9.1 SR 02-22-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session February 22, 2022 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager Brent O’Neil, Economic Development Director Item Description Reviewed by Main Street and Gates Avenue Development Cal Portner, City Administrator Proposal Reviewed by Action Requested Provide the applicant with informal, non-binding, feedback regarding their proposed project at Main and Gates. Background The Mullins Group has been working with staff and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) on development of the HRA-owned Main and Gates redevelopment site. The property includes seven parcels that have been acquired by the HRA and demolished to prepare the area for new development. The current proposal includes for a four-story, 55-unit market rate apartment building with approximately 4,000 SF of commercial on the ground floor along seven detached townhome units. The apartment building would face main street and begin to establish an urbanized corridor between 169 and Main Street. The attached plans, elevations, and site renderings give a feel for the project and what it would bring to the area. Staff completed an initial review of the project and provided the applicant with a letter outlining initial comments and concerns. At first review, two concerns rise to the top, and warrant a closer discussion by the Planning Commission and City Council. First, due to the current zoning and performance standards, the project will likely need to be developed as a PUD. What are the Council’s thoughts on the overall fit to the site and location within the community? Second, the proposal is deficient on parking. The comment letter breaks down the current proposal and what we have reviewed in the past. What are the Council’s thoughts regarding the parking proposal and possibly using street parking to address the deficit? Planning Commission The Planning Commission reviewed this item during a work session on January 25, 2022. The Commission was supportive of the concept and location, but shared concerns regarding parking and traffic. They suggested the applicant seek opportunities for increasing available on-site parking with a goal near two stalls per residential unit in addition to the required commercial parking. They would also like to see a traffic study submitted with any future applications for this site. Land Sale and Incentive Considerations The property is owned through the HRA for development. In addition to all other considerations necessary by the city, the HRA would need to approve of the development plan and sale price of the land. The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated: August 2020