Minutes - Planning Commission - 12/04/2001

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Chairperson Nixt closed the regular portion of the Planning Commission meeting at 7:30 p.m. in order to call the public hearing to order. Public Hearing Chairperson Nixt called the public hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. Presentation Community Development Assistant Wald stated that Orrin Thompson Homes has applied for preliminary plat approval of a townhome development that is proposing to construct 84 multi- family units. The property is generally located south of Sunwood Drive and west of State Highway #47. The property is currently zoned B-1 Business. The applicant has asked for a rezoning of the property to R-3 Urban Residential, which would allow the property to be developed to a density not to exceed 7 units an acre. The plat consists of 14 acres. Cobalt Street would be constructed as a public street that will connect to a private street with a public access easement on it in the Lord of Life property to the south. A trail will be developed on the south boundary of the plat to Cobalt Street. A sidewalk will constructed on the east side of Cobalt. Community Development Assistant Wald noted that Lord of Life Church sent a letter, which she distributed to the Commissioners. She said the City Engineer told her that the roads are complementary in grading and the location is aligned with the parking lot. The site plan is proposing private streets through the development as access points from the townhome units to the public street, which in turn provides access to Sunwood Drive. Principal Planner Trudgeon stated the elevation of Lord of Life’s private road and Orrin Thompson’s proposed road are similar. Community Development Assistant Wald explained that MnDOT submitted a letter dated November 13, 2001. It is MnDOT’s opinion that noise levels along State Highway #47 could exceed noise level standards established by the MPCA and therefore they are recommending that sound mitigation measures be taken. The City will be requiring that the development include a sound wall located along State Highway #47 to alleviate any future complaints regarding noise levels of traffic on the highway. Citizen Input Mary Ashworth, 14771 Erkium Street N.W., Ramsey, said she lived in the property adjacent to Outlot C. She asked what the proposed plan is for Outlot C. Ms. Ashworth asked if that land would be available for residents to purchase. Community Development Director Frolik advised Ms. Ashworth to contact the developer to see if the property is for sale. Planning Commission/December 4, 2001 Page 8 of 18