Laserfiche WebLink
MINiJTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANI�IING COlYIMISSION • <br /> � Tuesday,Ja�iu�ry 16,2007 <br /> , 6:00 o'clock p.m. ' <br /> (#07-3250 Philip Carlson,Continuecl) � <br /> Kempf asked whether this is the�nal MnDOT plan. <br /> Gaffron stated it is more likely that Heiinepi�l Couniy rather than Mn/DOT would be making ihe <br /> • � decisions on access to this site and that Hennepin Coui�ty has met with Staff on a numUer 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 /> exj�lained tlle general site plan that they have designed and noted that a water feati.ire,landscaping, and a <br /> benn 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 thafi the foliage is quite thick Uetween this site and the Sugar Woods neighUorhood,which <br /> would remain with this develo�ment. Carlson stated they did erect a pole with a red square at the end <br /> during the wintertinze illusirati�►g the height of the shlictures and the red sqttare was not visible to the <br /> neighbors. . <br /> Carlson displayed a layout of one of the�ro�osed units,which consist of a lower level, a main level, and <br /> • a loft. .Carlson pointed out there would Ue 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 tl�e site with two units each. Carlson <br /> stated the tenants would orvn their iiidividual building as part of the office condo concept. ' <br /> Carlson displayed the proposed monunzent sign for the development. The sign would be 18 feet in length <br /> : Uy four feet in height. � . <br /> Carlson stated their market analysis indicates ihere is a need far office s�ace in this area and tl�at 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 aud traffic noise. The five units have exposure to the . <br /> woods, with the woods acting as a nahiral buffer. The retaining wall and plantings would help to create <br /> an added Uuffer. The Uuildings tend to have a residential"European"look aiid would Ue designed for <br /> � higher-end users. . <br /> Carlson stated they do have ihe first duplex already sold and that they would like to commence <br /> construction ou the project this spring. Carlsoii stated they were unable to meet the deadline of the City <br /> last fall due to the delay in getting their fnancing anauged and the need to obtain the iiecessary�ermits � <br /> from Mn/DOT. Carlson stated at the present time Mn/DOT owns the road Uut would Ue turning ihe road � <br /> over to Hennepin County in the fuhire. Carlson stated ihey are willing to look at a frontage road again for• <br /> . this site Uut that they do not feel that Mn/DOT will Ue receptive to that conce�t due to the potential for <br /> stackiii�near Brown Road and the numlier of driveways that would be located on the fronlage road. <br /> Carlso�i stated they have now obtained all ihe necessaiy permits fi•om Mn/DOT and that they would like ' <br /> to have their a��lication move forward to Council. <br /> Ralui inquired whether the Mn/DOT permits would Ue subject to fihe enirance to ihe building site. <br /> � PAGE 9 <br />