2017.11.06 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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applicant has completed a traffic study for the proposed development. The traffic study concluded that traffic control improvements may be necessary at Highway 61 and 159th Street, as the project reaches full build out. As the development project proceeds, improvements to Highway 61 may be required based on the anticipated traffic. Potential improvements may include turn lanes on Highway 61 or improvements to existing intersections, and would be based on the traffic study and input from MnDOT. Staff has been working with the applicant and MnDOT on what improvements would be needed for the intersection. The sketch plan shows a roundabout as the intersection improvement. Staff agrees that this improvement is the best option for the intersection. The following primary issues have been identified for further discussion if the project moves forward: An Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) shall be completed for the intersection. MnDOT has stated that if traffic control improvements are needed at the Highway 61 and 159th Street intersection by 2023, they may support the installation of a roundabout. If not, the improvement would be the installation of turn lanes, which would be setting the intersection up for a traffic signal (not a roundabout) in the future. If turn lanes are required to be installed as the traffic control improvement, it will be a requirement that access into the development has direct alignment across from 159th Street. The roundabout option allows for some flexibility with this alignment. The applicant must receive a permit from MnDOT and Washington County for the intersection improvement. This means, these entities will need to review and approve the improvement, alignment, and design. The property along Highway 61, that is zoned commercial with industrial uses, should be planned with the development. This is important not only because access to the properties needs to be provided, but this is the main entrance into the development from Highway 61. The applicant does not necessary need to have commercial incorporated in the project, but staff will need to fully understand how the properties continue to, or will function with the proposed development. The applicant is proposing to connect to Goodview Trail and Goodview Avenue from Oneka Ponds on the south side of the development to extend to the northern boundary. The applicant should work closely with staff to limit access from residential lots to Goodview Avenue, as it's a collector road, and provide good screening for the yards that would abut the street. The City and applicant should also discuss streetscaping along Goodview Avenue and 159th Street as the main accesses into the development. The sketch plan shows 159th Street and Goodview Avenue directly abuting the neighboring property to the northwest. This is a long length of road to be constructed without lots connected to them. There may be a more efficient way to connect the development to the neighboring properties. Staff has recommend that all of phase one should have an outlet to Highway 61. One idea is to cross the ditch at a different location so the length of the road to be constructed with phase one could be shortened. Staff recommends the applicant continue to work with staff on the road alignments and connections.