Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/03/2006

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Case #6: Request to Rezone Property From R-1 Single Family Residential to PlaDlled Unit Development; case of MN Skyline Partners, LLC Public Hearing Chairperson Nixt called the public hearing for the preliminary plat, comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to order at 7:55 p.m. Presentation With respect to the preliminary plat and preliminary site plan, Associate Planner Dalness stated that the subject property is located on the southwest comer of Alpine Drive and County Road #5 (Nowthen Blvd. N.W.), and consists of 17 acres proposed to be subdivided into a mix of 59 bungalow (detached townhomes) and attached townhomes. Ms. DaInes proceeded to review the results of the Traffic Generation Analysis prepared by Bolton & Menle She stated that 70% of the traffic would utilize exit the neighborhood from 151 st and 30% would use Alpine. She also noted that the traffic numbers did not include the school as the school traffic occurs outside of established peak hours. Ms. DaInes stated that density transitioning is also an on-going concern. Ms. Dalnes noted that there is a 6 acre wetland that will be encumbered with drainage and utility easement; a wetland buffer will also be provided and a trail constructed adjacent to the wetland but outside the buffer area. The Tree Preservation Plan indicates that 60% of the trees will be preserved. The changes made to the site plan since the Planning Commission reviewed the . sketch plan consist of the following: 1) a second access was obtained at Alpine Drive N.W.; 2) density was reduced from 6.5 to 5.2; 3) drainage plan has been revised to accommodate 151st; 4) street entrance to the plat from 151 st has been relocated to the east, away from the existing home on 151 st. With respect to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, City Staff is of the OpInIOn that townhomes are a good fit for property located at the intersection of two major traffic corridors, with medium density development existing on the north side of Alpine Drive. The same justification is not warranted for the southerly part of the site. City Staff recommends retaining low density on what currently is identified as the Haubrich parcel. Citizen Input Chairperson Nixt called for comments pertaining to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the land use from low to medium density residential and the request for a rezoning from R-l Residential to Planned Unity Development. Glen Weakly - 5931 151st Lane N.W. - Stated that he thinks it is highly inappropriate that the Commissioners are addressed by their first name. Stated he and his neighbors are deeply committed to keeping this a single family neighborhood. He is against any outlet from the new neighborhood onto 151 st. Traffic is far too great already. He is opposed to the common open. space and trail behind his house; it will become a haven for drug use. If the City allows medium density in this area, there should be a freeze on the taxes of the existing single family homes. Planning Commission/July 10,2006 Page 4 of 14 P4