Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/02/2005

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Associate Planner Geisler stated there are substantial wetlands on the proposed plat that will need to be delineated and encumbered with drainage and utility easements on the preliminary and final plats. She stated the grading and drainage plan will have to be reviewed and approved by the l,ower Run River Water Management Organization. She advised that current City Code requires .4cnsitv transitioning between the project area and adjacent rural size lots. She indicated a tree preservation plan will be required at the time of preliminary plat review and approval. Associate Planner Geisler explained a traffic generation analysis wilt also be required at the time ,..)f preliminary plat review. She indicated the sketch plan proposed to provide public access from llighway 47 at 160th Lane NW, and to connect to 162nd Avenue NW to the east. She stated a stub street is shown to provide access to the north at a future date. She noted Staff has submitted th.c sketch plan to Mn/Dot for review. Commission Input ('.hairperson Nixt noted this is a dangerous spot on Highway 47.' He stated there is a natural swale, and a curve right after it. He asked if there are plans to improve Highway 47, and possibly rcquil:e a left turn lane. Associate Planner Geisler stated Staff anticipates getting detailed comments from Mn/Dot that would include lane modifications. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated Staff will follow-up on this as part of the traffic analysis if Mn/Dot does not recommend those modifications. Clmirperson Nixt asked if there would only be one outlet. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated there are two access points, but one is a t~lturc connection. John l'etcrson, 16735 Nowthen Boulevard, Oakwood Land Development, showed on the site plan how the development lays out, and the access points proposed. He noted that there are 58 acres that run along a north/south line, with one property between this and the Scout camp. He ~tated the land was purchased from four owners. He indicated he has met with the neighbors to dm north, who needed a second access. He stated the site has natural screening from existing neighborhoods through the wetland area. He commented that there are only 92 units, not 102 as !q ta FF reported. Mr. Peterson stated he is trying to create a neighborhood with lots serviced with sewer and water that are :significantly larger than code requires; almost three times as large. He indicated the wetland is 13 acres, which reduces the average lot size to 21,000 square feet, which is still twice ~,s big as code requires. Mr. Pcterson indicated there is a stand of trees which they are proposing to leave undisturbed, and the question is if that will be privately owned or if the City should own it. He stated they Planning Commission/April 21, 2005 Page 11 of 23 Pll