Agenda - Council - 09/27/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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acres west of Nowthen Boulevard and south of Trott Brook. The property is currently located in the R-1 Residential District and the minimum lot size is 10,800 square feet. On March 22, 2005, thc City Council approved a request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the subject property's land use designation from Rural Development to Low-Density Residential. The Metropolitan Council has also approved the request, thus the property is now eligible for connection to municipal sewer and water. The net density allowed under R-1 is three units per acre. 'l'hc preliminary plat reflects a net density of 1.9 units per acre. All lots meet urban single- family standards for lot width, size and frontage on a public road. ('ommunity Development Director Trudgeon explained Trott Brook is a designated tributary of the Rum River, and is subject to Scenic River and Shoreland Management requirements. Staff has received comments from the DNR. After some additional discussion with CNR staff, staff has detcm~incd that the submitted preliminary plat meets these additional development standards, per thc City Staff Review Letter. He advised there are substantial wetlands on the proposed plat that arc delineated and encumbered with drainage and utility easements on the preliminary plat. Thc grading and drainage plan has been reviewed and approved by the Lower Rum River Water Management Organization (LRRWMO). While the Wetland Buffer Ordinance is not yet in cji`cot, stall' is recommending that the developer give some consideration to buffering the wetlands on the site, particularly in the southern portion of the plat. Some revisions are required to thc grading and drainage plan, per the City Staff Review Letter. He advised because the project proposes to develop more than 80 acres of agricultural, naturally vegetated, and forested land, environmental review is required. An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been prepared, and was reviewed by the City Council on August 9, 2005. The Council detcrmincd that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not necessary for this development. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated a revised Tree Preservation/Landscaping Plan has been submitted. Staff is of the opinion that the conservation easement along Trott Brook and existing vegetation and wetlands satisfy density transition requirements in the north and western portion of the plat. Staff is recommending some additional landscaping along Nowthen Boulevard and along the perimeter of Now and Then Estates. During their review of the prcliminary plat, the Planning Commission also requested additional landscaping in these areas. A revised landscaping plan is required. The preliminary plat proposes to provide access fi'om Nowthen Boulevard and 168th Avenue from the east, and Garnet Street and Marble Street fi'om thc south. Future accesses are provided along the western edge of Now and Then Estates and just north of 166o' Avenue. The Planning Commission recommended that the southern access shown to Nowthen Boulevard be platted as a temporary cul-de-sac. Staff has yet to mccivc comments from Anoka County on whether or not two accesses will be approved on Nowthcn Boulevard. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained the City's Comprehensive Plan proposes the extension of 167th Avenue as a collector street through this subdivision. The City Council discussed this alignment at their July 19, 2005 work session, and directed staff to review an alignment for 167th Avenue that is south of the plat boundary. Staff is suggesting that preliminary plat approval, if granted, be made contingent on the revision of the City's Comprehensive Plan to reflect this southerly alignment. City Council / September 13, 2005 Page 12 of 33