CC MINUTES 12041984 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-2- Bill Zawislak,, Chairman of the Planning Commission was present to report on the Commission meeting held November 20, 1984, as reflected in the minutes of that meeting which were included in the agenda packet. The Commission had unanimously recommended Council approval of both the unit density variance required to construct the proposed 116 unit senior rental housing structure, Chandler Residences, and the preliminary platting of' the Hertog Gardens into seven residential single family lots, Chair Zawislak reported, and neither project had generated neighbor opposition. .The Manager .had written cover memorandums explain- ing the proposals and had supported the Commission's recommendation of approval in each case. When the question was raised about the reference in the minutes to the height of the- apartment building being shortened.with the addition of 32 -units, Chair Zawislak explained that there would really be no change but the Commission had not wanted to specifically .identi,fy the project height as- 32 feet or four stories on the 37th Avenue N:E. side, for fear the roof treatments and flashing, might add .to that height.- The project architect, Craig- Hinrichs. of Smiley,, Glotter Associates, 102.1 LaSalle- Avenue South, Minneapolis, confirmed that the building plans were for 9 feet, floor to floor, which would be 32 feet and said he did not anticipate the roofage would appreciably affect that height. Mike Miller, Assistant Administrator of the St. Anthony Health Center, a 65 unit nursing home at 3700 Foss Road, whose managing partners were proposing to erect the 116 unit elderly rental residence in conjunction with that facility, reiterated that when a five year moratorium was placed .on, all nursing care facilities in the state, the St. Anthony Health Center owners had gone to market rate rental units • for the elderly who require some degree of assistance to live independently.. Mr. Hinrichs presented the general schematics for the proposal on the image draw- ings of the project which had been shown- to the Planning Commission, drawing special attention to the treatment of the 37th Avenue N.E. side where the congregate living areas and a greenhouse/atrium entrance would be open .to .the view from the street and the residences across -.37th. 'Mr. Miller told the Council he perceived good unit sizes offered to prospective renters ranging from 610 square foot one bedroom to 850 square -foot two bedroom units, and he -told Councilman .Marks, that now with the expanded kitchen and shared eating and activity areas for the two buildings, it was quite possible that the congregate dining could be offered .to other community seniors as well . The nursing home director said the new.- auditorium would be 80 X 40 feet and would seat 130 at a time. The Councilman observed that with '.32 parkingspaces in back of the facility, as well as 39. underground for the residents in addition to the parking in the existing building, there should certainly be adequate parking between the two facilities, and he asked Mr.. Miller to comment on the effect he perceives the improved traffic flows on the site might have on the congestion being experienced on Foss Road. Mr. Miller and Mr.. Hinrichs indicated they. anticipated most of the traffic generated by the new building would exit off Chandler rather than Foss Road; since the major .visitation parking area would becloser to Chandler. When Mr. Miller indicated staff would probably find Chandler the best exit point, the Mayor told him it might be a good idea for the administration.to encourage their staff to do that. The nursing home administrator indicated there had been 200 foot borings taken on • the new project site and, although pilings would not be necessary, Mr. Miller estimated the excavation and fill costs would add at least $250,000 to the project cost, not to mention the drainage the Rice Creek Watershed District might require since that property serves -as a watershed for the whole neighborhood.