PC PACKET 111022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

October 27,2022 PC Minutes Page 5 located, and whether a large apartment complex could be integrated into a mixed-use development. Staff recalled comments received by the EDA which placed importance on preserving the existing commercial designations along CSAH 8. Commissioner Andress stated that the property features a very desirable corner with the intersection of CSAH 8 and TH 61, and that he would like to see a proposal that blends in well and achieves the goals of the Downtown Plan. Commissioner Petty stated that she is trying to visualize how the proposed apartments would look when viewed from CSAH 8. Bear stated that the discussion topics staff posed are to consider such issues. Commissioner Petty mentioned an apartment building in Forest Lake which is located very close to a frontage road, and has concerns about encroachment on major roadways. The applicant, Peter Stalland approached the Planning Commission stating that he wanted to give comments from a development perspective. Stalland stated that it is too expensive and risky to develop the property all at once, and believes that an apartment project is the best starting point for developing the whole property. Stalland showed the Commissioners a redesigned sketch plan, which had not been reviewed by staff, that shows the building orientation flipped and located closer to the corner of CSAH 8 and TH 61. Stalland stated that areas further to the southwest of the property wouldn't work as well for the apartment project since the soil isn't conducive to underground parking. Commissioner Arcand asks about the topography of the southerly areas on the property which are guided for low-density residential. Stalland says that the necessary modifications would be too expensive to construct his desired product. Commissioner Arcand replies that he is not in favor of apartments being located right on CSAH 8, which he feels is better suited for commercial frontage. Chair Kleissler says that having standalone apartments on CSAH 8 would significantly disrupt the surrounding area. Commissioner Derr adds that the existing Rosemary apartments are located behind several commercial developments relative to the county highway. Commissioner Arcand states that a lot of time and energy was put into the Comprehensive Plan process, and that the decision to alter the plan should not be taken lightly. Commissioner Derr adds that the residents favored commercial use along the county highway during that process. Chair Kleissler asked the Commissioners to give feedback on the idea of incorporating the apartments in a Mixed-Use development. Commissioner Petty stated that she would not be in favor of a long wall encroaching on TH 61. Commissioner Arcand stated that he would not be pleased without commercial uses on the corner of CSAH 8 and TH 61. Stalland agrees with the Commissioners that small-scale commercial on that corner would be best, and that he would be interested in making Comprehensive Plan and zoning amendments although it is financially intensive. Commissioner Petty asks if the apartments could be moved to the south of the commercially designated areas along the county highway. Stalland responds that the option has been considered but the extension of infrastructure would be intensive.