Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/05/2005

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Presentation Associate Planner Wald advised that National Growth has applied for preliminary plat and site plan review to develop a residential Planned Unit Development subdivision on the property generally located north of Potassimn Street and south of 157t~' Lane. She indicated City Code restricts density to three units per acre or up to four units per acre through a PUD. She advised the Planning Commission will be reviewing the Applicant's request to rezone the property from R-1 to PUD subsequent to this case. She stated the request for a rezoning relates to the utilization of townhomes within the development and to address deviations from City Code related to setbacks and lot standards. Associate Planner Wald stated the preliminary plat is proposing to gain access from Potassium Street. She indicated the City Attorney has determined that Potassium Street is a public street by virtue of it having been used and kept in repair for at least six years and thus pursuant to Minn. Stat. t60.05 is deemed dedicated to the public. She stated, however, that Minn. Stat. 160.05 does not provide for the width of a dedicated street, but rather its width is dictated by the area actually maintained by the City and used by the public. She indicated in 1982 the then City Administrator signed and recorded an affidavit indicating that the City was maintaining the street at a 66-foot wide width. Associate Planner Wald advised tha~ City Code requires 50% private open space, and the development is proposing 59%. She indicated the preliminary traffic generation report indicates the existing infrastructure is adequate, and peak traffic will not affect the service rating because of the type of housing. She read several comments from the traffic report. Associate Planner Wald stated the landscape plan is generally acceptable, and the grading and drainage plan will need to be revised in accordance with the comments outlined in the Staff Review Letter. She stated the property contains several wetlands that will need to be protected. Staff is recommending that the developer establish a "No Mow" or wetland buffer line. She indicated this will help establish the area that should be manicured and what area should remain in its natural state. She noted Staff is also requesting that the developer plant appropriate seeding specifications within a portion of the no mow zone to further establish and protect the wetland areas. Public Hearing Chairperson Nixt opened the public hearing at 8:30 p.m. Pat Hampton, 15551 Potassium Street, stated there were very intelligent people that evaluated Riverdate Crossing, however if you drive through there you will see it is almost impossible. He added it is already hard to get on County Roads 5 and 47, and if this is what a traffic analysis gives them, he is not impressed. Dave Johnson, 15433 Potassium Street, stated the City does not own the full 66-feet they think they own, and has yet to prove that they do. He asked why the homeowners have to pay to have PlO Planning Commission/April 7, 2005 Page 10 of 23