Minutes - Council - 06/26/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Associate Planner Daines stated 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. Furthermore, the applicant has further revised the plan to minimize the presence of any parking or pavement in the possible right-of-way area, which required the relocation of a stormwater pond, and re-routingof the proposed drainage from the existing pond to a future pond located in the right-of-way. This allows the applicant to reduce the size of the northern pond, reposition 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. Ms. Daines advised density transitioning is required when R-3 Residential development abuts R-1 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. She stated 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. Ms. Dalnes advised staff recommends approval of the site plan, contingent upon compliance with the City Staff Review Letter dated May 31, 2007. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Terrace Hill site plan, contingent upon compliance with the City Staff Review Letter, and re-examining landscaping efforts with regard to the north property line and the proposed drainage pond on the southern side of the property. Mr. Roger Fink, Trident Development LLC, provided comments on the site plan in the areas of the Highway 47 realignment, the landscape buffer, and property management. He stated Trident Development is very excited about bringing this new housing option to the City of Ramsey. He thinks they have an excellent product. He is very proud of being able to follow all of the zoning ordinances and design standards, and to meet or exceed each of those, as well as accommodate the future right-of-way coming through with the least amount of cost to the acquisition budget. Trident Development is seeking approval of the site plan tonight. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated there has been a lot of discussion between Trident Development and staff to try to accommodate the City's needs and the Council's direction. This case demonstrates that the system worked. There was a lot of time and effort, especially on the developer's side, to rework this plan to move the apartment building to a space where it will not be negatively impacted if a decision is made regarding Highway 47. He commended Mr. Fink and his group for being willing to work with the City. Mayor Gamec stated he is glad to hear things are working out this good with Highway 47; to not have a building in the way of the alignment will be a benefit. Also, the screenings are very beneficial to have done. Councilmember Dehen asked Councilmember Elvig if the concern he mentioned earlier regarding the massing of the building has been addressed. Councilmember Elvig stated first of all, he appreciates the developer voluntarily moving the building back and basically giving up a piece of corridor that might not eyen haye to be giyen up. City Council / June 26, 2007 Page 26 of 38