03-05-2001 CC MIN - SPECIALSPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2001
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Diet-z, Motin, and Tveite
Councilmember Kuester
City Administrator Pat Klaers, City Clerk Sandra Peine, Scott
Harlicker, Senior Planner, Michele McPherson, Director of
Planning; and Frank Kriz, Engineer
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Special Elk River City
Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
2. Consider 3/5/2001 Agenda
MAYOR KLINZING ACCEPTED THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
Consider Land Use Concepts for the Eull Property Near the NCDA Depot Site
Mayor Klinzing requested staff introductions. Michele McPherson introduced the
developers that were present. Representatives were present from Oakwood
Development, Dominium Development, Orrin Thompson Homes, Lindgren
Company and Guardian Angels.
Michele explained that the Planning Staff has been working with the developers
on the conceptual plan of 70+ acres of the Eull property adjacent to the
Northstar Corridor Depot site located at 171st and Tyler Street. The Planning
Commission has been looking at various land use alternatives of the Eull property.
John Peterson and Marc Putman of Oakwood Development reviewed the
proposed concept of the Elk River Station development. He explained that the
concept involves a "livable community" offering a mix of apartments, senior
housing and town homes along with some office and commercial development.
The development would provide a walking radius that would allow residents of
the community to reach destinations by walking short distances. The plan would
also provide a network of open spaces.
Carol Mills of Guardian Angels stated that the Guardian Angels Board of Directors
is excited about this concept. Carol Mills explained their role in the development.
She stated that they are proposing a senior cooperative. A senior cooperative is
a complex of apartments allowing seniors to purchase the individual apartment
units. She noted that their proposal is for about 60-80 units.
Paul Sween from Dominium development reviewed their role in the proposal,
which is "apartments for rent". He noted that the apartments are considered a
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March 5, 2001
luxury-housing alternative and would rent for about $1,100 per unit. He explained
that the target market for the apartments is the renter-by-choice or the person
moving into the community that needs a temporary place to live. Mr. Sween
noted that the proposal is to build approximately 220 apartment units.
Peter Pflaum from Lundgren Brothers explained their role in the development. He
noted that Orrin Thompson, together with Lundgren brothers would be providing
for-sale town homes. The town homes would be in the price range of $130,000 to
$160,000 and would be approximately 1,300 to 1,600 square feet in size.
Council discussion pursued regarding the proposed concept. Some issues of
concern-included traffic and pedestrian safety issues, stagnant water ponds,
snow storage, park development, and the proposed 8 units per acre being too
dense.
Councilmember Tveite stated that he liked the concept of mixing uses in the
development. He noted his concerns with density, storm water ponding, and
snow removal.
Councilmember Dietz noted that he liked the overall concept, however, he felt
that the density was a large concern.
Councilmember Motin stated that he was comfortable with the plan. He
indicated that the proximity of the commuter rail warrants a higher density. He
also noted that there would be fewer people per family due to the senior citizens
and apartment complexes. He noted his concern with pedestrian traffic.
Mayor Klinzing indicated her concerns about the density, cutting down of trees,
and people (homes) located too close to the road. She noted that this is not
consistent with the original plan for a Business Park, which was the main purpose
of the public improvements, and this request will expand the urban service
district. The Mayor noted that the Northstar project merits some land use changes
from the original plan and that she liked this concept and would be willing to
keep an open mind.
John Peterson thanked the Council for taking the time to allow them to provide
the information on the project.
4. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Klinzing adjourned the meeting of the Elk
River City Council at 8:03 p.m.
Sandra Peine
City Clerk