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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 11-19 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes PacketMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1980, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bill Lewis, James Bentley, Len Fernelius, Del Johnson, Helen McClelland, Mary McDonald MEMBERS ABSENT: Gordon Johnson, David Runyan STAFF PRESENT: Gordon Hughes, Director of Planning; Joyce Repya, Secretary 1. Approval of the Minutes: Len Fernelius moved approval of the minutes from the October 1 and the October 29, 1980, meetings. Mary McDonald seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. 11. New Business: Z-80-7 Kuhr's Addition. R-1 Single Family to PRD -3 Planned 8 Residential District. Generally located in the northwest 5-80-18 corner of Gleason Road and the Crosstown Highway. Gordon Hughes informed the Commission that the subject property measures approximately seven acres in area. It is bordered on the south by Crosstown Highway, on the east by Gleason Road, and on the north by developed single family lots. The property is extremely long and narrow and exhibits steep topography. These features limit the design alternatives for the project. Mr. Hughes reminded the Commission that they had reviewed a similar rezoning request for the subject property in 1974. At that time, a 44 unit townhouse project was proposed. The Commission and City Council granted preliminary approval of this rezoning. However, the proponents did not return with final plans and thus final rezoning approval was never granted. Mr. Hughes stated that the proponent has also submitted preliminary unit plans and elevation drawings for the project. Staff finds the site plan and unit plans conform to all requirements of the zoning ordinance including building setback and parking. Mr. Hughes pointed out that in 1974, the Commission reviewed this property in light of a then recently completed traffic study for western Edina. That study suggested that Vernon Avenue be cul-de-saced and a frontage road be constructed linking Gleason Road to Lincoln Drive. The 1974 rezoning request was designed to accomodate such a frontage road along the subject property's southerly boundary. Since the 1974 request, however, the City Council has determined that this frontage road should not be constructed and has indicated that development proposals for the subject property and other properties to the west should not include a public through road from Gleason to Lincoln. The proposed site plan follows this Council direction and, in fact, would preclude the construction of such a public road. Community Development and Planning Commission November 19, 1980 Page 2 Mr. Hughes noted that the proponent is also requesting a subdivision of the subject property. This subdivision will be a 39 lot townhouse plat with the common areas located on an outlot. Mr. Hughes indicated that Staff believes that the proponents have closely followed the concept which received preliminary approval in 1974. Density has been further reduced to about 52 units per acre which is well below the 1975 density reduction formula for this site. It also must be stressed that this site was originally zoned R-4 and a 3 to 4 story, 84 unit apartment building was considered. Staff believes that the develop- ment now proposed is much more compatible with surrounding properties than the R-4 proposal. Mr. Hughes observed that due to the geometry of the property, it is difficult to formulate alternate site plans which are significantly different than the proposed. In that a public road through this property will apparently not be built, the construction of a long, private cul-de-sac appears to be the only alternative for access. In Staff's opinion, the intersection of the private road with Gleason Road is properly located. Mr. Hughes concluded that Staff recommends preliminary rezoning approval to PRD -3 and plat approval with the following conditions: 1. Final rezoning is conditioned on suitable final development plans. Of particular concern to Staff is the landscape plan. Special attention should be given to providing a suitable buffer for single family dwellings to the north as well as a landscaped sound barrier from Crosstown Highway to the south. Staff recommends extensive conifer plantings along the south boundary. 2. Final rezoning is conditioned on final platting. 3. Final platting is conditioned on a developer's agreement and subdivision dedication. Del Johnson inquired about the reason the frontage road on the south end of the property had been abandoned. Mr. Hughes explained that the primary reason the road had been abandoned was because the intersection on Gleason Road has had a lot of problems from a configuration standpoint. It was felt that bringing additional cars to this point could lead to more accidents. In response to Mary McDonald's concern regarding the possible problems which could arise with respect to screening the townhouses from the single family dwellings which are built on a much higher elevation, Mr. Hughes explained that vegetation planted fairly close to the townhouse buildings would be the most effective approach to screening the units. In response to Helen McClelland's inquiry regarding the incorporation of passive solar in the plans, Mr. Dennis Kuhr, the proponent advised the Commission that the building configurations had been changed to take advantage of the plentiful southerly exposure. Community Development and Planning Commission November 19, 1980 Page 3 Mr. Len Fernelius inquired whether any of the units would be available for low or moderate income housing, at which time Mr. Kuhr informed the Commission that all the units would be market rate. Mr. Fernelius indicated that he felt the plans were very good and moved for approval subject to Staff recommendations. Del Johnson seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. LD -80-14 Lot 20, Block 1, Oscar Roberts 1st Addition. Generally located south of West 72nd Street and west of Glouchester Drive. Mr. Hughes informed the Commission that the proponent is requesting a party wall division of an existing two family dwelling. Individual sewer and water connections are provided. Mr. Hughes further noted that Staff recom- mends approval. Del Johnson moved approval. All voted aye; the motion carried. Ill. Adjournment: 7:45 p.m. James Bentley seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Joyce G. Repya Secretary