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Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 <br /> February 23,2016 <br /> that the Parks Commission desired a trail and easement along the river at this location. Mr. <br /> Carlton stated that staff was recommending denial of the request,but that the Planning <br /> Commission could continue the request for another month to address some of the issues <br /> which were raised. <br /> Commissioner Larson-Vito asked if the DNR letter is binding for the city. Mr. Carlton <br /> stated no, that their recommendations should be taken into consideration, similar to the <br /> Planning Commission's recommendations,but they are not binding. <br /> Commissioner Johnson asked how this project compared to The Bluffs regarding height and <br /> setbacks. Mr. Carlton stated that The Bluffs has a zero setback,but is not comparable, since <br /> The Bluffs building is located in a historic downtown setting. He noted the DNR typically <br /> recommends approval of redevelopment projects within existing downtown or historic <br /> areas. He stated that the current standards would apply for new development in an open <br /> area. <br /> Edward Retel, 7171 Yale Street NW,Mississippi Ridge Homeowner's Association <br /> representative,asked how or why does the applicant show acquiring land from the city or the <br /> homeowners'association,if they are not sure if they would be willing to give it up. He <br /> stated it seemed strange to base a proposal on land he does not own. Mr. Carlton explained <br /> where the property Mr. Retel was referring to was located, stating the applicant proposes 40 <br /> parking stalls in this area as public or private for the rest of the retail needs. He also clarified <br /> that the city is not proposing to acquire the land,but that the property was identified on <br /> plans submitted by the applicant,and that it would be the applicant's responsibility to <br /> negotiate with adjacent property owners. <br /> Jesse Hartung, 633 Main Street, Granite Shores, stated that the drawing is just a proposal at <br /> this time and acquisition would need to be negotiated. He stated that it appears parking is <br /> the biggest issue. He stated they are currently at 219 stalls and would be well over the <br /> requirement,including on street parking. He stated that that would equate to 2 stalls per <br /> residential unit and 4 stalls each for the commercial units. He noted that Granite Shores is at <br /> 1.75 stalls per unit. Mr. Hartung stated that in touring other similar facilities, only 1 space <br /> per tenant is required. He stated that Elk River Food Co-op is interested in leasing a portion <br /> of the commercial space and has stated there would be ample parking for their business. <br /> Mr. Hartung stated the his engineers have calculated that the Yale Street extension currently <br /> has adequate stormwater capacity, and agreed that there would be a need for additional <br /> storm water retention. <br /> Mr. Hartung stated that he felt the DNR was a little misled regarding the bluff setback, since <br /> there is at least a 10-foot setback with the revised plan. Mr. Carlton stated that the DNR <br /> reviewed the application based on the original site plan. Mr. Hartung stated he found it <br /> discouraging that the Parks and Recreation Commission was not interested in the land swap <br /> for a park,but he was willing to provide the trail connection and easement they requested. <br /> Discussion followed regarding the storm water issue. Mr. Hartung stated he felt the benefits <br /> and increased tax base this project would create outweighed any costs to create adequate <br /> storm water retention. <br />