09-08-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, September 8, 2014 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Page 17 of 25 (11. #14-3684 LAKEWEST, LLC, ON BEHALF OF HOWARD EISINGER TRUST, 3245 WAYZATA BOULEVARD – SKETCH PLAN REVIEW, Continued) Gaffron stated approximately three to four years ago, the City improved its 2008-2030 Comprehensive Plan. One of the City’s requirements was to meet Metropolitan Council’s goals for density and, as a result, certain properties generally along Highway 12 and Navarre were re-guided in the Comprehensive Plan to allow for higher density. The property in question is the Eisinger property, which is at the very west end of the Highway 12 corridor area. A portion of the property has a former sanitary landfill, which leaves part of the property unusable for a number of things but that it is potentially usable for some uses that do not require foundations. The property generally has five acres that could be used for a housing development. Gaffron stated this land was re-guided in the Comprehensive Plan to allow for 10 to 15 units per acre, which would require City sewer and water. Gaffron indicated the property was re-guided for higher density with some specific language about how that higher density should occur. The Comprehensive Plan suggested that there should be two buildings, but no more than two, and that they should not be more than 42,000 square feet. The Comprehensive Plan also contemplated a multi-family dwelling situation. Gaffron stated he would like the applicants to make a presentation on their proposal. Donald Jensen, Land Development Director of Lakewest, LLC, stated they have met with Staff on this property and have discussed various options. Jensen stated when they attempted to work with the two building concept as called out in the Comprehensive Plan, it was determined that it would not be as economically viable for a number of reasons. Jensen stated the 42,000 square feet buildings created certain limitations on the layout of the development and that the Comprehensive Plan is basically silent as to where the garages would go, whether there would be detached or underground parking, and whether the square footage of the garages is included in the 42,000 square feet. Jensen stated they have looked at what the marketplace is comfortable renting for square footage and that they determined a majority of the people are looking for a floor plan that runs between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet per floor. Jensen stated if they are limited to a 42,000 square foot building, individual units likely would be approximately 1,500 square feet. In addition, space for elevators and hallways would need to be allocated, which would lower the floor space to approximately 1,200 square feet. Jensen stated they have worked with Staff on a number of different options and have come up with a design for detached units that would consist of slightly varying footprints. In total 26 units are being proposed. Jensen noted they originally proposed access to the site from the west side, which has since been revised, but access is now being proposed near the current driveway that serves the existing home. For fire department purposes, Jensen stated they are considering the possibility of using the driveway for the old construction landfill portion as access for emergency vehicles, which would leave the opportunity for water quality to be in the far west, south, and southeast portions of the site. Jensen noted some construction may be allowed on the old landfill site as long as the proper permits are obtained through the PCA and that they have just started to do some land exploration. Jensen stated one possibility would be a recreation area.