06-21-1997 Planning Commission Minutes

Home Browse Search

• ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 219 1997 ( #16) #2267 JOHN O'SULLIVAN FOR ADAM SMITH COMPANY 2380 SHADYWOOD ROAD COMMERCIAL SITE PLAN REVIEW PUBLIC HEARING 9:34 -10:05 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication and Certificate of Mailing were noted. The Applicant was present. Gaffron reported that the application is for a commercial site plan review for a proposed driveway from Shadywood Road through an easement. He noted the vacation and conceptual vacation of Navarre Lane. The proposal would grant approval for creation of an easement across and in front of what is the church building to enter the western portion of the site. A revised plan presented on this date shows a head -in entry instead of parallel parking spaces. Gaffron showed the larger concept plan. He indicated that the concept plans briefly reviewed by Planning Commission last winter called for access from the Culvers' site to the church property all along. He noted that as proposed this would result in two accesses on Shadywood Road for • traffic leaving the church site. The current proposal would add the southerly of the two accesses allowing traffic to take a left turn and then head south to the light. Gaffron said he feels another access is necessary for the Culvers site. He noted the unusual traffic pattern on the site with its counterclockwise direction. Gaffron said the car wash stacking has not presented any conflict to date. He said the proposal adds both an in and out access and Hennepin County has expressed their support of the proposal. The City Engineer has suggested a right in and right out access only. Gaffron said staff recommends approval of the proposed access on a temporary basis, maintaining City's future ability to move the access to the north if appropriate when the church site is developed. O'Sullivan said there is difficulty with access during rush hour. He indicated that the work to acquire legal easement has been done and merging of the site plans are in process but months away from completion. He feels the proposed location is the right site for the curb cut. He disagrees with the right in/right out concept as the access would be the furthest access from the intersection than any other property. He cited the amount of traffic through the intersection. O'Sullivan said he has received the support of the Police Chief and noted the County's-favor of the plan. O'Sullivan said the County has no plans in the short term for a right turn lane. O'Sullivan said the proposal will improve the traffic flow. John Ericson said he thought the County would not approve a curb cut at that location. Gaffron read a letter into the record from Dave Zetterstrom of Hennepin County supporting the curb cut. • 22