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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, October 21, 2019 <br />6:30 o'clock p.m. <br />Ressler commented Commissioner Thiesse makes a good point and that the viability of this project has to <br />do with the need to appease other entities for density, which can influence the City's decision making. <br />Cleanup of the property is an expensive endeavor and the Planning Commission is cognizant of that fact. <br />Thiesse asked whether any aid is available for cleaning up the site. <br />Fretham indicated they have made applications for cleanup aid and that there are certain things the <br />agencies look for. It is difficult to meet that criteria with the proposed 27 -unit residential and that the <br />intention is to reapply with the higher density that has a lesser amount of cleanup. Fretham stated he is <br />not sure whether they will receive the assistance or not but that in their view they have a better chance by <br />approaching it this way. <br />Erickson stated as it relates to density, even if there was no influence from other agencies, this is the one <br />site in Orono that should have higher density given its proximity to County Road 6, Highway 12, and <br />Highway 112. <br />Erickson commented he likes the latest design of the building given the slight pitch of the roof. There is <br />another site to the north that should not be put into the same category as this property since that property <br />has lakeshore. <br />Ressler stated he wonders whether the City's position on the road would change if the higher density was <br />already in place. <br />Gettman noted Highway 12 was originally guided to have two lanes in both directions but that was <br />reduced to one lane in each direction. <br />Thiesse stated the City can ask Hennepin County but that he is pretty sure the design was based on the <br />projected traffic numbers that included this development. <br />Gettman stated his understanding is the Highway 12 bypass was scaled back due to feedback from the <br />business owners and that both the bypass and Highway 112 are one lane in each direction, which may not <br />be able to handle the higher density. <br />Barnhart stated phase three for Highway 112 is under development and nothing definite has been <br />developed at this stage. The project is slated to begin in 2022. Certain assumptions are made whenever <br />Hennepin County reviews plans. One of the plans reviewed is the City's Comprehensive Plan, and part of <br />the issue is the applicant is proposing a change to the Comprehensive Plan. Part of that review process <br />will be completed by Hennepin County, but that he does not believe Hennepin County is worried about a <br />capacity standpoint. The City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan was approved with anticipated high density <br />residential in the one area. The other area is guided for 3-10 acres, which is medium density. <br />Barnhart stated as part of any development, the City and the developer want to know whether there are <br />significant impacts to the road system. The reviews in 2016 and 2018 with Eisinger Meadows looked at <br />the same thing and no concerns or suggested changes were raised by Hennepin County. <br />Gettman commented his understanding is that it would significantly impact Highway 112 and <br />Highway 12. <br />Page 17 of 20 <br />