Minutes - Planning Commission - 02/01/2007

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Iodine Street N.W. The subject property is approximately 1.7 acres in size and is zoned Rw2 Medium Density Residential, which allows up to 7 units per acre. The plat is proposing 9 attached units, with 2 additional outlots to be re-platted at a later date. Ms. DaInes advised the plat proposes access off of CR 5 (Nowthen Boulevard). Helium Street is indicated as a public street, with a service road right-of-way of 45 feet instead of the typical 60 feet. The pavement width is proposed to be the standard 24 feet. Staff is comfortable with the reduced right-of-way because the proposed Helium Street right-of-way is adjacent to existing right-of-way for the cowty road. The plan for access is the same as originally proposed in the GAD's Prairie development. This plan poses the similar access constraints. However, Helium Street terminates in a temporary cul-de-sac that may be extended at a later date. Staff believes turn lane construction will be required with a bylass lane north-bound on Nowthen Boulevard by Anoka County. Associate Plamler Dalnes indicated staff is requesting additional landscaping in the green space between CR 5 and Helium Street to mitigate any potential conflicts with vehicular headlights. The proposed drainage plan is problematic and staff has requested ~ alternative plan for providing an outlet for stormwater runoff. Also, the utility plan needs revisions to indicate the extension of laterals under Helium Street. The proposed plat does not indicate a sidewalk on Helium Street, and this is generally acceptable to staff due to the requirement to construct a bituminous trail along Nowthen Blvd. N.W. A portion of the trail is located within the right-of- way on the northern portion on the site. It is standard practice to require trails within the boundaries of the development; however, due to the site constraints it is staffs opinion that it is reasonable to allow a portion of the trail within the Helium Street right-of-way. Associate Planner DaInes advised building elevations have been submitted and are generally acceptable to staff. It appears that the units will meet the R-2: Medium Density Residential architectural standards of natural stone and architectural elements. Color palettes have been requested and have not been submitted at this time. City Code requires 40% open space, of which 10% must be identifiable community gathering space. Revisions have been requested regarding the location of the community open space. Ms. DaInes stated a Landscape and Tree Preservation Plan have been submitted. Staff is requesting that an effort be made to satisfy the density transitioning requirements through the preservation of additional trees. Citizen Input Mr. Ben Deemer, 14501 Sunfish Lake Boulevard, stated he used to own the property adjacent to this. It was addressed in the last developer's plat that by running Helium Street north along the east property line, opposing southbound traffic on CR 5 would be a safety hazard with the opposing head lights at night. Mr. Deemer stated the name of the street seems to indicate it is intended to extend north to connect with the existing Helium Street, which lines up with the rear property line of all of these parcels. It would be better planning to run this street to the back property line to connect with the other Helium Street. Creating a city street of such an alignment is poor planning, and if it is intended to extend north through the three parcels and connect to CR 5 this could be considered a taking. He would also like to point out that the adjacent property was previously prevented from developing by a moratorium in the City for more than three years Planning Commission/ February 1, 2007 Page 3 of12