2004-08-17 Preliminary Plat AppMINNESOTA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY L.L.C.
August 17, 2004
NORTHWESTASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555
St. Louis Park MN.
55416
Dear Alan Brixius:
We are submitting this letter with our preliminary plat application to cover some of the issues that have
been verbally discussed.
One of the issues is that we have home sites that are of an irregular shape. We also have variable front
yard setbacks and reduced lot line setbacks. I understand the city is concerned with the management of this
process. Especially during the building permit process. "flow can we keep tabs on ninety five home sites with
five different builders and make sure everyone gets it right?" Our plan is to create a form that very simply lays
out each home site. Front setback, side yard, building pad depth, and depth to back yard buffer strip. This form
will be included in the developers agreement, association documents, packages to the builders, and lastly to the
building department of Albertville.
:mother point of concern was a few of our back yards are close to the buffer strip. These home sites will
have custom designed homes. The builders will have to put forth the effort of designing a home that fits the
home site and leaves room for decks and play areas. Again these sites will be labeled clearly and included with
all packages. I will note that there are very few of these home sites, and there is a market for buyers that like
natural settings around there home.
The buffer strips and our ability to keep homeowners out of them is yet another issue. I think this is more
of an issue do to the fact that our home sites are sometimes close to said buffer strips. We are handling this by
installing a permanent post and fence system on every lot line at the buffer location. A copy of this plan is
included. We feel this is a very effective deterrent. Also as part of the homeowners association it will be against
the rules. The homeowners' assoc. is strong and can enforce said rules and regs without city involvement.
Last but not least is our availability of open park space. We do recognize that our park space is not exactly
what the city would ask for. As you really look at our project we feel that our other amenities far exceed the
ability to throw a Frisbee. Our park area has incorporated a space for a tot lot, some benches, picnic tables, and
a couple grills. We still have an area for throwing a ball or flying a kite. The tremendous amount of wetlands
and open water are our real features. Over 35 acres of wetland and not just swamp but lake front. Our park was
planed to overlook the lake. Also as you can see it was designed to include the exception at a later date. The
drawing on the exception should be noted as an idea on our part. By no means are we implying that we will buy
and incorporate this into our development.
The main thing we are doing as developers is creating a homeowners association. That is unusual for single
family home sites. We have done this in our other developments. We feel that this is a wonderful tool. An assoc.
does so many things. I will highlight a few that are pertinent to this development. Control and watch dog the
buffer strips. Maintain and upkeep common areas. (Park, walking trails, sidewalks, cul-de-sac circles, berms and
screening, and curbside landscaping) This is very helpful to maintaining a great development. The biggest thing
an assoc. does for the city is create a buffer between the residents and the city staff. Most if not all
communications will travel through the assoc. Lastly an association has real power to enforce rules violations.
Unlike just covenants and restrictions. Our association documents and roles along with home styles will be
open to review by the city staff Finally they can be made part of the developer's agreement.
W
/
I
J
. W
A
i
O
N
/N
m
STREET D
L
W
A
•
p
m
A
tAp A
_
N U
V
� y
V
?
SiREE7
A
.
/
N