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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,April 18,2022 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> 3. LA22-000015 North Shore Development Partners-Matt Alexander,3245 Wayzata <br /> Boulevard West,Sketch/Concept Plan—Eisinger Flats(Staff: Jeremy Barnhart) <br /> Barnhart gave a summary,noting Eisinger Flats is a proposed 180-unit stacked townhome style <br /> development.The main issue identified earlier was the density;the north five acres of the property is <br /> guided for low-density residential(3-8 units/acre)and south is guided for high-density residential(20-25 <br /> units/acre).This proposal takes all of that density,mixes it up, and is basically medium-high density. <br /> Originally anticipated at 215 dwelling units in the area they are now anticipating 180 dwelling units.This <br /> would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment but it would be consistent with the overall goals of the <br /> City. The City's PUD zoning agreement does have a certain amount of setbacks for external property <br /> lines and the accessory garages shown here do not quite meet that.Access will be proposed off Wayzata <br /> Boulevard with a ring road through the development and a neighborhood amenity in the middle as well as <br /> a play area,clubhouse, and pool. <br /> Matt Alexander,North Shore Development Partners,thinks there is opportunity on the site with the <br /> density. He spoke about the guidance calculations and the Met Council.Mr.Alexander noted that <br /> typically the City has discretion with adjoining parcels that have a combined density that is still attained <br /> by a plan that meets the minimums for the combination of the two parcels as one development proposal. <br /> Kirchner asked if the townhomes are rentals. <br /> Mr.Alexander replied in the affirmative,noting they will have higher-end finishes and resort-style <br /> amenities. <br /> Kirchner thinks the only thing they need to consider is the density and how it affects the City. He thinks <br /> this is a thoughtful development and the City needs a rental property like this within the City. <br /> Kraemer echoes Kirchner's thoughts. <br /> Ressler noted they have looked at a couple of proposals for this area and he likes this one best.He likes <br /> the look and appreciates the massing kept at two levels.Met Council has given Orono direction to add <br /> density. <br /> Libby likes the architectural details. He spoke about detached parking versus attached and sheltered <br /> parking.The upper bracket,more expensive units seem to be married more with sheltered parking <br /> attached to the building. <br /> Erickson agrees with Libby regarding parking. <br /> McCutcheon thinks if the only feedback is the parking challenge,great job. It is exciting,a good project, <br /> and will help Orono hit the density numbers. <br /> OTHER BUSINESS—Update on April 11,2022 City Council Meeting <br /> Barnhart noted the City Council reviewed four items,two were approved on Consent Agenda and two <br /> were tabled with feedback given to the Applicants. The City Council was very clear on looking for <br /> practical difficulties to support variances. <br /> Page 6 of 7 <br />