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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 2 1 Horst welcomed Mr. Krier and invited him to address the Council. Mr. Krier reviewed a 2 proposed redevelopment plan for the shopping center which includes a community vision 3 developed through meetings with area residents and shopping center merchants. He stated the 4 vision calls for a village-like community center with gathering spaces which is pedestrian 5 oriented and appealing to all members of the community. 6 Mr. Krier stated the redevelopment of the shopping center is necessary for the revitalization of 7 the area. He added that 2 possible land use plans were discussed at a recent Commission 8 meeting. He presented a depiction of the resulting land use plan which he discussed with the 9 new shopping center owners and the possible future owner of the Town& Country site at a 10 recent meeting. He noted this proposal calls for a village green space with trail connectors, 11 additional retail space along Kenzie Terrace, and office and retail space at the south end of the 12 center. 13 Mr. Krier stated it is his recommendation that the Commission review this plan for presentation 14 to and approval by the City Council. 15 Tillmann noted the green space as depicted on the proposal seems small. Mr. Krier stated the i6 proposed green space is approximately 7,000 square feet. He added that while the green space is central to the land use plan, a balance must be maintained between available green space and 18 necessary parking spaces. 19 Tillmann noted that access to the center from Highway 88 to the north is inconvenient to 20 pedestrians and may cause possible safety issues. Mr. Krier stated the shop owners at the center 21 have indicated that they prefer this access method. He added he agrees with Tillmann's 22 statement, but merchants and shop owners must be consulted in this.process. 23 Tillmann asked whether a"park&ride" will be included in the land use plan. Horst stated that 24 people use the shopping center as a "park& ride" although it is not an official MTC transit 25 location. Mr. Krier stated retail areas make good transfer points,but they also take up parking 26 spaces which are vital to the success of the center. He added it is not the intent of the land use 27 plan to eliminate a bus stop. 28 Hanson asked whether there would be a thoroughfare between the village green space and 29 Highway 88. Mr. Krier stated the land use plan provides a circular traffic pattern, and there will 30 be access from the south to the shopping center. 31 Tillman asked what kind of trail would be included in the plan. Mr. Krier stated he recommends 32 a sidewalk with lighting and landscaping connecting the central green area to retail spaces.