08-12-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Monday, July IS, 2002 6:30 o’clock p.m. purposes is quite another and does not rise to the same level of importance. The City is currently working closely with MnDOT to ensure that the Highway 12 project proceeds as smoothly as possible, whereas MnDOT does not have the resources to deal efficiently with requests such as this. Gaffron suggested that the Planning Commission make a recommendation, as to whether the applicant and City should pursue use of the MnDOT pond area for Kelley Park\\ ay. Gaffron supplied the Commission with a punchlist of 8 various topics along with an outline of the site plan elements that should be considered prior to making a recommendation to Council on the Concept Plan. GaHron indicated that the Planning Commission should first concentrate on whether this concept plan generally achieves the purposes of the RPUD District. Next, consider whether the mix and spatial relationships of the various unit types within the development and in relation to each other as well as the surrounding uses, is appropriate. He added that discussion whether the lack of a defined proposal for the use of the outlots will cause potential issues in terms of whether the outlots can ^ used for their intended purpose is warranted. The issues regarding location of Kelley Parkway in the MnDOT pond r.o.w. also seems to be a critical factor to staff in determining whether the entire concept plan can move forward. Smith invited Steve Johnston, of Landform Designs, to make a brief presentation in order to familiarize the public with the proposal. Following the presentation. Smith asked that public comment be made and discussion among the Commissioners be limited to approximately an hour, specifically addressing the punchlist provided by staff. Mr. Johnston shared schematic drawings of the units in order to provide the Commission with a feel for the scale and mass of the units, and how they would be laid out. Johnston pointed out that the two unit buildings would be approximately SO-60 A wide. An additional drawing reflecting site amenities with trails and sidewalks and an expanded linear park was displayed as well. Based on trip calculations, Johnston pointed out that the applicant felt 110 trips daily did not warrant the need for sidewalks on the cul-de-sacs, as recommended by the planning consultant. They have proposed an open green space area with gathering spots with benches, a gazebo over a water feature, and water treatment which flows through a series of rain gardens north and south. He believed the development would not necessarily warrant a tot lot. Ms. Krall, Landform Architect, pointed out that additional green buffer space exists than is reflected in the display boards, the boards were intended to feature the larger open space and linear park system. Johnston stated that an entrance feature with a waterfall and coordinating green space for a bus stop with benches across the street was being proposed. With regard to the numbers, Johnston pointed out that public green space makes up 2 acres, the private open space equates to approximately 2.2 acres, with trails comprising another 1-2 acres, 13.7 acres or 33% of the land area is wetland, all totaled equates to 45% open space, and 55% developable land area. Johnston stated that the applicant was not at all concerned with the developable land parcels south of the PAGE 18 of 35