Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/24/2015

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CC Work Session 2. 2. Meeting Date: 02/24/2015 Information Title: Discuss Policy Statement on Nowthen Boulevard Access and Exterior Development Boundary for Harvest Estates; Case of N.I.K. Management, Inc. Purpose/Background: Purpose: The purpose of this case is to confirm policy direction of the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission for the Sketch Plan for Harvest Estates, a proposed 45 -lot detached, single-family subdivision on the former municipal center campus located at 15153 Nowthen Blvd. NW. The topics of confirmation include the following: 1. Closure of existing access to Nowthen Boulevard (current driveway to old municipal center/current Fire Station No. 2) 2. Modification of Exterior Development Boundary for Density Transitioning Purposes 3. Confirmation of the City's Existing Parks and Trails Master Plan which does not include a new City park within the proposed development. Background - Process: 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 (City Code Chapter 117) before an Applicant spends resources on detailed civil engineering drawings. The City Council does not traditionally review Sketch Plans; however, given the significant policy topics, confirmation of direction is warranted before the Applicant proceeds with future review steps. 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. Observations: The City is currently in the process of completing the necessary steps for the required Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Zoning Amendment if the site is to redevelop as proposed. The proposed 45 -lot single-family subdivision appears to comply with all minimum bulk standards of City Code Chapter 117 Article III (Subdivision Standards) and Section 117-111 (R-1 Residential District). A detailed analysis of this review is included in the attached Staff report. The Applicant is required to demonstrate in additional detail compliance with required setbacks for future structures. The site is still actively being used as Fire Station No. 2. The City Council recently approved the site plan, accepted final plans and specifications, and authorized Staff to advertise for competitive bids for construction of a new Fire Station No. 2 as reviewed by the Planning Commission. In the coming months, the City Council will consider awarding a contract for construction. The redevelopment of the site will need to happen in phases. Nowthen Boulevard Access A significant topic of discussion thus far has been direct access to Nowthen Boulevard. At this time, upon further traffic analysis (unofficial), Staff recommends that the access to Nowthen Boulevard be closed and that the redevelopment focus on better internal circulation and avoidance of dead end streets in excess of 600 feet. The