Agenda - Council - 05/31/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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/x ssi sta n t ( :om m unity Development Director/EDA Executive Director Frolik stated the Planning Commission reviewed the sketch plan on February 3,'2005. They recommended sketch plan r_~pprowtl zmd the discussion focused on the need for pedestrian connections between the units and Ix~twcen the neighborhood and the Town Center core. The preliminary plat and site plan should idenlil? that each dwelling unit has access to a sidewalk and the sidewalks should connect with ibc trails ~)n Rhinestone that connect with the Town Center Core. It was also noted that the dc~sity pr~)posed is not the maximum allowed and staff should be monitoring the overall average de~sity als it relates to the projections for Town Center. She stated the Park Commission rovicwed 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 tl~e residents of the buildings. She explained there is a pocket park on the south side of the ~;(>uthcrly block proposed to be provided for this 7th Addition neighborhood. Immediately south t>l' 7t}' Addition is East Town Center Park. The details provided at the time of preliminary site plan review will identify any other usable greenspaces prov.ided on the site. She advised the 1~ltmni~g Commission has recommended sketch plan approval. (iTouncitmcmber Elvig expressed concern that the density is too low in this area. He noted they ~-c 15ghti~g to bring the density down in neighborhoods and part of the way to bring it down and si. ill meet the Met Council guidelines is to be sure they have the density up in this area. ~'\_ssc~cizttc l'lanncr Wald explained the Planning Commission discussed this issue, and they had ti~c same concern about not meeting the maximum density. Staff is monitoring the overall ;_tvcrage density of Town Center to make sure the housing unit goals are met. 'vla?r (Jamco 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 ~inding they wish they had public streets in a lot oftownhouse developments. 'ou. ncihncmber Cook noted it is difficult to meet everyone's needs with the density and with the Commission's request for courtyards and recreation facilities, and this project does have tm cihnembcr S trommcn noted part of the concern of the Park and Planning Commissions was have thc connection of the green corridor. It is important to have that connection in this l->tx:,.icct ~tncl in I'uture projects. i\,lt~tion l;y Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Olson, to approve the sketch l)ian <>t' Ram sey Town Center 7th Addition contingent upon compliance with City Staff Review i,citcr dated .Ianuary 27, 2005. carric¢l. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Cook, Olson, Elvig, Jeffrey, and Strommen. Voting No: None. City Council/February 22, 2005 Page 12 of 31