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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2007 MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA TUESDAY, JULY 24,2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Olson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Board member John Demko Vice-Chairperson Mall Ledvina Chairperson Linda Olson Board member Ananth Shankar Board member Mall Wise Present Present Present Present Absent Staff Present: Shann Finwall, Planner Chuck Ahl. Public Works Director Steve Lukin, Fire Chief III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Board member Ledvina moved to approve the agenda. Board member Demko seconded. Ayes - Demko, Ledvina, Shankar, Olson The motion passed. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the CDRB minutes for June 12, 2007. Board member Ledvina had a correction on page 28, section a, the sentence should read, "The only CDRB item was the Corner Kick proposal which was approved by the city council. Mall Ledvina allended the meeting and gave a report on the board's review of the project." Board member Ledvina moved approval of the minutes of June 12, 2007, as amended. Board member Shankar seconded. Ayes - Demko, Ledvina, Shankar, Olson The motion passed. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None scheduled VI. DESIGN REVIEW a. The Shores (Redevelopment of St. Paul Tourist Cabin Site with Senior Housing) - 940 Frost Avenue. Community Design Review Board 2 Minutes 06-12-2007 Ms. Finwall introduced the project. The applicant is requesting that the city approve 6 land use requests for the construction of a 180 senior housing development at 940 Frost Avenue called The Shores. The development requires several land use permits including the clarification of the Gladstone Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map, public vacation of 20 feet of right-of-way along East Shore Drive, public vacation of a sanitary sewer easement, preliminary plat, conditional use permit for a planned unit development within the Shoreland overlay district of Phalen Lake and design review approval. The planning commission recommended approval of the first 5 items mentioned at the July 17 meeting. The Community Design Review Board should review and make a recommendation on the design of the development at tonight's meeting. The final review of this project is currently scheduled for city council review on August 13, 2007. City staff recommends approval of the plans which were date stamped April 19. 2007, for the 180 unit four story Shores Senior Housing Development which will be located on 940 Frost Avenue. This recommendation is conditioned on several conditions as outlined in the staff report. Board member Ledvina asked if city staff has discussed the tree placement for screening for Lake Phalen. The condition is laid out as non-specific. Ms. Finwall stated that condition is added based on the Shoreland Overlay ordinance, the requirement is that this building be screened at least 80% from the center of Lake Phalen. The condition should be reworded to state that the building be screened at least 80% from the center of Lake Phalen. Link Wilson of Kaas/Wilson Architects addressed the board. Mr. Wilson went through the presentation of the project which went over alterations to parking spaces, screening of the building and other areas of concern. Board member Shankar asked iflhere are only 50 parking stalls for the whole development. Mr. Wilson responded that there are 50 surface and 100 underground parking stalls. After a study done regarding other Walker facilities of similar size, it is determined that this should be a sufficient number of stalls for residents, staff and visitors. Chairperson Olson asked how many employees will be staffed. Mr. Wilson replied the total hired staff will be about 120 people, but the number of staff working at one time will be around 32. Chairperson Olson asked what the maximum capacity of the building is for residents. Mr. Wilson responded that there are 180 units. Chairperson Olson asked if any were double units. Mr. Wilson said that there are 6 units that are 1,150 square feet with two bedrooms that may have a married couple. The rest are one bedroom plus a den and smaller two bedrooms. Community Design Review Board 3 Minutes 06-12-2007 Chairperson Olson asked how many elevators were in the facility. Mr. Wilson replied there are 4 elevators and a 5th shaft that is installed at the center of memory care, where an elevator could be added at a later date if needed. Board member Shankar asked which route would be taken in the parking lot if a driver were dropping someone off and parking of their car. Mr. Wilson showed on the screen the route a driver can use to drop someone off under the canopy. The drive isles are wide enough for 2-way traffic. Chairperson Olson asked Mr. Wilson to show on the screen which area is to be eliminated in reference to the earlier mention of removal of the street entrance to the underground parking and asked for clarification on the emergency vehicle access. Mr. Wilson responded that there is enough room for the emergency vehicles to move through the site and back. If this entrance is removed the path would then need to be connected so that emergency vehicles can drive through and continue on. The emergency path is designed for fire emergency use. Board member Ledvina asked what the intentions are for the site signage and if any signs are intended to be on the building. Mr. Wilson stated that the largest sign proposed is a freestanding sign along Frost Avenue and a smaller sign along East Shore Drive. There would probably not be many other signs other than the address sign, which is required to be 12 inches for fire department identification. Chairperson Olson confirmed that there will be green shingles on the building. Mr. Wilson stated that was correct. He did not bring samples of materials but stated the images in the power point clearly represent the building materials. He can supply city staff with samples if needed. Chairperson Olson opened the floor to any visitors. Jan Steiner-McGovern of 1876 East Shore Drive addressed the board. Ms. McGovern handed out a copy of her list of concerns and read them aloud. Ms. McGovern asked if the perimeter trees remain after the vacation of the 20 feet on East Shore Drive. She requested that the perimeter shrubs and trees on East Shore Drive be saved at all cost. The proposed sidewalk is unnecessary because there is already an existing sidewalk on the east side of the East Shore Drive. Ms. McGovern proposed a crosswalk and stop sign near the south end of the property. There is no need for extra light fixtures along East Shore Drive, as the existing ones are sufficient. Ms. McGovern strongly requested the community room not be open to the public. She went over her concerns with parking. Ms. McGovern asked if Chief Lukin could go over his concerns about the building being four stories. She suggests that the common space be minimized and the living units be moved into the common space and the building be reduced to three stories. Ms. McGovern stated concerns with the businesses inside the facility and the increase in medical calls to the building. Community Design Review Board 4 Minutes 06-12-2007 Chairperson Olson stated that the tree preservation, sidewalk, community room, the height of the building and parking concerns are mailers that the planning commission addresses and requested that Mr. Wilson cover the remaining questions. Mr. Wilson responded to Ms. McGovern's questions. Mr. Wilson addressed the driveway, sidewalk, preservation of the trees and the parking concerns. The proposed driveway is where the existing driveway already is. The sidewalk concern is really a city issue and that to his understanding the city will move forward with this improvement regardless of this development. Mr. Wilson said they are working with S.E.H. to see if it is possible to make the rain gardens and storm water ponds smaller. He stated that they are willing to work with the city to preserve as many trees as possible. Mr. Wilson clarified that this will be a private building that is enclosed, and there won't be many people coming and going 24 hours a day. He also clarified that included in the calculations of common space are the elevators, corridors and stairs as well as the different rooms that are common space. The senior amenities or common space rooms take up 40,000 square feet of the 92,000 square feet. The community room in question can only hold 42 people and is less than 1000 square feet. Chairperson Olson requested that Fire Chief Steve Lukin go over his concerns with four story building. Chief Lukin stated he has concerns about ground ladder equipment but still believes that they would be able to handle an emergency at this property as a four story building. The fire safety aspect is the same in either a three story or four story building. The city has a truck that can service a building up to seven stories but would prefer to keep buildings at three stories to prevent too many buildings going taller than that. The life safety issue is very minimal and is the same for three and four story structures. Chairperson Olson asked Chuck Ahl, the Public Works Director, to address the issue of the sidewalk. Mr. Ahl stated that the city's designers are looking in detail on the issue of the sidewalk. The city designers are suggesting that the existing sidewalk on the east side of East Shore Drive is in need of repair and the city's money may be best spent repairing that sidewalk. This is something that can be discussed more next month when the designers finalize this item. Chairperson Olson asked if there is a bus route already on Frost Avenue. Mr. Ahl responded that there is not but usually the bus service is open to adding additional routes to an area that may generate bus business, such as this development. AI Galbraith of 1770 Edward Street addressed the board. Mr. Galbraith asked if Walker is the owner 100% and what the track record is of the developer. He stated that the proposed area for the round-about is dangerous because it is on a slope. He is also concerned about the amount of emergency calls that would take place at the property and concerned about snow removal. Mr. Wilson responded that Walker is a minority shareholder in the project. The project is owned by a board of directors who are investing in the project, which is not an unusual circumstance. Mr. Wilson then gave a history of his past development projects. It is the Community Design Review Board 5 Minutes 06-12-2007 responsibility of the maintenance crews to maintain the property when it snows. Mr. Wilson stated that he cannot speak about the number of emergency calls but can say that Walker staff gives quality care and tries to care for the medical needs of the residents to prevent excessive emergency calls to the property. Ms. McGovern restated that she would like the developers to move the main driveway as far south as possible because of the ambient light that will come off the property. Chairperson Olson stated that the current city light code prohibits any light creep beyond the edge of the property. The revised lighting plan has to have a zero foot candle creep at the property line. Chairperson Olson asked if the proposed round-about will be able to handle bus traffic. Mr. Ahl responded that the final size has not been determined at this time but will be designed to handle buses. Chairperson Olson asked if Chief Lukin could address the issue of the number of emergency calls to other senior centers and if there would be any problems with maneuvering emergency vehicles in the round-about. Chief Lukin responded that the city did a study on the number of emergency vehicles called to senior housing earlier this year. He didn't have the results of that study for this meeting so that information was not brought at this time. Chief Lukin stated that he does not anticipate any issues with the round-about as the Public Works Director knows the size that is needed for emergency vehicles. Chairperson Olson closed the public discussion. Chairperson Olson stated that she likes the idea of eliminating the sidewalk on the west side of East Shore Drive to save trees. Board member Ledvina stated it would be nice to eliminate the sidewalk along the entire site on the west side of East Shore Drive, but would defer to staff and engineering on how that fils into the regional picture for the trail systems and such. The applicant should work with the staff on this issue. Chairperson Olson said that the southern part of the sidewalk would be used by residents to give access to the lake and should be kept in the plan. Ms. Finwall pointed out that all phase one public improvements will be back before the board, planning commission and city council for review later this year. That would be the time to review the sidewalk issue. Chairperson Olson expressed a concern about the number of parking stalls being insufficient. However, if the applicant believes that staff at The Shores will be able to park in the underground parking stalls, that would take care of most of the concerns. Community Design Review Board 6 Minutes 06-12-2007 Board member Shankar would like to discuss the possibility of closing the north driveway and keeping the south driveway. Board member Demko responded that removal of the north driveway would direct traffic through the parking area, which would not be optimal. The proposed north drive should not affect the site line issues as it is sloped and the landscaping on both sides of the drive help to buffer that concern. One of the drives should be closed and he believes that the south driveway should be closed. Chairperson Olson added that having the driveway more towards the middle of the property may actually slow traffic because of the slope and curve of East Shore Drive. Board member Demko stated a concern that the removal of the second driveway will increase the traffic through the parking lot because there is only one entrance. Chairperson Olson stated that the board should not be redesigning the parking layout and let the applicant, city staff and engineers work that out. The board agreed. Board member Ledvina stated that improvements can be made on the landscaping design. A recommended change is in condition 3a, the requirement should be focused to 20% visibility from the center of Phalen Lake and not specify the height of the evergreen trees. Board member Ledvina stated that the applicant should resubmit a lighting and photometric plan. Board member Ledvina stated that a change to condition e, the city doesn't normally regulate interior signage of a building and this condition does. The last part of the condition that includes interior signage should be removed. Board member Ledvina moved to recommend approval of the plans date stamped April 19, 2007, for the 180-unit, four-story Shores senior housing development to be located at 940 Frost Avenue. Approval is subject to the applicant doing the following (changes made by the Community Design Review Board during the July 24, 2007, meeting are underlined if added and stricken if deleted): a. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. b. Prior to issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant must submit to staff for approval the following items: 1) Verification The Shores plat has been recorded. 2) Have the city engineer approve final construction and engineering plans. These plans shall comply with all requirements as specified in the city engineering department's May 22, 2007 review and SEH engineering consultant's May 17, 2007 review. In addition, the engineering plans should be revised as follows: Community Design Review Board 7 Minutes 06-12-2007 a) Trees Preservation: 1. The revised grading plan shall preserve the large specimen collonwood tree (heritage tree) located on the north side of the property, adjacent Frost Avenue (4S-inch tree). 2. Revision to the grading plan showing that the most easterly retaining wall is shifted to the west to make every effort to preserve the three specimen oak trees and other significant trees in the area. 3. Revision to the grading plan shifting the retaining wall located on the north side of the wetland to the north, toward the building, to make every effort to preserve significant trees in this area. b) The applicant shall work closely with the city engineering department to reduce the size or quantity of rainwater gardens needed on the site in an allempt to reduce grading and ultimately preserve trees. c) The applicant shall work closely with the city engineering department to explore areas on the development where pervious pavers can be implemented. 3) Revised landscape/tree replacement/shoreland screening plans showing: a) Revised detail of south elevation building elevations from the center of Phalen Lake showing compliance with shore land screening requirements (code requires that the buildinq be at least SO percent screened from the lake). To ensure compliance, the applicant shall submit a revised landscape detail of the southerly ponding area showing a dractic increase in the number and size of replacement trees (possibly as large as 15 foot high evergreen trees) in order to ensure reduced visibility from the lal<e. b) Revised tree preservation plan shall maximize preservation of the significant/specimen trees on the site. The revised tree plan and replacement calculation to be approved by staff prior to issuance of a building permit. The Communitv Desiqn Review Board encouraqes the citv to redesiqn or remove the sidewalk proposed alonq the west side of East Shore Drive. adiacent the Shores propertv. in an allempt to preserve trees alonq the west side of the propertv. c) Revised landscape plan which shows additional plantings in front of the loading dock and the location of all proposed ground mechanical units which are screened by landscaping. d) Revised rainwater garden plantings based on any grading changes. Rainwater gardens to be reviewed and approved by the city's naturalist prior to issuance of a building permit. Community Design Review Board Minutes 06-12-2007 8 e) Revised landscape plan showing the installation of underground irrigation for the landscaped areas. The applicant should explore the use of conservation sensor sprinkler devices which will shut off when it is raining. 4) Revised site plan showing: a) The location of trash and recycling receptacles throughout the site. b) The location of benches scallered throughout the site, along the trails and sidewalks. c) Removal of the south drivewav on East Shore Drive. 5) Revised elevations showing: a) Sight line perspective of the building as seen from East Shore Drive and Frost Avenue. These perspectives should show the height of the building in relation to mature trees, proposed lighting, adjacent buildings, at a human scale. b) An increase in the height of the loading dock screening fence along Frost Avenue. This can be accomplished through the use of design elements proposed on the arcade/trellis to increase the height and create more of a screen to the loading dock. c) The proposed northwest patio and entry door on the building elevations. d) The proposed fence around the healing garden. 6) Watershed district approval. 7) Building material samples showing color scheme for the project as shown on the power point presentation presented to the Community Design Review Board during the July 24, 2007, meeting. 8) Enter into a developer's agreement with the city which will cover the installation of all public improvements surrounding and within the property. 9) Sign a maintenance agreement for the ongoing maintenance of all required rainwater gardens and infiltration basins. 10) A cash escrow or an irrevocable leller of credit for all required exterior improvements. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the work. c. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building: 1) Replace any property irons removed because of this construction. Community Design Review Board 9 Minutes 06-12-2007 2) Provide continuous concrete curb and guller around the parking lot and driveways. 3) Install all required landscaping and an in-ground lawn irrigation system for all landscaped areas. 4) Install all required outdoor lighting. 5) Install all required sidewalks and trails. d. The lighting and photometrics plan is not approved. The applicant must submit a revised lighting and photometrics plan for community design review board approval which complies with city code and is compatible with the Phase I Gladstone public improvements. e. Signage is not approved. The applicant must submit a sign plan for community design review board approval. The plan must show a monument sign to be located at the intersection of Frost Avenue and East Shore Drive which announces the entryway to the Gladstone Neighborhood, interior or exterior signage which calls out the previous use of the property as the gt. Paul Tourict Cabin gite, and any exterior signage advertising The Shores. f. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: 1) The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare. 2) The above-required leller of credit or cash escrow is held by the City of Maplewood for all required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor shall complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the following year if occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within six weeks of occupancy of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer. g. All work shall follow the approved plans. City staff may approve minor changes. Chairperson Olson seconded. Board member Shankar made a friendly amendment to add to item 5.b.7. as follows: "Building material samples showing color scheme for project as shown on elevations included in the power point presentation presented to the board on July 24, 2007." Board member Ledvina made an addition to item 4, an addition of c to read "Removal of the south driveway on East Shore Drive." Ayes - Demko, Olson, Shankar, Ledvina The motion passed. Community Design Review Board 10 Minutes 06-12-2007 This project is to go before the city council on August 13, 2007. VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS No visitors presentation. VIII. BOARD PRESENTATIONS No board presentations. IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Community Development Department Bus Tour Reminder - July 30, 2007, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please R.S.V.P to the Community Development Office. b. Representation at the August 13, 2007, City Council Meeting - item to be discussed include The Shores. Chairperson Olson volunteered to be the Community Design Review Board representative at the city council meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m. For complete coverage of the meeting, one can purchase a DVD copy of the meeting for $5 from City Hall.