04-18-2005 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

_ #OS-3080 January 18,2005 Page 3 of 10 ' proposed a 50-unit Phase II of Orono Woods senior housing far Lot 1. That application resulted in a public hearing during which the adjoining neighborl�ood expressed significant opposition to the project based on the size, orientation and intensity of the proposal. Dunbar did not proceed with that application and sold the property. Ravia Real Estate in spring 2003 proposed an office-condo development on the site, with a site layout that included buildings with south and east-facing walkouts. While that p?an was generally looked upon favorably by the Plaruiing Commission and Council, t.l� applicants ultimately concluded they could not reduce the ntuilber of uilits ar square footage in order to meet the parking stall minimums established for their proposed use. Ravia withdrew their application in summer 2003. Surrounding Land Use Directly to the north of the subject property is the resideiltial neighborhood "Sugarwoods". There is a 40' wide platted outlot between the applicant's property and the residential use serving as a buffer. This 40' wide platted outlot is owned by the Sugarwoods Homeowners Association. Restrictions were placed on each lot within Sugarwoods that prohibit removal of trees greater than 2" in diameter within the rear setback for those lots located closest to the proposed development. The 40' buffer outlot is generally wooded. The subject property is located on Highway 12 adjacent to the Orono Ambar senior housing development, located to the direct east. The parcel directly to the west consists of a nonconforming residential and industrial use including a large building fornzerly used as a welding shop. It appears that the current use is storage of vehicles. The parcel located to the west of the nonconfonziing use was developed as the Orono Shopping Center/Conoco gas station. Both of these adjacent properties are zoned B — l, Retail Sales Business District. Future redevelopment of the adjacent welding shop parcel and the nonconfornzing residence is anticipated under a B — 1 use. U.S. Highway 12 is in the process of being relocated to the south and the existing Highway 12 will eventually be "hirned back" to Heimepin County. Part of the proposed Highway 12 relocation includes a change to the existing 12 and Brown Road intersection. Currently, Brown Road North ends at a T-intersection with 12. Brown Road south of 12 will be realigned to create a cross intersection with existing 12 directly across fronl Brown Road North and a signal light will be ulstalled at that iutersection. Consistency with Orono 2000-2020 CMP Uses within the PUD may include only those uses designated Uy the official Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The 2000-2020 Coiiuliunity Managenient Plan has guided the property for coirunercial use. The proposed use would comply with the goals of the CMP and be considered a permitted use in the underlying land use desiguation (or zoning) for the site.