09-12-2016 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 12, 2016 7:00 o'clock p.m. 20. #16-3854 ASHISH AGGARWAL ON BEHALF OF APEX HOLDINGS, LLC, 2635 KELLEY PARKWAY, SKETCH PLAN REVIEW (continued) Gaffron indicated he would like to turn it over to the applicant so he can explain his proposal in more detail. Ashish Aggarwal, Applicant, stated he has owned the property for a number of years and that they have looked at a number of possibilities for the site. Aggarwal noted commercial at the present time is more concentrated to Wayzata and that senior housing is one of the things that Orono lacks. Aggarwal stated one of the characteristics of Orono is that people who live in Orono love to stay in Orono. Aggarwal stated they have looked at the future and what could be done with the site and that in their view this is a great site for senior housing. Aggarwal noted 72 units is the minimum size that they can have in order to be financially viable, The building was kept at two stories so the building will not be too tall and will blend in nicely with the townhomes and condominiums. Aggarwal noted he is an investor for this land and that once the plans are approved by the City Council, he will have a builder for the site. Levang asked if he intends to own the building and run the facility. Aggarwal indicated it would be run by a management company. Aggarwal indicated Apex Holdings are the investors and that the facility would be run by a professional senior housing management company. Levang asked how they will find a management company. Aggarwal indicated Mr. Gori constructs this type of development all over the country and that he would be able to help them. Levang asked if they would be constructing the building. Aggarwal stated they would have one of the commercial builders in the area construct it and that the next step would be to work with the management company and the builder. Levang stated in her mind there is a disconnect between them designing the building and the management company. Aggarwal stated the next step would be to work with the builder and the management company. Aggarwal stated Mr. Gori has designed a number of these buildings over the past 20 years and that he is very familiar with what is needed. Aggarwal stated there are some tweaks that will need to be made to the plan. McMillan asked what is located on the east end of the building by the pond. Viren Gori, Architect, stated it is similar to a band shell and is a pavilion. Gori indicated it was designed with the neighborhood in mind as an amenity to Stonebay. Gori indicated it would help engage the seniors living in the facility with the rest of the community. Page 26 of 34