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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-11-25 Evironmental Quality Commission Meeting MinutesAGENDA Edina Environmental Quality Commission Monday, November 25, 1974, at 7:30 P.M. Edina City Hall I. Roll Call. II. Approval of the October 28, 1974, EQC Minutes. III. OLD BUSINESS: A. Folke Victorsen (Z-74-4) R-1 to PRD-3. Final Development Plans. IV. NEW BUSINESS: A. Lowry Hill Enterprises, Inc. Generally located at the southwest corner of Dewey Hill Road and Cahill Road. R-1 to PRD-5. B. Environmental Assessment. V. REPORTS: A. Committee Reports. B. Watershed District Proceedings. VI. OTHER BUSINESS: VII. OTHERS WISHING TO BE HEARD. VIII. ADJOURNMENT. :MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1574 EDINA CITY HALL I. Roll Call: Donald Johnson, Chairman William Poehler Virginia Scott Ronald Hayes John Telfer James Bentley Paul Mucke Staff Present: Gordon Hughes, Environmental Planner Carol Peterson, Secretary Lynnae Nye, Secretary II. Rproval of the October 28, 1574 EQC Minutes: Mr. Hayes made a motion to approve the October 28, 1974 EQC minutes corrected as fol- lows: the last two sentences of paragraph two on page one (III Old Business - A) should read "A short discussion followed at which time it was determined that a flexible testing schedule could compensate for the effects of abnormal weather con- ditions." Mr. Tefler seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. III. Old Business A. Folke Victorsen (2-74-4) R-1 to PRD-3. Final Development Plans. Mr. Hughes recalled that a five-story apartment building was previously proposed for this property. Two months ago another proposal was submitted for a 74 unit, three- story apartment building on the north side of the hill and 32 single family lots on the south side. At that time, the EQC recommended denial of the project, noting they objected to the single family area, the amount of land that would be disturbed, and the necessary road grade; but did not object to the apartment building portion of the project. The PC and City Council, however, gave preliminary approval and instructed the developer to submit final plans. During review of those final develop- ment plans, it became evident to the engineering and planning staff that substantial cuts would have to be made that would result in considerable environmental damage and cause safety problems. Mr. Hughes presented the final development plans, including the proposed road pro- files and cut fill. Lengthy discussion followed regarding the proposed 13% street grades, sewers, sub- stantial retaining walls, and the location of the proposed apartment building. In reply to Mr. Hayes, Mr, Hughes stated that a variance could be requested to reduce the setback from the north property line. Mr. Hughes also referenced the mandatory environmental assessment prepared for the project. The environmental assessment was reviewed last week by the technical committee of the Minnesota Environmental Quality Council, who did not make a recommendation because there were some questions on whether a NPDES permit would be required for storm sewer discharge into Nine Mile Creek. The full MEQC will meet on December 10 to decide whether an environmental impact statement would be required. Mr. Hughes felt it was very remote that an EIS would be required since this is a project of local significance. The environmental effects of storm water runoff and storm sewers were discussed. Mrs. Scott noted the historical significance of this property in that it is considered a rare geologic formation and has certain archeological value. Brief discussion fol- lowed. Mr. Hughes recommended the EQC reiterate their position of last May, at which NOVEMBER 25, 1974 EQC MINUTES PAGE 2 time they did not object to the apartment building at the base of the hill but did object to the single family portion of the project. He suggested they advise the PC and City Council to reconsider their previous actions and perhaps reconsider a higher density at the base of the hill in order to eliminate environmental and development problems associated with the steep slopes. Mr. Hayes felt the EQC should not go on record as approving a higher density for a project they haven't reviewed. Dis- cussion followed regarding the height and location of this proposed apartment build- ing and possible alternatives. Mr. Hayes reiterated the motion passed by the EQC in May and moved "the present request for rezoning to PRD-3 be denied, with the notation that the commission does not object to the 74 unit apartment building but objects to the single family area, the amount of land that would be disturbed, and the necessary road grade." Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. All generally agreed that staff should contact the Minnesota DNR to inform them of the site's historical value. IV. New Business A. Lowry Hill Enterprises, Inc. Generally located at the southwest corner of Dewey Hill Road and Cahill Road. R-1 to PRD-5. Mr. Hughes explained that a rezoning is requested for a five-story 273 unit apartment building on a 28 acre parcel. The property in question is a rolling-grass area.having shallow marshes on its north and west borders and a small knoll in the central portion of the site. There are few trees on the property. In review, Mr. Hughes stated that he was not concerned so much with the architectural features of building or den- sity, but rather with the amount of open space and environmental features preserved on the site. He felt that from an environmental standpoint, the proponents have used the most developable portion of the land and treated the natural features of the site in a reasonable manner. On this basis, Mr. Hughes advised the EQC to recommend approval to the AC and City Council. Mr. Hayes recalled the EQC approval of a plan for rezoning by Condor Corporation. He felt that EQC is now in a position to determine whether the Lowry Hill project is sounder than the Condor. After brief discussion, Mr. Hayes suggested that the Plan- ning Commission's comments will be of more significance to the EQC than the EQC's comments to the Planning Commission. He, therefore, moved that no action be taken until the Planning Commission's results are available. Mrs. Scott seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. B. Environmental Assessment Mr. Hughes reported that the State EQC recently requested an environemntal assessment on the Victorsen project. He stated that Mr. Victorsen prepared this assessment him- self. However, in other private projects, the city could he designated as the agency responsible for the preparation of the assessment. Mr. Hughes presented a report outlining state criteria for assessment preparation. He recommended that an amendment be added to the subdivision and zoining ordinances requiring the private developers to prepare environmental assessments when their proposed projects meet state criteria. NOVEMBER 25, 1974 EQC MINUTES PAGE 3 A lengthy discussion followed as to the responsibility of the city and developer regarding environmental assessment. The Commission also considered proposing stricter criteria than the states. After further discussion, Mr. Hayes moved that the EQC recommend an amendment requiring environmental assessments on only those types of projects outlined by the State of Minnesota. Mrs. Scott seconded the motion noting that the assessment requirements could be made stricter at a later date if need be. All voted aye. Motion carried. V. Reports A. Committee Reports - None B. Watershed District Proceedings Mr. Hughes reported that there is no news on the Minnehaha Creek project. VI. Other Business - None VII. Others Wishing to be Heard - None VIII. Lijournment Mrs. Scott moved that the EQC meeting be adjourned at 10:00 p.m. and Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. Ail voted aye. Motion carried.