Agenda - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Corridor Study of the entire Nowthen Boulevard Corridor. Staff is working with Anoka County to advance this study later in 2020 or in early 2021. Based on feedback from residents as part of this process, it is reiterated that a traffic study will be required as part of the approval process for this project specifically. In addition, a broader traffic study may occur to supplement this required traffic study in 2020 or 2021. • Environmental Concerns: Staff has already notified the DNR about the project due to its proximity to Trott Brook. Please see the "Next Steps" section for more information about the environmental precautions that will be required if the project moves forward. • Utilities:This area is guided for City utilities in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and is currently zoned for utilities. Staff would like to note for the record that just because utilities are in the area, individual property owners on well and septic will not be forced to connect to City utilities per the City's charter. • Lot Sizes: The Applicant is proposing 55, 65, and 75 foot wide lots. The City recently completed a Housing Study with Maxfield Consulting that indicated there is a demand for this type of product. Staff has heard from the development community that the market is demanding more of this product with smaller lots due to development costs and lifestyle choices. The market for 80 foot wide lots has decreased significantly in the past 5 years, as evidenced by Ramsey's own permit data. are Staff would like to note that just because there is a demand for this type of product, and it is likely it will sell, that does not mean the City is required to allow them in every location. The Planning Commission recommended removal of the 55 foot wide lots, and only including 65 and 80 foot wide lots. • Shoreland Overlay District: A portion of the Subject Property is within the Shoreland Overlay District due to proximity to Trott Brook. The Shoreland Overlay District boundary extends 300 feet from the Ordinary High Watermark (OHW) of Trott Brook. Within this area, lot width at both the OHW and the building line must be at least seventy-five (75) feet. There is no minimum lot size (area) requirements for streams in the Shoreland Overlay District. It does appear that the sketch plan conforms to the lot width standard of the Overlay District. Changes to Typical Process Due to the Stay at Home Order, Planning Commission meetings have been moved online, which changes our typical engagement process. The City has implemented the following changes to ensure the public is provided opportunity to comment on this case, including: • Postponed cases • Hosted preparatory webinars • Placed videos online • Extended public comment periods • Did more focused outreach • Suggested alternative means to provide comment 60 Day Rule The Applicant has agreed to an additional 60 day extension which will allow review of the Sketch Plan and Rezoning application through September 1, 2020. While the Applicant has provided this additional window for review, City Staff is looking for direction from the City Council on the project. Staff is seeking firm direction from the City Council on the vision for this area, allowing the Applicant to make any necessary changes to the Sketch Plan. If the Council desires to postpone action, Staff would request specific direction on what is desired to be studied further. The Council can choose to take action on the Zoning Amendment if it chooses; whether for approval or denial. Public Comment Written Comments Received:All written public comments have been attached to this case and shall be considered part of the formal public record. Staff has also attempted to summarize comments received in an attached document to note the most significant areas of concern from residents. Discussions with Residents:For the last two months or so, Staff has been speaking with residents about this project one-on-one and attempting to clarify the proposal, summarize the public hearing process, and provide opportunities for comment. While many telephones calls were followed up with formal letters or emails, some were not. Staff estimates that approximately ten (10) calls took place with residents who were opposed to the project. Reasons