Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/24/2015

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Review File: Harvest Estates (15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW) Sketch Plan Review: Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code January 30, 2015 Page 5 of 5 Old Municipal Center Redevelopment Frequently Asked Questions: Single -Family Residential Development What are the sizes of the proposed lots? The lots are proposed to be consistent with minimum standards established in City Code Section 117-111 entitled R-1 Residential District. Generally speaking, the lots will be at least one-quarter acre in size, which is similar, if not slightly larger, than the single- family lots created in MEADOW in 2005. Will the development include an access to Nowthen Boulevard? The site layout concept has been amended from initial concepts. As proposed, the new development will not include a direct access to Nowthen Boulevard. Additionally, the existing driveway access to Nowthen Boulevard is proposed to be closed. The updated concept focuses on better internal circulation, avoidance of dead end streets in excess of 600 feet in length, and still provides three (3) outlets to three (3) major roads in close proximity. The City has had significant discussions with the Anoka County Highway Department on this issue. At this time, Anoka County does not support a full access in this or the previously discussed realigned location. Anoka County MAY support a right-in/right-out `half -access' which would include a center median. All improvements to Nowthen Boulevard including, but not limited to, turn lanes, medians, and property acquisition would be the responsibility of the City. The City could choose to delegate this cost to the Buyer of the Site; however, that would impact the project pro -forma. For more information on this topic, please see the Traffic Analysis provided at the end of this document. Will the development include a park? The City's Master Park and Trail Plan does not call for an additional park within the boundaries of the former municipal center. The City has received this question from a number of residents, and wants to ensure that the community knows that the City values its parks and trail system as a primary service of our residents. Generally speaking, the City's policy has been to focus on larger, higher -quality parks in close proximity to residential neighborhoods connected through a well-developed system of trails and open space. The focus of delivery of parks and open space in this area has been Soltice Park to the south and Alpine Park to the west through a well-connected trail system. That being said, this comment has been raised in the past, and we will forward your idea to the City Council. I won't promise any sort of outcome, but remain committed to forwarding all ideas and comments forward. The Site is in close proximity to two (2) community parks; 1) Elmcrest Park and 2) Alpine Park. Additionally, play equipment is available at Alpine Park and Woodland Green Park. Open Space is available at Elmcrest Park, Alpine Park, Woodland Green Park, Bear Park, and Sunfish Lake Park. Additionally, any new development that comes forward will contribute to our Park Dedication and Trail Development Fee which will allow us to further enhance and connect our existing system and future planned parks. The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider officially confirming this policy at their February meeting. Can the existing stormwater pond on the northern end of the Site be expanded to the east to provide additional buffer to existing residences to the north? Physically speaking, the pond could be expanded in size. However, it appears that it would not be needed for stormwater purposes, would not be required for density transition purposes and would be a voluntary option to do so. The City encourages the developer to consider vegetative screening as an option to address the concerns of existing residences.