Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/07/2007

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the building. Staff has suggested adding roof pitch variation and architectural detail in reference to the garage doors. The parking requirements for this site are 2.5 spaces per unit, one of which must be enclosed. The site plan proposes 164 stalls, of which 63 are enclosed in attached and detached parking facilities. In total, 37 spaces are proposed within detached garages and the remaining enclosed spaces will be accommodated in at-grade garage stalls within the fIrst floor of the building. Staff requests an effort be made to improve the aesthetics of the garage doors. Access is proposed to be gained from Dysprosium Street. In light of recent efforts by Anoka County and the City of Ramsey to identify the future re-alignment of Trunk Highway 47, an alternate, future access from Nowthen Boulevard is proposed through the City property to the east. This future access would only be obtained if/when the TH 47 route was constructed down Dysprosium Street and Nowthen Boulevard was turned back to the City~ Significant changes have been made to the original concept plan for Terrace Hill Apartments. The applicant has relocated "the building as to not interfere with the possible re-alignment path of TH 47. Staff has also requested that the applicant further revise the plan to minimize the presence of any parking or pavement in the possible right-of-way area, which requires the applicant to relocate a stormwater pond, and re-route the proposed drainage from the existing pond to a future pond located in the right-of-way. This allows the applicant to re-position the proposed building farther to the north, and avoid the necessity to locate any parking stalls in the proposed right-of- way. Staff has been working closely with the applicant to achieve these revisions to the grading plan. Density transitioning is required when R-3 Residential development abuts R-l Residential property. The applicant is proposing to meet the density transitioning requirements through the use of existing tree cover and the addition of trees on the western property line. Included in the packet is a copy of the findings and recommendations from the Maxfield workforce/senior housing research conducted for the City of Ramsey. The study identifies market rate and affordable general occupancy rental units as a housing need. The study. indicates a need for 125-140 additional units of market rate, general occupancy rental units in Ramsey by 2010. Recommendation: Staff is recommending approval of the site plan, contingent upon compliance with the City Staff Review Letter dated May 31, 2007. 110