10.1 SR 08-19-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To City Council Item Number 10.1 Meeting Date August 19, 2024 Prepared By Zack Carlton, Community Development Director Item Description Concept Review: The Specht Family Farm Housing Development - Capstone Homes Reviewed by Zack Carlton Cal Portner Tina Allard Action Requested Provide the applicant with informal, non-binding, feedback regarding their proposed residential subdivision. Background/Discussion The applicant, Capstone Homes, is working with the owners of the Specht Farm regarding a potential residential subdivision. The site is unique in its location and has supported agricultural operations for many years. The project is bordered by Highway 10 to the east, the Oliver Kelley Farm to the south, the Mississippi River to the west, and existing residential and commercial uses to the north. The Comprehensive Plan guides the property for Mixed Residential and Highway Business Uses. The site is also adjacent to MnDOT's planned interchange at Twin Lakes Road and Highway 10. Development Comments First, access to the site will be from Highway I 0, likely through interim access at 165th Ave at the location of the existing driveway. Long-term access will utilize a planned interchange on the north end of the site and a frontage road along the highway. How and when these access locations are utilized and improved is an ongoing conversation with MnDOT. City staff and the applicant have met with MnDOT traffic and planning staff to discuss access, but this will continue to be a topic of discussion as improvements will be required to support the volume of traffic expected from a residential development of this size. Second, the entire southern boundary of the site abuts the Oliver Kelley Farm. The property is owned by the MN Historical Society (MNHS) and is on the National Register of Historic Places. MNHS staff have expected development of the site, and their primary concern is how the two properties interact along the property line. City staff introduced the project to the MNHS to begin these conversations and outline the development review process and comment opportunities moving forward. A comment letter is attached. Third, the Comprehensive Plan guides much of this site for Mixed Residential. This includes guidance for multiple housing types - including single-family detached homes, townhomes, and duplexes. Requiring a range of housing types was intended to address affordability concerns by providing options for future residents. The current concept shows predominantly single-family homes connected to city utilities. The concept plan also includes a small area of commercial near the proposed interchange. This area is included in the Page 294 of 327