Minutes - Council - 05/12/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Consider Resolution #15-05-092 Granting Preliminary Plat Approval to Harvest Estates, a Major Plat; Case of G S Land, LLC Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to approve the Preliminary Plat prepared by G S Land, LLC for the redevelopment of the former municipal campus located at 15153 Nowthen Boulevard NW as a 44-lot single-family residential development to be known as Harvest Estates. He stressed that if changes are desired in the plat, it should be addressed during consideration of the Preliminary Plat. Community Development Director Gladhill noted the attendance of several Planning Commissioners who can speak to their recommendation to retain the access to Nowthen Boulevard as well as representatives of the developer, and residents. Planning Commission Chairperson Gary Levine stated the Planning Commission recommended the access to Nowthen Boulevard remain open following discussion relating to access to the school and park across the street, making sure pedestrians do not cross to the park through the ditches, and safety of students walking to the Elementary School. The Planning Commission also addressed whether there was convenient and adequate highway access to residents who live there without winding through the neighborhood. Planning Commissioner Ralph Brauer presented a chart identifying traffic count data from 1999 to 2013 on Highway 5/Alpine to Sunwood, St. Francis/Alpine to Highway 5; Highway 5/Sunwood to St. Francis; and, St. Francis/Highway 5 to Bunker. He stated the Planning Commission was concerned about the increase in traffic. Chairperson Levine stated he drives Highway 47 and believes the problem is access during morning rush hour. Mayor Strommen asked if they discussed the ability of the traffic signals to control traffic flow. She described the traffic that backs up at Highway 5 and Sunwood Drive as it is not signalized and there are conflicting traffic movements. She is concerned about adding additional morning traffic through that area. Planning Commissioner Randy Bauer reviewed the types of traffic control at intersections and stated he thinks the traffic will even out when a signal is installed at Alpine Drive and Highway 5. He stated when a data center was being considered, residents on the west side were opposed based on noise and other issues not related to traffic. However, residents to the east oppose residential because by closing the access on Highway 5 it directs traffic to small residential streets not designed for additional traffic. Those residents prefer to keep the access open. Councilmember Riley stated this site operated for 30 years as a municipal center with a good amount of traffic and asked if those traffic counts were considered. Planning Commissioner Brauer answered in the affirmative and reviewed the past consideration by the Anoka School Board relating to access to the Anoka High School that was not signalized City Council / May 12, 2015 Page 5 of 13