04-19-2010 Planning Commission Packet

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' ) f NIINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday,April 7,2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. In addition,under the mixed use designation,existing properties currently guided and zoned for residential use are not intended to be converted to commercial property. Existing commercial property could be converted to high density residential use or mixed residential-commercial use in the same buildings. The mixed use designation does not eliminate any commercial options for existing commercially zoned properties. The City will likely consider new zoning standards to regulate potential mixed-use projects,possibly through a Mixed Use Overlay District,which would likely be established after the CMP is adopted. Gaffron illustrated the various zoning districts located within the Navarre area. Gaffron stated the City has looked at what would happen to this area once Snyder Drug vacates the property, and noted that it is possible it could be converted to residential. Along the Highway 12 area,a small number of sites have been identified for reguiding to allow for increased residential density. Some of these lots have been previously guided for medium-density single and multi- family uses at 2-4 units per acre. One parcel being considered is the Dumas Orchard property,which could possibly be reguided to allow up to ten units per acre. The Eisinger landfill site is also being reguided at a higher density and the land surrounding the Long Lake Fire Station will also be reguided to allow 10 to 15 units per acre. Gaffron noted that the majority of the remaining zoning sections will not be changed. Gaffron indicated the City's Comprehensive Plan will continue to provide for open space preservation,natural resource inventory, environmental protection plans,regional parks, and golf courses. There is approximately 1700 acres of recreational land within the City. Chair Kang thanked the audience for attending tonight's meeting and requested the audience members limit their comments to three to five minutes and to avoid repeating previously made comments. Chair Kang opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. Tom Weber,3559 Lyric Avenue, indicated he would like to see the proposed mixed use zone along Shoreline Drive tweaked slightly to include 3585 Lyric Avenue, and 3559 Lyric Avenue,which would help develop that area. Terry Schneider, 15333 Boulder Creek Drive, indicated he is the development consultant that is working on the parcel in Navarre proposed to be converted to senior assisted living. The property is cunently zoned B4. An office condo was originally proposed for the site but that is not a viable option at the present time. Schneider indicated they do have a viable operator for a memory care center. It would consist of one-story residential buildings on the parcel. Schneider indicated they have been working with Staff on the mixed use designation,which would allow this project to take place and that they are okay with the direction the City is going in this area. Schneider noted they will be formally bringing the proposal forward to the City in the near future. Schneider illustrated the edge of the mixed use district on the overhead. The property does abut the wetland, which is zoned RRl. Schneider requested the City extend the mixed use district up to the wetland,which would put the entire parcel into the appropriate mixed use district. Schneider noted he does have a letter formally requesting that revision and that in their view it is a workable solution. Maureen Bellows,3400 Watertown Road,asked what will happen if the City does not come close to meeting the Metropolitan Council's guidelines for population projections and density requirements. Page 4