6.2.a PCSR 04-28-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The following addresses specific questions required of the Easement Vacation narrative: 1. Detailed description/scope of the project. The proposed project will include a new construction, 60-unit apartment building with 120 surface parking stalls built on an existing outlot of the Elk Ridge Shopping Center. The building will be three stories in height plus a pitched roof. The building’s access will be provided by existing connections from the Elk Ridge Shopping Center and will additionally include a landscaped trail connection to existing trail along Irving Street. 2. What is the purpose of the Easement Vacation? What is being proposed? The easements to be vacated are drainage and utility easements. The subject easements were entered into when the project was initially conceived as a junior box retailer or pad retail development. Now that the project includes a multifamily use, these easements locations are no longer appropriate. 3. How is the request consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan? The proposed project will require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. As described above, the project is located in a commercially zoned area, but the area has failed to garner any viable commercial proposals after many years of marketing and development proposals by its owner/broker, Hempel Properties. We believe multi-family housing is the highest and best use of the property. 4. What has changed to warrant the Easement Vacation? The subject easements were entered into when the project was initially conceived as a junior box retailer or pad retail development. Now that the project includes a multifamily use, these easements locations are no longer appropriate. 5. How is it compatible with surrounding properties. The proposed project is compatible with surrounding properties by integrating into existing access through the site, by complimenting and building upon the existing design aesthetic of the site, by not requiring any shared parking from other uses by adequately parking on-site and by developing a landscaped trail connection to existing trail along Irving Street. 6. The DNR must be notified and provide comment if adjacent to water. Not applicable. 7. What are the benefits to the City. The proposed project will benefit the city by putting vacant land into a productive, tax paying use; by enhancing the value of neighboring commercial uses by adding new site users; and by adding to much-needed affordable housing supply for the community for which there is a great shortage.