HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 05-31-2006 SpecialAdopted Minutes
Special Council Meeting
May 31, 2006
Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting to order in the Council Chambers, 3400
Plymouth Boulevard, on May 31, 2006 at 7:08 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Hewitt, Slavik, Bildsoe,
Willis, and Black.
ABSENT: Councilmember Stein.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt,
Park and Recreation Director Blank, Public Works Director Cote, and City Clerk
Paulson.
Preliminary Land Use Plan for Northwest Plymouth
Community Development Director Hurlburt discussed the process this evening, whereby
the Council would receive public comment regarding the preliminary land use plan for
Northwest Plymouth and provide direction to staff to prepare an option for the June 13
Council Meeting. She discussed three sample land use plans that were discussed at the
Planning Commission's May 17 meeting and the fourth sample plan that they
recommended. She stated with the Planning Commission's recommendation, and she
noted some concerns:
1. Need for overlay and transition — could we use our existing guiding.
2. Transition boundary — Planning Commission changed the boundary, and they
deleted everything north of County Road 47 and added an area east of
Vicksburg Lane.
3. Parcels planned for urban development in 2000 Plan. Sample land use plan
retained the guiding from the 2000 plan. Planning Commission's
recommendation altered a few lots off Vicksburg Lane and Juneau Lane.
4. Amount of land in LA -4 guiding (added areas south of Wayzata High School,
south of Highway 55, and north of County Road 47). Staff is concerned if
there is sufficient market for that, and if those locations are suitable locations.
5. Public requests for specific guidings on parcels — Planning Commission didn't
address those requests.
6. One hundred foot setbacks along major roadways. Landowners are concerned
what that means for development of their properties. There could be
justification for treating Vicksburg differently than other major roadways.
7. Commercial site at Lawndale and County Road 47, and everything cast of
Vicksburg would LA -R3. This would reduce the density.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 2 of 8
She compared the urban residential land use designations for the existing urban area to
the Planning Commission's recommendation. She also illustrated a comparison of
sample plans for affordable housing.
Judy Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, referred to a letter from the City dated April 18,
1997 that stated the entire Northwest Plymouth Area would be urbanized by 2020. She
questioned whether this would be possible. She stated it's important for the majority of
the people to be able to afford a home, and she gave examples on how the prices of land
in the City have increased the past 10 years. She stated the land has increased $200,000
per acre. She stressed that the longer the City allows the land to remain undeveloped, the
higher cost of housing. She stated she has a petition containing 401 signatures from
residents who want this part of the City to develop. She requested that the development
be staged.
Len Luedke, 17910 County Road 47, voiced his support of the Planning Commission's
recommendation.
Edward Svetc, 5330 Vicksburg Lane, stated he supports the Planning Commission's
recommendation. The Northwest Plymouth area should be developed similar to the rest
of Plymouth that has water and sewer. He stated the Planning Commission's option is
much closer to how Plymouth has developed compared to the other options.
Norma Padmos-Usset, 5731 Juneau Lane, stated she supports Plan 1 with the lower
density as this plan would maintain the rural wildlife features of the area. There would
be no assessments until the property owners requested service.
Gregg Korstad, 3925 Evergreen Lane North, stated he owns a number of parcels
including the Elm Creek Golf Course. He stated he supports the Planning Commission's
recommendation on a general basis with respect to the density and how the golf course
would be guided. He stated individual properties should be addressed in the future. He
spoke of the properties east of Troy Lane and south of County Road 47, the property
along Dunkirk Lane, and the property north of that and south of County Road 47. He
stated all these areas would be developed together so they should have the same guiding.
He stated amenities need to be preserved on individual properties. The properties should
be treated the same way, as that would affect redevelopment.
Bruce Banister, 5340 Vicksburg Lane, stated he supports the Planning Commission's
recommendation for the higher density development.
Gary Capone, 5640 Troy Lane, stated he isn't familiar with the specific plans that have
been discussed, but he believes that he would prefer higher density guiding.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 3 of 8
Liz Randall, 18035 County Road 47, stated the Northwest Plymouth area isn't so rural
anymore, and she noted the many accidents that have occurred on County Road 47. She
stated she supports higher density.
John Neznik, 3657 County Road 9, stated he owns five acres south of County Road 47,
and he supports the Planning Commission's recommendation.
David Hackenmueller, 5364 Vicksburg Lane, stated he supports the Planning
Commission's recommendation.
Cork Ornburg, 1910 Harbor Lane, requested the Council to consider the need for
affordable housing for police and firefighters. He noted that there are very few of them
that can afford to live in the City.
LaDonna Hoy, representing Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, stated
affordable housing is a critical issue for all cities in the region. She stated the
redevelopment of Northwest Plymouth is another opportunity to use creativity for
affordable housing. She requested the Council to review this area to develop affordable
units and every option for what's usable and attainable.
Sandy Steiner, 5160 Trenton Lane, a member of Coalition of Open Space and Housing
for All, stated she supports the Planning Commission's recommendation. She stated
there should be higher densities along major roads, which would enable life cycle
affordable housing while still maintaining open space.
Joy Gordon, 4645 Balsam Lane, stated she supports the Planning Commission's
recommendation.
Karen Graham, 11600 37th Avenue North, stated she supports the Planning Commission's
recommendation that balances growth and preservation. She stated this option would
maintain open space areas so there wouldn't be urban sprawl.
Barbara Fallstad, 330 Forestview Lane North, Coalition of Open Space and Housing for
All, stated she supports the Planning Commission's recommendation. She explained that
there are very limited options for affordable housing in Plymouth. As an employee at a
local church, they find it extremely difficult for their workers and support staff to reside
in Plymouth. She noted that with transportation issues, it's very difficult for those
people.
Gary Shaich, 4640 Valley Forge Lane North, stated that he supports the Planning
Commission's recommendation. He agreed that Northwest Plymouth is no longer rural.
He would like to remain in Plymouth and be able to afford it.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 4 of 8
Victor Sandler, 310 East Medicine Lake Boulevard, stated his greatest concern is the
changes to the global earth, and urban sprawl promotes more driving. There is a need to
develop the community that decreases gas burning, and therefore, less commuting and
driving. He stated the Planning Commission's recommendation would allow for
development that allows for more responsible use of gas and the development of
workforce housing.
Mayor Johnson commented that high density guiding doesn't always assure affordable
housing as partnerships are needed for grants and funds to create affordable housing.
Stephen Byrne, President of Medina Highlands Homeowners Association, noted
correspondence sent to the City on May 23 regarding what could occur at the Elm Creek
Golf Course. He stated the golf course is designated LA -1 or LA -2 which is different
than Medina's guiding. He stated they are concerned about redevelopment of the golf
course which would severely impact the use of Evergreen and Clydesdale Road. He
stated even with the current density in the area, there is a great amount of speed on those
roads. He stated they also hope that the City doesn't consider giving up the entire golf
course itself, so some of the open space is maintained on both sides of the golf course.
Bev Kottas, also of the Medina Highlands Homeowners Association, stated that using
either Clydesdale Road or Evergreen would be a problem if higher density is planned for
the Elm Creek Golf Course, unless there would be an ingress and egress off Highway 55.
Carl Jones, also of the Medina Highlands Homeowners Association, stated he agrees with
the comments made by Mr. Byrne and Ms. Kottas.
Fred Webber, resident of Gramercy Club at Elm Creek, stated they currently have more
than 120 people living there on Clydesdale, and that should be considered when
discussing possible redevelopment of the golf course.
Mark Kulda, 13715 60°i Place North, stated the condition of County Road 47 has
deteriorated in the past six months, and safety is a concern. He requested there be a
pedestrian activated light at Dallas Lane. He stated that Camelot Estates is concerned
about increased density to the west of their development. He questioned the assumptions
that have been made by the Metropolitan Council on increased population figures as the
condition of the economy has to be introduced into the equation. He believes
Minnesota's economy has stagnated the past few years. Therefore, he doesn't feel they
would meet their proposed population levels in 2010 or 2020. He stated with the
reguiding of Northwest Plymouth, the winners are going to be the landowners and the
affordable housing advocates, and the losers are going to be the people that are currently
living there. He challenged the Council to "stand up" to the Metropolitan Council and
their plans.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 5 of 8
Jacque Lee, 13605 61" Avenue North, stated one of the critical issues is the funding for
the I-494 bridge which would widen County Road 47. She stated traffic is a big issue for
their neighborhood in assessing the neighborhood park. She stated just because
Northwest Plymouth is in a rural area doesn't mean there has to be higher density.
Higher density also doesn't solve the transportation issue.
Brian Junk, 6115 Berkshire Lane North, stated County Road 47 isn't adequate to support
housing west of Camelot Estates. Safety would be an issue because of the density. He
stated he has been working with staff to determine a safe way to access their
neighborhood park off County Road 47. This situation would only be worse if there
would be more dense development. Therefore, he suggested LA -1 or LA -2 development
west of their development. He noted that the infrastructure needs to be in place before
density levels are developed.
Ron Vanacora, 6115 Dallas Lane, stated he supports Option 1 as the infrastructure hasn't
been developed to allow for growth.
Melinda Hight, 5910 Yucca Lane North, stated she isn't opposed to redevelopment in
Plymouth. However, she is concerned about the City developing similar to the City of
Brooklyn Park where there appears to be massive developments without a whole lot of
thought. She agreed that County Road 47 is getting busier and busier all the time. She
stated the feel of Plymouth, which was an abundance of trees and a great community to
raise a family, is diminished with high density development. She then referred to the
Taryn Hills development. Mayor Johnson noted that development was lowered by 250
units. Ms. Hight stated she is concerned with increased density, how that would affect
services for school, fire, and police. She stated she supports development if the City
takes their time to make sure it's done correctly.
Ann Pedretti, 13720 61" Avenue North, stated her biggest concern would be 12-20 units
per acre just west of Vicksburg Lane. She stated it would be difficult to add that
population with the current road system. She noted she rarely allows her children to
cross County Road 47 to access the neighborhood park.
Mike Villafana, 14220 60th Place North, stated he agrees with the residents from Lake
Camelot Estates. He reminded the Council that County Road 47 is one lane in each way.
He stated it's very difficult to get out on County Road 47 from Annapolis Lane, Yucca
Lane, and Dallas Lane. With any increased density, it would become more difficult to
enter the road safely. He noted that a lot of residents have difficulty in crossing County
Road 47 at Dallas Lane to access the park, and there are concerns on future "bottleneck"
backups at the County Road 47/I-494 bridge. The majority of the new traffic would be
from the areas west of County Road 47. He stated that County Road 47 is the quickest
way to access I-494 and Highway 169. He requested the Council to support Plan 1 or
something even less dense.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 6 of 8
Another resident stated he has young children who are trying to cross County Road 47 to
access the park. He stated he is already concerned about the Taryn Hills development
and can't imagine the impact of the density levels that the Planning Commission is
recommending.
A resident on 61" Avenue stated this is a great area to live, and they understand that
change is inevitable. However, he hopes that the Council takes into consideration the
residents' feelings and concerns. He stated he doesn't support high density which is one
reason why they live there. He acknowledged the need for affordable housing, but the
quality of life still needs to be maintained. He stated the City needs to do "smart
development" similar to the Lawndale in Maple Grove. He stated in that area, the
infrastructure was in place prior to the development. He stressed that there needs to be
some type of decision made regarding County Road 47 before development takes place.
Mayor Johnson stated the County has stated the County has no intention of improving
County Road 47. They would like to turn it over to the City for $200,000, but it would
cost the City $31 million to improve it.
Kevin Moody, 185810 39th Avenue North, stated Bridlewood Farms would be
sandwiched" with LA -4 guiding, according to the Planning Commission's
recommendation. He stated he doesn't like any of the four options. The Planning
Commission didn't review the existing areas, and in their case, they gave them a two
block "cushion" and then LA -4 guiding. He stated he realizes that this area is going to be
developed, but he doesn't feel high density is good for this area. He suggested that the
LA -2 area north of them be expanded to allow a buffer for the LA -4. This is a safety
issue for children.
Greg Puez, 3704 Lilac Drive, Medina, asked why the Elm Creek Golf Course would need
to be redeveloped. He then referred to the court cases in Eagan. Mayor Johnson stated
that the Council is reviewing all issues surrounding golf courses, including property
owners rights, funding public golf courses, etc.
Greg Hoglund, 5635 Dunkirk Lane, urged the Council not to be a Maple Grove where
there are high density developments and not maintaining the character of the areas 20 to
30 years in the future.
Tim Boser stated he owns property on Dunkirk Lane north of the Gun Club. He stated
the Planning Commission has created a plan of extremes, which creates serious traffic
issues, especially along County Road 47. He voiced his concern with extreme high
density areas, and he asked the Council to revisit this plan.
Councilmember Slavik made a motion to direct staff to prepare a plan for Option 1 for
the June 13 Council meeting. This motion failed for lack of a second.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 7 of 8
Councilmember Willis stated that he prefers Option 1 as that plan provides opportunities
for residential and commercial development with some adjustments. He stated with
respect to affordable housing, there needs to be other tools rather than land use planning.
Councilmember Bildsoe stated the issues surrounding County Road 47 are difficult. He
stated it's difficult for him to designate LA -3 and LA -4 guiding when the necessary
infrastructure isn't in place for Vicksburg Lane and County Road 47. He stated he
prefers Option 1, but he has some changes that he would be suggesting.
Councilmember Hewitt stated she is leaning towards either Option 1 or Option 2. She
noted that the Metropolitan Council's 2020 Plan doesn't show transit opportunities, and
you need those services to coincide with increased densities. She stated as like
Councilmember Bildsoe, she also has some guiding changes that she would like to make
to the options. She also voiced her frustration with infrastructure improvements that need
to be made to County Road 47 and under the I-494 bridge.
Councilmember Black also voiced her frustration with the need to improve County Road
47 and Vicksburg Lane. She asked if the Council were to adopt one of the plans, could
the City communicate to the Metropolitan Council that development of the plan would
occur if the City has the ability to put in the infrastructure. Community Development
Director Hurlburt replied that part of the Comprehensive Plan has to have staging and
phasing to 2030 with the ability to provide the infrastructure.
Motion was made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to
approve the Option 1 plan.
The Council then discussed modifications to the Option 1 plan. A total of 18 various
motions were made to amend the main motion; however, only the following motions
were approved:
Motion made by Councilmember Slavik and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to
change the IP guiding near Medina, south of Highway 55 to LA -3. All members voted
in favor but Bildsoe.
Motion made by Councilmember Slavik, and seconded by Councilmember Hewittto
ride two lots south of the property in the previous motion to LA -2 from LA -3. All
members voted in favor.
Motion by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to change
the guiding on parcel located south of County Road 47 and west of Dunkirk Lane from
LA-Rl to LA -R2. All voted in favor.
Adopted Council Minutes
Special Meeting of May 31, 2006
Page 8 of 8
Motion made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councihnember Bildsoe, to chane_e
the guiding on the parcel located north of Highway 55 and east of County Road 101 from
LA -1 to LA -2. All voted in favor.
Motion made by Councilmember Bildsoe, and seconded by Councilmember Willis to
change the guiding on parcels located at the northwest corner of Dunkirk Lane and
County Road 47 from LA-Rl to LA -2. All voted in favor.
Motion made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe to change
the guiding on parcels located at the northeast corner of Vicksburg Lane and Countv
Road 47 to LA -3. All voted in favor but Hewitt and Slavik.
Motion made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Mayor Johnson to change the
guiding on six lots located north of County Road 47 approximately east of the previous
motion to LA -RI. All voted in favor.
Motion made by Councilmember Black, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to
change the guiding of parcels located north of the railroad tracks east of Vicksburg from
LA -RT to LA-Rl. All voted in favor but Black.
Motion made by Mayor Johnson, and seconded by Councilmember Hewitt to change the
guiding of the east side of a parcel located south of County Road 47 and east of County
Road 101 to LA -3. All voted in favor.
The Council voted on the amended main motion and with all members voting in favor,
the motion carried.
Motion was made by Councilmember Hewitt, and seconded by Councilmember Black to
direct staff to recalibrate the changes made this evening for the June 13 meeting.
The Council stated they would like to review all the changes that have been made, review
individual land owner requests, recalibrate the densities, and determine if there are other
LA -3 opportunities for affordable housing. Councilmember Hewitt stated that she would
also like staff to review the 100 foot setback for Vicksburg Lane, County Road 47, and
Peony Lane.
All members voted in favor of the motion.
Adjournment
Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned 4 approximate) 1:00 P.M.
andra R. Paulson, City Clerk