10-16-2000 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2000 (#2626 Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Continued) The Applicant has indicated they need a new building due to increases in enrollment and attendance over the years. The existing building has structural problems with the foundation and the roof, with the mechanical systems being out of date. Hazards such as asbestos and lead paint are also present in the existing building. Weinberger stated the new facility consisting of approximately 30,000 square feet is proposed to be constructed north of the existing building. Upon completion of the new Arts Center, the old building would be removed. Issues for the Planning Commission to consider include building height, parking, construction schedule, curb cuts, driveways, parking areas, grading/drainage, off-street loading areas, lighting and landscaping, and the impact to the adjacent properties. Weinberger stated the Applicant is proposing to construct a cooling tower at 44.5 feet in height, which requires a conditional use permit. Section 10.75, Subdivision 1(A) allows cooling towers to exceed the 30 feet ma.ximum height limitation by 50 percent with a conditional use permit. Weinberger noted the majority of the building meets the 30 foot height limitation. Weinberger commented the Applicant will need to increase parking by two additional spaces to allow for a total of 74 parking stalls. The new facility is proposed to be constructed north of the existing building beginning in 2001, with the old building being removed following construction. The construction entrance is tentatively proposed to come from the east side at an entrance to access Briar Street. Staff has concerns with the construction traffic using a smaller residential street and recommends that all construction traffic be redirected to the south entrance to access North Shore Drive. Weinberger indicated the existing entrance is a horseshoe w ith two access points on North Shore Drive. The access points would be removed and each shifted outward towards the property lines, w ith the parking areas and driveways meeting the minimum setbacks to the propertv* lines. The Arts Center is proposing a crushed rock aggregate material rather than blacktop for the parking lots. Staff recommends bituminous surfacing for this area. The Applicant is proposing to construct a stormwater maitagement pond located over the northwest comer of the property. Final design and rate calculations will need to be submitted for review by the City. The City’s intent would be that runoff from virtually all hard surfaces on the site be directed to the stormwater pond. Weinberger noted only one loading berth is being proposed, w ith the Zoning Code indicating this size school building should have two loading berths. Weinberger stated the Applicant may determine that a second loading berth is unnecessary'. The service entrance w ould be on the west side of the building, which would also be utilized for truck delivery and trash receptable storage. The plan will need to indicate how the dumpsters would be screened and protected to not allow trash to leave the service area. Weinberger noted a lighting plan will need to be submitted by the Applicant for review by City Staff. The Applicant is proposing to plant trees along the east property lines along Briar PAGE 12