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February 1, 2019 Patrick Brama VIA EMAIL 3601 18th Street South, #103 PatrickB@tridentdevelopmentmn.com St. Cloud, MN 56301, MN 55311 Re: Concept application #LA19-000006 The City of Orono is required to notify you within fifteen (15) business days as to the status of your application for a concept review for property located at the NW corner of Willow and Wayzata Blvd in Orono. Our preliminary review indicates that your application is complete. Your application is scheduled to appear before the Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Please make sure that you or your representative is available to attend the meeting. You will be emailed a staff report regarding your application prior to the meeting date; alternatively, the staff report and agenda will be made available the Friday prior to the meeting on the City’s website at www.ci.orono.mn.us. Search for the Planning Commission materials under Agendas and Minutes. At this stage, I have some preliminary comments that if addressed, might be helpful as your project enters public review. Elevations. The narrative describes in general detail the architecture of the building. Elevation drawings will be beneficial. Though it is expected that the building materials continue the character established by the Stonebay project across the street, strong support for the project is unlikely without some level of elevation drawings. Parking. The site plan shows 61 parking spaces, yet the text indicates 59 surface stalls. Formal plans should include dimensions to ensure all spaces are 9 feet by 20 feet with a 24 foot wide aisle. Our requirement is 2 spaces per dwelling unit. The narrative suggests between 75 and 90 units, so 150-180 spaces would be required. The plans and narrative indicate 178 spaces. Trail. The plan shows a trail connecting Kelley Parkway to a crossing at Willow, in the SE corner of the site. The developer should be advised that a trail is being proposed as part of the Wayzata Blvd “turnback” project and the Developer will be asked to pay for their corresponding segment, credited against park dedication. Landscaping. The narrative suggests landscaping is under development. Staff recommends developing a landscaping plan that places an emphasis on natural groupings, and a variety of seasonal color and texture. Building Height. In past projects, the height of the building has been a central issue. With no building elevations and preliminary grading plan, no analysis of the building height can occur, and no comments can be provided. Staff understands the developer is not requesting, or expecting, and flexibility from the height limits. Density. This project is based on the recent proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan that supports residential development at densities of 20-25 units per acre, from the current, in place guidance of Office. It is important that I note that this proposed change has not yet been approved by the Metropolitan Council. The City will be unable to