Minutes - Council - 05/10/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #11: Request for Final Site Plan Review for Ramsey Municipal Parking Facility; Case of City of Ramsey Colnlnnnity Development Director Trudgeon reviewed that the City of Ramsey is proposing to develop a four-story, 800 stall parking structure in the core of the Ramsey Town Center. The parking structure is proposed to be built in two phases. The first phase will occur in 2005 and construct 590 stalls. The second phase will occur in 2009 and is proposed to construct an additional 210 stalls. The parking structure will serve the parking needs for the Town Center core, thc adjacent Ramsey Municipal Center, and present and future transit services. He cxplaincd thc architecture and design of the structure is consistent with what was approved as part of thc preliminary site plan. Staff took a hard look at the budget and the design of the building to make sure that building was quality while not exceeding the budget. The use of these materials as well as the design changes ordered as part of the preliminary site plan has kept the prqj¢ct within budget. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained there will be no direct landscaping installation as part of this project. The landscaping proposed along the south side of the building will be installed as part of the streetscape improvements done by RTC, LLC. On the east side, a sidewalk will go up to the landscaping installed as part of the Ramsey Municipal Center project. There will be no landscaping installed on the north side and the west side, as these areas will be blocked by other buildings and/or used for expansion. He indicated staff has reviewed the utility, drainage, and grading plans and finds them acceptable. The parking structure will have two accesses. From Sunwood Drive, drivers will only be able to enter. The primary access will come from Civic Center Drive and will allow for vehicles to both enter and exit. Staff has reviewed these accesses and finds them acceptable. He advised staff recommends approval of the final site plan subject to tile comments contained in the City Staff Review Letter dated May 6, 2005 and approval of the final plat of the Subject Property. Counci hnember Elvig asked if there is a specification on the clearance for vehicles. Bill Fossing, representative of LSA Design, replied there will be a clearance of 8 feet, 4 inches. Councilmember Pearson asked if the parking spots are big enough to fit a longer pick up truck. Mr. t,'ossing replied there will be a 24-foot drive aisle and two 18-foot parking stalls. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained the Maple Grove parking ramp looked a lot wider because it was only striped at 15 feet. This gives the illusion of more room to travel through and it would not be a major concern if a vehicle extends over the line a couple feet. Councihnember Elvig noted regarding the north elevation, there are people that may want to make presentations for retail with residential above. He requested staff watch over this for an opportunity to use add alternates to save money. City Council/May 10, 2005 Page 20 of 31