Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/01/2022

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Regular Planning Commission 7. 1. Meeting Date: 12/01/2022 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Consider Sketch Plan for Parkside Townhomes (Project No. 22-143); Case of COR at Ramsey LLC Purpose/Background: The City has received an application from COR at Ramsey LLC (the "Applicant") for review of a proposed Sketch Plan on property generally located west of Rhinestone Street, east of Center Street, north and south of 146th Avenue (the "Subject Property). The project, which is in The COR, is proposing approximately 120-130 attached townhomes. The Planning Commission reviewed the architecture for the proposed project in March when the Applicant was seeking feedback on utilizing alternatives to a front porch. Those minutes are attached to this case. Notification: Staff attempted to notify property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, of the request for Sketch Plan review by the Planning Commission on December 1, 2022. Observations/Alternatives: General Information The majority of the Subject Property was originally platted as Ramsey Town Center 7th Addition. However, due to the great recession of the mid to late 2000s, much of it was never actually developed. The configuration of the Sketch Plan is very similar to the plat that had been previously approved. The Sketch Plan does include two parcels that are owned by the City (north side of 146th Avenue, at the western boundary of the Sketch Plan). The Applicant is in discussions with the City to acquire these two parcels. The Applicant is proposing twenty-four (24) buildings, consisting of a mix of 4-, 5-, and 6-unit buildings. The Subject Property is located in the COR-4b subdistrict, which is the medium density residential subdistrict allowing up to fifteen (15) units per acre. As proposed, the project has a density of approximately 13.6 units per acre. The project would be completed in three (3) phases, spanning approximately four (4) years, with phase one being roughly the eastern half of the block on the south side of 146th Avenue. Architecture As noted, the Planning Commission previously discussed the architectural style, including the use of covered patios versus front porches. Per the color rendering (attached), the project includes covered front patios as well as decorative fencing enclosing the front yard areas. Additionally, the proposal includes a couple of picnic areas to promote and encourage gathering within the neighborhood. Staff would note that the side elevation of the buildings facing public streets should be enhanced. The plans propose additional landscaping along these elevations. However, per the Design Framework, architecture is to be '4-sided' at all locations visible to the public. Staff recommends adding brick or stone accents (or wainscoting) on all front elevations (and those side elevations facing public streets). This would help transition from some of the more traditional style buildings in the area, which all have brick/stone elements, to the more contemporary look of the proposed buildings. Also, Staff recommends that full-sized windows (similar to the windows on both the front and rear walls) be added to the side elevations that front public streets. Streets/Access