Agenda - Council - 12/13/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to Sunfish Lake Blvd. The northwest and southwest comers of the site may be subject to density transition requirements. She explained the property is in the Sunfish Lake Shoreland Overlay District and compliance with the regulations of that districtimust be demonstrated at the time of preliminary plat. A portion of the property abuts a wetland and will be expected to comply with the wetland buffer requirements. Assistant Community Development Director Frolik distributed letters received by staff; one letter from the Concerned Citizens of Ramsey and a petition stating opposition to the proposal. John Feges, applicant, stated with this project Shorewalk, LLC is trying to be a good steward of the land. He provided an overview of the proposed development, including a description of the single family homes, 8-plexes and 12-plexes included in the sketch plan. He stated the vertical building of the 8-plexes and 12-plexes allows more green space between the buildings and on the site; Chairperson Nixt expressed concern with the density included in the sketch plan. He stated there has been density considered in this area for a while, and it has been contested strongly by the residents and opposed generally at the Planning Commission level. He questioned why this proposal is different than the previous proposals for this area. Mr. Feges replied he is not sure about proposals in the past. He explained Shorewalk, LLC could push the limits of density up to four units per acre under the PUD zoning, but they are not planning to push that. The schematic design illustrated 343 units, but they have already looked at modifying the plan to approximately294 or 295 units based on the wetland delineation. He stated the proposed choices in housing are more complimentary to the changes in Society's needs. What Shorewalk, LLC wants to do is introduce products that are more complimentary to the shift in lifestyle changes. They also want to take advantage of some of this vista that has not really been captured a lot in Anoka County. This sketch plan allows them to open up greenspace between the residences. Commissioner Brauer explained over the last few meetings the Planning Comm/ssion has reviewed a fair number of PUD's, but in each case the main reason for looking at the development as a PUD involved some type of problem with the site and/or negotiation with the City. He questioned what the compelling reason would be to rezone this site from R~ 1 to PUD, as the only reasons presented by Mr. Feges relate to aesthetics. Commissioner Shepherd arrived at 7:39 p.m. Mr. Feges stated Shorewalk, LLC looked at allowing a variety of housing to provide choices in the community. It is not that Shorewalk is trying to drive density for profitability; it is a choice that is being desired by a change and shifting of community, and the population, with a variety of lifestyle changes. Commissioner Brauer questioned if Mr. Feges is stating that there are no compelling geographic or other reasons to rezone this site to PUD. -80- Planning Commission/November 3, 2005 Page 8 of 27