Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 16,2018 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Barnhart noted Staff did recommend the sidewalk along the north side of the property be continued to the <br /> east. <br /> Erickson noted there are overhead utilities along Wayzata Boulevard. Erickson asked if there is any <br /> requirement for underground utilities. <br /> Barnhart indicated there is not for existing utilities. <br /> Neil Weber,Weber Architects and Planner, stated this is a simple 56-unit apartment building. The intent <br /> is to construct quality market rate apartments. Sixteen units will be two-bedroom and the rest will be one <br /> bedroom plus a den. <br /> Since the concept plan review, soil borings have been taken and they confirm that the water table is <br /> approximately eight feet below grade, which is the reason the underground parking is slightly above <br /> grade. <br /> Weber indicated they are in agreement with the ten conditions outlined in Staff report and that they will <br /> add to the landscape plan depending upon what is done with the grading and stormwater. Weber stated <br /> they were told in a preliminary sense from the Watershed District that they could use the holding pond but <br /> that the rules have changed since the pond was constructed and so they will need to look at that further. <br /> Weber stated if the pond is not able to be used,there is an alternative on the site, and that they would have <br /> to apply for a permit if they utilize the existing stormwater pond. <br /> Weber stated this is a pretty straight forward project. The area of the parking on the west side of the <br /> property is owned by the dentist and he would like to maintain the legal easement over the shared <br /> parking. Weber stated the only time that parking would be needed by the medical building is at their peak <br /> times and the only times the apartment building will need that parking is in the evenings and on the <br /> weekends. <br /> Weber stated the market is here for this type of housing and that this will be a quality project. Weber <br /> stated they are available for any questions. <br /> Libby stated he would complement the developer on the ergonomic designs of the floor plans. Libby <br /> noted the number of unoccupied units is somewhere in the area of 2 to 2.5 percent,which is very low and <br /> makes it difficult for people who want to rent in this area. Libby asked what the market rent statistics are <br /> for the units. Libby stated in his view this will be an extremely high-demand commodity. <br /> Patch stated they are shooting for the range of$1,500 to$2,200 per month rent. The penthouse units will <br /> likely run around$3,300 a month. Patch noted there are no new apartment buildings west of 494. <br /> Libby stated that is extremely competitive and that the median rent is $2,000. <br /> Weber commented one of the hardest concepts that he has been able to grasp is that there is a tremendous <br /> desire in the market not to own a home. Weber stated a number of people want the flexibility of an <br /> apartment, are willing to pay the rent to live in a nice place, and that Mr. Patch has identified that as a big <br /> market in this area. <br /> Libby noted this area is pretty devoid of trees. Libby stated he would like to see some larger scale trees. <br /> Page 15 of 21 <br />