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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,April 18, 2016 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Schoenzeit stated in his view the City has to get to the bottom of whether the Metropolitan Council is <br /> serious about the density guidelines. If t17e Metropolitan Council is serious about the density, the City <br /> should be looking at Phase 2 since some portion of that could be tied into this approval. Schoenzeit <br /> commented it is likely it will not be developed at a higher density later on and that the residents would be <br /> opposed to it if it is not tied into Phase 1. <br /> Thiesse noted the City looked at this area and thought 10 to 15 units per acre was a nice density. Thiesse <br /> stated he is not sure where else in the City higher density could work if it does not work on this site since <br /> it is more conducive to high density. <br /> Leskinen stated to her recollection the City saw a proposal approximately two years ago and it consisted <br /> of multi-family homes. <br /> Gaffron stated to his recollection those were all single-family homes and that the Comprehensive Plan <br /> shows two multi-family buildings for the landfill site. <br /> Thiesse asked what the density is for Stone Bay. <br /> Gaffron stated if the lofts are included, it is approximately six units per acre. Gaffron stated to his <br /> knowledge the twin homes are three to four units per acre but that overall it is about six. <br /> Lemke stated he has a concern that the Planning Commission has already provided direction to have <br /> lower density on this site and that in his view this is not a higher density location given the fact that there <br /> are no stores nearby or other things that are more attractive to higher density. Lemke asked whether the <br /> Planning Commission can deny the application just based on the density since the City has already <br /> provided direction on it. <br /> Leskinen asked if there is anywhere else in the City where higher density can go. Leskinen stated sooner <br /> or later the City will run out of places. Leskinen asked what the fallout will be if the City does not have <br /> higher density in this area. <br /> Gaffron stated the City made the application to the Metropolitan Council approximately three weeks ago <br /> on the Orono Preserve project and that he is hopeful he will hear back soon. Gaffron stated the <br /> possibilities range from the Metropolitan Council saying they are fine with it to requesting that the City <br /> designate other areas or to denying the lower density. <br /> Schoenzeit stated in his view this development is a non-starter without the turn lanes and that that should <br /> be figured out first. <br /> Gaffron stated Hennepin County would have the discretion to determine whether turn lanes will be <br /> allowed or not and that the applicants have been advised that they need to talk with the County. <br /> Leskinen stated traffic issues are one reason for the lower density. <br /> Landgraver stated upon further reflection, in his view the density that was guided for this area would <br /> present some safety issues if the speed limit stays at 55 miles per hour. Landgraver stated the City is <br /> attempting to make it less dangerous with the lower density and that it is really beyond the Planning <br /> Page 18 of 32 <br />