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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 1 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 Pa 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. 3 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. N 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. 5