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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/13/2007 MINUTES OF THE MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD 1830 COUNTY ROAD BEAST, MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Olson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Chairperson Linda Olson Vice-Chairperson Matt Ledvina Board member John Demko Board member Ananth Shankar Board member Matt Wise Present Absent Present Present Present Staff Present: Shann Finwall, Planner III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Finwall had an addition to the agenda, adding that the July 24, 2007 minutes need to be approved under section IV. Board member Shankar moved to approve the agenda. Board member Demko seconded. Ayes - Demko, Olson, Shankar, Wise The motion passed. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the CDRB minutes for July 24, 2007 Board member Shankar moved approval of the minutes of July 24, 2007 as written. Board member Demko seconded. Ayes - Demko, Olson, Shankar Abstain - Wise Approval of the CDRB minutes for August 28, 2007 Ms. Finwall had a correction on page 1, approval of the minutes, the second sentence, the minutes should be referred to as July 24, 2007. Board member Wise had a correction on page 2, paragraph 8, line 2 and 3, remove "single- family" and insert "multi-family" so the sentence will read, "... parking spaces in a single family multi-family complex. Board member Wise moved for approval of the minutes of August 28, 2007. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 2 Board member Demko seconded. Ayes - Demko, Olson, Wise Abstain - Shankar The motions passed. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. VI. DESIGN REVIEW a. The Shores Landscape/Tree Preservation Plan Review (Located at the old St. Paul Tourist Cabins Site at 940 Frost Avenue) Bart Montanari of Dabar Development is proposing to redevelop the 7.03 acre St. Paul Tourist Cabin site (940 Frost Avenue) with a senior housing development to be called The Shores (previously to be called Lake Phalen Estates). The development will consist of 180 units of senior housing in a four-story building with underground parking. There will be 20 memory care units, 45 assisted living units, 15 transitional care suites, and 100 market rate senior apartments. The Shores development will be the first redevelopment project within the Gladstone Neighborhood Redevelopment area. On July 24, 2007, the community design review board (CDRB) reviewed The Shores' development plans and recommended approval to the city council with several conditions. On August 13, 2007, the city council reviewed The Shores' land use permits and development plans and approved the project. However, based on extensive grading and tree preservation changes required during the review, the city council required the applicant submit revised shoreland screening, grading and drainage, tree preservation and landscape plans to the CDRB for approval. Ms. Finwall went over the shoreland screening requirements and the proposed changes. City staff reports that the applicant's proposed changes meet the screening requirements. Ms. Finwall went over the grading requirements and the proposed changes that aid in tree preservation. City staff reports that the applicants were able to reduce the number of infiltration ponds and were able to save more trees in the revised grading plan. This plan meets the requirements set by the city council. Ms. Finwall went over the tree preservation requirements and the proposed changes. City staff reports the applicant is saving 46% of the trees on the site. The previous plan called for only 24% of the trees being saved. The revised tree preservation changes meet the city requirements. Ms. Finwall went over the landscaping requirements and the proposed changes. City staff reports the applicant's proposed landscaping changes on the east side of the property on south side of the driveway comply with the screening requirements. However, staff would recommend these trees be staggered to appear more natural. The north side of the driveway Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 3 has a steep grade so the applicant states mature evergreens cannot be planted in this location. As such, staff recommends that trees be planted on the west side of the wetland in this area. City staff reports that the applicant's proposed landscape changes to the area around the loading dock are adequate. The applicant did not submit a plan showing the location of all mechanical ground units and proposed screening. The applicant should discuss this during tonight's meeting. City staff recommends that the applicant continue to work with the city naturalist on the proposed rainwater garden design. City staff recommends approval of the original community design review board conditions, with some revisions as noted for the tree preservation and landscape plan, date-stamped August 23, 2007. Ms. Finwall noted a change to the conditions of approval on page 7, under item 4, letter c; the evergreen trees should be planted on the west side of the wetland, not the east. Ms. Finwall noted a change to the conditions of approval on page 8, add an additional item under landscaping to be item e. It should read, "The transplanted evergreen trees on the east side of the property must be staggered." Board member Shankar confirmed that the building will be screened as required by the shoreland ordinance from the center of the lake. Chairperson Olson asked if the apartments on the west side of the property look into this complex. Ms. Finwall stated the applicant's landscape plan and elevations from the center of the lake meet the shoreland screening requirements. The apartments are at a lower elevation than The Shores development and they are located to the southwest and will view the trees not the building. Board member Wise asked if the proposed trees on the east side are mature trees. Ms. Finwall stated the requirement for the applicant was to plant at least 25 foot high trees in this area. The trees proposed in the landscape plan are 15-25 foot high trees. Chairperson Olson asked if the lighting plan has to be resubmitted to the board. Ms. Finwall stated the city council is requiring that the community design review board review the revised lighting plan. The applicants are waiting for review by the city council on the Gladstone streetscape concepts so their lighting will complement the street lights. That will be back before the board within the next month. Board member Wise questioned if the staggering of trees along the driveway, as recommended by city staff, will present any safety issues. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 4 Ms. Finwall stated that is something that the board should look at but it can be conditioned that the city engineering staff will look at the safety aspect of the tree locations to ensure driving visibility. Danielle Sandborn, the Landscape Architect with Pioneer Engineering, addressed the board. She explained the planting of trees near the wetland and what would be possible. Board member Wise asked what the applicant had to say about the staggering of trees along the drive, particularly, the diameter of the trees and their proximity to the road once fully developed. Ms. Sandborn said they would be close to full development at the 25-foot height. In order to stagger the trees, however, some may have to be planted in the right-of-way. It is not foreseen that the staggering will affect the visibility because the trees would be out of the sight lines. Chairperson Olson asked what plants were chosen to be planted near the wetland area. Ms. Sandborn stated the wetland area will remain undisturbed. The only areas that will be disturbed will be on the west side of the wetland. Ms. Finwall stated that a 25-foot wetland buffer is required next to the wetland. Link Wilson, of Kass-Wilson Architects, addressed the board. Mr. Wilson went over the screening of the loading dock. He also went over the screening issues that were addressed in a letter from Jan McGovern Steiner, a Maplewood resident. Ms. Sand born said she will work with the city naturalist on the rainwater garden comments. Board member Wise asked what would happen if the board were to add a condition requiring the evergreens be 25 feet high. Ms. Sand born stated it would be difficult to get those trees all to be 25 feet high because they are from a tree farm and are all varying heights. It will look more natural if they differ in height. Chairperson Olson stated that she feels the screening issues are being resolved with the revised plans. The board discussed elevations of the building and screening in relation to the McGovern/Steiner home across East Shore Drive. Board member Shankar moved to approve the plans date-stamped April 19, 2007; and the landscape plan, landscape details, rainwater qarden details, tree preservation plan, tree list. irriqation plan and colored elevation of buildinq from the center of Lake Phalen (shoreland screeninq) which are all date-stamped Auqust 23, 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 (text that is underlined was added by the CDRB, text that is crossed out was deleted by the CDRB from the original August 13, 2007, city council conditions): Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 5 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. 1~) 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: a) Tree Precervation: 1. The reviced grading plan chall precerve the large cpecimen cottonwood tree (heritage tree) located on the north cide of the property, adjacent Frost Avenue (1J8 inch tree). 2. Revicion to the grading plan chowing that the moct eacterly retaining wall ic chifted to the wect to mal<e every effort to precerve the three cpecimen oal< treec and other cignificant treec 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 mal<e every effort to precerve cignificant treec in thic area. IJ. The applicant shall work closely with the city engineering department to reduce the size or quantity of rainwater gardens needed on the cite in an attempt to reduce grading and ultimately precerve treec. 5. The applicant chall worl< clocely with the city engineering department to reduce the amount of grading needed along the Froct Avenue and Eact Shore Drive property linec in an attempt to preserve trees and screen the property from these streets. ~e) 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 attempt to reduce grading and ultimately preserve trees. Qe) Revision to the grading plan to incorporate pervious pavers or pavement on the following areas: loading dock, northwest patio, parking spaces located in the center of the curved driveway, under the entry canopy, and at the memory care entrance. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 6 Qa) The applicant shall work with staff to incorporate turn lanes on Frost Avenue and East Shore Drive into the development if possible. 2J) Revised site plan showing: a) The location of trash and recycling receptacles throughout the site. b) The location of benches scattered throughout the site, along the trails and sidewalks. c) Removal of the south driveway on East Shore Drive. d) Relocation of a handicap accessible trail on the west side of the building to wrap around the south side of the building and exit onto East Shore Drive, south of the driveway. e) Location of all required surface and proof of parking spaces. f) Location of a crosswalk on East Shore Drive. Crosswalk to extend from the trail located on the south side of the driveway across the street to the existing trail/sidewalk on the east side of East Shore Drive. J4) Revised elevations showing: a) An increase in the height of the loading dock screening fence to 6-feet high 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. b) The proposed northwest patio and entry door on the building elevations. c) The proposed fence around the healing garden. d) Roof vents must be placed on the west side of the roof if possible. All roof vents must blend into the roofline with compatible colors. 4) Revised landscape plan showinq: a) Relocation of iunipers from the south side of the loadinq dock wall to the north side. b) The location of all proposed qround mechanical units which are screened by landscapinq. c) The addition of eiqht to ten mature (25 foot hiqh) 8-foot hiqh balled and burlaped everqreen trees on the east and west side of the wetland, north Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 7 of the driveway, alonq the east property line. The everqreens should be strateqically placed, where possible to screen the buildinq and parkinq lot from residential properties located on the east side of East Shore Drive. d) Rainwater qarden plantinqs must be reviewed and approved by the city naturalist. e) The transplanted 15 to 25-foot hiqh everqreen trees located south of the driveway, alonq the east property line, to be staqqered in a more natural row. f) The placement of trees alonq East Shore Drive to be reviewed by staff for traffic enqineerinq purposes (to ensure clear visibility for traffic) and for maximum screeninq (screeninq of buildinq and parkinq lot from residential properties on east side of East Shore Drive). q) Specifications on how all buckthorn on the property will be removed and manaqed in the future. 5) Watershed district approval. 6) 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. 7) Enter into a developer's agreement with the city which will cover the installation of all public improvements surrounding and within the property. 8) Sign a maintenance agreement for the ongoing maintenance of all required rainwater gardens and infiltration basins. 9) A cash escrow or an irrevocable letter 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. 2) Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter 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. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 8 6) Install wetland buffer siqns which specify that no mowinq, cuttinq, or buildinq can occur within the required wetland buffer. 7) The removal and manaqement of buckthorn from the property. 8) The applicant shall remove and maintain all buckthorn from the entire property. 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 and any exterior signage advertising The Shores. f. Landscape/tree replacemenllshoreland screening plan is not approved. The applicant must submit a revised landscape/tree replacement/shoreland screening plan showing: 1) Detail of couth elevation from the center of Lal<e Phalen chowing compliance with choreland ccreening requirementc (code requirec that the building be at leact 80 percent ccreened from the lake). 2) Tree precervation plan chall maximize precervation of the cignificant!cpecimen treec on the cite. 3) Landscape plan which shows: a) ,^,dditional plantingc in front of the loading docl<. b) The location of all propoced ground mechanical unitc which are ccreened by landccaping. c) The installation of underground irrigation for the landscaped areas. The applicant chould explore the uce of concervation cencor cprinl<ler devicec which will chut off when it ic raining. d) The planting of 25 foot high evergreen treec along the eact property line (adjacent East Shore Drive) to ensure screening of the building from residential properties to the east. 1) Rainwater garden plantingc baced on any grading changec. Rainwater gardenc to be reviewed and approved by the city'c naturalict prior to iccuance of a building permit. 19'. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 9 1) The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare. 2) The above-required letter 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. gJ:\. All work shall follow the approved plans. City staff may approve minor changes. Board member Demko seconded. Ayes - Shankar, Olson, Wise, Demko The motion passed. b. Premier Bank Second Story Addition (2866 White Bear Avenue) Ms. Finwall introduced the proposal. Mark Novitzki, President of Premier Bank, is proposing a second-story addition to the existing Premier Bank building located at 2866 White Bear Avenue. To accommodate the added office space and employees, Premier Bank proposes to expand their parking lot to the east and add storm water and landscape improvements to the site. Ms. Finwall went over the proposed site plan. The applicant is required to provide 128 parking spaces and the applicant is providing 134 parking spaces, which will meet city code requirements. City staff recommends a 10-15 foot wide pedestrian, utility and drainage easement be required along the entire length of the property because of the future expansion of White Bear Avenue. Ms. Finwall went over the building elevations. City staff does not have any concerns with the proposed second story addition. Ms. Finwall went over the proposed landscaping. She went over the concerns stated by Chris Mogren, the landscaper for the project. In general, the landscape plan is attractive and will cover the required replacement trees on the Premier Bank site only. Ms. Finwall went over the lighting plan. Staff recommends a revised lighting plan which meets city code requirements for light illumination. City staff is recommending approval of the plans date-stamped July 18, August 30, and September 5,2007 for the addition and parking lot expansion to the Premier Bank site. Chairperson Olson asked if the future improvement of White Bear Avenue would possibly cut into the existing sidewalk. Ms. Finwall stated the city engineers indicated they would not need any additional right-of-way from the Premier Bank site for the White Bear Avenue improvements. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 10 Board member Wise asked how the elevations of this building relate to the Walgreens that will be built across Beam Avenue. Ms. Finwall stated she did not know the height of the Walgreens structure. Kathy Anderson, the president of Architectural Consortium, addressed the board. Ms. Anderson stated the bank building is 35 feet high. Walgreens normally will have a high entry point of 30 feet but then their building itself is more around 34 feet. Chairperson Olson requested to see the building material samples. Mark Novitzki, President of Premier Bank, addressed the board. The bank opened in 1974 and it will remain open during construction. Todd Erickson, an engineer with Folsom & Erickson, went over the landscaping and drainage plans for the site. Chairperson Olson asked how the applicant is handling the relocation of the trash facility. Mr. Erickson stated they would prefer to keep the enclosure where it is keeping in mind the safety of the custodial staff. Chairperson Olson asked what the plans are for the Charlie Brown and Linus statues. Mr. Erickson stated they will stay. Mr. Erickson pointed out that there is an existing 15 foot easement to the county along White Bear Avenue. Board member Shankar questioned the light creep from the 24-hour light fixtures. Mr. Erickson stated that there is no increase in the number of light fixtures and they do not exceed the amount allowed by city code. Mr. Novitzki stated there is 24-hour traffic on the site due to the fact the property has two 24- hour bank drop sites. As such, they need to maintain good lighting for security. The board debated the amount of traffic that would occur on the site late at night. Chairperson Olson felt comfortable that there would be not an excessive amount of light on the site. Chairperson Olson asked for an explanation of employee parking. Mr. Novitzki stated there is not an intention of hiring more staff. Current staff will be moving to a more attractive environment from the basement to the 2nd floor. Employees are directed to park on the outer perimeter of the parking lot. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 11 Board member Demko stated he would like to see more significant trees along the eastern edge of the property. Mr. Erickson stated that the photo is deceiving and that there is actually a thick stand of deciduous trees in that area. The board discussed the possibility of light creep. Ms. Finwall stated city code requires maximum light illumination of .4 foot candles at all property lines. This is exceeded on some parts of this photometric plan submitted. The applicant is required to submit a revised photometric plan which meets the requirement. Board member Demko moved to approve the plans date-stamped July 18, 2007; the revised grading and utility plan date-stamped August 30, 2007; and the revised landscape plan date- stamped September 5, 2007 for the Premier Bank second story addition and parking lot expansion located at 2866 White Bear Avenue and the subsequent grading, temporary parking lot, topsoil stockpile, and tree removal at 2866 White Bear Avenue and 1985 Radatz Avenue. Approval is subject to the applicant doing the following (added text is underlined and deleted text is stricken during the 9-13-2007 CDRB meeting): 1. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this project. 2. Prior to issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant must submit to staff for approval the following items: a. Revised grading/drainage/utility plans which comply with all city engineering department requirements as specified in the engineering review dated September 6, 2007, which includes, but is not limited to storm water maintenance agreement for maintenance of infiltration basis and other storm water treatment measures. b. Deed an easement to the city for pedestrian, utility and drainage along the entire length of the Premier Bank property adjacent to White Bear Avenue. The easement should be wide enough to encompass the existing sidewalk, which appears to be 10-15 feet in width. c. Verification of cross drainage easement agreements between the bank property and the two vacant properties to the south. d. Revised site plan showing the relocation of the dumpster enclosure from the south side of the property to the east side of the parking lot. e. Elevation of the dumpster enclosure. Enclosure must 1) be constructed of materials which are compatible to the building; 2) be 100 percent opaque; 3) be six feet high; 4) have a closable gate which is also 100 percent opaque; and 5) must be large enough to accommodate trash and recycling containers. f. Revised landscape plan showing: 1) If feasible, transplanting the seven maple trees located around the existing building (ranging in cize from 12 20 caliper inchec) to the vacant lot to the couth of Premier Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 12 Bank. The trees should be transplanted onto the vacant lot to the south, in a row adjacent to \Nhite Bear Avenue. If trancplanting of the maple treec ic not fcacible, The revised landscape plan must include seven deciduous trees to be planted in a row along White Bear Avenue on the vacant lot to the south of the Premier Bank. 2) Installing reed grass, black-eyed Susan, and autumn fire sedum planted on each side of the White Bear Avenue driveway. 3) At least eight ornamental trees and several shrub/perennial beds to be planted on the north side of the parking lot - west of the Beam Avenue driveway and the western property line. 4) Extend the row of Black Hills spruce proposed on the east property line of the vacant lot on Radatz Avenue (1985 Radatz Avenue) to ensure there is a staggered row of trees located along the property line which extends from the Premier Bank property south to the beginning of the single family residential house located on the residential lot to the east (1995 Radatz Avenue). 5) The addition of at least 15 more native shrubs planted around or within the infiltration basin. Infiltration basin plantings to be reviewed and approved by the city naturalist prior to the issuance of a building permit. 6) Increasing screening with evergreen trees along the south side of the parking lot to the single family lot to the south, along Radatz Avenue. 7) Underground irrigation for all landscaped areas within the Premier Bank site, excluding rainwater gardens and infiltration basins. g. Revised lighting and photometrics plan which shows: 1) The freestanding lights are no more than 25 feet in height, as measured from the ground grade to the top of the lumen. 2) Light illumination at all property lines which do not exceed .4 foot candles. h. Obtain a permit from Ramsey County for construction on county right-of-way for the driveway access, utility work and sidewalk. i. Watershed district approval j. The owner of the two vacant lots to the south of Premier Bank (2866 White Bear Avenue and 1985 Radatz Avenue) shall sign an agreement with the city which requires the owners to develop and landscape (per tree replacement guidelines) the two vacant lots within five years of the date of the agreement; or that the owner will replace all required trees on the two vacant lots; or the owner will pay into the city's tree fund (based on tree fund prices for that year). k. A cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit for all required exterior improvements to include landscaping, parking lot, and lighting. The amount shall be 150 percent of the cost of the work. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 13 I. A cash escrow or an irrevocable letter of credit to cover all required replacement trees on the two properties to the south (White Bear Avenue and 1985 Radatz Avenue). 3. The applicant shall complete the following before occupying the building: a. Replace any property irons removed because of the construction. b. Provide continuous concrete curb and gutter around the parking lot and driveways. c. Install all required landscaping and underground irrigation for all landscaped areas. d. Screen or paint the rooftop mechanical equipment to match the building color. e. Install all required outdoor lighting. 4. If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if: a. The city determines that the work is not essential to the public health, safety or welfare. b. The above-required letter 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 if occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within 6 weeks of occupancy of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer. 5. Signs are not included in the design review of the Premier Bank. All proposed new signs must meet city code sign requirements and will require separate sign permits. 6. All work shall follow the approved plans. City staff may approve minor changes. Board member Olson seconded. Ms. Finwall made a friendly amendment to item 2f1, delete the entire paragraph up to "the revised landscape..." Ayes -Demko, Shankar, Olsen, Wise The motion passed. VII. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS No visitors present. VIII. BOARD PRESENTATIONS a. September 10, 2007, City Council Report Board member Wise attended the city council meeting. The items discussed included the Regents senior housing in Legacy Village. Some concerns expressed were about parking and the size of the building. The proposal was approved with a vote of 3-2. Community Design Review Board Minutes 09-13-2007 14 IX. STAFF PRESENTATIONS The September 24, 2007 CDRB meeting will be cancelled as there are no items to be discussed. The notification will still be sent out. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.