04-19-2010 Planning Commission Packet

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i � MINUTES OF TI� SPECIAL ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday,Apri17,2010 7:00 o'clock p.m. Steve Wagner,3607 Shoreline Drive,A-1 Rental, asked if there is a special use business that comes into the building, since this will be a multi-use district,whether that would increase the problems they would experience. Wagner indicated he has no specific example in mind but was wondering whether there would be a downside to that. Wagner asked whether there would be negative implications as it relates to permits for businesses in that district, if there will be a tax implication, and whether that property will be viewed by Hennepin County as having an increased value due to the change in density. Gaffron stated one of the City's intentions is that they are adding a layer of additional use with high density residential,which will not eliminate any uses that are already allowed. Gaffron indicated property owners will be able to expand their business even with the overlay. As it relates to tax valuations,the tax assessor indicated they would not raise the valuations simply because the zoning changed. Candice Nadler,2509 Kelly Avenue, stated there are traffic issues in downtown Navarre,specifically along Shoreline Drive. Nadler indicated there is a stoplight at the intersection of Shadywood and Shoreline,with two turn lanes where vehicles do not have to stop. Traffic is moving very fast in that area because of those turn lanes. The Orono Police have attempted to regulate the pedestrian crosswalks. People do not stop for the crosswalk. Nadler stated increasing the density will add to the tra�c problems and that they cannot turn left out of the Lund's parking lot as well as the dry cleaners at the present time. Nadler stated the condos in Spring Park are not fully occupied at the present time and that she expects there to be more traffic on Highway 15 once those are sold. This area is not meant for high volumes of traffic and that it is already very dangerous trying to access the stores as well as the trail in the area due to the traffic. Kang noted the Planning Commission has looked at that area and the traffic issue a number of times in the past and will be doing so again. Ralph Kempf,3675 Togo Road, stated approximately five years the Planning Commission and City Council met with the residents of Navarre,which resulted in some studies being done but not very many changes being implemented. Kempf indicated the issues discussed at that time that he recollects were the dangers to the pedestrians on the Kelly side of Navarre and in the area of the trail. The residents also expressed a desire to see Navarre retain its character of small businesses designed to serve the local area and to avoid big box stores which would change the community. Kempf expressed a concern that if there is the potential for expanding the residential and pedestrian traffic in the area, as well as changing the values of the current commercial real estate in Navarre, some of the tenants may not be able to afford the rents associated with a new building. Kempf expressed a concern that these zoning and density changes will not bode well for the future of Navarre and the problems that already exist. Gaffron commented that the reguiding presents opportunities but also presents difficulties. The stoplights and turning lanes in this area have been difficult since day one and that commuters that utilize the bus system have a difficult time crossing the street. Gaffron noted the City is working with Three Rivers Park District regarding parking for the trail and that those are questions that do need to be resolved. The City has attempted to engage the business owners in trying to define the Navarre area but have had little success with reaching an agreement on how or whether to change Navarre. Ron Vanacora,2500 Casco point Road, expressed similar concerns regarding the tra�c in this area. Parking is also an issue,which makes it difficult to access some of the businesses and neighborhoods. Page 6