11-17-2025 - Agenda Packet Planning Commission - Full Packet

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FILE # LA25-000033 17 Nov 2025 Page 7 of 8 The proposed redesign will maintain the existing nonconforming use within the LR-1C District. The project will preserve the existing features of the site. The land is a result of fill created in the 1960s to provide a public access to Lake Minnetonka. The proposed site plan incorporates efforts to conserve energy with auto dim lightings, native plantings to decrease chemical use near the lakeshore, and improvements to the site's stormwater management performance. It is expected that the water -oriented -use of the site requires the creation and maintenance of improvements near the lakeshore. As designed, the new parking orientation, boat launch, circulation and lighting of the site will promote safety for vehicular circulation and pedestrians as well as improve ADA accessibility throughout the site. The accessory structures and buildings on the site serve the current use of a public boat launch and support additional services for utilities and the AIS program administered by the County. The new landscape and lighting plans should protect abutting residential properties to not create detrimental disturbances for the area. The redesign will improve the stormwater management within the site by promoting stormwater infiltration before it enters the lake. The regrading of the site will create areas for water storage within the 100-year floodplain; the landscape plan will remove invasive plantings and replacement them with new, native plantings which will protect water quality in this sensitive area. The new landscape and lighting plans should protect abutting residential properties from activities on the site and is not expected to be detrimental to the surrounding area. Orono Police Department Comments Orono Police Chief Farniok submitted a comment letter responding to an early draft of the proposed site plan. Chief Farniok posed questions about the parking lot design, accessibility, and enforcement of the parking on the site. The applicant has revised the plan and eliminated the originally -proposed vertical lift/barge access from the plan. The County responded with a comment letter to address the Police department's comments included on the PD Exhibit. DNR Comments The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reviewed the vacation request and provided comments, included in the DNR Exhibit. Their analysis indicates the DNR is supportive of the vacation due to the land being owned by another government agency and operates as a public boat launch. The DNR recommends the City retain public access over the rights -of -way which can be accomplished with the project resolution. Additionally, the applicant is in contact with the DNR on the proposed seawall, fishing piers, and general redevelopment of the site. Staff recommends that the forthcoming comments from the DNR be incorporated in the City's approval of the project. MCWD The MCWD provided a letter with preliminary comments regarding the project. The MCWD is currently reviewing the project against their Rules for shoreline stabilization, stormwater management, and wetland impacts. The applicant has been working with the MCWD to meet the District's standards. It is anticipated that the application will go before the MCWD board in the first part of 2026 for review. LMCD The LMCD is reviewing the reconstruction of the boat access/ launch and the new proposed docks. Comments from the LMCD are forthcoming. 15