Agenda - Council - 03/14/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Community Development Director Trudg~on 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 staffto review an alignment for 167th Avenue that is south of the plat boundary. Staffis suggesting that preliminary plat approval, if granted, be made contingent on the revision of the City's Comprehensive Plan to reflect this southerly alignment. Councilmember 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. Community Development Director Trudgeon ind~dated 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 the 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. Community Development Director Trudgeon indicated the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed the 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 the subject property, both south of Trott Brook and along Nowthen Boulevard. The Park Commission also recommended that a trail be constructed south of the plat boundary to 167t~ Avenue. A trail is only shown along Nowthen Boulevard in the right-of-way adjacent to the plat. Staff is recommending that the trail be located within the plat boundary and extended south to 167t~ Avenue. He 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, reconJiguring 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 167t" Avenue south of the plat boundary, construction of a trail on the west side of Nowthen Boulevard from the northern portion of the plat boundary to 167~a 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. Councilmember 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 167th Avenue and Highway 47, which already operatesbelow a desirable level of service during City Council / September 13, 2005 -150- Page 13 of 33