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 6 of 6 noted the Applicant is coming in at lower density and thinks everyone needs to understand that this is meant for high density. He noted they cannot just pick it out and put it somewhere else. Ressler clarified his opinions and believes condensing the height of the roof is a mitigant which makes him comfortable going to 30 feet 9 inches. Reducing the density from what is guided to what is proposed certainly helps and is hopefully helpful for the general public, as well. Another mitigant for exceeding the 30 feet height makes it a more desirable building with more desirable tenants and perhaps better neighbors. Ressler stated they have had proposed developments that have gone through sketch plans west of this location in the past and that road will get busier which is something they will all have to adapt to. Traffic counts are worth noting and he thinks those will be monitored as they see development go through. He noted they have a shortage of housing in the community for those who want to live in Orono so this gives some opportunities for families to get into the community they all appreciate. He is for this project, he thinks it is tasteful, and thinks the comments that have been made by the developer seem to be that they want to appease the neighbors, be peaceful, and keep everyone happy. Libby asked to clarify the primary focus and intent of the Applicant’s need at this point. Barnhart stated the Applicant has applied for Master Development Plan approval, a zone change to the R- PUD zoning district, and a preliminary plat. Libby asked if the zoning change is still within the guided spirit of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Barnhart clarified the property is guided for high density residential which is 20-25 units/acre. He noted they do not have a zoning district, other than the R-PUD district, that allows an apartment building at that density. They do have the R-PUD zoning district that allows them to zone the property based on a project they find acceptable for that given area. The Comp Plan guides this for 20-25 units/acre and this project is 18 units/acre, so per the Met Council, Barnhart needs to amend the Comp Plan to allow that lower density which is what they have initiated already. Ressler asked if anyone has an opinion on the patio location. Gettman does not support the location of the patio as proposed. Barnhart noted the Commission could approve or deny and then recommend the Applicant address the height issue, the patio, and the fencing/security issue. Gettman moved, Erickson seconded, to approve LA21-000042, 2060 Wayzata Blvd West, Site Plan, Zoning Change, Plat as applied with the 5 Staff Conditions/Recommendations and the 3 additional criteria of the 30 foot maximum height, the adjustment to the fence, and the movement of the patio. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 1 (Ressler). Barnhart noted this item will be reviewed by the City Council on July 12, 2021.