HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-01 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1995
7:30 P.M., COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Gordon Johnson, Nan Faust, Helen McClelland,
Charles Ingwalson, Geof Workinger, Ann Swenson, David
Byron
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lorelei Bergman, David Runyan, Lee Johnson
STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen, Jackie Hoogenakker
NEW BUSINESS
P-95-3 Final Site Plan Approval
The Coventry at Centennial Lakes
S-95-1 Preliminary Plat Approval
The Coventry at Centennial Lakes
2nd Addition
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the City Council approved the
development plan for this 98 unit townhouse development in October, 1993. Thirteen
units are complete or near completion at this time. After several months of marketing
the approved plan, the developers are petitioning approval of a revised site plan. The
attached letter from the developers outlines reasons for the plan revision.
The new site plan suggests a reorientation for a majority of the units. Units
which now have a north -south orientation would be rotated 90 degrees so that they
would have an east -west orientation. Coventry Lane, running along the easterly side
of the property remains unchanged. Mr. Larsen explained it would now have units
fronting on both sides of the street north of Coventry Court. The remaining units
would front on Coventry Place running north from coventry Court. Mr. Larsen said the
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project would remain at 98 units.
Continuing, Mr. Larsen explained the original development concept contained
three different unit sizes all of which contained two levels of living space above the
garage. The second building has five different units with one end unit being one
story. The developers would like to increase the number of one level units in the
remaining phases. The phase 3 building would have one, one level unit, but phase 4
would have four one level units. The unit size (width) mix would be similar to building
two.
Mr. Larsen pointed out the original concept called for a narrow service alley
between the rearyard areas of abutting buildings. This concept would continue but
the alley would be widened to accommodate over story trees for additional screening.
Alley width would increase in width from seven to fifteen feet.
Mr. Larsen noted in addition to Final Site Plan approval the proponents are
requesting Final Plat approval of a 15 lot plat for the next two buildings. Preliminary
grading and utility plans have been reviewed by the engineering department.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff supports the change of orientation for the site plan.
The change can be made at this time without adversely affecting the development
concept on the existing building. The plan remains consistent with the development
standards for Centennial Lakes.
Staff recommends Final Site Plan approval and Final Plat approval subject to:
1. Developers Agreement
2. Landscaping Bond
3. Water Shed District Permit
Mr. Peter Jarvis, proponent was present.
Chairman Johnson commented it has been his experience that public safety
usually has not supported the construction of such long cul de sacs. Mr. Larsen
acknowledged the proposed cul de sac is long but Police and Fire indicated in their
review of the preliminary plans that they have no significant problems with the
proposal. Concluding Mr. Larsen pointed out the cul de sac is similar to the one
previously approved by Council.
Commissioner Faust told commission members during her visit to the site she
observed a drainage problem at the end of the first cul de sac. She explained a ice
pond had formed as a result of water run-off from the melting snow.
Commissioner Swenson questioned Mr Larsen on the time frame for
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construction of the proposed bridge. Mr. Larsen said construction of the bridge is a
Spring 1995 project.
Commissioner McClelland expressed concern about the width of the roads. She
pointed out emergency vehicles and moving vans are wide, and if they meet cars on
the road it may become difficult to pass. Commissioner McClelland also expressed a
concern with the name of the new streets. She pointed out she believes there is
already a Coventry Way in Edina. Mr. Larsen acknowledged there is another Coventry
Way in Edina, adding staff will make sure there are no duplicate street names. Mr.
Larsen reiterated Police and Fire have indicated they do not have a problem with the
layout of the cul de sacs.
Commissioner Swenson agreed with Commissioner McClellands observations
regarding road width and asked Mr. Larsen if the proposed roads are wide enough to
accommodate two cars. Chairman Johnson interjected questioning if the cul de sac
has enough radius for turn -around.
Mr. Larsen responded to his knowledge the road width and turn -around radius
meet City requirements for private streets.
Commissioner Byron questioned what the Planning Commission is being asked
to approve. Continuing, Commission Byron questioned the number of on street
parking spaces, and asked for an explanation of the ingress and egress situation for
the underground parking.
Mr. Larsen explained the proponent is requesting approval of a preliminary plat
phase one) and final development plan of the entire concept. Continuing, Mr. Larsen
stated the entire development is being re -oriented East/West instead of the original
approval of a North/South orientation. Mr. Larsen pointed out unit configuration is
also changing (addition of one story units), and the plans before you are for the units
construction of the first phase. Mr. Larsen concluded by informing the commission
the proponents will continue to come before you for plat approval as each phase is
readied for development, and this evening approval is being requested for phase one,
and the revised development concept. With graphics Mr. Larsen addressed
Commissioner Byrons questions regarding underground parking ingress/egress,
explaining access to the underground parking will be centralized. Concluding Mr.
Larsen commented the number of underground parking spaces have increased, adding
he believes the on street parking number remains the same.
Commissioner Byron commented he is interested in finding the exact count for
on -street parking. Continuing, Mr. Byron stated he has a concern with the over-all
density of development, and how the change in the orientation of the townhomes
affects the existing Centennial Lakes development.
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Mr. Peter Jarvis presented to the commission graphics depicting the changes
made to the plan. Continuing, Mr. Jarvis told commission members exit interviews
were conducted on potential buyers, and it was found many felt that the north/south
orientation of the units was detrimental. Most buyers expressed a desire for more sun
on their patios, and in their living spaces. It was also noted that many potential
buyers did not see a benefit in purchasing an end unit, many also noted they did not
like the back to back relationships of the units. Mr. Jarvis explained the reorientation
of the units now allows eight additional feet of spacing for the rear yards. With this
additional footage more trees can be planted. Mr. Jarvis concluded potential buyers
also expressed desire for one level living units.
Continuing to address the Commission, Mr. Jarvis told commission members
the proposed cul de sac is only a little longer then the one previously approved, and
the only item the Fire Department has asked us to address is the removal of
landscaping at the north end of the cul de sac. Mr. Jarvis acknowledged the concern
with street width, and pointed out if there is a problem the sidewalks can be driven
on. Concluding Mr. Jarvis stated he believes because of the reconfiguration of the
units, and the development of one level units, parking exceeds what was previously
approved. Mr. Jarvis in response to Commissioner Fausts observation regarding
standing water; that he will look into the matter, adding the Engineering Department
will be reviewing the drainage plans as a result of the change to the master plan.
Commissioner Ingwalson commented in his opinion there is a need for more one
story units. Mr. Jarvis agreed there is interest in one story units, but because of the
density requirements, and the extra width of one story units, we do not have the room
to construct many.
Chairman Johnson said he would like to see a Proof of Parking agreement
implemented. He pointed out there appears to be extra green space that could be
converted into parking if the need arises. Chairman Johnson said with a development
of this size the need for more parking may become necessary.
Commissioner Byron asked Mr. Jarvis if he knows the exact number of surface
parking spaces. Mr. Jarvis said it appears the plans indicate 43 surface parking
spaces. Mr. Jarvis said with the reconfiguration of building units he believes parking
spaces have been increased.
Mr. Larsen in response to questions regarding parking spaces said this proposal
can continually be monitored for parking as each faze is developed, and if there is a
is a need to increase parking spaces it can be accomplished.
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Commissioner Faust moved to recommend preliminary plat approval and final
development plan approval subject to a Developers Agreement, Landscaping Bond,
Watershed District Permit, and continued review of parking. Ayes; Faust, Workinger,
Ingwalson, Swenson, Bergman, Johnson. Nays; Byron.
LD -95-2 6437-6439 McCauley Terrace
Lot B, Outlot A, McCauley Heights 4th Addition
Mr. Larsen informed the commission the proponents are requesting a party wall
division of their double bungalow. Separate utilities are provided.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the request.
Commissioner Faust moved lot division approval. Commission Byron seconded
the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
I11. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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