Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/19/2005 - Special Meeting

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Vice Chairperson Johnson agreed that he believes they can still get close to the goal. Commissioner Brauer noted that the zoning for this area allows for two to four story units, and asked why the developer did not propose two more stories. Mr. Voss stated there are a number of issues. He indicated they are working weekly with the members of Ramsey Town Center LLC, but have been unable to market that type of unit. He stated they are talking with people about a 900 unit multi-story building, and agreed the push to get density will increase as they get to the core of the Town Center. He indicated they are currently looking at the 2200 to 2400 range, and have several more additions that have submitted plans. Commissioner Brauer asked if it was possible to market a four-story townhome. Mr, Voss indicated they are trying to do a combination of commercial and residential with that type el' unit, which requires other factors, such as parking considerations. Vice Chairperson Johnson noted he surfaced a comment at the last meeting, and wonders if there has been any more thought given to it. He stated they want more pedestrian movement, and one way of doing that is to eliminate the driveways all together. He indicated in doing that there is more llcxibility in what they can do with the roadways. Mr. l,ipman indicated they actually started with that concept, and have developments around the Twin Cities with eight-foot driveways; however it was not well received when they first came in with the concept. Ite stated he would encourage the Planning Commission to keep raising the issue, and il' the City Council accepts the twenty-foot driveway here, they may be able to contiuuc thc downward trend. Motion by Commissioner Van Scoy, seconded by Commissioner Levine, to recommend that City Council approve the Preliminary Plat and Preliminary Site Plan for Symphony at Town Center contingent on thc City Staff Review Letter dated May 12, 2005, and on obtaining a license from Anol<a ('.ounty to encroach on County right-of-way. Further l)iscussion: C, ommissioner Van Scoy asked if variances will be needed for this development. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik indicated there may be a couple of buildings on Rhinestone Street that require a variance for setback. She noted the measurement should be from tiao sidewalk; however there is no sidewalk on Rhinestone Street, so they measure to the trail and thoro arc some areas that may be more than 20 feet. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Assistant Chairperson Johnson, Commissioners Van Scoy, Levine, and Shcphcrd. Voting No: Commissioner Brauer. Absent: Chairperson Nixt, and Corn missioner Watson. Planning Commission/May 19, 2005 Page 6 of 7