Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/05/1995

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municipal water and sanitary sewer. City Staff is recommending denial of the commercial portion of the plat because a commercial parcel conflicts with the Zoning and Comprehensive Plan. There will be one access onto 153rd Avenue and one access onto Sunfish Lake Boulevard. All residential lots meet the minimum width requirements, and future proposals will have to verify that the minimum area requirement is met. A grading and drainage plan and a tree preservation and planting plan will be required at the time of preliminary plat approval. Commissioner Deemer questioned the drainage to the east, and City Engineer Jankowski replied there is a wetland to the east. Commissioner Thorud asked about intentions for the commercial property. Rick Murray, Residential Development, Inc., explained that the reason they came up with a proposal for commercial was due to the fact that both a major City park and the school's Environmental Learning Area are in the close vicinity, providing the need for a convenience store. He stated that he was not challenging the Comprehensive Plan but felt that this might be a good location for commercial. Commissioner Thomd inquired if gas would be sold at the convenience store, and Mr. Murray replied that it would, along with possibly a car wash. Mr. Murray stated that he had some discussions 4-5 months ago with the neighbor to the south, and he put together this scheme to see how the roads and property would work. He explained that the road accesses to the north and west were designed to provide the least impact to trees, etc. Tom Kurak, 15001 Sunfish Lake Boulevard (the parcel immediately adjacent to the south) - expressed concern with 151st Lane continuing onto his property and stated he would like to see that road terminated. He added that he would also like to see Sodium Street as a cul-de-sac, but he understands that it needs to be extended to accommodate fac access. Although he prefers to see 151st as a cul-de-sac, he stated that if it has to come through he would like it to intersect his property at a right angle. He summarized that he would only like one road extended through to his property and Sodium Street makes the best sense. Commissioner Hendriksen didn't feel the applicant should be allowed to dictate something to the neighboring property owner which isn't consistent with his development interests. Commissioner Deemer agreed that he would like to see something arranged and agreeable before coming to preliminary plat, Terry Herman, John Oliver & Associates, Inc. (applicant's engineer), stated this did not present a huge problem and something could be done to accommodate Mr. Kurak. Chairperson Bawden commented that just because the Comprehensive Plan doesn't specify certain property as commercial doesn't mean it cannot be changed. If someone comes up with something that's a better plan, the City should go with it. Commissioner Thorud was concerned about the distance from Sunfish Lake Boulevard to Uranium Street, and Mr. Herman explained that Uranium Street's placement, which is 200 feet from the intersection of Sunfish Lake Boulevard and 153rd Avenue, was designed to protect the trees and wetland. Commissioner Deemer saw no need for a convenience store in close proximity to a major City park because it creates an opportunity for litter. Planning Commission/December 5, 1995 Page 9 of 13