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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMNIISSION <br /> Tuesday,January 16,2007 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. ' <br /> (#07-3250 Philip Carlson,Continued) <br /> Kempf asked whether this is the final MnDOT plan. <br /> Gaffron stated it is more likely that Hennepin County rather than Mn/DOT would be malcing the <br /> decisions on access to this site and that Hennepin County has met with Staff on a number of occasions <br /> regarding access points. The goal of Hennepin County is to reduce the number of access points along the <br /> Old Highway 12 corridor. . <br /> � Gina Carlson presented the Planning Commission with an overview of the Amber Woods project. Carlson <br /> explained the general site plan that they have designed and noted that a water feature, landscaping, and a <br /> berm are being proposed for this site. Carlson indicated they have met with the residents in this area and <br /> the neighbors are supportive of the project. Carlson displayed the existing and proposed landscaping for <br /> the site,noting that the foliage is quite thick between this site and the Sugar Woods neighborhood,which <br /> would remain with this development. Carlson stated they did erect a pole with a red square at the end <br /> during the wintertime illustrating the height of the structures and the red square was not visible to the <br /> neighbors. . <br /> Carlson displayed a layout of one of the proposed units,which consist of a lower level, a main level,and <br /> - a loft. Carlson pointed out there would be a considerable amount of green space under this proposal. The. <br /> unit would be a 2-1/2-story building with custom build-out,handicap accessible, and ten parking spaces <br /> assigned to each building. There would be five total buildings on the site with two units each. Carlson <br /> stated the tenants would own their individual building as part of the office condo concept. ' <br /> Carlson displayed the proposed monument sign for the development. The sign would be 18 feet in length <br /> by four feet in height. <br /> Carlson stated their market analysis indicates there is a need for office space in this area and that there are <br /> few existing office condos located in the western suburbs and that this type of concept is popular in other <br /> areas. Carlson stated their project is the least invasive on the residential neighborhood,with no <br /> headlights into the woods and blocked parking and traffic noise. The five units have exposure to the <br /> woods,with the woods acting as a natural buffer. The retaining wall and plantings would help to create <br /> an added buffer. The buildings tend to have a residential"European"look and would be designed for <br /> higher-end users. <br /> Carlson stated they do have the first duplex already sold and that they would like to commence <br /> construction on the project this spring. Carlson stated they were unable to meet the deadline of the City <br /> last fall due to the delay in getting their financing ananged and the need to obtain the necessary permits <br /> from Mn/DOT. Carlson stated at the present time Mn/DOT owns the road but would be turning the road <br /> over to Hennepin County in the future. Carlson stated they are willing to look at a frontage road again for <br /> this site but that they do not feel that Mn/DOT will be receptive to that concept due to the potential for <br /> stacking near Brown Road and the number of driveways that would be located on the frontage road. <br /> Carlson stated they have now obtained all the necessary permits from Mn/DOT and that they would like ' <br /> to have their application move forward to Council. <br /> Rahn inquired whether the Mn/DOT pernuts would be subject to the entrance to the building site. <br /> PAGE 9 <br />