08-14-2001 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes August 14,2001 Page 5 . Paul Sween, representing Dominium, stated that they found the parking standard ratio of 2.5 spaces per unit to be excessive. He asked that they be allowed to demonstrate proof of additional parking, which would be built if needed. He stated that they would need to remove large mature trees in order to add more parking, which may not be required. Mr. Sween stated that they would not want their customers to be driving through water to get to and from their homes, so they would also want to ensure that drainage was adequately addressed. He noted that they would be working with staff on adding a second "step" to the second apartment building, since this alternative may impact the trees. Mr. Sween explained that they plan to own the buildings for a long time and have a vested interest in the quality of the construction. He felt that these buildings will be considered "best of class" not only in Elk River, but in the Twin Cities. Bill Pritchard discussed exterior materials for the townhomes. He stated that stone will be included in the standard design, and not as an option as previously proposed. He displayed the three types of stones which would be intermixed in the construction. Mr. Pritchard explained that they felt the Craftsman style would be more appropriate for this project, and that this design would allow more articulation of individual homes. . Mr. Pratt stated that the townhome units would vary in depth (2 - 3 feet minimum), and that they would like to work with staff on the final architectural details. He felt the Craftsman style would be more in character with the rural setting. He stated that similar materials and colors would be used in the row homes and the townhomes. Mr. Harlicker asked if the individual units would be different colors. Mr. Pritchard stated that maintenance would be very difficult for the homeowner's association if different colors were used. Vice Chair Baker suggested using colors from the same color palette, on different units. Mr. Pratt and Mr. Pritchard were willing to consider this idea. Mr. Pratt stated that they felt the Craftsman style rather than the Georgetown style better expressed the rail station theme. Mr. Pratt stated that the commercial/office buildings will also be designed with the rail station theme. He asked that the Commission approve the concept only for the buildings, since a conditional use permit will be required for each building. Jim Johnson of Hakanson-Anderson, discussed the comments of the City Engineer in his letter to Scott Harlicker dated August 9, 2001. He reviewed his response letter dated August 14th regarding traffic concerns. He explained his reasons why he felt the trip counts are a "worst case scenario" and do not take into consideration the travel options which will be available to residents living within the development. Mr. Johnson reviewed an alternative plan to deal with traffic issues as outlined in his letter. He discussed reasons to support having the proposed roundabout. Mr. Johnson suggested that the project could be phased in order to deal with traffic issues as the arose. Mr. Maurer asked if Mr. Johnson has seen the concept drawing which shows six pedestrian walkways ending up at the roundabout. He stated that if the plat is approved, there is no reason they couldn't apply for building permits to build the entire project, if they chose to. Mr. Maurer stated that he would like to know how they planned to close down the % intersection, if it became necessary. Derek Passe of Passe Engineering, responded to City Engineer Terry Maurer's memo dated August 9, 2001. He stated that he did not include the design of every catch basin and that he was aware there are some areas that need more. He stated that the street would need to be raised in the eastern area of possible flooding which the Mr. Maurer referred to. . Mr. Maurer stated that he needs more detailed calculations and that he advised Mr. Passe at the beginning of the review process for this project that the calculations he submitted were