03-15-2004 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CITY of ORONO Municipal ORlcei StrMt Mdnss: 2750 Kcllty Paitwar Orano, MN 55356 B Milllrf Mdrm: PO Bn 66 CryttalBay. MN 553210056 Much 1.2004 John Trauu Reliance Development Co. UJ* 1000 Rand Tower 527 Marquette Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55402-1327 Re: Stonehay Muketplace Dear Mr. Trauiz: As we have worked with you toward a workable site plan for your Stonebay Muketplace proposal, there have been numerous iterations of the site layout in response to our comments. Although the changes have resulted in some significant improvements, they have fallen short of our expectations. This may be partly due to us not being cleu or speafic enough, or assertive enough, about our expectations, and partly due to the fact that you have chosen not to look beyond the initial concept plan to find the best solution for the site. If the outcome of the joint work session of the Planning Commissions results in a lecoromen dahon in favor of amending the Comprehensive Plan to allow the teguidingof the site from office to retail, the next step is to provide a site plan that makes the most of the opportunity provided by the amendment. The key to this is the quality of the site plan, as well as the mix of uses and the quality of the buildings and landscaping. If we look at this comer and the proposed retail uses from the perspecti ve of the Comprehensi ve Plan, the mix and layoutof uses on this site need to first serve the neighborhood. They need to first be the best amenities we can provide to the neighborhood. By neighborhood we mean anyone within walking distance. This includes the office uses existing and planned along Kelley Parkway, the City facilities, the Orono Schools campus, the new Stonebay residential neighborhood, the Willow View subdivision, and the employees of industrial and retail uses neu the site. Although we know that retail uses on this site must rely on a muket area broader than the intmediate neighborhood, retail uses arc being considered in this location in large part because they will serve the neighborhood. Telephone (952) 249-4600 • Fax (952) 249-4616 www.cionnojiui.as