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Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes • January 30, 1996 Page 2 1 Chair Bergstrom explained the last category in the approval process are permits required by other 2 government agencies, such as the Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Health, and 3 the Rice Creek Watershed, who determines proper grading, water quality, and run off. 4 Chair Bergstrom continued this was a portion of a larger context,and that projects get much scrutiny 5 before construction begins. He continued the Planning Commission's role in the process is to ensure 6 the projects presented are consistent with current property and land use zoning requirements outlined 7 in the Comprehensive Plan. 8 Chair Bergstrom explained there were two public hearings on the agenda, one to approve the 9 preliminary plat to subdivide the lots, and the second to evaluate a request for a setback variance 10 from the lot lines. He continued a review of the comprehensive sign plan was also on the agenda, 11 but was not open to public hearing. Chair Bergstrom explained the Planning Commission makes 12 recommendations to the City Council, but the Council has the final approval. 13 Chair Bergstrom explained a representative from OPUS would present an overview the project for 14 the audience, as well as a brief overview of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), 15 because the scope of the EAW is much larger than what can be reviewed this evening. He continued 16 a public hearing will be opened, a report will be made by staff, a representative from OPUS will be available for questions from the Planning Commission and the public, and a motion will be made. 18 Chair Bergstrom instructed those wishing to comment speak into the microphone, state their name 19 and address, and to keep their comments brief and to the point. Chair Bergstrom continued the 20 Planning Commission is very familiar with the Apache Plaza project, and has had several concept 21 reviews, work sessions, and meetings with staff regarding the project. 22 Jay Scott, Director of Development of OPUS Corporation, thanked the Planning Commission and 23 audience for the opportunity to present the project and to share OPUS'thoughts and ideas. Mr. Scott 24 explained that OPUS is acting as a facilitator and development consultant for the Apache Plaza 25 project, working with SuperValu, Ste. Marie Corporation, and the City. He continued OPUS was 26 hopeful to be involved in ownership at a future point. He explained that OPUS Corporation is over 27 40 years old,and is the largest developer in the nation. He continued that OPUS has developed over 28 eight million square feet nationwide, 36 percent of which is retail. Mr. Scott explained OPUS has 29 developments in Maple Grove, Golden Valley, Eagan, and Highland Park, and that he oversees 30 developments in a five to six state region. 31 Mr. Scott explained the Planning Commission has a detailed report of the redevelopment plans. He 32 continued the redevelopment would be completed in one phase, possibly two, but that paramount 33 to that success would be approval of subdivision of the lot into seven separate lots. •