05-23-2022 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION Monday, April 18, 2022 6:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 1 3.LA22-000015 North Shore Development Partners - Matt Alexander, 3245 Wayzata Boulevard West, Sketch/ Concept Plan – Eisinger Flats (Staff: Jeremy Barnhart) Barnhart gave a summary, noting Eisinger Flats is a proposed 180-unit stacked townhome style development. The main issue identified earlier was the density; the north five acres of the property is guided for low-density residential (3-8 units/acre) and south is guided for high-density residential (20-25 units/acre). This proposal takes all of that density, mixes it up, and is basically medium-high density. Originally anticipated at 215 dwelling units in the area they are now anticipating 180 dwelling units. This would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment but it would be consistent with the overall goals of the City. The City’s PUD zoning agreement does have a certain amount of setbacks for external property lines and the accessory garages shown here do not quite meet that. Access will be proposed off Wayzata Boulevard with a ring road through the development and a neighborhood amenity in the middle as well as a play area, clubhouse, and pool. Matt Alexander, North Shore Development Partners, thinks there is opportunity on the site with the density. He spoke about the guidance calculations and the Met Council. Mr. Alexander noted that typically the City has discretion with adjoining parcels that have a combined density that is still attained by a plan that meets the minimums for the combination of the two parcels as one development proposal. Kirchner asked if the townhomes are rentals. Mr. Alexander replied in the affirmative, noting they will have higher-end finishes and resort-style amenities. Kirchner thinks the only thing they need to consider is the density and how it affects the City. He thinks this is a thoughtful development and the City needs a rental property like this within the City. Kraemer echoes Kirchner’s thoughts. Ressler noted they have looked at a couple of proposals for this area and he likes this one best. He likes the look and appreciates the massing kept at two levels. Met Council has given Orono direction to add density. Libby likes the architectural details. He spoke about detached parking versus attached and sheltered parking. The upper bracket, more expensive units seem to be married more with sheltered parking attached to the building. Erickson agrees with Libby regarding parking. McCutcheon thinks if the only feedback is the parking challenge, great job. It is exciting, a good project, and will help Orono hit the density numbers. Council Exhibit A LA22-15