2005.11.10 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — November 10, 2005 Page 2 development, and the excess amount of lots the applicant was requesting. The Commission was concerned about the property not being contiguous because of 132nd Street dividing the north and south half. A large portion of the 20 acre parcel to the north was mainly inaccessible by pedestrians because of a four acre pond on the property. The Commission questioned how it would be maintained and speculated the field could become a large weed bed. It was recommended that the Parks Department review the plan and an open space management plan be created. Thompson said that though there was no access to the property on the north side of the pond, it would provide a nice view from the homes and keep the area natural for wildlife habitat. The Commission was also concerned about the open space on the south portion of the development. The plan showed three areas; a small portion along the south side of 132nd Street, west of the proposed road, 1 acre in the southwest corner and a 3.47 acre parcel on the southern side of 132nd street behind the proposed residential homes. On that parcel, the applicant proposed to contruct a gazebo, outdoor patio, or children's play area with trail access from the new street/temporary cul-de-sac. The Commission commented on the lack of a focal point and suggested removing a few of the homes to allow the open space to the east to be more visible. The applicant stated that they didn't consider the 3.47 acre parcel to be a focal point but were considering a fountain at the entry to create a focal point from the road. The Commission asked the applicant to reduce the amount of lots to 12 and develop a plan to access the open spaces within the development. Rezoning of Property Located on Forest Boulevard (Former End Zone Property) A public hearing was noticed for the rezoning of property located at 13891 Forest Boulevard North. The applicant had since requested the item be tabled until the first meeting in December. Since the noticed was published in the White Bear Press, Schumann opened the public hearing. Dev Sivula, 7194 132nd Street North, said she didn't think the City needed another bar and the property would be better used as parkland or open space. There were no other comments and Schumann recessed the public hearing until December 8, 2005. Multi -Family Design Guidelines A workshop was held on October 25, 2005 at 3:00 pm to review and discuss the proposed multi- family design guidelines and standards. Because of the time of day the workshop was held, the majority of the Planning Commission was unable to attend the meeting. The planner gave an overview of the Power Point presentation from the workshop. A revised draft ordinance would