06-10-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Michael Gaffron Page 3 of 7 Re: Ofor.o Village Narrative Apnl 17. 2002 Our development includes constaiction of the planned Kelley Parkway in the first phase. The Orono Village project preserves nearly all of the wetland area, while creating open space and recreational opportunities throughout the site. We have designed the townhomes north of Kelley Road to take advantage of the wetland views. This townhome layout provides beautiful views for the homeowners and also allows us to retain the existing vegetation on the north side of the property. The existing vegetation will be preserved to serve as a buffer between the townhomes and the existing single family detached homes to the north. Furthermore, we have designed the project so that the nearest townhome is over 300 feet away from the nearest detached single family home. The existing vegetation, proposed plantings and distance between the single family detached homes and the townhomes will provide a buffer and transition between housing types. Orono Village is proposed as a mixed-use development offering an approach to life- cycle housing that is unique in this community. A mix of 235 townhomes. rowhouses and Lofts will-be constructed and approximately 38.000 square feet of commercial will be included to serve the neighborhood needs. These homes will appeal to Orono residents who are seeking a retirement home for their parents or themselves, “empty- nesters" looking for a smaller-but still upscale-home, or to those are seeking to simplify their life with a condominium or townhouse. We also anticipate the rowhouses to be a viable first home for young professionals-particularly the children of current residents who would like to start their own families in Orono. This site is unique because it is near community facilities, including City Hall and the Orono educational campus, which includes an elementary school, middle school, and high school and offers community programming and recreational facilities. These facilities make this a natural location for seniors, who tend to be active participants in community programming, such as adult education, and volunteers in schools. Orono Village will encourage this participation by providing sidewalks and streetscaping to create truly walkable streets connecting the new community with the public facilities. The majority of the property north of the planned frontage road would be townhomes and would become less dense as you move north. The rowhouses are set along the gently curving road, closer to the Lofts. Private cul-de-sacs with the townhomes overlook the wetlands to the north. In order to buffer the rowhouses from the City Public Works facility to the west, we have proposed an increased structure setback with a berm, noise wall and landscaping. This will provide an excellent transition between these uses. The development north of Kelley Parkway would be low-density development with a net density of 2.7 units per acre where the Comprehensive Plan anticipates 3-6 units per acre. The property south of Kelley Parkway Is planned as an urban village. An additional 71 rowhouses are planned in this portion of the site. The rowhouses will be located near the MnDOT ponds and will be centrally located within the site. These rowhouses would have front porches on Main Street. Main Street is planned as a private. 36-foot wide street with parking on both sides of this tree-lined street. 650 SUTLER NORTH BUILDING 510FIRST AVENUE NORTH MINNEAPOLIS. MN 55403 OFFICE: 612.252.9070 FAX 612 252.9077 MWW.landfornn.nei t { - .1 -.