2016.06.23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission June 23, 2016 Page 4 Mr. Schmidt stated that they don't need an easement, but do need to meet their design standards and get their approval. He explained that they have been in contact with them. Knauss asked staff if there was an expected date that TH 61 would be expanded. Bear stated that they do not have an anticipated timeline from the state for the expansion of the roadway. He said that there is an approved corridor plan that indicates what the expansion will look like. Although this is in the Met Council's Regional Plan, it is not in the Met Council's fiscally constrained plan. Therefore, the timeline is unknown. Chair Kleissler opened the floor to the audience for comments or questions. Vann Clipper, 12536 Fenway Ave. N., approached the podium. He asked why a large mass of housing was located on the corner of TH 61 and 130th Street. He also asked if the pond shown on the corner of TH 61 and 130th Street would be removed with the expansion of TH 61. Randal Barnes, 6491 132nd St. N., approached the podium. He believes the project is exactly the project needed for this lot and that it is vastly superior to past proposals for this lot. Lisa Berggren, 5485 134th Street N., approached the podium. She stated that the amount of homes proposed to be put on these properties are concerning and the proposed lot widths and lot depths are not close to required standards. Mrs. Berggren stated that another concern is traffic. She believed that there are not enough roadways accessing the property, so 137th Street will be a shortcut for a lot of cars to get onto TH 61. Mrs. Berggren stated that the large pond is also concerning, as her backyard and others' will back up to it. There are also concerns regarding the impact of flood plain, wildlife, drainage, and flooding. She stated she understands this property will be developed but wants it to be developed with current residents in mind. Chair Kleissler directed staff to answer resident's questions. Juba stated that there are wetlands and floodplains the developer is trying to preserve, which is why the development is designed in this way. Commissioner McRoberts asked if there is a plan to extend or make water areas any larger. Juba stated that there is a ditch, but no standing water on the property currently. She explained that the pond would be constructed within the floodplain. Juba stated that the 40 ft. of additional right of way needed for the future expansion of TH 61 could not be built on. She stated that the plan would have to shift over another 40 ft. to the east. Juba stated that the PUD process does allow applicants to ask for flexibility on lot size and lot width. She stated that an alternative is to build the minimum lot size designated within the R-3 zoning district, where some of the lot lines would just extend into the floodplain and wetlands. Juba explained that allowing the developer to have this flexibility reduces impacts to these natural features. Juba then described that the allowed density in the R-3 zoning district is 4 units per acre and the applicant is proposing 2.5 units per acre. They would not have to ask for any flexibility on this. Chair Kleissler asked what the density is on adjacent sites.