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January 12, 2023 PC Minutes <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Old Business: Oneka Commons - Revised Sketch Plan <br /> <br />Staff provided an update on the Oneka Commons sketch plan. The developer for the project is Peter <br />Stalland from Knute Development, LLC. The sketch plan was revised, as the Planning Commission did <br />not like changing the land use to allow the apartment at the original proposed location. The property is <br />zoned Central Business with a small portion zoned General Business. The property is guided Mixed-Use <br />with a small potion guided Commercial. The applicant is using approximately 23 acres to create a <br />mixed use development with residential and commercial uses, with the intention to create apartments <br />and commercial businesses. 150 apartment units are proposed, and access to the site would be from <br />Frenchman Road. The developer has not clarified that they are applying for a Planned Unit <br />Development. The development is subject to Downtown Design Guidelines. T he applicant indicated <br />that the building’s design will be consistent with these guidelines by blending the uses together. <br />Common spaces and amenities will be included, as well as pedestrian oriented elements. Landscaping <br />and architectural features will be consistent with Downtown Design Guidelines. Commercial buildings <br />in the development are required to meet Commercial and Industrial Design guidelines. The applicant <br />presented a general commercial building rendering, which appears to mostly align with these <br />guidelines by relating to traditional Main Street or Prairie style architecture and being oriented <br />towards the streets. The apartment building is required to meet the requirements of the Multifamily <br />Design Guidelines. The applicant presented a rendering of the apartment complex. The rendering is <br />three to four stories tall with underground parking and a breezeway. The developer is proposing <br />meandering trails connecting to the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, and sidewalks have been <br />constructed along both sides of Victor Path. The developer included a proposed park in the sketch plan <br />without any amenities. Entrance to the development would be from a right -in/right-out from <br />Frenchman road which would need to be approved by Washington County. A roundabout is included <br />for easier access to the property. The applicant has indicated regional stormwater management for the <br />site. Sewer and water is available for the site. Staff believes that generally, the sketch plan is on the <br />right track in meeting development guidelines. Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide <br />comments to the applicant on the proposed sketch plan, specifically related to the general layout, <br />building architecture, street access and development phasing. <br /> <br />Stalland addressed the Planning Commission. Stalland clarified that the project would develop both the <br />residential and commercial properties, creating uniformity. Stalland states that the phasing of the <br />development will be controlled by the developer. Stalland mentions the development’s massing and <br />how he needs a minimum of 150 apartment units in order for the development to be economically <br />feasible. Stalland notes that the two houses facing the complex will be a story above the traffic driving <br />into the development. Stalland states that the breezeway will act as a plaza. <br /> <br />Commissioner Arcand asked if the apartment complex is two buildings, and if the garage is connected <br />to both. Stalland confirmed that to be true. Commissioner Arcand asked if Stalland would have any <br />issue moving the roundabout. Stalland responded that they can be flexible within reason. <br />Commissioner Arcand asked if the road coming out of the roundabout towards Fenway Avenue is <br />included in the project. Stalland responded that it is not. Arcand asked what the County does not like <br />about the right-in right-out. Juba responded that access point was not part of their County Road 8 <br />corridor plan. Commissioner Arcand asked if a right-in right-out on Highway 61 was possible. Stalland