6.1. PRSR 09-12-2018 °f Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission 6.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Action Item September 12,2018 Chris Leeseberg,Senior Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
River Walk Apartment Park Concept Steve Benoit,Recreation Manager
Reviewed by
Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Action Requested
Discuss and provide direction if the City Council should accept the proposed park land for the River Walk
Plat. City staff does not recommend the City Council accept the proposed land for park purposes for the
following reasons:
1. The proposed parcel does not provide the required frontage.
2. Public access to the proposed public park would need to occur through private property.
3. Section 30-327 (c) does not allow areas of wetlands,lakes,and streams below the OHWL to be used
for park dedication requirements.
4. The acquisition of park land in subject area is not an objective of the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan.
5. River views,an objective in Parks and Recreation Master Plan,can be achieved through trail
easements.
Background/Discussion
The subject property is located on Zane Street along the 174th
Avenue alignment(see red dot on Figure 1). It is between the previous
Saxon site and the Lodge (apartments).
The applicant has not provided the proposed park land acreage. It is
guessed to be approximately 12 acres in size.
CR33.,_.=
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan indicates adding or protecting ='
prairie bluff lands that offer river views,as the opportunity arises in t,
this area.
{
The land the applicant is proposing to donate,in lieu of park r
Hr.l o
dedication,is below the bluff line and much of it is in the floodplain
(unbuildable). The limited areas that are not in floodplain are on CR 12
steep slopes.
Park Dedication- Cash
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, ea s t
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Figure I
INK 1%RE
The proposed project has 103 units. This would require$504,395.10 in park dedication. This is
calculated with the high density rate of$4,897.04/dwelling unit.
Park Dedication-Land
The proposed project has 103 units. This would require 4.88 acres of land. This is calculated with the
high density rate of 0.0474 acres/dwelling unit.
Section 30-327 (c) states:Buildable land. For the purposes of calculating the required dedication
described in this section,shall be defined as the gross acres less the area of wetlands,lakes,and streams
below the OHWL. The land can be donated but cannot be calculated toward required dedication.
Master Trail Plan
The Master Trail Plan shows a conceptual connection in this area. The location is not definitive and
could occur on a sidewalk or above the bluff line,providing river views achieving the goals of the Master
Plan in this area.
Parking Lot
It is unclear if the proposed driveway to the parking lot is feasible. Further detail on the grades in the
area will be needed. The DNR memo discusses this further.
The slopes will also need to be evaluated for ADA compliance before the proposed public park was
obtained. ADA slopes are more restrictive that those for vehicles.
The city code requires minimum street frontage for newly created parcels. The proposed park would be
land locked and access to a public park could only occur through private property. The creation of a
parcel,especially one for public use,which does not have public street access,is not supported by the
Planning Department.
Environmental
The applicant states in their narrative about working together to provide walkable paths,canoe racks,
fishing docks,and bathroom facilities.
The attached memo from the Environmental Coordinator&Stormwater Coordinator begins to discuss
the complexities of what can/cannot be completed in proposed park area. The DNR memo discusses
this further.
Attachments
• Location Map
• Applicant's Narrative
• Site Plan
• Trail Plan 2018 (partial)
• System Needs Assessment
• Approximate Acreage Exhibit
• Memo from the Environmental Coordinator&Stormwater Coordinator dated September 6,2018
• Memo from the DNR dated August 31,2018
atk1}}
•,,, % i 61
, , ,s,N\ 1.1,,,, - l'"-'1,r,::: : ,I E.2,':,w4,4,
e a �r " N III trf LA
s► 1 y +0 1i ' ' CO CO CO CO
hilig ', !! .0 Q- 3 > U
n 1`V
r o U w
L . ,. I. Z
.-' _' d!
0
,.
mit
ti , 1
h ! dogill ,a
of
li• N I,r � "" xy
D
Y _.... am•
A r
l ./
, - No ''''.: -.'" t . C.r)
,Ii.i 4°'
_ %.1
r
a { ,.
d
E r_T_n
h
0.
1"'.)
Stj
Ct
*0 r•1
.-. r-i P
.. /--)
,• w* Cl..)
4,14 I---.
r
RECEI Vj
JUL 3 0 2018
Owner: Briggs Companies Elk River
Project: RIVER WALK Apartments/Saxon site
Subject: Narration of Project
-River Walk Apartments-
Presented By:
The Briggs Companies
The existing Saxon site is where the Briggs Companies will pursue a new updated use that will fall inline
with the new updated guide plan for this zone.
The Briggs Company believes this will be a much-needed uplift to the city and surrounding community. It
is our goal to bring more public use to this site and extend the residential opportunity to what currently
presides to the South of this location.
The new concept lends itself to a very unique and progressive design and use. It is also our intent to CO-
LABOR and combine the current river front to the existing boat launch and park on the North side of the
bridge.The Briggs Company understands that this is not just a city of Elk River effort in relation to the
River front and is willing to connect with all required entities to accomplish this much needed goal.
By addressing this issue the current very dangerous (see packet- provided by the city police department)
and abused area at the river front which includes many vagrants(that continue to abuse and vandalize
property in the area)will now become a community asset. Together we will provide a people
movement and use that will give the city of Elk River a wonderful park and destination.
We feel the only way to stop this abuse is to re- purpose with a very progressive designed family living
community that invites all city patrons as well our new residents at River Walk Apartments.
The Briggs Company feels that the only way to overcome this issue and make this site operate within the
guided comprehensive plan set forth by the city of Elk River, is for the Briggs Company to donate the
river front property in Lou of Park Dedication Fees along with a 26 year TIF mechanism to this project. By
working together to provide walkable paths, canoe racks,fishing docks and bathroom facilities, we
strongly feel by connecting our proposed concept to this river front will end the current issue that
currently exists in this location.
Per the vacation shown on our site plan, we feel this will allow better use of the parking and allow a
maintenance agreement to be added into the final approvals.The street show has no relation to the
final approved use.
As the submittal shows we are requesting a P.U.D application on this project.The current
comprehensive plan calls for the RIVER WALK use to exist, see the City of Elk River domestic report.
In relation to the SELVE STORAGE facility,this will bring a convenience factor to not only our users, but
the greater Elk River community.The architecture requires the space to be a 100%under roof use and
will also not require the parking that would be mandatory for another apartment use, therefore a green
space factor to be considered.
As for the remaining Saxon site,we are proposing a future controlled temperature environment facility
storage complex that has no out-side storage.This complex would be a state of the art high security
building.The design will tie in nicely to the proposed design of the multi-family concept(see concept
design).
This facility only requires a small amount of parking allowing a proof of parking application for the multi-
family concept we are proposing,
The remaining space will be green space. Also keeping in mind there is no other storage facility use like
this anywhere in close proximity to this location.
Keeping in mind, we are not submitting approval documentation for the storage concept,we feel it
necessary and would like to discuss the entire concept of this space throughout.
We look forward to the efforts in partnership to re-develop this site to a much-needed updated use for
the city of Elk River.
Daniel J.Andersen
Vice President of Commercial Development
The Briggs Company
612-812-3324
"'n .1,.3° w. .. .
ON .wn,w. " ,-•°7_ ^ Tkit'sZal blOS3NNIW '213A18 >113 N
1111 BM %.watil'S 44 MN 133a1S 3NVZ OOtLI
AB 03303119 • 'RIP S3IN ddW00 S001 88 3H1 cv
Aa!AVM :A., ON1 `S31V OaSSV \�
— — AB A91s31 , NOS�J303d '18V008 S1N3W1aVdV N1VMa3nIa N U
N010N953o 31vo ON :31va w+w.K.4"....•••.
DITIEZNIDAKEE
•Z o
;4 LI.cc
a
w N169 �1-A `
Np 33
i
1 T !- %` i�F " - o l
1 $ S
j � N E3 e
G3,
iCD
AyC cS'p J✓' -- a1� 3 3 yea 31!1 ,743 ' 1._-_ z
�FKA� ql l � ��3i Y '-'r
f V R
a i`I a-II°
�\ I. 1. In.. Cc Q
e .1
$ Ksw
zrooa V
Er,
U
as ""z
I3• \ P m KtamM W —a *
a s A � d - $V a
W3 w •
" z� .
IA i do 1+ F 4 ' a
So m
z;m am
,74
� iHPP =
- a '' _ — " fig € 6V, "
:� _ " ow
- € - S F.1Za�
r-s
_ _ t - - -. x o i x
i
1 m� :3 , F
" $ w#
A
r' � xs / $ i4 a k $
Fs
o "
e ow
---- o a �+ 1 -ice , _ - m $ : o ' o d
',a -—5.if,--
- —I-' z F § 6 E . a u
4<8 / iw
- .- _ w> y
_._ 0
miC -..— / tex w V
Z
8 _ 6� LLJ �e
__ J
cC
, .__- - / Z OJ -0 d m o_ C O -
O
. ,g L`VgisgT4 61
¢ K LI< w
-.... // 2�i N a Y
/ 6: w 4 !,61 cr
e Z
cr2
g ; r
- = a
/ d " 'g j O
J 6
- L.1 i' _c^ 3 4 o m
�
W
^ s� S W w
7/
Ip y = LI!a = FEgs '
HtrIHuII
j
S1
• IA c%
< ,
1 Iris%
! 1 IN
J.... . • 6 0 0- 4•00 iii
-----z U .
• a .1
it
'b.
41111111111 5 0
1.)
1 gw.t.4
01011. -1.1.1 VI _
In"AM
___ , .
i II Co,
• , --%
1 _
----
-.
/7 _ .;
-
•.v' 7 -
\/)/
,-,.. .
..- --- -------:::::;--------
• kat* - _,-- 4011101 riff: __ ..] , 1 - ' EV-
i 1
I
111100011011.1. _-- .--"Sul*A111111111
IbIlt _
__..........0
_ rasa
7 ..t..
.4-•• ,
- as
--..-1
kr
)
1 forioper.' ..& .......,.. ..,,........ ... . .,........ ,,t,.................... ..........,,. ....):› C\\
....
= 1
l '. H
'. Cn
...----. (11 •, '-'
. k.......'
!..'' 0
\ .....,.,..
(NI
----xv------ 1 h-..
H- T-
..-...,
1— _LOc.d3], A
_..
(009 L l)
•
=
1— 5-31V 0
:,..
......
i inki
Figure 3.6 System Needs Assessment
! -Popular trail i
! -- -Desire to increase use and i
! increase economic i
development opportunities
1 -Currently lacks connection to
! the north ` i
1 I
! i
I RICE LAKE
PARK A. • k9A i
! Resident desire for neighborhood J %:AK
park amenities:playground, its I
1volleyball,and trail connection to
! 1
• the GNT.Consider when •
i ._. -.population density warrants , j
i /'-4 addition of facilities.
I _. f:. • I Add to ,' .i
! 1 • Woodland 1 1,{•� • i
,h !
Trails 1 1 I • i
Park/Great
!' w -OR ," Northern , a I
Trail 1
.. i i
I
I ' 1 1
1 t 1
1 t !
I -Popular nature focused park 4 f-- a
1•i— -Cross country skl and hiking --- / a ♦� -- ,o,,. _I
trails .•
-Seek regional park status
-See signature park detail plan
for improvements "1-,J- T-
1'i1IW/T !T•K 1
iai 1
list;1 pr
I •'r
40
1 ,�,. - ,,. rkplIMRaKilpmell
oleo ill
1.1
•dd future -S . �sT' y jr . -Replace t� !eighborhood park HIG DIit
.nd/or trail �'" _ play equipment . i
annections to i
ip earby parks along Y"� +^< 1 i
with residential f �'r ., R!DGE,e-o ,9,� - t,1development s • .. I FA' 1 of RPIELO -1:. i
`` : HI : I
See signature • -ALLEY • 1 Ll._Y , �i
I�' �iM• y( ^4 parkdetail planEI
yT�HAANO fori Ka A , P improvements =•1 lan Trail connection needed to "M 1
1 PARI( r Develop asignature
„t /' Park andhigh quality Arena and J IE.K HI nt ool i
?tt{{ P athleticcomplex. See a Activity Center . I GREENS' .1RCES EA•.' 1
RIVE PL detail pian. (55+) y Pool access, - �•//PAFK% r i
Improvements ed colluder 1 amuu• TON I i
P RK J '� minima) PARK I
���I -R� and update amenities,and snip €�
— _ oA>f fr �� Nip du lication of
i WEE ATH�Ac'y', -Integrate e wiM services r PARC • Fal PSK -Potential to add hockey
Lill,
°•^'°.'` potmnzi ne., .„ Ink and softball field
OAK� t � f
PARK FRESNO community center r`.6� .:-� PARK.. ( 1 ' 4 RI:E U i
PARK '( u�tl -. _I 1
EKI t
COUNTRY PARK . (Id ! T M� d :sr_7I"E `�, i
i CROSSIN > I tl r�� pl E%LRK ,,�
4s.� _ PARK - -.. t / S.' I
-Rivet access potential ,. 1 1
s"t.4` '•• ` • A:000K da • LEIVER `� i
1 �`� „�W'�� —..mprove with: I PAR 'MARSH 1
•�w""'mow
— "r � I annals - PARK. KEENER POINT I
.'.. " A PARK i
` `• -Tralihead improveents, -„
MO PARK IMPROVEMENTS I mdrinking water,and
1 Improved equipment i i1
Q RECOMMENDED SIGNATURE PARKS _ storage desired <
ISI CONNECTIVITY NEEDED Retain trail access IP-i' i
and boat launch `'•-:`:T—•!••:
ie o
i FUTURE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SEARCH AREA �• improve astahigh
11r t tlighiLE quality youth sports
• ARENA AND ACTIVITY CENTER(55+) ! complex
-See signature park
al PARKS AND CONSERVATION AREAS t. detail plan for
' future improvements
M. UNDEVELOPED PARK ghborhood parksShe
Add bluff lands to ! g with residential lopment
___
PUBLIC/PRIVATE OPEN SPACE park system as the rITr11;
opportunity arises C l.,:i'•" .
_! URBAN SERVICE AREA
'%. OTHER EXISTING TRAILS
-• OTHER FUTURE TRAILS
6 I
AI SCHOOLS !
!
i
1 0 05 1
Imo Miles
33 City of Elk River- Parks and Recreation Master Plan
!
_' 10 _i
epc
o N0. � � it 1322 m - Rk; NK
_
ill t8 Ai/ g ...I:: • .e.P.---- \\, ge„...
atit#6,,iP so es g
!CMS•.00,cz.io s _1(001.6.2.0 I.
• ----fir 0,0°a ' , kk, ,Z�`, .I' i
11
�i • ; tilligir* I . 11\
�yIr
----" 'te a ,3�- eR aicseill i' 1111* '1 • ; ii
1 a t...) Et 1 u 'I � .-- R • I • , ii 101
V • ca
y__ J i- 1 � � w b 5 " g
I' Z i L T- 1 tai ;I ' _
/
1 i _ �f�.n
r ---,4,4/..... -----;*"--•---c—46"11--- ,...,. 1, i t,.... ....--00 if :a
.tg � , F- , 1id lag m
84 ! & a " It sad *= I Is.: g'
q p .. R 11 le tn
17 1 ����0 U, b5 S r IQ �/ . 1O2 iI 44
} 11 / e il5
i I', I I-
1
vj i gi
il
"_le r _,',, \ ,' ,,° d HISS
� F
72 4 �, \ i \ .1, 1� r.1 I .
COI 4 �^
c
'"%. a om 11
.. osCsro`` / i .Iva E
s. u.
iP s , ' 4 a -64i- 1
al EI g
�' \ '6iib il 6 4 1 21i8 1 / 11
Y` Ym �Fgct= s- $C O .3--
I
\, \ryh �'yyz g_ i ' u,q¢666 9 4 o a 3
11444 ..., .
City of
Elk ,.
RiverMemorandum
To: Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Amanda Bednar,Environmental Coordinator&Brandon Wisner,Stormwater Coordinator
Date: September 6,2018
Subject: Riverwalk Apartments shoreland and floodplain information
The proposed parking lot,driveway and park location on the River Walk Apartments is located
along the Mississippi River and very near to floodplain and wetland areas. Locating a parking lot at
or near the 100 year flood elevation could require meeting Sec. 30-1913 paragraph 5 and Sec. 30-
1914 conditional uses of the city code.Vehicles could also be viewed as equipment that is
flammable,explosive or potentially hazardous to humans,animals or plant communities especially
near the floodplain area.
Additionally there are concerns in relation to the bluff area. The driveway and roadway would
require significant grading and manipulation to establish those structures.This would also cause
erosion issues and destabilize the bluff,altering stormwater runoff. City code requires all structures
including roads,parking lots and park structures be 30 feet from the top of the bluff. Stairways and
landings are the only items exempt from the bluff and top of bluff setbacks. Stairways and lifts are
the preferred alternative to driveways in accessing land below the bluff and steep slopes. Specific
requirements for such access are outlined in the city code.
Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not
allowed.Limited clearing is allowed to provide view of the water,stairways or landings,picnic areas
or access paths.Walking paths and park amenities may be permitted in this area. Roads,driveways,
and parking areas shall meet structure setbacks and shall not be placed within bluff and shore impact
zones.Documentation shall be provided by a qualified individual that all roads and parking areas are
designed and constructed to minimize and control erosion to public waters. Public and private roads
and parking areas shall be designed to take advantage of natural vegetation and topography to
achieve maximum screening from view from public waters. All plans would also require review and
possible permits from the Department of Natural Resources.
rrnDEPARTMENT OF Ecological and Water Resources Division
NATURAL RESOURCES 1035 S Benton Dr.
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
August 31, 2018
City of Elk River Planning Commission
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River MN 55330
RE: MISSISSIPPI RIVER DEVELOPMENT CUP for PID#75-521-0110 and 75-521-0120
Dear City of Elk River Planning Commission,
I have reviewed the submitted plans for a CUP to construct a multi-family development unit along the
Mississippi River, I have found the following issues.
The construction plans do not show the height of the building but the plans do show that the building will be a 4
story building. I do not know if this building will meet the height restriction of 30 feet per Sec 30-2022 (c).A
Height greater than 30 feet could alter the scenic, historical, natural value that was outlined in Minnesota
Statute 103F.315.Typically 4 story buildings are a greater height then 30 feet.
The location of the building along with subsequent water retention ponds and other infrastructure could
destabilize the bluff.The location of the retention pond is of concern as it will be placing head pressure on the
side slopes of the pond along with more water being placed in the pore spaces of the soil in this location which
could destabilize the bluff.The retention pond plans show that they removing what appears to be the top of the
bluff. I would advise having the applicant change the placement of the retention pond to the side of the building
and further away from the bluff.
In addition to the above mentioned structures, placing a parking lot at the 100 year flood elevation or slightly
above could require the applicant to meet sec 30-1913 paragraph 5.Vehicles could be viewed as equipment that
is flammable,explosive or potentially injurious to humans, animals or plant life.This would require a plan
approved by the city council. In addition to the floodplain concern placing a driveway/roadway on the bluff is
not recommended due to the level of grading and manipulation required to establish said driveway/road.This
could also cause erosional issues and destabilize the bluff from having a smooth surface for the water run long
which would increase the velocity of this runoff.Since this is a semi-public space there are safety concerns for
vehicle and pedestrian traffic due to the slope. Creating a parking lot in this location could also conflict with you
clearcutting code.
Sincerely,
James Bedell
Area Hydrologist
11035 S Benton Dr.I Sauk Rapids, MN 53379 I (320)223-7850 I james.bedell@sta e.mn.us I
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Division of Ecological and Water Resources
800 Oak Savanna Ln.SW Cambridge MN 55008
i
CC: Tim Crocker DNR EWR Region 3 North District Manager
Dan Petrik DNR EWR Land Use Specialist
Ceil Strauss DNR EWR Floodplain Hydrologist
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Division of Ecological and Water Resources
1035 S Benton Dr.Sauk Rapids, MN 56379