Minutes - Council - 02/22/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Assistant Community Development Direetor/E.D ;A Executive Director Frolik stated the Plarming Commission reviewed the sketch plan on February 3, 2005. They recommended sketch plan approval and the discussion focused on the need for pedestrian connections between the units and between the neighborhood and the Town Center Core. The preliminary plat and site plan should identify that each dwelling unit has access to a .sidewalk and the sidewalks should com~ect with the trails on Rhinestone that connect with the Town Center Core. It was also noted that the density proposed is not the maximum allowed and staff should be monitoring the overall average density as it relates to the projections for TOwn Center. She stated the Park Commission reviewed the sketch plan on FebrUary 10, 2005.} They stressed the Town Center Development guideline that encourages the use of private coUrtyards or usable greenspace being provided for the residents of the buildings. She exPlained tl;aere is a pocket park on the south side of the southerly block proposed to be provided for this ~7th Addition neighborhood. Immediately south of 7~h Addition is East Town Center park. The details provided at the time of preliminary site plan review will identify any other usable greenspaces provided on the site. She advised the Planning Commission has recommended sketch Plan approval. Councihnember Elvig expressed concern that the density is too low in this area. He noted they are fighting to bring the density down in neighborhoods and part of the way to bring it down and still meet the Met Council guidelines is to be surethey have the density up in this area. Associate Planner Wald explained the Planning Commission discussed this issue, and they had the same concern about not meeting the maximum density. Staff is monitoring the overall average density of Town Center to make sure the housing unit goals are met. Mayor Gamec commented one of the things that changed densities was going to public streets and opening up more space. The public Streets in certain areas are a good idea, and they are finding they wish they had public streets in a lot oftownhouse developments. Councihnember Cook noted it is difficult to meet everyone's needs with the density and with the Park Commission's request for courtyards and recreation facilities, and this project does have public areas. Counci lmember Strommen noted part of the Concern of the Park and Planning Commissions was to have the connection of the green corridor, it is important to have that connection in this project and ira future projects. Motion by Councilmember Cook, seconded by :Councilmember Olson, to approve the sketch plan of Ramsey Town Center 7th Addition contin~gent upon compliance with City Staff Review Letter' dated January 27, 2005. ' Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, 3ouncilmembers Cook, Olson, Elvig, Jeffrey, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. City CoUneiFFeb',ruary 22, 2005 Page 12!of 31