11-26-73 PC Minutes ��� �
MINUTES OF THE GOLDIId VALI,EY '
PLANNiI3G fl02+Il�ISSIQN
November 26, 1973
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission was held at 7:30 P.M.
on Monday, November 26, 1973 at the Civic Center, 7800 aolden Valley Road,
Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Chairman John Sampson presided and the following members were present: ,
Commissioners Anderson, Becker, Fdstrom, Herje, Leonard, and Lundsgaard.
Jon Westlake, Village staff inerrtber, was also present.
Members absent: Commissioners Christiansen and Hughes.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MOVED by Edstrom, seconded by Becker, carried un-
animously, to approve the minutes of the November 12, I973 meeting with the
following changes: Page l, Item #3, sentence 1 change "authorityt' to "authorities"
and Page 2, second sentence i.nsert the word "staff" between "Authority" and "with".
2. PUBLIC IRTFO�MATIONAL MEETING (Planned Unit Development)
P.U.D. �].1-General Plans
Applicant: �onald M. Erickson
Location: 13a0-1.LtOQ block of Natchez Avenue South
Proposal: 18 Townhouse Units-on 4.76 Acres of Land
Mr. John Sampson, Chairman of the Planning Commission, reviewed the procedure
of the Planned Unit Development Por the benefit of the residents present.
Mr. Westlake then read the ldovember 12, 1973 Environmental Commission minutes
in reference to this request. Mr. Westlake also reviewed the Planning Considerations
as follows:
"1. A public informational meeting was held to discuss the Cc3ncept Plan on
June 25, 1973. A previous planning report dated June 18, 1973 was presented
at that meeting.
2. The records indicate that the Concept Plan has been approved by both the
Planning Commission and the Village Council. In accordance with procedures
of the Planned Unit �evelopment Ordinance, the Applicant is now seeking
approval of a more complete and detailed plan (general development plan).
If approved, a detailed PUD Permit will be drafted by the Village staff
containing all conditions for development and occupancy as recommended by
the Planning Commission, Village staff, citizens, and other public agencies
and as approveci and required by action of the Village Council.
3. The proposal is to develop 1$ townhouse units on 1t.76 acres resulting in a
density of 3.7 dwelling units per acre. Nearby single-family homes have
an average lot size of approximately 11,000 sq. ft. per home; the proposed
townhouses would have approximately 11,700 sq. ft. of land axea per
dwelling unit. Townhouse units would be for sale rather than rental.
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Planni.ng Commission
ldovember 26, 1973 `page 2
tt. The current site plan has been revised slightly from that presented for
concept approval. Such changes, however, are for the better and refl.ect
recommendations made earlier by the Planni.ng Commission, Village staff,
and others in the process of Concept Plan approval. As recommended earlier,
a cul.-de-sac has been provided for Ottawa Avenue on the site plus indica-
tions for preventing a f'dead end" situation on Princeton Avenue. Site plan
changes consist primarily of minor shifts in building locations to
accomodate Village site plan requirements. It is our conclusion that the
revised site plan is superior to the earlier site plan proposal. Structural
coverage and open space relationships are good witn an added feature being
that orienting garage and parki.ng areas to the center of the project rather
than direct exposure to adjacent and nearby homes.
5• It is a matter of judgement for the Planning Commission to determine if
the townhouse building ctesign is architecturally compatible with the
nearby existing neighborhood structures.
6. The landscape plan seems quite adequate with a good number and variety of
plant materials integrated into a good design concept for site treatment.
7. If plan approval is considered, various PU� Permit conditions should be
recommended to the Village Council; among others, the following are suggested:
a} Requirement of concrete curb and gutter throughout plus any i.mprovements
to Natchez Avenue as may be recommended by the Village �hgineer.
b) Surface water drainage and utility provisions as directed by the
Village Ehgi.neer.
c) Construction of the Ottawa Avenue cvl-de-sac as part of th� townhouse project.
d) Requirement of a cash in-1ie�u-of land dedication for public open space
or recreation purposes should be required. New state law enables the
Village to include such a requirement in all planned unit developments.
A fee of $100.QQ per unit payable upon issuance of building permits is
now rather common practice in suburban areas. Cash fees received are to
be used for ponding area, natural open space, and recreation area acqui-
sition and/or development and similar related public purposes.
e) Grading plan to be as approved by the Village Ehgineer.
f) Others as may be recommended during the zoning procedures plus the
standard and applieable conditions contai.ned in previous PUD Permits
issued (sign controls, illumination, landscape maintenance, trash storage
and disposal, use of parking areas, etc.) with each included in the
appropriate component (land use, subdivision, services, transportation,
etc.) of the PUD Permit.
8. SUMNIARY
It would be our opinion that the plan as presented and subject to modifi-
cation as may be recommended by others can be acceptable and an asset to
the neighborhood and community as a whole.t�
Mr. �onald M. Erickson, Architect from the firm Patch Erickson Madson & Hanson Inc.,
was present to revipw with the Planning Commission his praposal. The proposal
is 18 townhouse units on 4.76 acres of land. The buildings are traditional i.n
appearance with a horizontal redwood lap siding. The units will be two stc�'y-
2�Q
Planning Commission
November 2b, 1973 page 3
with the exception that some of the units on the south end of the site will have
walkout basements. The height of the units will be approximately 23 feet from
the grade to the peak or approximately 16 feet to the eaves with an additional
8 feet for those units with walkout basements. Each unit has a double garage
with a court yard. The price of the units axe in the area of $50,000 to $60,000.
The interior of all units are identical with three bedrooms, three baths, fire-
place, and central air conditioning. Mr. Erickson then reviewed the landscaping
plan and explained how they are tryiny to preserve the natural vegetation and
grade as much as possible. The drainage plan was also explained. The setback
of the units is s0 fe�t off the south property Iine and 30 feet off the east
propert� line (Natchez Avenue). Mr. Erickson also indicated he has discussed
his plan with the State Highway Dept.
The following comments were concerns of the residents: Mr. Bloom, lt417 Avondale
Road, questioned the two roads from the project entering RTatchez Avenue, and
the Highway Department may take part of this land for ftight of Way. Also, it
is difficult for emergency vehicles to get into this area. Mr. Hamre, 1525
Ottawa Ave. S., questioned drainage and how the storm sewer would be assessed.
Mr. Mirviss, 11t35 Natchez, does not feel density as proposed is same as single
family homes. Mr. Gills, 1lt�t� I�atchez Ave. S., because of the traffic on
Natchez Avenue, could this proposal empty its traffic directly onto the
Highway 100 service ramp. Mr. Torbert, 1.li50 Ottawa S., - density is too high
and would like some of the area dedicated for a park. Project should not be
approved before this is worked out and also how the storm sewer will funetion
in the area. Mr. Cox, 1ls10 Fairlawn Way, questioned the aesthetics of the site
and the placement of the garages. Other comments from the residents included
, noise in the area which is already high because of the highway, and Natchez
Avenue is heavily traveled.
The Planning Commission discussed the proposal at length and some of the more
predominant points of the discussion were the present landscapi.ng on the site
and the additional landscaping, the reasons for a cul-de-sac at the north end of
Ottawa Avenue, drainage ,on the site, design of the structures, height of the
units in relation to the existing ground, density of the site, and the comments
the Ilzvironmental Commission had regarding the effect of the highway noise on
the residents of the townho.use units if these units were constructed. The
Planning Commission also asked the proponent if he had any contact with the
residents in the area.
It was then moved by Leonard, seconded by Anderson, carried to recommend general
plan approval of P.TJ.D. #11, subject to the following conditions:
1. Homeoraners as an association have the right to determine if they wish to
have recreation areas if not adequately pro�cided for in the Homeowner�s
Association by-laws.
2. Items A, B, C, E, and F as in the planning considerations #7.
3. Require $100.00 per unit payable upon issuance of the building permit for
use to develop natural open space and recreation area.
1t. Building Board of Review, when reviewing the landscaping plan, to give
special consideration to using more mature and faster growing trees ta
provide an adequate buffer for the site from the highway and existing
neighborhood.
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Planning Commission
PTovember 26, 1973 page !�
5. Existing vegetation on perimeter be replaced if it is disturbed. This
replacement should be equivalent to existing and provide adequate screening.
6. Shed which is to remain should be restored and maintained.
. It was then moved by Edstrom, seconded by Herje, to amend the original motion
by adding that two of the units should be constructed for $30,000. Upon roll
call vote bein.g taken on the amendment to the motion, the following voted in
favor thereof: Fdstrom, Herje, and Leonard. The following voted against the
same: ,4nderson, Becker, Sampson, and Lundsgaard. The amendment to the motion
did not, carry. Vote being taken on the original motion caxried unanimously.
It was moved by Herje, seconded by Lundsgaard, carried unanimously, that an
. adoption of a clarification statement on the principles involved in the vote
on the amendment to the �tion for approval of P.U.D. #11: "It is not to be
construed by anyone that this Planning Commission has waivered i.n the belief
that we have an obligation to provide diversification of housing costs in a
planned unit development. We are, however, acknowledging the fact that this
proposal came to us at a time in which our policy is in the process of being
re-examined, and we'_feel that in fairness to the developer we cannot i►npose
restrictions at this late date. (The proposal originally came to the Planning
Commission on June 25, 1973►)��
3. G�fitERAL
(a) Moderate Income Housing in Planned Unit Developments
Mr. Jon Westlake informed the Planning Commission of the information he has
received from builders and planners with respect to the P7.anning Commission
proposal on Moderate Income Housing in Planned Unit Developments-including
correspondence from Mr. �,hgstrom of Robert Engstrom Associates, Inc., a
marketing, architecture, and site planning firm, and also Mr. Carl �9ale,
Village Consultant after which the ad hoc committee on Moderate Housing,
consisting of Commissioners Anderson, Edstrom, and Herje, discussed with the
Commission their policy on Housing. The following is the result of the com-
bined efforts of the ad hoc committee and the Planning Commission:
s,I. Modera�e 3.ncome Housin� in, Planned Unit �evelopments
FoZlowing are some suggestions which we feel will better achieve the goal
of economic diversity in housing available fn the Village.
1. Require a greater variety or range in the cost of units in a
development. Any PUD proppsal should have:
At least 10� of units should sell for less than $30,000
At least 30� should sell for less than $�,0,000
At least 50� should sell for less than $50,000
(There are no restrictions on the remaining 50�)
This range would be effective January l, 197l�. After that date
it would be adjus-ted monthly to reflect changes i.n the housing
, component of the consumer�s price index.
2. These various priced units shall be geographically integrated
tYiroughout the development.
�2�
Planning Commission
November 26, 1973 page 5
3. Require the units to accurately reflect their worth. Suggestions
for achieving this might include:
a. less square footage
b. fewer amenities such as extra baths
c. lower decorating costs
d. slab construction
e. 1 car garage
f. appliances optional
g. unfinished expansion areas (units less than $30,000)
1�. Require the developer to se11 the lower priced units to persons
within a certain income range.
. Gross family adult income of buyers not to exceed $12,000.
This would be adjusted monthly to reflect changes in the
consumer price .index.
. Within the PUD contract a provision should be added which
requires the developer to certify to the Village that he will
and later that he has fulfilled these requirements."
It was moved by Edstrom, seconded by Anderson, carried unanimously, that the
Planning Commission adopt the policy on Moderate Income Housing in Planned,
Unit Developments and recommend that the Village Council consider adopting
the Planning Commission policy.
(b) Housing and Redevelopment Authority
The subcommittee, after discussing Moderate Income Housing in Planned Unit
Developments, briefly discussed a report which was distributed by Commissioner
Anderson to the Planning Commission on a Housing Redevelopment Authority.
The Planning Commission will further discuss this at the December 10� 1973
Planning Commission meeting.
(c) Land Use Law
Commissioner Zeonard distributed to the Planning Commission a report entitled
"Land Use Law (1): Congress on Verge of a Modest Begi.nning" for the Commission�s
information and Village staff.
There being no f`urther business to come before the meeting, it was on motion,
duly seconded, adjourned at 11:�5 P.M.
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Ch r an John ampso Secretar on Fdstrom