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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Tuesday,February 21,2017 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> Olson asked if a traffic study would be able to determine the traffic levels between different uses. <br /> Barnhart indicated that can be done, and given the higher density, a traffic study would be very <br /> appropriate. <br /> Lemke asked whether this proposal has been discussed with Hennepin County. <br /> Barnhart stated Hennepin County is comfortable with the proposed access. Barnhart illustrated the <br /> location of the shared driveway and the surrounding access points. <br /> Schoenzeit stated in his view it would be important to hear from the Fire Chief to see whether they would <br /> be able to fight a fire at this location given the height of the building. Schoenzeit stated the City is in <br /> need of higher density and that the City should not shy away from the higher density, especially since this <br /> is an area the City is hoping to redevelop to help bring in additional customers for the existing businesses. <br /> Thiesse commented in his view this is a perfect spot for this type of building but that it might be difficult <br /> to get approval for a five-story building and 15 units per acre. <br /> Landgraver asked if there are any trails planned for this area. <br /> Barnhart stated the developer is not proposing any trails but that there is an easement along Shadywood to <br /> hopefully someday provide a connection to the trail further up the road. <br /> Thiesse asked if any park land will be dedicated or could be required. <br /> Barnhart stated generally a residential development will trigger that requirement and that it will need to be <br /> reviewed. <br /> Leskinen asked if the soils have been tested to see whether underground parking is doable on the site <br /> given the wetlands in the area. <br /> Barnhart indicated that will be part of the due diligence the developer will do, but at this stage of review it <br /> is not required. <br /> Schoenzeit stated if the water table permits it,the first floor could be pushed further into the ground to <br /> help alleviate some of the concerns with the height of the structure. <br /> Tom Goodrum, Senior Planner with Westwood Engineering, stated he is representing Alex Ugorets <br /> tonight who is currently out of state. Goodrum indicated he has worked with Alex Ugorets on a number <br /> of projects throughout the years and that Alex would like to let the Planning Commission know that he is <br /> excited about being part of the redevelopment of the Navarre area. One of the reasons Alex Ugorets <br /> purchased the Freshwater building is because he wants to be part of what is happening in the Navarre <br /> area. Goodrum noted Mr. Ugorets also purchased the land next to the Freshwater building as well another <br /> nine acres for a total of 12 acres, which gives him quite a bit of land to move things around to make <br /> things work. <br /> Goodrum stated if the 9-acre parcel is added to this parcel,they would be down to 4.75 units per acre. <br /> Goodrum indicated they could work with the density somewhat but that it comes down to whether this is <br /> Page 16 of 32 <br />