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

Home

Councihnember Elvig questioned if it is necessary to include the 167th Avenue alignment as a contingency in this development, as it is more of an overall City issue. Community Development Director Trudgeon replied staff wanted to be certain the decision on the alignment is not lost in the shuffle. An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan would be necessary regarding the alignment. Separate direction regarding the alignment could be given if that is the desire of the Council. ('ommunity Development Director Trudgeon indicated the preliminary plat includes a roundabout and median off of Nowthen Boulevard. The Planning Commission recommended including these features in the approved preliminary plat, however, Staff continues to have some concerns with this aspect of the proposed preliminary plat. He advised a traffic analysis has been completed; the analysis indicates that traffic levels will be acceptable at nearby intersections, with thc exception of 167th Avenue and Highway 47, which already operates below a desirable level of service during the afternoon peak period. Improving the level of service at this intersection will require signalization, which needs MnDOT approval. ('.omm unity Development Director Trudgeon indicated the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed thc preliminary plat and is recommending that cash be accepted to meet park dedication requirements for the plat. Staff would note that the Park and Trail Plan shows trails through lhe subject property, both south of Trott Brook and along Nowthen Boulevard. The Park (;ommissJon also recommended that a trail be constructed south of the plat boundary to 167th Avenue. A trail is only shown along Nowthen Boulevard in the right-of-way adjacent to the plat. Stat'f is recommending that the trail be located within the plat boundary and extended south to 167"' Avenue. t-le advised the Planning Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat at their August 8, 2005 meeting. The Commission supported retaining the roundabout, converting the southerly access off of Nowthen to a temporary cul-de-sac, reconfiguring the cul- de-sac in the southern portion of the plat by providing a stub street to the Overtoom property, and providing additional landscaping along Now and Then Estates. He advised staff is also recommending that the preliminary plat be approved, contingent on compliance with the City Staff Review Letter, revision to the City's Comprehensive Plan to include an alignment for 167th Avenue south of the plat boundary, construction of a trail on the west side of Nowthen Boulevard fi'om thc northern portion of the plat boundary to 167th Avenue, submittal of a revised landscaping plan, approval from Anoka County of the southerly access to Nowthen Boulevard, and extension of municipal sewer and water to the property. Councihncmber Elvig noted the staff report includes information regarding the traffic analysis that indicates that traffic levels will be acceptable at nearby intersections, with the exception of 167"' Avenue and Highway 47, which already operates below a desirable level of service during tim al'tcrnoon peak period. It notes that improving the level of service at this intersection will rcquirc signalization, which needs MnDOT approval. He inquired if this study could be presented to MnDOT to determine if they would be willing to look at signalization at this time. Assistant l~ublic Works Director Olson replied staff has tried to use warrants that were projected in the past. MnDOT has never informed the City they cannot signalize this intersection; however City Council / September 13, 2005 Page 13 of 33