second Addition 2 Sketch Plan – Crossroad Pointe 6 Approval of Minutes 9 _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Special Order of Business None. 4. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda None. ______________________________________________________________________________ Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Planning Cases A. Sketch Plan – Long Lake Woods Second Addition Community Development Director Sevald reported a sketch plan is an informal review, intended to provide the developer feedback prior to them going through the expense of preparing extensive plans. The planned subdivision of “Long Lake Woods, Second Addition” is located on the 8100-8200 block of Long Lake Road (west side). The block includes a number of large lots (e.g. 1+ acres). A majority of the property owners are working with a developer, Marty Harstad, to extend Greenwood Drive as a cul-de-sac, and subdivide the back half of their lots, creating 12 new single-family lots. Planning Commission members are asked to provide feedback to the developer. There is no “formal” approval, denial, or consensus needed. Marty Harstad, developer, introduced himself to the Commission and discussed the Long Lake Woods Second Addition proposed plat. He explained he was proposing to develop12 new single-family lots on this piece of property and reported he was representing the surrounding property owners. He stated he would be working with his son, who was a builder, on this small subdivision project. He indicated this was a unique piece of property in Mounds View as it never had a road put through the middle of it. He commented further on the right-of-way the City had in place for this project. It was noted one piece of right-of-way was missing on Parcel A (Doll Property). Mr. Harstad explained the proposed home values for the 12 new homes would be $350,000 to $400,000. He reported the lots would be graded for proper drainage but noted he would be saving as many trees as possible to maximize the value of the lots. He indicated some of the property owners would be building homes on the new lots and the remainder of the lots would be sold. He noted a wetland delineation was completed last summer. He reported the site had no endangered plants or wetlands. He then reviewed the location of the stormwater ditch that ran through the property. He proposed running a pipe between lots 10 and 11 and recommended a small stormwater pond be created for this development behind these lots. Mr. Harstad commented that, at this time, the project could not move forward until the Parcel A (Doll Property) right-of-way could be obtained. He requested the City use a condemnation process and that the right-of-way be properly paid for in order for this project to move forward. Alice Yoder-Fox, 8206 Long Lake Road, presented the Commission with handouts. She asked when the developer would be receiving a permit from the Rice Creek Watershed District. Mr. Harstad reported he would be applying for a watershed permit once a plat was submitted to the City. He commented further on the sketch plan process and how this would lead to a preliminary plat. Ms. Yoder-Fox questioned why the particular site was chosen for the stormwater pond. Mr. Harstad explained the stormwater pond location was chosen due to the current location of the Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ ditch and how water was flowing through the property. He noted the deepest lots would be used for the stormwater pond. Ms. Yoder-Fox commented she had many concerns with respect to the stormwater pond and stated her lot would be adjacent to this pond. She requested consideration be made for the people already occupying the adjacent lots. She indicated stormwater ponds do not increase property value. She commented further on the nuisances that were created by stormwater ponds such as algae blooms. She inquired who would own the stormwater pond and who would be responsible for maintaining it. Mr. Harstad stated he respected the concerns of Ms. Yoder-Fox and noted he would be hiring qualified engineers to assist him with this project, while also having DNR, watershed and City oversight. He reported stormwater ponds were required in every new development in the Twin Cities. He explained a maintenance agreement would have to be worked out with the City. Community Development Director Sevald explained the preliminary plat has yet to be designed and noted the developer was uncertain if this would be a wet or dry stormwater pond. Ms. Yoder-Fox stated she would save her questions regarding the stormwater pond for the preliminary plat review. She expressed concern about having a wet pond that holds water for more than two days behind her home. She stated these types of stormwater ponds are toxic and can be mosquito magnets. She feared that the proposed stormwater pond would overflow and could flood her home. She urged the Planning Commission and City staff to ensure that the stormwater pond was designed and engineered properly. Dan Madsen, 8206 Long Lake Road, explained he also had concerns with the stormwater pond. He provided the Commission with handouts that addressed these concerns. He reported soils can be contaminated from stormwater ponds or if not properly maintained can flood the neighborhood. He encouraged the City to have a great maintenance plan in place for more than 10 years for this stormwater pond. He recommended City staff speak with the City of Roseville regarding their stormwater ponds. Joel Holl, 2573 Sherwood Road, commented on the lots he owns and noted they were purchased for wildlife and privacy purposes. He explained he did not want to develop his land. He expressed frustration with the fact the developer was trying to push a road through on his land. He encouraged the developer to seek another access point to this development. He stated he feared how his land and the existing wildlife would be impacted by the proposed development. In addition, he liked his privacy and he did not want another home close to his property. Chair Stevenson asked if this road were to go through, how much of Mr. Holl’s land would be lost. Mr. Holl anticipated he would lose 15 feet on the front of his lot. Mr. Harstad commented further on the easements the City already had in place. Tom Delich, 2581 Sherwood Road, expressed concern that his home’s property value would be adversely impacted. He explained the new homes would be valued far higher than his. He stated he was also concerned with the fact he would have a new road going along the side of his Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 4 ________________________________________________________________________ property. He anticipated one of his 50’ pine trees would be blocking the view of cars at the intersection of Sherwood Road and the new cul-de-sac street. Chair Stevenson asked for additional comments from the public. There were no further comments. Commissioner Monn questioned if the stormwater pond was preexisting or if it would be new. Mr. Harstad reported the stormwater pond was not preexisting and would be added to the development per Code requirement. Commissioner Monn commented she had the privilege of having an infiltration basin in her yard. She stated she has turned this basin into a beautiful rain garden. She asked if the builder would consider doing front street infiltration basins versus a stormwater pond. Mr. Harstad stated this could be considered, but noted this would have to be approved by the watershed district. He commented further on how water was treated through a stormwater pond. Ms. Yoder-Fox addressed the Commission again regarding her concerns with retention ponds noting their hazards and how it would impact the entire neighborhood. Commissioner Monn asked how many other builders would be working on this project. Mr. Harstad explained some of the property owners would be building their own homes. He commented his son would be available to build homes for all of the other remaining lots. Commissioner Monn questioned if the sidewalk and lighting would be installed. Mr. Harstad stated these decisions have not been made. He anticipated street lights would be installed along with a sidewalk. Chair Stevenson commented he walked by this property for years and years. He understood a through street would never work for this development. He believed a cul-de-sac was the only thing that made sense. Commissioner French requested further information regarding a potential condemnation process. Mr. Harstad explained the City Council would have to create a directive for the condemnation. He reported a private party could not request a condemnation. He commented further on the process that would be followed for the condemnation. Commissioner Monn asked how current stormwater ponds were maintained by the City. Community Development Director Sevald explained the City’s stormwater ponds were maintained on a routine basis. He reported this maintenance requires dredging. Mr. Harstad described how stormwater pond maintenance has evolved over the years in order to have proper space around the pond for maintenance. Commissioner Monn questioned if the City would be maintaining this pond. Community Development Director Sevald indicated some ponds are maintained by the City and others are maintained by the private owner. City Administrator Zikmund stated stormwater retention ponds Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 5 ________________________________________________________________________ were a requirement by the Rice Creek Watershed District. He reported the developer would design the pond, it would be permitted by the watershed district and would then be publicly owned. He stated cities are going away from private ponds. He commented further on how the City would then enter into a stormwater management agreement with the developer. He discussed how the City had to consider the rights of property owners. Commissioner Farmer asked when the City Council would be discussing this item. City Administrator Zikmund reported the City Council would be discussing this item at their worksession meeting on Monday, February 4th. Community Development Director Sevald explained this was the beginning phases of this development. The next phases would be the Preliminary Plat and then the Final Plat. He indicated the condemnation process would be completed after the Final Plat was approved. Mr. Harstad recommended the condemnation be completed between the Preliminary Plat and Final Plat approvals. Commissioner Nelson questioned when the developer would be speaking with the watershed district. Mr. Harstad explained he has already had conversations with the watershed district. Commissioner Nelson asked if Ms. Yoder-Fox could meet with the watershed district to voice her concerns. City Administrator Zikmund reported the watershed district meets twice a month and Ms. Yoder-Fox could be present at one of these meetings to address her concerns with the proposed stormwater pond. Commissioner Monn asked if any trees or hedges would be cut down on private property for this project. Mr. Harstad stated he would not be removing trees or hedges on private property. He explained that once the development was approved the project area would be staked and silt fence would be installed. He reported he would be willing to work with homeowners if they wanted a tree removed. Commissioner Nelson inquired if the Doll driveway would be a concern for the proposed development. City Administrator Zikmund stated the Doll family has a lifetime agreement to have their driveway on City property with a clause that with 30 days’ notice this would have to be removed. He reported the City Council was aware of this issue. Commissioner Klander questioned what the size of the three smaller lots along Long Lake Road were. A member from the audience explained these lots were 75’ by 150’. Mr. Harstad stated he was proposing to have very large lots within his development. Commissioner Klander stated he would like to see the trees to the rear of these lots preserved especially given the fact a retention pond would be located in their rear yard. Mr. Harstad stated he would take this feedback to heart and noted a tree buffer could remain in place along this lot line. He commented further on the easement that would surround the stormwater pond. Further discussion ensued regarding the stormwater pond and the new development. Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 6 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Sevald summarized the comments that had been received from the public and the Commission. Mr. Harstad thanked the Commission for their time. _____________________________________________________________________________ B. Sketch Plan – Crossroad Pointe Community Development Director Sevald stated a sketch plan is an informal review, intended to provide the developer feedback prior to them going through the expense of preparing detailed plans. Crossroad Pointe is located on the southeast corner of Mounds View Boulevard and County Road H2. INH Properties is proposing a four-story 127-unit apartment building. The project includes the closure of Greenfield Avenue through the project. There are two options; (1) dead-end Greenfield Ave (hammerhead); or (2) allow a driveway connection to the project at Greenfield Ave. The primary driveway access will be on Edgewood Drive. Planning Commission members are asked to provide feedback to the developer. There is no “formal” approval, denial, or consensus needed. Jim Illies, INH, presented the Commission with further information regarding the plans for Crossroad Pointe. He explained he believed the proposed concept plan was the highest and best use for the land. He stated his goal was to go back to his partners after receiving feedback from the public and the Commission to make the plans even better. He commented further on the proposed four-story apartment building. It was noted the site would have a two to one parking ratio with one dedicated underground parking stall and another surface parking stall. The amenities being planned for the building were reviewed. He discussed how fire trucks would access the property and noted all site traffic would exit onto Edgewood Drive. He then commented on the building materials that would be used and asked for questions or comments from the Commission. Chair Stevenson asked what the rent levels would be for the new apartments. Mr. Illies clarified that this was a 100% market rate apartment building. He explained the rental rates would range from $1,000 to $1,500. Chair Stevenson commented some residents believe Mounds View already has enough apartments. He requested further information on the apartment market in the City. Mr. Illies reported he had completed a market study. He stated the City was underserved for new market rate units and indicated Mounds View could support 127 new market rate apartments. Corey Gerads, Alliance Building Company, introduced himself to the Commission and stated he would be acting as the general contractor for this project. He explained he was looking forward to working with the City on this apartment building. Bill McCullo, 5269 Greenfield Avenue, reported he has been a resident of Mounds View for the past 50 years and stated he lives on a very quiet street. He expressed concern that the new apartment building would be accessed from Greenfield Avenue. He stated he opposed this access point as it would adversely impact his neighborhood. He recommended the apartment Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ complex be accessed from Mounds View Boulevard and that the traffic not be directed through an existing residential neighborhood. Community Development Director Sevald stated he anticipated a great deal of apartment traffic would use the Edgewood entrance. He discussed the access guidelines that the County had in place for Mounds View Boulevard and explained the site would have to be accessed off of Greenfield Avenue and Edgewood Drive. Mr. McCullo asked why the developer was seeking so many apartment units. He feared the City was trying to put too many people into a small area. Chair Stevenson indicated this may be a financial issue for the developer. Commissioner Monn questioned if the City could be supplied with data to better understand the current apartment market and unit vacancy rates. Community Development Director Sevald reported the vacancy rate was only 1% to 1.5% in Mounds View at this time. He indicated the market study completed by the developer could be provided to the Commission for further review. Commissioner Klander inquired if the fire department had required two entrance points to this building. Mr. Illies stated the recommendation was to have a cul-de-sac or hammerhead at Greenfield Avenue to allow fire trucks to turn around. However, another alternative was to have Greenfield Avenue run through the project. Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood Drive, expressed concern with the amount of traffic that would be flowing onto Edgewood Drive from the apartment complex. He reported Edgewood Drive already had heavy amounts of traffic, especially during the start and end of the school day. He feared the apartment complex would create an overwhelming situation for traffic along Edgewood Drive. He recommended the City pursue an access point onto Mounds View Boulevard. Bren Kingle, 5297 Edgewood Drive, explained she has lived in her home for the past six years and this was her first home. She reported she views her home as an investment and had concerns with how her property value would be impacted by the proposed apartment building. She indicated there was already a great deal of traffic along Edgewood Drive, both vehicles and pedestrians. She feared how her neighborhood would be impacted when additional cars were on this roadway in the morning and evening hours. She recommended the City pursue an entrance or exit onto Highway 10. She stated she anticipated crime in her neighborhood would increase after the apartment complex was built. Pat Leary, 5250 O’Connell Drive, expressed concern with the fact the City was proposing to cram 200 people and 200 cars onto four acres of land. He commented on how much traffic this apartment building would generate. He questioned why the City needed more people, given the fact its schools were already maxed out. Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Klander recommended the tot lot and dog area be adjacent to the residential neighborhood as this would provide more greenspace towards the neighborhood. He suggested the tot lot be fenced for protection purposes. Mr. Illies stated he had not considered placing the tot lot on the residential side and noted this was an unusually shaped lot. He explained the unbuildable area was being proposed for greenspace. He stated he would look at shifting the building in order to allow for the greenspace to be on the residential side of the site. He indicated he could look at fencing the tot lot. Commissioner Farmer questioned what more could be done to create a buffer between the apartment building and the adjacent homes. Community Development Director Sevald noted the row of mature pine trees would remain in place. Ms. Kingle supported the apartment building be shifted so she did not have three story residents staring into her home. Commissioner Monn asked what the possibility was to have a parking ramp versus underground parking in order to lower the overall height of the building. Mr. Illies did not believe this would be attractive. He reported he would know more about the height of the building once soil borings were complete. He was of the opinion the proposed garage would look and act as an extension of the building. Chair Stevenson inquired if INH could pursue a shared driveway with Bel Rae. Mr. Illies stated this access point was private property. Community Development Director Sevald added that the new driveway to the apartment building would be extremely close to the Bel Rae units. Commissioner Klander asked if a new access point to Mounds View Boulevard could be created. Chair Stevenson reported MnDOT and the County would not allow this. Commissioner French encouraged the developer to take into consideration the amount of pedestrian traffic that used Edgewood Drive to get to and from school. A resident questioned how many garbage trucks would access the site. Mr. Illies responded; one truck, three days per week. Commissioner Klander asked for clarification regarding how Greenfield Avenue and Edgewood Drive would be connected. Mr. Illies explained the connecting street. Commissioner Nelson recommended that the parking lot be designed such that cars cannot speed out of the garage onto the street. The Commission discussed traffic flow within the parking garage and parking lot. Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 9 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Monn questioned what other properties INH has developed, and what happens after it is developed. Mr. Illies stated a list was provided to the City. INH will manage the apartments and discussed their screening of tenants. Commissioner Monn recommended that the street be left open, and that the building not be painted one color. Commissioner Farmer questioned about the water table and building height. Mr. Illies stated the building would be 36’ tall to the eaves, excluding the parking garage, and discussed that further site investigation would be done. Commissioner Monn questioned where there would be fencing. Mr. Illies discussed fencing of the tot lot. Commissioner Monn recommended fencing the dog park and storm water pond. Commissioner Klander recommended that the tot lot and dog run be moved to the west end of the lot. Community Development Director Sevald summarized the Planning Commissioner’s recommendations, to consider moving the tot lot and dog run; fencing in the tot lot and storm water pond; concern about visibility of the sidewalk along Edgewood Road, consider connecting Greenfield Avenue to Edgewood Road; and consider working with Bel Rae for a shared access. Commissioner Monn questioned what the plans are for snow removal. Mr. Illies said that snow would be stored where there is green space, or hauled away. Commissioner Farmer recommended consideration of pedestrian access and experience. The Commission and Mr. Illies discussed the location of the sidewalk and patio along Edgewood Road. Commissioner Klander questioned if a flashing pedestrian sign could be located on County Road H2. Community Development Director Sevald said this is a larger issue related to school zones. Chair Stevenson thanked the public for attending and participating in the discussion. _____________________________________________________________________________ 6. Other Planning Activity None. ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. Reports A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 10 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Sevald discussed upcoming planning cases. B. Staff Updates Community Development Director Sevald provided the Commission with an update from staff. C. Council Updates Council Member Bergeron provided the Planning Commission with an update from the City Council. D. Planning Commissioner Reports Chair Stevenson said that there is a vacancy on the Economic Development Commission for a business representative. Anyone interested should contact the City. 8. Approval of Minutes January 2, 2019. MOTION/SECOND: Commissioner Rundle/Commissioner Monn. To approve the Minutes of the January 2, 2019 regular Planning Commission meetings as slightly amended. Ayes – 7 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 9. Next Planning Commission Meeting: A. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 B. Wednesday, February 20, 2019 ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. Adjournment There being no further business before the Planning Commission, Chair Stevenson adjourned the meeting at 9:47 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ Respectfully submitted, Jon Sevald Community Development Director Mounds View Planning Commission January 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 11 ________________________________________________________________________ Transcribed by: Heidi Guenther TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.