09-28-2004 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes September 28, 2004 Page 8 Commissioner Anderson asked how the applicant proposed to keep vehicles from driving into Lions Park off the private drives. Mr. Olson stated that some type of landscaped barrier could be added in this area to identify the end of the drive. 5.7. Request by MetroPlains for Preliminary Plat Approval aackson Block), Public Hearing - Case No. P 04-19 Director of Planning Michele McPherson reviewed the request by MetroPlains to replat the City-owned Jackson Block for a redevelopment project known as Jackson Block located at the southeast comer of Highway 10 and Jackson Avenue. She explained that the applicant is proposing a mixed-use building that will include rental apartments above first floor commercial. Underground parking will be provided for the building tenants. Ms. McPherson noted that staff will be responsible for reviewing the design of the structure for consistency with the newly adopted downtown design standards. She discussed transportation and parking issues that need to be resolved. Chair Ropp asked if the right turn lane from Main Street to northbound J ackson Avenue is needed. Ms. McPherson stated that there currently are parking spaces in this location, and that this area is currently used for making right turns if there are no vehicles parked there. Commisioner Stevens asked if the underground parking is open to the public. Ms. McPherson stated no, and indicated areas where public parking would be available. Commissioner Anderson asked why the Planning Commission would not be reviewing the building design. Ms. McPherson stated that the ordinance provides for administrative review of the project if it meets the Downtown District design standards. If it does not, the proposal will be brought to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Anderson stated that the traffic is horrific on Main Street to Parrish Avenue. He stated he did not see how parking could be allowed on the north side of Main Street and was concerned about the impact of this project on the Bank of Elk River. He stated that an underpass or overpass is needed to relieve the traffic problem in the downtown. He felt that the underground parking will add to the need for additional road width on the north side of Main Street. Commissioner Anderson stated his concern that the zero setbacks will interfere with site lines. Councilmember Motin asked why the preliminary plat was being reviewed before the Development Agreement was signed by the HRA and City Council. Ms. McPherson stated that the plat does not have to be reviewed by the City Council until after the Agreement is signed. Councilmember Motin suggested that there be a right turn only from the underground parking for exiting onto Main Street. Commissioner Offerman stated that the largest concern is parking for shoppers. He felt that the traffic would be no worse, since the tenants would be using the parking for longer times and there would be less trips. Commissioner Stevens stated that he did not feel there would be much change in the traffic problems already in the downtown. He stated he was glad to see that the parking issues will be addressed in the Development Agreement.