Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/07/2005

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Assistant Community Development Director/EDA Executive Director Frolik stated the Planning 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 connect 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 there is a pocket park on the south side of the southerly block proposed to be provided for this 7'h Addition neighborhood. Immediately south of 7th Addition is East Town Center Park. The details provided at the time of preliminary site plan review will identify any other usable gTeenspaces provided on the site. She advised the Planning Commission has recommended sketch plan approval. Councilmember Elvig expressed concern that the density is too low in this area. lie 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 sure they have the density up in this area. Associate Planner Watd 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. Councilmember 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 in future projects. Motion by Councitmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to approve the sketch plan of Ramsey Town Center 7th Addition contingent upon compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated January 27, 2005. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Olson, Elvig, Jeffrey, Pearson, and Strommen. Voting No: None. P42 City Council/February 22, 2005 Page 12 of 3I