HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC 05.14.20Minutes for the Plannine Commission Meetine of Thursday. Mav 15. 2020
Meeting held remotely pursuant Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.021
Chair Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.
PRESENT: Arcand, Derr, Fry, Kleissler, Lessard, Tjernlund.
ABSENT: Luchsinger, Mulvihill.
STAFF: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of April 23, 2020
Commissioner Arcand made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Fry to approve minutes for the
meeting of April 23, 2020.
Ayes: Arcand, Derr, Fry, Kleissler, Lessard.
Abstained: Tjernlund.
Motion carried.
Public Hearing: Hugo Gardens Apartments, LLC — Request for a PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat
for "Hugo Gardens Apartments."
Kendra Lindahl, consultant planner for the City of Hugo, with Landform Professional Services provided
background on the application. The property was previously approved and planned as part of the
preliminary plat and PUD for "LaValle Fields." The current project includes development of Outlot B
and construction of stormwater ponding on Outlot D. The PUD Amendment proposes 84 apartment
units in seven buildings instead of the 165 units in three buildings originally approved in 2014. The new
proposal has a net density of 10.66 units per acre, which is within the allowable density for the PUD.
The buildings will have a mix of one, two, and three bedroom apartments for rent.
The building plans are compatible with the Multi -Family Development Design Guidelines and staff
believes the buildings are well -designed with good articulation to the building face to provide interest
and variety. Staff recommends the final color palettes be further reviewed to include additional colors.
The developer has worked with staff to orient the buildings to Finale Avenue where possible and
encourages a walkable development. Staff recommends the landscape plan be redesigned to better
define the street scape along Finale Avenue.
Lindahl also provided details on parking, streets, and park dedication. Staff concluded that the PUD
amendment and preliminary plat generally conform to City standards however, there are several
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outstanding issues that must be clarified, and conditions that must be met by the applicant to ensure
compliance with City standards. Staff recommends approval subject to the findings and conditions in
the resolution.
Commissioner Lessard wanted to ensure that the retaining walls on site will be safe for cars and
pedestrians and suggested fencing. Commissioner Fry thought that the north end of the site looked
crammed and wondered if the north end of the site could have a better layout. Lindahl responded that
the applicant has tried various layouts and due to the unique shape of the site, the proposed layout is
the most efficient. She also stated that she has suggested more parking in the open space in the center
of the site.
Applicant, Dean Dovolis, addressed the Planning Commission in response to staff's and Commissioner's
comments. They welcome the suggestions made by staff and the Commissioners and are excited for
the project. The proposed units will be a great addition to the downtown area and the Lions Park.
Patrick Sarver, Civil Site Group, is working with the applicant and reiterated that the site plan has
undergone a lot of variations.
Chair Kleissler was worried that there would not be enough parking with only one garage space per
unit. Dovolis responded that majority of the units are two bedrooms, which is accounted for.
Chair Kleissler opened the public hearing at 7:34pm.
Gina Hermann, 54211 146t" Street, has concerns with the apartment on the south side of the site being
so close to the property line and would like to see a trail along the street. She also wanted to know a
construction timeline.
Dovolis stated that the goal is for construction to start in the summer and have the units available for
rent by summer 2021.
Chair Kleissler asked if the applicant is comfortable with the recommendations outlined in the
resolution. Dovolis stated that they are comfortable with the conditions and will continue to work with
staff.
Chair Kleissler closed the public hearing at 7:37pm.
The Commissioners discussed the proposed project. Among the discussion it was mentioned that the
buildings look nice however, they could benefit from color variation. The variety of products and
different unit types available will be a great addition to the City. Overall, they generally liked the
proposal but agreed that there could be more parking if space is available.
Commissioner Fry made a motion to approve the PUD Amendment and Preliminary Plat for "Hugo
Gardens Apartments" subject to the conditions listed in the resolution, seconded by Tjernlund.
Ayes: Arcand, Derr, Fry, Kleissler, Lessard, Tjernlund. Nay: None. Motion carried.
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Adjournment
Commissioner Fry made a motion, Commissioner Arcand seconded, to adjourn at 7:45 pm.
Ayes: Arcand, Derr, Fry, Kleissler, Lessard, Tjernlund
Nay: None. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant