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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes <br /> August 26, 2003 <br /> Page 4 <br /> 1 Commissioner Hanson noted the Apache Plaza project was currently being considered and <br /> 2 wondered what would be done with the locally owned businesses and franchise locations. He <br /> 3 added he was somewhat disappointed with the decision, as businesses and climates change. He <br /> 4 indicated he did obtain good information to bring back to the Planning Commission. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 It was noted the City had been considering many variances recently, and the suggestion was <br /> 7 made that research regarding changes should be conducted and recommendations/information <br /> 8 given regarding issues such as the number of parking spaces required at restaurants. <br /> 9 <br /> 10 B. Review Northwest Quadrant Planned Unit Development(PUD). <br /> 11 <br /> 12 John Shardlow, DSU, noted the City of St. Anthony Village had begun to proactively pursue a <br /> 13 planning process for the redevelopment of the 250-acre Northwest Quadrant of the City. Mr. <br /> 14 Shardlow gave a project overview, which included the goals of the planning process; noted the <br /> 15 public meeting schedule and milestones; discussed the consistency of the comprehensive plan; <br /> 16 explained the Planned Unit Development (PUD); noted the process for PUD review; reviewed <br /> 17 the Design Framework Manual. <br /> 18 <br /> 19 Mr. Shardlow explained site drawings from within the Design Framework Manual. He noted the <br /> 20 plans included the following: a very strong main street through the center; a strong public open <br /> 21 space within the center of the project; strong visual corridors; strong ties to park, which was <br /> 22 designed to substantially improve the runoff and would include a high level of amenities, <br /> 23 extensive landscaping and a few structures; strong pedestrian trail system; transit improvements. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 Mr. Shardlow indicated the following concerns had been expressed by the Planning <br /> 26 Commission: concern the name of the development would cause some confusion; a request for a <br /> 27 specific drawing that would show the view directly across the parking lot to the discount store, as <br /> 28 the Commission wanted to see what the straight-line view would be; concern that the image and <br /> 29 character of the development emulate more directly the surrounding, older neighborhoods. He <br /> 30 stated he did not personally share that viewpoint. <br /> 31 <br /> 32 Mr. Shardlow stated the next step was to put together the detailed planning report. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 Councilmember Thuesen asked if access was being planned for those with disabilities or special <br /> 35 needs. Mr. Shardlow responded all areas for accessibility would be considered. <br /> 36 <br /> .37 Councilmember Thuesen asked if some thought would go into transit issues, as they related to <br /> 38 development, so handicapped accessibility would be addressed. Mr. Shardlow responded it <br /> 39 would. Councilmember Thuesen added it was very important there were no barriers in a new <br /> 40 development such as this project, as all those issues should be carefully considered. <br /> 41 <br /> 42 Councilmember Thuesen asked about the signage for the project. Mr. Shardlow responded a <br /> 43 visual preference,survey had been done and the most favorable reaction had been to signage that <br /> 44 was unique. He added consistent locations along the fagade would be found, along with a <br /> 45 consistent standard for size and types of letters that would be internally illuminated. <br /> 46 <br />