Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/05/2015

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they are highly opposed to full access, but may support a right-in/right-out 'half -access' with center medians and turn lanes. Access spacing and on-going safety concerns in the vicinity of the Ramsey Elementary School are primary concerns. The cost of these improvements would be the responsibility of the City to delegate costs how it sees fit. A cost estimate and impact to the project pro -forma is attached as part of the Staff report. Phasing Plan/Interim Improvements The current concept does appear to work better than previous concepts, eliminating one (1) of two (2) areas impacted by interim improvements. During Phase I, Staff finds it acceptable to utilize the parking lot from the former Police Station as a temporary 'cul-de-sac'. The Development Agreement and financial surety (Letter of Credit) will protect the City from potential delays in Phase II, allowing the City to construct a more permanent cul-de-sac at full size if Phase II does not commence in 2016. Frequently Asked Questions As the redevelopment of the old municipal center has been discussed over a number of years and has taken a number of forms, Staff has highlighted key Frequently Asked Questions focused on residential redevelopment as part of the Staff report. This is a working document that can be added to during the course of review by the City. Alternatives Alternative #1. Direct the Applicant to prepare a Preliminary Plat as presented. Staff recommends this option for reasons stated above. Alternative #2. Direct the Applicant to prepare a Preliminary Plat with modifications. The likely modifications based on previous discussions would be the Nowthen Boulevard access and potential elimination of a portion of the cul-de-sacs. Staff does not recommend this option due to the cost of the improvements when compared to the benefit. Alternative #3. Do not direct the Applicant to prepare a Preliminary Plat and completely redesign the Plat. Staff does not recommend this option, as it appears that the concept of a residential redevelopment and current layout is generally supported by the community, with just a few key topics left to address on a policy level. Funding Source: All costs associated with processing the Application are the responsibility of the Applicant. The Applicant/Developer shall be responsible for required infrastructure costs and development fees required to serve the development. This project is subject to a Purchase Agreement between the City and N.I.K. Management, as the Subject Property is currently owned by the City. Infrastructure costs have the potential to impact the net revenue of the project pro -forma. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City direct the the Applicant to proceed to Preliminary Plat design stage. Action: While City Code does not require a motion of the Planning Commission related to Sketch Plan Review; given the complexity of the request, Staff does request a motion of the Planning Commission in this instance. Specifically, Staff request direction of the Planning Commission regarding access to Nowthen Boulevard. Motion to direct the Applicant to proceed to the Preliminary Plat design stage with/without amendment.