05-20-2002 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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UcttaH Oalfron Papa 4 0*7 Re Orono VilaQe Narrabw ApnJ 17. 2002 The Orono Village plan also includes the Lofts with 112 homes on the southwest portion of the site, which is adjacent to Highway 12 and is currently zoned for commercial development. The natural buffer would be enhanced with new landscaping which would separate the housing from the highway. The residential area south of Kelley Parkway will be developed at an urban density. This area was planned for commercial and the proposed residential would result in traffic counts similar to an office use. This location is Ideal for residential because of its proximity to the civic center, downtown Long Lake and the neighborhood commercial proposed for the southeast comer of Orono Village. The net density for this area would be 13.6 units per acre. On the southeast corner of the site, near Otten Brothers Nursery, we are proposing a limited amount of neighborhood commercial. This retail is a key component of the walkable neighborhood concept, which is based on the notion that convenient service retail should be located within one-quarter mile of residential. The proposed retail portion of this development could include approximately 38,000 square feet of retail and office uses, including an upscale grocer, a sit-down restaurant and other service retail including a possible drug store or coffee shop. The B-6 zoning district allows retail commercial uses as part of a PUD. The retail component of this development is critical if we are to create a truly walkable neighborhood for Orono residents. All of the Orono Village residents would be able to walk down to the Orono Village commercial center for a cup of coffee, lunch with fnends or to pick up groceries. We have met with the City of Long Lake’s planner and reviewed their downtown master plan and design guidelines. The City of Long Lake has identified a need for a small grocer in the area, but there is currently no viable location for a grocer in Ihe City of Long Lake. We believe that this intersection is a prime location for an upscale grocer and other neighborhood commercial uses. We have had preliminary discussions with a number of upscale grocers who have expressed interest in this area and have indicated that a location on north side of Highway 12 is preferred. Commercial development on this corner would be consistent with the commercial development on the other three comers of this Intersection. Furthermore, our analysis shows that this comer would be well suited for neighborhood commercial uses, which would support the walkable neighborhood concept in Orono Village. Orono Village is planned around the natural features of the site, which include several large wetlands, and stands of mature maples and basswood. These wetlands, which have been disrupted over the years, will be restored to the extent allowed by the Watershed District to a beautiful natural feature for both Orono Village residents and the surrounding neighborhoods. Trails for walking and biking will wind through the site, connecting with amenities such as the Town Square in the commercial area and a Village Green near the Lofts. The wetlands will also form a natural buffer between the existing single family neightx)rhoods north and east of the site and the commercial development along the highway. We will have wetland impacts as part of the road construction. We are proposing to mitigate on-site as required by the watershed district and the Wetland Conservation Act. 650 butler north BUILDING 510 FiRST AVENUE NORTH WlNNEAf»OtlSM.N 554C3 OFFICE 612 252 9070 FAA 617 252 9077 www Un<}4omi nd