CCP 01-25-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I Approved , count consist of 3 studios, 54 one-bedrooms, 12 one-bedrooms + den, 47 two-bedrooms, and 8 three- bedrooms. The proposed apartments are considered Class A with rents ranging from approximately $850 for a studio, $1,250 for a 1-bedroom, $1,700 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,200 for a 3-bedroom. The building is four stories tall and spans a footprint of nearly a full acre. Total site green space allotment is proposed at 48% of the site's area. The City has been working with The Stuart Company for nearly six months on a redevelopment contract for this project. This project will be financially assisted by the City through excess tax increment generated in other TIF districts. This assistance would not otherwise be available if it were not for the Jobs Bill adopted by the Minnesota State Legislature this past summer, which aims to generate jobs. The total project cost is over $19 million, including land. The City Council unanimously approved a Development Agreement with The Stuart Company on December 14, 2010. The Site Plan analysis was reviewed; City Planner Gundlach reported nearly every requirement in the Northwest Quadrant Code is met. The Site Plan analysis revealed two minor issues: • Front Yard Setback(more of a defect of the zoning code) • Residential Units on 1st Floor having private entrances at street level City Planner Gundlach reported these standards can be addressed without needing a variance by consideration and approval of a Planned Unit Development. City Planner Gundlach reported Chapter 7 of the Zoning Code addresses planned developments. The Planned Unit Development ordinance requires those amenities include; Pedestrian linkages to neighboring developments, an approved streetscape, and enhanced landscaping. In addition to providing amenities to offset negative impacts, other standards must be met. Staff finds all standards are being met subject to the code amendment being approved. Staff recommends the PUD be approved. The applicant will be required to enter into a PUD Declaration, which will govern how the site can be developed. Three notices were sent out to the neighbors within 600 feet, 1 inquiry was received from Ramsey County regarding building height. The requested information was provided to Ramsey County and no further inquiries were received. Commissioner Schiferl requested clarification on the landscape plan, as it was difficult to decipher. City Planner Gundlach offered details on the various plantings. Commissioner Schiferl questioned the size of the planting islands. City Planner Gundlach responded the islands are 22 feet wide at the widest section. Commissioner Schiferl questioned how the NWQ Parks Planning Group recommendations fit in with this project. City Planner Gundlach reported the Park Plan has not yet been fully implemented, however the southerly park is constructed, and the trail from the project will tie in well to the existing park. Commissioner Nichols-Matkaiti questioned if there are any other class A apartments in the City. City Planner Gundlach stated the only other Class A facility is Main Street Village, which were converted to condominiums in 2007. Commissioner Danger questioned the required number of handicapped parking stalls. Ms. Gundlach stated that is part of the Building Code review, and while she does not have that information readily available, she reported the Building Official will look at that when the permit application is submitted. Commissioner Schiferl requested the applicant discuss their potential market. Ryan Dunnley, Vice President of Development with Stuart Companies reported that their Class A housing tends to appeal to all ages. Commissioner McPherson questioned if there is a standard related to lake distance and inquired about railroad crossing points. Ms. Gundlach responded Rice Creek Watershed will address any lake impacts. Ms. Gundlach reported there is not an official at grade crossing over the railroad tracks but that a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks is proposed in the future, as well as the existing under track crossing to the south. Commissioner Danger questioned if there would be any boat access. Ms Gundlach reported she was doubtful of that, and did indicate the public boat launch is very close to the project. Commissioner Nichols-Matkaiti questioned if the City has any obligation to notify the school district of the proposed residential project. Ms. Gundlach stated that the School District received information 3