07-12-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, June 21, 2021 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 6 and if they put another 15-20 deciduous trees, eventually they will shade and destroy the coniferous trees that are there now. Barnhart replied the landscaping is being proposed to go over on the north side. Mr. Ricks said if it is done well and is not intrusive to the existing plant situation but it needs to be compatible with what is already there. He noted the top of the boulder wall has also been an eyesore and he has spent days pulling noxious weeds out, he has called the City, and to get something to remedy it but not be intrusive would be helpful. He asked about a rooftop deck on the north side of the property and asked if that is a community-type deck. Barnhart replied the patio is on the northeast corner which would be a community patio. The rooftop deck is on the south. Mr. Ricks stated he lives in a small community of 25 houses or so, and have zero issues with crime or trespassing, and now they will have 100 people right next to them. He is sure the intention is to have first- class people but it will be high density. One concern is keeping people out of the woods and keeping them safe and out of his backyard and his neighbor’s backyard. He asked if this property will allow Section 8 housing. Barnhart noted they are not proposing that, but are proposing market rate. Angela Mahoney, 2107 Sugarwood Drive, asked the Commission what joint efforts they have done with the City of Long Lake to plan for the traffic needs in the area because of this complex and other projects happening in Long Lake. Ressler stated when they go through a Comprehensive Plan they must figure out where they will put things and part of that is density and how it is zoned and guided. It is a pretty thoughtful process and there is lots of community input. For roads that are the responsibility of the City, there are traffic studies done. He does not know if that particular section of Wayzata Boulevard is the jurisdiction of the City or the County. If a property is guided for a certain density the City must allow it to be developed but must also take into consideration how they will manage the traffic for that. Ms. Mahoney asked who is responsible for Brown Road. Ressler replied that is a City road. Barnhart noted Wayzata Boulevard is a County road. He clarified they have not collaborated with Long Lake on these projects specifically, but when they do the Comprehensive Plan they work closely with Long Lake to make sure they receive an opportunity to comment and see what is coming. It is the same with MnDot and Hennepin County. He noted the timing may be a surprise, but what is happening is not a surprise to those agencies. Ms. Mahoney noted Brown Road is not in good condition so if they are going to add more traffic to it, it will just break down that much faster. She also has security concerns about an apartment complex being that close and Mr. Ricks’ comment about the woods is very valid as there are pools in the neighborhood and it could be a drowning concern. She does not like the location of the patio as she thinks it will be a party scene, it will be loud, and will destroy the peace and sanctity of the neighborhood.