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03/05/1981 - Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission• • AGENDA ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE REGULAR. MEETING EAGAN, MINNESOTA CITY HALL MARCH 5, 1981 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADOPT AGENDA AND APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 5, 1981 ADVISORY PARK AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING. 3. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A. Zachman Homes; Cinnamon Ridge 4. OLD BUSINESS A. 1981 Objectives 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Summer Playgrounds B. Teen Program C. Council/Committee Meeting 6. OTHER BUSINESS A. Staff Report 7. ADJOURNMENT MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE • FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: INFORMATIONAL ITEMS • • The City has recently concluded the purchase of the additional Rahn Park land from St. Paul Land Resources. In addition, the City Council has approved the Advisory Parks Committee's recommendation to prepare a L.A.W.C.O.N. development grant application for Rahn Park for fiscal 1982. Staff has met with Mr. Ken Ketcham regarding the requested usage of Rahn Park for the July 4th celebration and staff's concerns for the use of the area. Several recommendations were made to minimize the negative impact upon this athletic area, if they do proceed with its use. 1. That electrical wires be brought in underground. And if a permanent installation is desired, it be placed in a manhole, below ground. 2. That the carnival not set up until Friday, July 4th. 3. That the carnival's generators not be permitted on the athletic area, but be restricted to the parking area on the west. 4. Nothing be set up on the ball diamonds infields. 5. That an extensive clean -up program be completed immediately following the event. The interview phase for the landscape architect has been completed. Some additional work will be required before a recommendation can be made. The Park and Recreation Department recently co- sponsored with the Dakota Area Retarded Citizen - D.A.R.C. - festivities at Rahn Park. The plans were for a "winter" setting, but the warm temperature meant that plans be revised. Approximately 30 participatants attended. The department is well into plannig its summer programs. Members are asked that if they have suggestions for the improvement of activities, please comment by calling the department. • • MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL - ZACHMAN HOMES; CINNAMON RIDGE Background: On the March 5th Advisory agenda is a proposal from Zachman Homes for a 72 acre developnent. (see attached material) At the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, February 24th residents from Eagan and Burnsville were present to hear the presentation by the developer before the A.P.C. Although there were several areas of concern expressed by the residents, there is one issue which the Advisory Parks Committee is in- volved. This is the issue of parks dedication. Area residents were concerned that there was no parks dedication in the proposal. And, in their opinion, with an estimated 378 units proposed; park facilities would be needed for this population. Staff has previously proposed that the developer include tot lots as part of the development and make a cash dedication. Analysis: The proposed development is in park service area 30 W, which is currently serviced by the 4 acre River Hills Park. There are approximately 70 single family homes, with an estimated 150 residents now in this service area. Additional park facilities are directly to the north at Metcalf Jr. High which includes ball fields, soccer fields, etc. Within a i mile radius of the park area, the City of Burnsville also maintains approximately 12 acres of park land. (see attached park location map) The City also has a small triangular portion of land immediately behind the residents' homes along Clark Street. This parcel is part of the N.S.P. power line easement and was acquired by the City in anticipation of a possible trail connection over Cedar Avenue. This is no longer possible. Further, the City of Burnsville has shown no interest in developing a trail along the highline as it proceeds through its community. This triangular parcel has a buried pipe line running beneath it and steep grade change, pond area, pipe lines and over land power lines, development of this parcel into active recreation space appears to be unlikely. Its function may best be defined as "open space." The Eagan comprehensive guide plan has indicated that the current park acreage in the service area would be sufficient to handle future development. The plan suggest a pedestrian crossing be provided along the extension of Metcalf Drive for residents to gain access to the park. Park area standards also indicate that a neighborhood park should be capable of serving between 2,000 to 5,000 people, at a desired ratio of 3 acres per 1,000 population. Summation: River Hills Park, which is four acres in size, should be of sufficient area to service a population of 2,000 people. Additional public facilities with- in a i mile radius provides additional recreational opportunities. Action to be Considered: Mr. Steve Ryan will be available at the March 5 Advisory meeting to explain the development proposal. The Advisory Committee should either approve /disapprove of the recommendation to require tot lots, a pedestrian connection and cash dedication in lieu of park land or • • RIVER BURNSVILLE HILLS Junior High School E AGA N north 0 LEGEND Park land 4 l r 00, I/4 mile TO: JOE HARRISON, CHAIRMAN, AND THE ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: DALE C. RUNKLE, CITY PLANNER DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 1981 RE: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE ZACHMPN HOMES APPLICATION As stated in their report prepared by Steve Ryan of Zachman Hares, the City staff would only like to add to the information submitted in the report which has been enclosed in the packet. Staff feels that the report is accurate and there has been a lot of work put into this document to supply the Advisory Planning Commis- sion and City Council with information regarding this proposed development. The first application which has been submitted is an application for rezoning approximately 72 acres from R -2 (Residential Double District) and R -4 (Residential Multiple District) to a Planned Development, which would allow 64 single family cluster units, 66 twinhare units and 31 eight -plex buildings, or 248 dwelling units for a total of 378 dwelling units. The second application submitted is a request for a preliminary plat which would allow the first and second phase of development to be platted at this time. Phases three and four will be platted as outlots and will have to be replatted in the future before development can occur on these outlots. In reviewing the plan, staff had concerns as to access to the property. In first reviewing the overall proposal, staff had suggested to the developer that the developer tie into as many connections, or stub streets which have been provided around the surrounding developed property. After this discussion, staff has learned that the stub streets which extend from Burnsville, or on the west side of the proposed development, have been vacated and no longer can access be obtained to either one of these two streets. Therefore, the connections which have been propsed in the Cinnamon Ridge Addition to Burnsville should be cul -de -saced in- stead of showing the through- street connection. Exhibit G in the Zachman report should be corrected to show this cul- de-sac street. The main access to the site will be from Cliff Road. There will be one full movement access, which is the street to the eastern side of the property. The applicant proposed a second access a little bit west of the proposed full movement street. Staff is suggesting that this street be limited to a right -turn in and right -turn out movement to protect the traffic flows on Cliff Road. This plat has not been reviewed by the Dakota County Plat Commission. Therefore, the proposed subdivision will be subject to Dakota County's comments for the street movements. In reviewing the density of the development, the present zoning is R -2 (Residen- tial Double District) and R -4 (Residential Multiple District). According to this present zoning, there could be a density range of 650 -700 dwelling units on the proposed site. According to the proposed planned development, Cinnamon Ridge, the developer is requesting to construct 378 dwelling units, which is a substan- tial reduction than what would normally be allowed according to the zoning dis- trict. In the single family cluster area, the developer is proposing 64 dwelling units on 12.75 acres. The density is 5 dwelling units per acre with a lot cover- age of 17.2 %. The twinhone units are also proposed at a density of 5 dwelling units per acre and would have a lot coverage of 11.8 %. The 8 -unit condos are proposed at 9.6 dwelling units per acre with a lot coverage of approximately 21.6 %. • • • CITY OF EAGAN ZA HMAN HOMES APPLICATION FEBRUARY 24, 1981 PAGE TWO The 8 -unit condos exceed the 20% lot coverage requirement because of the detached garage space for each dwelling unit. The applicant is also requesting approxi- mately 12.3 acres of office - commercial in the southeastern portion of the develop- ment. The reason the request for the office - commercial is that a land -use buffer instead of a physical or buffer would be the best way to develop this portion of the property. Due to the noise levels which are expected on this area of the property, the commercial proposal is a logical use to buffer the residential area. In reviewing the proposed planned development according to neighborhood needs, the Comprehensive Plan does not show a neighborhood park in this proposed planned development. When staff reviewed the neighborhoods for park locations, staff determined that the terrain was severe, and it was difficult to provide a neigh- borhood park within the Cinnamon Ridge development. Therefore, in accordance with the Comp Plan, the staff will be suggesting to the Park Committee that a cash dedication per unit be obtained instead of Obtaining land dedication. The Cinnamon Ridge planned development is scheduled for the March 5, 1981 Park Co r mittee meeting, therefore, no official park action has been taken on this plat thus far. Staff is recommending, however, that Cinnamon Ridge Planned Develop- ment provides between two and three tot lots within the development. The tot lots will be maintained by the Homeowner's Association and will provide the need for the pre - school children within this neighborhood. Presently, staff is work- ing, or looking for, trail connections to the Metcalf School and also to a neigh- borhood park within Burnsville to provide the active recreational needs within this development. If the planned development is approved, it should be subject to the following conditions: 1. That a 75 -foot half right -of -way be provided for Cliff Road. 2. A detailed grading, drainage and erosion control plan shall be approved by the City staff prior to any construction on the proposed site. 3. A detailed landscape plan shall be approved by the City staff, and an ade- quate bond shall be provided and not released until one year after the landscaping has been completed. 4. A planned development agreement shall be prepared and approved by the City of Eagan prior to any construction on the site. 5. The plat shall be subject to Dakota County Plat Commission and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, because the proposed site abuts County and State rights -of -way. 6. 3 tot lots shall be provided within the development, and an adequate bond shall be posted to insure the installation. 7. The developer shall provide garages for all the single family clustered units as shown on the site plan. The developer shall also provide one garage space and one parking space for each one of the condominium units within the proposed development. The developer shall also provide z parking space in reserve for each condominium unit. When developed, the City will have the authority to require the developer to install that 1 space per unit if needed. 8. The planned development should be for a maximum of six years, and if the planned development is approved, the underlining zoning should be removed and have an agricultural base. DCIVj ac • • CITY OF EAGAN ZACHMAN HOMES APPLICATION FEBRUARY 24, 1981 PAGE THREE ENGINEERING REC'OM1ENDATIONS 1. A minimum 75 -foot half right- of-way must be dedicated adjacent to Cliff Road. 2. An 80 -foot internal right - of-way must be dedicated for the proposed Sunset Drive. 3. The cost of over - sizing the residential street of Sunset Drive be the re- sponsibility of this development. 4. The proposed onsite drainage and ponding area must be enlarged to incorpor- ate a minimum of 9.0 acre feet storage capacity. 5. The construction of Sunset Drive to its ultimate design width must be comr pleted prior to, or coincident with the second phase development. 6. An 8 -foot bituminous trailway must be constructed adjacent to the south boundaries of this plat along Cliff Road. TAC /jac TO: PLANNING COAM C/O DALE C. RUNKLE, CITY PLANTER FROM: THOMAS A. COLBEIT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 1981 RE: PRELIMINARY PLAT - CINNAMON RIDGE Public Works Department has the following co mments to offer for consideration of the preliminary plat application: UTILITIES Trunk sanitary sewer of sufficient capacity to handle this development was recently installed under the new Cedar Avenue Freeway to the east boundary of this proposed plat. In order for the entire 72 acres to drain into this trunk sanitary sewer, additional fill would have to be placed in the northwest corner of this proposed plat to provide the proper elevations for gravity -flow sewer system. Consequently, the developer is proposing to drain the northwestern portion of this plat into the v existing sewer of River Hills 9th Addition. This sewer is part the Burnsville t on February 24, sewer collection system. Prior to the Planning Commission Meeting a meeting will have been held with the Engineering Department of the City of Burns - as it pertains to handling this addi- ville to review existing available capacity not available, tional sewer flow from this proposed development. If the pi is t sent av a lab the developer will have to perform whatever grading is necessary en- tire 72 acres with the existing trunk sanitary sewer under the new Cedar Avenue Freeway. Trunk watermain facility is available at the south end of this proposed develop- ment of sufficient size and capacity to handle the proposed densities. It is anticipated that an interconnection with the Burnsville water supply system will be performed with the development of this plat to insure emergency water supply should either system fail. This interconnection will be valved off to eliminate any daily cross -flow of water supply. GRADING AND DRAINAGE The general topography of the land provides for drainage from south to north. Under the City's Crehensive Storm Sewer Plan, the City had proposed a ponding area within the NSP easement along the northern edge of this plat. However, during the construction of several homes in the River Hills 9th Additions on south side of Clark Street, we have not been able to reserve the required capacity necessary to handle drainage from these 72 acres. Consequently, the developer is proposing to create an onsite ponding area in the northwest corner of his plat to handle the majority of the drainage. This pond would then have an outlet to the existing limited drainage basin within the NSP easement. This existing drainage basin has recently had a positive storm sewer outlet installed during Decembe r of 1980. However, the proposed onsite ponding area within this ci ty subdivision provides for approximately 5.7 acre feet of storage capa ty- This pond will have to be enlarged to provide for a minimum 9.0 acre feet of storage. Developer has provided a plan to control erosion during the grading construction activity of this development. • • CITY OF EAGAN CINNAMON RIDGE - PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FEBRUARY 19, 1981 PAGE TWO EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY Although MnDOT acquired additional right- of-way adjacent to Cliff Road as a part of their new Cedar Avenue Freeway, additional right - of-way will have to dedica- ted to provide for a 75 -foot half right - of-way along Cliff Road. Adequate ponding easements will have to be dedicated upon the determination of the final configuration and elevation of the onsite ponding system. All other normal drainage and utility Pasements over common property lines will required as usual. STREETS The proposed street layout provides for 3 cul-de -sacs. The westerly cul -de -sac (Cinnamon Circle) is unavoidable due to existing topography and the vacation of the previous dedicated stub street fran Burnsville to its west property line. The two northerly cul -de -sacs are necessary due to the required ponding area in the northwest corner, and the location of the Northern Natural Gas easement which prohibits a possible realignment of the proposed Metcalf Drive. All internal streets will have a 60 -foot dedicated right- of-way common to normal residential street design. However, Sunset Drive is anticipated to be the major access street for this subdivision onto Cliff Road. Its location is designed to be opposite the existing frontage road on the southside of Cliff Road. It is anticipated that as future traffic volumes warrant it, a signalized inter- section will be created at this location. Because this is anticipated to be the major focal point for traffic distribution for this plat, an 80 -foot right -of- way will be required for Sunset Drive fran Cliff Road to Cinnamon Trail to pro- vide for a 48 -foot minor collector street. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS The single family cluster have concept is a new one within the City of Eagan. It provides for a series of private drives providing access to the several individual homes. This appears to be similar to the existing townhome concept with the exception that individual units are not attached to each other. We understand that a similar hander's association would be formed between the affected single family properties to insure proper maintenance and accessibility to the individual units. The engineering department has no technical objections to this new concept. Except for the layout design of these cluster hares, it appears to be similar to the recently approved Ridgecliffe 3rd and 4th Additions. I will be available to discuss in further detail any concerns pertaining to joint use of utilities with the City of Burnsville or any other aspect of this report at the Planning Commission Meeting of February 24, 1981. Respectful y submitted, arras A. Colbert, P.E. Director of Public Works TAC /jac So, , • EXISTING CONDITIONS • The existing conditions both internal and external to any site tend to define the framework in which its development will eventually occur. In particular these conditions may significantly enhance future develop- ment or in some cases create constraints which require unique design treatment to resolve. The primary conditions which affect the future development design of Cinnamon Ridge are as follows: Environmental Factors: 1) Soils: The predominant soil types common to this geographic portion of the Eagan /Burnsville area consist of DesMoines Clayey glacial till and Superior sandy till. Both soil types have the general characteristic of moderate load bearing capacity and as such, present little, if any, constraint to development with light footing loads. 2) Tree Massings: Natural tree massings are relatively scarce on the subject property, with their existance being confined primarily to the few low areas of the site and along the site's southern & northern borders. 3) Topography: The land form of the site can best be described as rolling, though with a general downward slope from South to North. More specifically the high point elevation on the South portion of the site is 92 feet higher than the low elevation along the site's northern border. The site has a slight bowl shape from east to west preventing complete exposure to the new Cedar freeway on the east. 4) Gas Line: A 70 foot wide Natural Gas line easement traverses the northern portion of the site. This easement represents a significant design constraint as the shallow depth restrictions of the 16 inch gas line controls the grading flexibility over nearly one -half of the site. Beyond the obvious visual effects of the easement on subdivision layout it should also be noted that the grading restrictions indirectly create effects on house style choice, sewer feasibility, storm sewer design, etc. Land Use /Zoning As there is no formal interim land use for the subject site (such as agriculture) the discussion of existing land use conditions is confined solely to the factors of surrounding land use. As noted on the following exhibit surrounding uses consist of low density residential to the north and west of the site and non - residential land uses (commercial) to the east of the site. While undeveloped at this time, the property • to the south of the site is proposed as a mixture of residential and non - residential land use. 2 As noted above the existing zoning for the site would permit construction of two family dwellings and three story apartments at normal density ranges resulting in roughly 650 dwelling units for a gross density of 9 dwelling • units per acre. This intensity of development would be characterized as moderate overall and fairly compatible with surrounding land use intensities given the configuration of the two zoning districts. c Existing zoning of the subject site is divided between R -2 (medium density) and R -4 (high density) residential districts. The division line runs north /south through the site and cuts the site roughly in half.(Exhibit B) An analysis of the zoning ordinance provisions as they relate to the development potential of the site is outlined below: Zoning Site Ordinance Probable Total District Acreage Permitted Density Range * Density * Unit Potential R -2 40 Acres 3 -6 du /acre 5 du /acre 200 R -4 32 Acres 12 -22 du /acre 14 du /acre 448 * The Eagan Zoning Ordinance allows certain densities based upon the specific type of actual building. The probable densities indicated and used for actual calculation of unit potential provide a more specific reflection of the type of development which would be common to Eagan. 4 Total dwelling units 648 • EXHI R 1'r "„ E XISTitJ6 - ) ZoNitsICI • Transportation • Existing transportation conditions undoubtedly have the greatest impact upon the site. Directly to the east of the site is the new Cedar Freeway (Trunk Highway 77) which when complete will carry over 50,000 cars per day. The new freeway is four lane divided, with restricted access. Posted speed limits will be 55 MPH. Cliff Road is an overpass intersection with new Cedar incorporating a diamond interchange. Cliff Road, itself, is another high volume traffic carrier with nearly 10,400 average trips per day currently (at the Burnsville /Eagan border). The capacity of Cliff Road according to the Dakota County Highway Department, is just over 25,000 ADT which could be reached easily by the end of this decade. The interchange at Cliff & new Cedar will assist greatly in funneling traffic, which will, in turn, make it a more attractive route and consequently raise the traffic volumes on Cliff Road. The status of both new Cedar and Cliff Road are of major significance to the site in that no direct access is permitted from new Cedar and access from Cliff Road is carefully controlled to protect its functional capability. On the north end of the site one unimproved stub access street exists from River Hills 9th Addition and on the site's western border one improved stub access street exists, permitting interconnection from an established Burnsville neigh- borhood. While access to the site is constrained, it appears adequate for moderate intensity uses. The connection points from the existing neighborhoods of Eagan & Burnsville could serve to allow additional means of access for those neighborhoods and would likely assist in improving emergency vehicle access. • Since the most direct access to a major road (Cliff Road) occurs on the site, neither neighborhood interconnection point would improve access for traffic occuring on the site and thus would not likely be chosen as a practical means of access to or from the site. From a negative standpoint the proximity to the two major transportation routes (new Cedar & Cliff Road), raises significant concerns over land use com- patibility and the capacity to absorb negative impacts. One of the most common negative by products from high volume transportation corridors is noise. So significant is this concern that we now have noise walls constructed along our freeways through most of the metropolitan area. In addition, unremedied noise issues create substantial marketing problems which can result in FHA /VA mortgage insurance rejection . Utilizing the Housing & Urban Development (FHA) noise standards and formulas the noise impacts on the site can be assessed. The following map (Exhibit C) illustrates the decibel level projected for various areas of the site. As can be noted from Exhibit C four points adjacent to new Cedar & Cliff were analized for c noise impact. In each case noise levels exceeded the Federal maximum standards (65 DBL) and thus, in each location special noise treatment will be required to create a compatible environment for residential use of the site. 6 • • • t KAY aQLi bit r rOU 0142.0.SuveMer1-1- H i►'t-4- 1 X14. 18tT 11otse. Ni s 1_ The conceptual graphic below illustrates the relationship between the site and i its surroundings as regards impact levels on the site and the capacity of various types of land use to absorb those impacts. • Lout TvnFna 4- ‘ 8 4+19h zmpetc-+ fee As illustrated, the north and west portion of the site receives little, if any,impact and thus, lower intensity land uses are fully appropriate. Since the east and south portion of the site are subjected to high level impacts, land uses must be of higher intensity with greater capacity to absorb those impacts. It should be noted however, that nothing short of high intensity land uses have the ability to absorb the impact levels anticipated and thus, filters must be employed. The two most common types of impact filters are berms (or walls) when topography permits, or utilization of land uses which are less sensitive to high impact and as such, become a barrier or impact filter themselves. The subject site has topography which lends itself to berms along the north and central eastern boundary but not along the south eastern edge or southern boundary (adjacent Cliff Road). Two conceptual cross sections below illustrate these two distinct topographic conditions: • � mpac+ ScOWt.B use filFer 9 As can be seen in Cross - Section B a noise wall of equal height to the structure being protected would remedy the noise problem. However, the existance of the noise wall itself creates negative impacts of a visual nature. Accordingly in this situation the impact filter should be comprised of a less sensitive land use type which can absorb the high impacts, shelter 111 the adjoining lower intensity uses and promote a compatible environment internally on the site. • • Land Use s SUBDIVISION DESIGN RESPONSE As is always true in any design effort, the first step involves defining the parameters or constraints to which the design must respond. The constraints which affect the subject site were discussed in the previous portion of this report (EXISTING CONDITIONS) and are summarized for easy reference below: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reponding to these constraints in a fashion which eliminates the concerns of all interested parties is perhaps the greatest design challenge and as such, is rarely, fully achieved. The design response for Cinnamon Ridge however, represents a highly successful effort in weighing the constraints and providing solutions of equal sensitivity to divergent interests. The breakdown of proposed land use for the site (low to mid density) (low to mid density) (mid density) (low intensity) PRIMARY DESIGN CONSTRAINTS Negative impacts (noise, light, etc.) Access Constraints Density graduation requirement (Zoning) Surrounding land use sensitivity Service facility constraints Storm water ponding needs Gas line location & elevation constraints Marketability concerns FHA /VA Mortgage Insurance acceptance NSP powerline design impacts Single Family Cluster Homes Twin Homes 8 -unit Condominiums Office Commercial Street ROW Single Family Cluster Homes Twin Homes 8 Unit Condominium 12 is as follows: 12.75 acres 12.82 acres 25.61 acres 12.33 acres 8.89 acres Total 72.40 acres The proposed corresponding unit count and commercial coverage is as follows: 64 Units 66 Units 248 Units Total 378 Units Office Commercial square footage 93,000 sq. ft. To complete the discussion of general land use, a more specific; discussion of proposed construc.tibn type and style is appropriate. The following discussion will attempt to outline some exciting new concepts in practical priced housing and office construction which respond to land use compatibility concerns with greater sensitivity than most traditional approaches 1) Residential - Single family home cluster: the single family home cluster design represents a direct and unique response to certain housing concerns expressed by prospective home buyers over the past few years. o Traditional single family homes are no longer affordable to the majority of first home buyers. o Many home buyers want greater separation between their unit and others due to sound control problems, loss of views and general lack of privacy concerns. o Many house buyers viewing the quadriminium as the only housing cost alternative, are discouraged with the lack of outdoor private living spaces and general loss of functional open spaces. o Many home buyers choosing alternative housing styles are greatly dissatisfied with the view orientation where the "corner lot" is truely surrounded with asphalt. o Many home buyers are looking for housing styles which have more distinctive character in their exterior appearance. The evolution of the "Cluster" concept came about due principally to a growing recognition that the cost of traditional single family housing would soon eliminate the market segment being sought. However, while a medium density, lower cost housing • product would respond to this primary buyer concern, the appearance of growing market resistance to traditional mid - density housing types suggested that the current solution was not universally accepted. The land use plan as shown on Exhibit E & F illustrates the techniques utilized in achieving a compatible relationship between internal site uses and external land uses. Low to mid density single family home Clusters were located adjacent the site's western boundary to provide a continuation of the single family character. Two family homes (twin homes) were proposed primarily in the north western portion of the site abutting a large open space area comprised of proposed ponding and powerline easement. This lower density character and surro unding open spacq acting as a buffer) is intended to smooth the transition to the single family home character existing to the north. The two above mentioned housing styles (single family home cluster and twin homes) combine to form the lower density "protective barrier" which wraps around the north and west borders of site buffering all surrounding low density land uses from the medium dermi ty uses proposed in the eastern interior of the site. The site's eastern portion is proposed as a combination of mid - density residential housing in a small condominium building format (8 unit buildings) and low intensity office commercial located in the site's south eastern extremity. These uses will provide buffering to the north and western portions of site by utilizing impact filters or, in the case of the office commercial, by acting as the impact filter itself. 13 • • L c / viii5t'r % a+ r Losoia VSE p t1 • • • - S‘cw•c...H FlevAINI rr �,,. one ricx �i in individual unit appearance. With the ability to combine different shapes and sizes of units within the cluster, a far more distinctive and interesting "street scene" can be created. Fortunately, it is the elimination of another buyer concern (lack of choice in unit style) which brings about this positive result. The Single Family "Cluster" can best be characterized as low to mid - density cluster format, where each cluster contains four units surrounding a common private driveway. The common bond in each cluster is created through the jointly used driveway, common exterior finish appearance, and private patio system, which allows for the incorporation of spaces between units to be utilized as additional functional, living area. As can be noted on the site plan, these private patio living spaces created a continuation of living space, such that the cluster takes on the character of one continuous building designed in a horseshoe shape around the common driveway. The units contained in each "Cluster" vary in size, shape and style. While it is our intention to allow the prospective home buyer flexibility in unit choice within a given cluster, we feel that the typical purchase mixture of units may be comprised of (1) one bedroom split level, (2) two bedroom split level and (1.) one or two bedroom two story units. As noted on the site plan, each unit will have a two car attached garage. Not unlike the traditional townhouse format all "Clusters" are proposed to be joined under a singular home owner's association, which would provide for all landscape grounds maintenance, trash removal and snow plowing, etc. As future phases of the overall project are completed each new phase would be annexed to the existing home owner's association. 2) Residential - twin home: The individually owner occupied twin homes are specificially tailored to bridge the gap between the more expensive single family homes and the less expensive Condominium housing format. The twin home offers the benefits of substantial privacy inherently found in a single family home, while providing significiant savings gained through land development efficiency. The Twin home will be available in a variety of styles; including split levels and tuckunders. 3) Residential - Coach Home (8 -unit Condominium): The Coach homes represent the newest addition to Zachman Homes'residential home product line. The Coach home is characterized as a two story 8 unit structure offering both at grade and second story homes. This concept currently represents the most contemporary design in for sale (owner occupied) multifamily housing, as it successfully accomplishes design and cost objectives heretofore unmet in traditional single family, townhome, and condominium apartment projects. More specifically, the coach home design simultaneously offers: o Cost /price ecomonomies gained through building construction and land development efficiency, having greater similarity to moderate density apartment style development. o Small building_mass and greater privacy than typical condominium apartment projects. o All corner units (no inside units) with unobstructed views, similar to the Quadrimiunium concept. • o Separate, private entryways for all units as compared to the common entry foyer typical of condominium apartments. 16 t o Limited common area and facilities to minimize the association maintenance concerns typically found with condominium apartments. The Coach home units will be available in 1 & 2 bedroom floor plans ranging from 700 to 1,000 square feet of living area. Off street parking will be provided in detached garages accomodating at least one space of the two proposed spaces per unit. Illustrations of the various ZACHMAN HOMES, INC. house plans and elevations are included as_an appendix to this report. 4) Commercial - Office court style : The basic design philosophy for the office commercial portion of the sites, is that of creating a low intensity, resi- dentially compatible use, which both compliments and protects the site. To accomplish this objective best, well landscaped, one story office buildings, clustered into a "park -like "courtyard atmosphere are proposed. Preservation and enhancement of open space is key to the design philosphy for this type of office building concept. Transportation The overall design for internal site circulation involves making the best use of what is available. As mentioned in the previous discussion on existing transportation conditions, the site's access is primarily confined to Cliff Road. Existing connection points to the north and west can be used to improve access for emergency vehicles (and some cases improve access for adjacent neighborhoods by permitting a short cut through the site to Cliff Road), though would serve little function in improving access to and from the subject site. To accomplish adequate circulation and minimize any conflict from distinct land use types, two basic design solutions were employed: street looping (permits routing choice , and divides traffic) and segregation of primary office access from residential circulation. Due to concerns raised over the amount and placement of access to Cliff Road, one solution which would minimize traffic impact on Cliff and yet meet the circu- lation needs for the sites, would be to consider a right turn in and out restriction on the western access point with Cliff Road. Service Facilities As currently proposed, the utilities for the site would utilize the available systems directly provided by the City of Eagan and to a very limited degree, sewer provided by the City of Burnsville through Eagan (River Hills 9th Addition). Questions of sewer capacity, etc, need to be analyzed by both cooperating cities in the near future. The proposed water system is independent of Burnsville and utilizes internal looping to minimize "end of system" concerns. The storm sewer system follows the natural grade direction (northward) and includes a new primary ponding system to assist in meeting the additional storage needs beyond the avail- able storage capacity in the existing ponding facility. (north boundary) 17 Open Space & Recreational Facilities Based upon the existance of active park and open space facilities in near proximinity to the site, park dedication requirements are proposed to be fulfilled in the form of cash contribution . This point has been discussed with Eagan City Staff and appears to be consistant with City long range park planning efforts. Private recreational facilities of a tot lot nature are envisioned for the Coach Home area on the eastern side of the site. These facilities, while privately owned and maintained could accomodate the potential needs of the entire site popu -_ lation. The limited nature of our proposed children oriented recreational facilities is due in part to our past experience with buyer family profiles and as well, with the known experiences of other builders. The proposed plan provides for construction of three distinct styles of homes oriented towards three distinct market segments. Based upon our recent experience in single family cluster sales we find that our average buyer is best characterized as a two & one half member family. Accordingly, we would anticipate a total single family cluster population of approximately 160 persons (64 units). As the average age of our typical home buyer tends to be less than 30 years old, the associated school age population is far less than the anticipated total number of children. A reasonable estimate would appear to be .3 school children per household or a total projected school age population of 19 attributed to the single family portion of the development. The market segment choosing twin homes can be differentiated from single family cluster residents by family size and corresponding composition. Twin home residents typically have smaller families and correspondingly less children. We would antici- pate approximately 2 persons per household with roughly .1 school children per family. This estimate suggests a twin home population of 132 persons (66 units), including approximately 7 school children. Finally, the market segment which has historically choosen a condominium is comprised of retired couples, "empty nesters ", young singles and young married couples without children. Based upon the marketing experiences in other similar projects, we would estimate a condominium population of roughly 1.7 persons per unit. This estimate suggests a total condominium population of 422 persons. Any school children population included in this total is expected to be negligible. In conclusion, the overall population of the total site is estimated to be roughly 714 persons including 26 school children. Phasing The proposed project is envisioned to be a 4 to 6 year development process. As noted on the following exhibit G , the four phases would begin with the South western portion of the site and follow in a clockwise manner leaving the for south eastern corner as the last phase. This phasing scheme is mandated by the fee owner of the site as a purchase contract obligation. It should be noted however, that the clockwise phasing scheme provides the best protection to surrounding land uses by creating the protective barrier as the first step. 18 • • n ml < A 1 r -- 1 1 t -J k -- 1; Ii • • 1. 'may �• • • MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION RE: 1981 OBJECTIVES March 1981 Attached are the objectives the Committee has been discussing for several months. Because of the lateness of the last meeting, you are now being asked to rank each objective from the most important to the least impor- tant - - 1 -2 -3 -4 and so forth. Please do your ranking prior to the meeting. These rankings will be recorded prior to the "call to order" and a composite ranking reached. With the composite rankings, assignments of "who ", "when" and "how" to proceed can be made when this item is discussed as part of the regular agenda. a) cd • r• K v a) .o cH 0 ¢ c-• o E •-4 0 a) .a a) b >. 0 0 0 • 0 a) •r+ •-4 U "O 4i O 4H N a) ci a 4) a) 0 cn Fa z N 00 0 a) 0 • •H F4 O a) Fi 0 a) O cd d cd 0 K •-4 O 0 K cd 0 'C U a) • >, 4 O U U (1.) 0 a) 0 cd a) 0 + ) •r 44 E 41 • cd O +-) U 0 •-4 0 r--4 a) • + +-) Hi F•+ O cd a a) a) E +- 4.4 4-I cd +) r-1 00 o b4 UD 0 a) +) • -4 4-4 • c d O + U 0 cd cd 4-4 0 •r-4 •-4 0 N cd a) 4i •b N 0 • • • 0 CD 0 r 0 CD V 0 w (D u. SD co t-+ ...' CD r+ 1 to 0 H. r+ a cn O 0 r+ In to 0 O to N 1-11 r. o Q. Pi CD t:3 ti • . K (D M 0 m r+ • CD rt r• O 0 (D to 0 1-+ CO 00 tV 0 m 0 0 CD 0 co CD 0 n 0 0 • CD a I w H. 0 r+ 0 0 tr v. CD C) r • CD •J n 0 rt. 0 • MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DOROTHY PETERSON, RECREATION PROGRAMMER RE: SUMMER PLAYGROUND The department has begun planning its summer playground program. And, while doing so has recognized a need to make more than just a few minor or elementary program adjustments if the City is to optimize the benefits of a playground program. In terms of staff time, budgetary committement and numbers of children served, the summer playgrounds, more than any other program could be considered the heart of the Park and Recreation Department's programs. And, with the addition of the playwagon, the opportunity exists to extend activities throughout the City to other neighborhoods. Because the playground program is such a significant program, its important that the staff and Advisory Committee review this at least on a biannual basis. GOALS: The goals and objectives that have been developed by the Park and Recreation • Department staff for summer playgrounds are: Goal: To provide traditional playground activities for children in the City of Eagan. Objectives: 1. Staffing of each site should provide a balance of skills, within the leaders. Experience in working with children, creativity, flexibility, background in children's games, make believe and knowledge of crafts, etc. is of primary importance. 2. To select sites for playgrounds that provide adequate facilities for the activities. 3. To select sites for playgrounds adjacent to neighborhoods in which numerous children of the age group served reside. 4. To provide creative programming so that activities are fresh and innovative from year to year. Goal: To provide on going evaluation of playground sites, activities, staff and the attainment of objectives. Objectives: 1. Monitor attendance and participation of children in activities. • 2. Observe the activities planned by staff. 3. Evaluate the playground staff in terms of creativity, interaction with the children, enthusiasm, etc. 4. Evaluate program content to determine whether emphasis is static • • Summer Playground - Memo Page 2 March 1981 or has direction; is repetitious or creative; has quality or merely quantity. The goals and objectives are the frame work by which the department attempts to plan for, program for and make decisions by giving direction to the program. Playground Locations: Generally, playground locations need not actually take place at a designated park. However, sites should provide some basic elements that can add to or enhance the program. An open play field, shade, water, etc. are important elements when considering which site /playground can support a program. Because the City of Eagan does not have as many developed parks as other communities, these elements play a lesser role in the selection of sites for the playground program. Summer Playground Sites: In addition to the physical elements that can enhance or detract from a playground, staff reviews past attendance /participation records to keep abreast of any trend that may be developing. For instance, in 1977 the median age of the children attending "Summer in the Park" at Pilot Knob School was almost 10 years of age. In another year's time the older children no longer came in large numbers and with fewer younger children registered, the numbers in attendance were too few to justify the program. At Woodhaven, on the other hand, the median age in 1977 was 8 years of age, yet in 1980 it was not yet 9; new children continue to join while the older children continue to participate. The attached chart gives the median age, average daily attendance and number of 6 year olds for each playground site since 1977. Staff will continue to review registration /attendance records annually to help make a determination concerning possible site changes. However, caution must be exercised. Neighborhoods do change and other factors do come into play which can affect both registration and attendance. One of which is staff. Staff: Playground leaders play a significant role in the success of the summer playgrounds and participation of children. Their enthusiasm, creativity, ingenuity and flexibility are factors to which the children respond. This human factor is difficult to pre- determine. Some summer staff leaders may be too structured and attendance falls; other leaders whose skills in games, crafts etc. are limited, approach the children in such a positive manner that attendance remains high, and yet other leaders who have worked at two playground sites may be able to "reach" one set of children but not the other. This could result from one playground being predominantly younger children, the other basically an older group and a cause for attendance to rise or fall. The department attempts to secure as high a quality of leader as possible. It appears as this has been the case in 1980. If the department is to be able to continue to do this, in future years competitive compensation will be necessary. Budgetary increase for this must be considered. Program Content: Certainly not the least of the programming factor is the content of the program. Crafts, games, arts, drama, athletic activities, etc. need to be offered in balance. • • • Summer Playground - Memo Page 3 March 1981 Not only must activities be offered in balance but they need to be "fresh,' fun, and promote interaction between the different participants at the playground. Summation /Recommendation: Staff has only briefly touched upon the many factors that emphasize the site selection, staffing, program content etc., that is considered in developing the summer playground program. Although the budget was not touched upon, the playground program is not any different than any program in that "if there were more money we could do more." What needs to be recognized is that a "restructuring and revitalization" of program needs to be undertaken periodically to insure that each dollar spent is maximized. Future budget requests can then be better justified and better understood. Therefore the following is proposed for 1981: Proposed "Summer in the Park" sites: 1. Woodhaven 2. Rahn 3. Evergreen 4. Carnelian 5. Oak Chase Proposed Playwagon Sites: 1. South Oaks 2. Lexington 3. Bur Oaks 4. River Hills 9 from the crafts emphasis of previous a weeks' time will be encouraged rather 1. Program content will shift away years. Group projects covering than a daily item to take home. 2. More activity will be provided believe, creative games, large and inexpensive special events. 3. Staffing patterns will be kept flexible. Some playgrounds may receive one aid, others two, perhaps even three if attendance and circumstances require. 4. The hours for "Summer in the Park" will remain 1:00 -4:00 P.M., four days a week. 5. The opportunity exists for the playwagon to be out both mornings and afternoons, for a 2 to 22 hour block of time at each site. 9:30 A.M. - noon; 1:00 P.M. -3:30 P.M. in areas such as story telling, make and small group games, weekly themes 5. Cedar Pond 6. Country Home Heights 7. Highview 8. Pilot Knob Note: Bur Oaks, Lexington and Cedar School are the Summer in the Park sites pro- posed to be dropped. All three neighborhoods have matured, the median age in 1981 would be 10. The number of 6 year olds at each site is significantly smaller than at the other 3 playground sites. The proposed changes can be accomplished within the existing budget. Other modifications could increase the budget beyond that which has been authorized. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed changes should be implemented in 1981. Summer Playground - Memo Page 4 March 1981 • Growth and development within the City signals change and the playgrounds provide a service to the residents, old and new alike, • • Action to be Considered: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee is asked to review this data and provide input. Staff will be present to answer any questions or provide additional data if needed. Pilot Knob 9 33 15 9 20 10 Cedar 8 19 22 i 8 30 14 missing 9 17 11 Rahn 8 25 14 8 22 12 9 21 8 8 21 24 Bur Oaks 8 20 7 8 22 10 8 24 6 9 15 5 Lexington 9 24 5 9 25 6 10 23 6 9 12 4 Woodhaven 8 33 30 8 20 18 8 30 21 8 39 31 Evergreen 8 26 8 37 27 8 20 22 • Cry Home Heights South Oaks Oak Chase Highview • SITE MED. AGE 1977 AVE. ATT. ATTENDANCE PATTERNS 1978 1979 1980 # 6 yr. MED. AVE. # 6 yr. MED. AVE. # 6yr. MED. AVE. # 6 yr. OLDS AGE ATT. OLDS AGE ATT. OLDS AGE ATT. OLDS 9 12 4 7 13 2 8 18 7 8 11 8 • • • MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: TEEN PROGRAM Background: On July 31, 1980, the "Teen Program" offered by the department was discontinued. As members may recall, there was some discussion of this at an Advisory Committee meeting. There were no serious problems with the program - other than very poor attendance. Despite leader enthusiasm and attempts at various program ideas, sufficient attention to justify the continuation of the program could not be generated. Consequently, the pro- gram was discontinued. Issues /Opportunities: Many communities have /or attempted various types of teen programming. Like Eagan, many communities have not been able to sus- tain a successful teen program for an extended number of years. Staff has only had an opportunity to review in a preliminary manner the reason for success and failure of these programs Each community does have unique qualities which lend to or can detract from a teen program. Eagan does have easily identifiable problems which make a City wide teen program difficult to implement. The most obvious of these are: 1. Lack of a suitable facility. 2. Three school districts; not contingent with the City of Eagan's boundaries. 3. The large size of the community in terms of square miles. Although there are problems, this does not mean that alternative types of teen programming can't be successful if there is genuine interest in pro- viding a program for teens. Staff is currently planning its Summer program offerings, and at this time, is not planning any separate program for teens. Rather, the department would encourage the Advisory Committee to establish a task /study committee to review the need, problems, and alternatives to a teen program. Although the Advisory Committee has placed the study of the teen program on its 1981 objectives, the department wished to make the Advisory Committee aware of the fact that programming for teens is not now in the offering, and to en- courage the establishment of the study group to pursue alternatives. • • MEMO TO: ADVISORY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FROM: KEN VRAA, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION RE: JOINT CITY COUNCIL /ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING March 1981 At the last Advisory meeting, the Chairman was asked to submit the draft of the Bicycle Trails Plan to the City Council. A copy of the letter which went with the draft to the Council is attached. It was also suggested that a meeting with the Council, to discuss the Trails Plan and learn of their concerns, should be held. The City Council has agreed to meet with the Committee on Thursday, March 19th at 7:00 P.M. The Chairman would like to discuss with the members other important park and recreation items which should appear on the agenda with the Council. A concise format will facilitate the meeting and make effective use of the time the Council will spend with the Committee. Therefore, members should again review items that have been suggested as important discussion items these past meetings. The Chairman will then work with the other officers of the Committee to de- velop a complete agenda prior to the March 19th meeting. • February 13, 1981 The Honorable Mayor and City Council 3795 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 Dear Mayor and Council: On behalf of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Committee, I'm forwarding for your review and comment a copy of the draft plan entitled: Eagan Bicycle Trails Plan. As you are aware a sub - committee of the Advisory Committee, the entire Advisory Committee, and City staff have been drafting this plan for several months. Numerous meetings, beginning with the establishment of the goals and objectives to be achieved, have been held. Research into what other communities are doing and contact with State and County agencies to insure co- ordination has been made in order to complete this draft plan. The Advisory Committee is confident that, when reviewed and accepted by the City, this plan can become the core of the overall City trails plan. The bike trails plan is as complex and difficult to prepare and plan for as any structure. Like a water and sewer system, it must be put in before residential and commercial growth occurs rather than after. Time, growth, and development, does not allow a "second chance" to implement a trails pro- gram for "some time in the future." Because of this the bicycle trails program anticipates where and when development will be occuring during the next five years. And to show how the plan might be accomplished before development occurs to such an extent that a total bikeway plan becomes impossible to implement. The Advisory Committee recognizes that certain issues warrant further discussion. Therefore, the Committee wishes to bring to the Council's attention that section of the plan dealing with funding - Page 6 through 8; and that portion dealing with the type of trails on minor collector streets in the recommendation section - Page 49. The Advisory Committee would hope that the Council will review this draft plan and make its comments known to the committee. To accomplish this, the Advisory Committee would like to meet with the City Council in a joint session to discuss this draft plan, as well as other issues pertaining to Parks and Recreation within Eagan. cc: Parks and Recreation Members Tom Hedges, City Administrator Ken Vraa, Director of Parks F, Recreation Respectfully submitted, ■44. G1J (1 - 1-k.-4 -r- Roger Martin Chairman, Advisory Park $ Recreation Committee