Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/24/2015

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5.02: Review Sketch Plan of Harvest Estates Located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW; Case of N.I.K. Management, Inc. Presentation Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report stating the purpose of this case is to review the Sketch Plan for Harvest Estates, a proposed 45 -lot detached, single-family subdivision on the former municipal center campus located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW. Sketch Plan Review is a process outlined in City Code that provides an opportunity for the Planning Commission to review compliance with the Comprehensive Plan as well as Zoning and Subdivision Codes before an applicant spends resources on detailed civil engineering drawings. This step is not required by Minnesota Statute Chapter 462; however, it provides for a more proactive and collaborative design approach in an effort to avoid issues at a later date. He discussed the access issues to the site and explained that staff was recommending that the Nowthen Boulevard drive access point be closed and that focus be placed on Helium and Alpine. Lot sizes and the concept plan for the proposed development was discussed. Staff reviewed a letter from the developer, along with the Sketch Plan further with the Commission and requested feedback. Commission Business Commissioner Brauer thanked staff for their efforts in addressing the traffic concerns for the proposed development. Chairperson Levine requested the public come forward at this time with comments. Al Kempf, 15220 St. Francis Boulevard NW, explained he was a 42 year resident of Ramsey. He encouraged the Commission to consider how the proposed development would impact the neighborhood to the east and the increased traffic levels that would be created on 152nd. He expressed concern with the narrow width of the frontage road. Commissioner Bauer stated he served with Mr. Kempf on a subcommittee when the data center was being considered. He commented that the proposed access point for the data center would have been Nowthen Boulevard. It was noted that the new plan was to alter the access points, which would impact the surrounding neighborhoods, as traffic would be forced to the east. He proposed a right in/right out access onto Highway 47. He had real concern with the proposed Sketch Plan and suggested Harvest Estates have access to Nowthen Boulevard. Commissioner VanScoy questioned if access at 149th could be closed and then opened at 152nd He inquired if this would be a viable, less costly option for the development. Community Development Director Gladhill discussed the proposed access points for TH 47 and commented staff could explore this option further. Chairperson Levine did not want to see TH 47 overburdened with traffic and encouraged staff to keep this in mind while routing traffic to this new development. He feared that there would be a