2023.02.06 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Oneka Commons Sketch Plan 2023 Multi-Family Residential/Apartments The applicant has provided building renderings for the two-story/three-story apartment building. All of the buildings within the project shall have four sided architecture, with equal treatment and visual qualities, and shall meet the requirements of the Multifamily Design Guidelines. The building rendering shows the building design with horizontal and vertical projections. Although the applicant did not provide information on the building material, it looks like there would be varying materials and colors. The guidelines encourage using a mix of materials and the ordinance states that the exterior of three-story structures shall have a high percent of brick, stone, or comparable material. With modifications to the elevations and using quality materials, it seems like the buildings could meet the intent of the design guidelines. The apartment includes underground parking. The building orientation has a large wall massing towards the residential development to the south. From the renderings it looks like in that area the first floor would be parking, making it a three/four story building on the south side. The applicant should work on reducing the large massing on that side. From the site plan it looks like there is a breezeway/plaza between two buildings. It would help to have truly two buildings with open space between to break up the long walls. The applicant is showing the access to the underground parking on the south side of the buildings and is likely to impact the residential development with noise and lights from the vehicles. Staff recommends the access to the underground parking be further evaluated for a new location. Parks/Trails Because of the residential density proposed and proximity to future businesses special attention should be paid to the trails and sidewalks for both recreation and transportation purposes. Additionally, the development is adjacent to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, which connects many of Hugo’s trails and parks. According to the Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan trails and sidewalks are to be built with new developments that connect the community and ensure safe access to parks, downtown, and other important areas in the City. The developer is proposing meandering trails connecting to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail along the ditch. This would provide a scenic and desirable recreational amenity. There are other connections to the trail proposed in the development. There is a trail on the west side of Fenway Avenue North in the Oneka Estates neighborhood to the south. According to the Existing and Proposed Trails Map, this trail is planned to be extended to Frenchman Avenue with the extension of the roadway. This needs to be included in the development plans. Additionally, the planned trail on the south side of Frenchman Avenue needs to be included in the development plans. Sidewalks have been constructed along both sides of Victor Path, which should continue as it goes west of the roundabout. Park dedication is required for all residential development. The land dedication requirement percentage goes up as the residential density goes up. In lieu of land dedication, the Parks Commission could recommend the fee of $3,400 be paid per unit. The developer has a proposed park shown on the plan. The park does not show any amenities such as playground equipment.