2009-11-05 PC Agenda Packet
SPECIAL
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Thursday, November 5, 2009
7:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL – ADOPT AGENDA
2. MINUTES
October 13, 2009 Planning and Zoning Meeting (pages 1-8)
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Guardian Angels of Elk River Elderly Housing PUD Concept Plan (pages 9-19)
4. OTHER BUSINESS
5. ADJOURNMENT
“A quorum of Council members may be present.”
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PLANNING and ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
OCTOBER 13, 2009
Albertville Council Chamber 7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER – ROLL CALL
Chair Leintz called the regular Albertville Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to order at
7:01 p.m.
PRESENT: Chair Sharon Leintz, Commission members Frank Kocon, Robert Olson, Dale
Edgren, and Natalya Lindberg, Council liaison Dan Wagner
ABSENT: none
OTHERS: City Planner Al Brixius, Zoning Administrator/Building Official Jon Sutherland,
and City Clerk/Recording Secretary Bridget Miller
ADOPT AGENDA
Chair Leintz asked for a motion to approve the agenda as amended adding Vice-chair
appointment.
MOTION BY Commission member Kocon, seconded by Commission member Edgren to
approve the Tuesday, October 13, 2009 agenda as amended, which will be scanned and an
electronic copy will be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. Motion carried unanimously.
MINUTES
Chair Leintz asked if there were any changes, additions, or deletions to be made on the
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 regular Planning and Zoning Commission minutes.
MOTION BY Commission member Olson, seconded by Commission member Kocon to
approve the Wednesday, September 9, 2009 regular Planning and Zoning Commission minutes
as presented, which a signed copy will be scanned and an electronic copy will be kept on file in
the office of the City Clerk. Commission members Edgren, Kocon, and Olson voted aye. Chair
Leintz and new Commission member Lindberg abstained. Motion carried.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS REGARDING FRONT YARD SETBACK REDUCTIONS IN
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS; YARD SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS; AND TOWNHOME
REDEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2009-017 ENTITLED AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REQUIRED SETBACKS IN ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS,
EXCEPT THE R-MH DISTRICT (SECTIONS 3250.6; 3300.6; 3400.5; 3500.5; 3600.5; 3800.5;
3900.5; AND 4000.5); AND, ORDINANCE NO. 2009-018 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
THE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO ALLOWED YARD SETBACK ENCROACHMENTS (SECTION
1100.5); AND, PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 2009-019 ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE ADDING
REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE REMODELING, RENOVATION, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO
EXISTING TWO-FAMILY, TOWNHOUSE, QUADRAMINIUM, OR MULTIPLE-FAMILY STRUCTURES
(SECTION 1000.23)
Chair Leintz opened the public hearing at 8:24 p.m.
City Planner Brixius started with the fact that a resident submitted a Building Permit for an
addition to the front entrance of the house. As the permit was reviewed it was discovered that
the addition encroaches on the front-yard setbacks. Staff presented the first draft of an
Ordinance amendment at the September meeting. Staff has incorporated the comments of the
Commission in a second draft of the Ordinance amendment.
Brixius went over the proposed front and side yard setback reductions, which the proposed
amendment reduces the front yard setbacks in all residential districts with the exception to 30
feet for all single-family and two-family dwellings, while maintaining a 35-foot setback for all
other dwelling units excluding multiple-family units, elderly housing, or nursing homes. By
reducing the front yard setback to 30 feet still allows sufficient room for two (2) vehicles to be
parked in a tandem style in the driveway and still remain approximately 10 feet from the street
curb. By setting these setbacks would ensure adequate area for vehicle parking in the driveways
of the dwellings; therefore, alleviating the need for a ‘proof-of-parking’ agreement.
Staff recommends reducing the interior side yard setback from 10 attached garage and 15 interior
side yard to 5 attached garage and 10 interior side yard for single-family homes and twin homes
in the R-2, R-3, and R-4 Zoning Districts.
Brixius continued by reviewing the entryway encroachment ordinance amendment. Language
was added dealing with walks or steps for negotiating ground slopes, retaining walls, terraces,
steps, uncovered porches, and decks, stoops, hedges, and natural growth, or similar features,
provided they do not extend above the height of the first-floor entry of the principal structure or
five (5) feet into the front yard or to a distance less than five (5) feet from any side lot line.
Additional language is being amended regarding front yard encroachments that will read On
detached single-family or duplex dwelling homes constructed prior to January 1, 1989, add-on
entryways may extend into the front yard setback not exceeding five (5) feet and fifty (50) square
feet.
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Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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The last portion being considered for amendment deals with the Townhouse Redevelopment
Standards. It is recommended to add language for maintaining continuity in architectural design
finishes and design features for existing two-family, townhouse, and multiple-family dwellings,
which has been modified slightly. Amended language shall read as follows: Remodeling,
renovation, and improvements to existing structure requirements: any remodeling, renovation, or
improvements to an existing two-family, townhouse, quadraminium or multiple-family structures
shall meet the following requirements:
1. Replicated the original exterior finishes of the building*
2. Compliment the architecture of adjoining attached unit (unless the original approval was
for varying exterior finishes, colors, etc.)
3. Only exterior finishes shall apply to this standard, such as type of finishes, color of
finishes, building materials, siding driveway applications, etc. (garages are next to each
other).
* This requirement shall be waived if a complete renovation of the entire
development/building is being done in cooperation with all owners in the same
development/building.
Chair Leintz asked if any Commission members had questions or concerns regarding the
proposed ordinance amendments related to the required setbacks in all residential zoning
districts, except the R-MH District (Sections 3250.6, 3300.6, 3400.5, 3500.5, 3600.5, 3800.5,
3900.5, and 4000.5); along with the regulations pertaining to allowed yard setback
encroachments (Section 1100.5), and, adding regulations pertaining to the remodeling,
renovation, and improvements to existing two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, or multiple-
family structures (Section 1000.23) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code.
Chair Lenitz inquired about the entryway language to include current terminology dealing with
handicap accessibility ramps. Commission members wanted to know where R-8 Zoning District
is located, which it was very minimal within Albertville. The R-8 Zoning District shall include
an asterisk that refers to an exemption. It was still unclear as to the front entryway language and
how the front yard setback or encroachment dealt with steps leading up to the entrance that is
elevated.
Brixius addressed the concerns of the Commission by suggesting language to deal with the
handicap accessibility language and the front yard encroachment when the font entrance to the
home is elevated.
Chair Leintz asked if there was anyone in the audience that wanted to share comments or
concerns regarding the proposed ordinance amendments related to the required setbacks in all
residential zoning districts, except the R-MH District (Sections 3250.6, 3300.6, 3400.5, 3500.5,
3600.5, 3800.5, 3900.5, and 4000.5); along with the regulations pertaining to allowed yard
setback encroachments (Section 1100.5), and, adding regulations pertaining to the remodeling,
renovation, and improvements to existing two-family, townhouse, quadraminium, or multiple-
family structures (Section 1000.23) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code..
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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There was no one in the audience that wanted to express their views of concerns as it related to
the three Ordinance amendments being proposed.
Chair Leintz closed the public hearing at 8:59 p.m.
After reviewing and discussing the Ordinance Amendment, the following motions were made:
MOTION BY Commission member Edgren, seconded by Commission member Kocon to
approve Ordinance No. 2009-017 entitled an Ordinance Amending the Required Setbacks in all
Residential Zoning Districts, except the R-MH District (Sections 3250.6; 3300.6; 3400.5;
3500.5; 3600.5; 3800.5; 3900.5; and 4000.5, with staff’s recommendations, comments and
concerns from the September 9, 2009 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, to include
language relating to handicap accessibility standards, City Planner’s updated report dated
October 7, 2009, and; contingent upon City Council approval at the November 2, 2009 regular
City Council meeting or a meeting soon thereafter, at which time the Ordinance Amendment will
be presented for Council review and approval. Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION BY Commission member Kocon, seconded by Commission member Olson to
approve Ordinance No. 2009-018 entitled an Ordinance Amending the Regulations Pertaining
to Allowed Yard Setback Encroachments (Section 1100.5), with staff’s recommendations,
comments and concerns from the September 9, 2009 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting,
City Planner’s updated report dated October 7, 2009, and; contingent upon City Council
approval at the November 2, 2009 regular City Council meeting or a meeting soon thereafter, at
which time the Ordinance Amendment will be presented for Council review and approval.
Motion carried unanimously.
MOTION BY Commission member Olson, seconded by Commission member Edgren to
approve Ordinance No. 2009-019 entitled an Ordinance Adding Regulations Pertaining to the
Remodeling, Renovation, and Improvements to Existing Two-Family, Townhouse,
Quadraminium, or Multiple-Family Structures (Section 1000.23), with staff’s recommendations,
comments and concerns from the September 9, 2009 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting,
additional language dealing with handicap accessibility and front entrance encroachment
concerns, City Planner’s updated report dated October 7, 2009, and; contingent upon City
Council approval at the November 2, 2009 regular City Council meeting or a meeting soon
thereafter, at which time the Ordinance Amendment will be presented for Council review and
approval. Motion carried unanimously.
SIGN REGULATION AMENDMENT PROHIBITING LOCATING ADVERTISING DEVICES ON
ROOFTOPS
Chair Leintz opened the public hearing at 9:01 p.m.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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City Planner Brixius updated the Commission members by noting during the recent I-94 land
acquisition study, a discussion ensued regarding the potential of billboards being placed on
rooftops. Following the discussion, staff was directed to draft an ordinance amendment to
address the possibility of billboards being constructed on the tops of buildings.
Staff is recommending amending the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code to prohibit
advertising devices to be placed on top of buildings along the I-94 corridor within the Albertville
city limits.
Chair Leintz asked if any Commission members had questions or concerns regarding the
proposed ordinance amendment, which relates to prohibiting advertising devices on roofs of the
2005 Albertville Municipal City Code Title 10; Chapter 7; Section 6.
There were no comments from the Planning and Zoning Commission members except for ‘let’s
clean it up’.
Chair Leintz asked if there was anyone in the audience that wanted to share comments or
concerns regarding the proposed ordinance amendment that related to prohibiting advertising
devices on roofs of buildings or other structures.
No one in the audience wanted to discuss the prohibition of advertising devices on roofs of
building or other structures along I-94.
Chair Leintz closed the public hearing at 9:03 p.m.
The Planning and Zoning Commission made the following motion:
MOTION BY Commission member Olson, seconded by Commission member Kocon to
approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding Sign Regulation Amendment prohibiting
locating advertising devices on rooftops: proposed Ordinance No. 2009-024 entitled an
Ordinance Amending Title 10 (Building and Development Regulations) Chapter 7 (Sign
Regulations) Section 6 (Advertising Devices) of the 2005 Albertville Municipal City Code
Relating to Prohibiting Advertising Devices on Roofs, with staff’s recommendations, City
Planner’s report dated October 7, 2009 and; contingent upon City Council approval at the
November 2, 2009 regular City Council meeting or a meeting soon thereafter, at which time the
Ordinance Amendment will be presented for Council review and approval. Motion carried
unanimously.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS REGARDING THE NORTHWEST LAND USE STUDY
Chair Leintz opened the public hearing at 7:51 p.m.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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City Planner Brixius informed the Commission that the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in
1996 as a land use and investment guide for future development. The plan serves as the
blueprint for Albertville’s community development. Over the years as the city has grown and
developed Albertville has processed a number of Comprehensive Plan amendments reflective of
the changing economy, available markets, as well as and not limited to the physical changes
within the City.
The intention of the Northwest Land Use Study/Comprehensive Plan Amendment is to re-
examine the land uses, transportation, and utility components to identify the best land use
patterns and highest return on public investment within northwestern Albertville.
Other factors that are initiating the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan are a few road
improvements that will have major influences on the Land Use Study that include:
• CSAH 19/Interstate 94 interchange improvement(s)
• The need for CSAH 19 improvements through 70th Street NE
• Long range planning for Kadler Avenue NE interchange
Chair Leintz asked if any Commission members had questions or concerns regarding the
proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments regarding the Northwest Land Use study.
There were minimal comments from the Commission members.
Chair Leintz asked if there was anyone in the audience that wanted to share comments or
concerns regarding the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments regarding the Northwest
Land Use study.
John Darkenwald, invested part owner of Albertville Business Park Addition, expressed his
concerns and issues related to amending the Comprehensive Plan. Darkenwald felt this is the
direction the City should be heading towards. Mr. Darkenwald shared with the Commission
members that the economy is slowly picking up and he believes that next spring this will really
start to pick and come back hopefully with avenges.
Chair Leintz closed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m.
The Planning and Zoning Commission made the following motion:
MOTION BY Commission member Olson, seconded by Commission member Edgren to
approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendments regarding the Northwest Land Use Study, with
staff’s recommendations, City Planner’s report dated October 8, 2009 and; contingent upon City
Council approval at the November 2, 2009 regular City Council meeting or a meeting soon
thereafter, at which time the Comprehensive Plan Amendment will be presented for Council
review and approval. Motion carried unanimously.
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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OTHER BUSINESS
REVIEW OF OUTDOOR DINING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
City Planner Brixius began the discussion by reminding the Commission that in 2007 Curt
Gentile of Geez Sports Bar submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow
outdoor dining. In 2008, Deb Holm of the 152 Club submitted a Conditional Use Permit for her
establishment. As part of the CUP, the City was going to re-evaluate the need to construct a
fence along the residential border.
Over the past year, the Wright County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Albertville has
received a few comments and complaints from the resident(s) along 57th Street NE that abut the
commercial property. With the comments and complaints staff therefore has brought the two (2)
applications back for re-review and request the two (2) establishments install a fence along their
appropriate property line to screen the commercial from the residential property.
Staff has received copies of police reports against the two (2) establishments. According to the
reports the complaints against Geez Sports Bar has subsided in August 2008; therefore, staff has
concluded that the issues or complaints against Geez Sports Bar have been resolved or are being
managed before they get out of hand.
Staff is recommending installation of a fence by March 2010, which would be in conjunction
with the approval of the Annual Renewal of the Liquor License(s).
Brixius informed the Commission that correspondence was mailed to the two (2) establishments,
in which Mr. Gentile from Geez Sports Bar is present. Although this is not a public hearing it
would be appreciated if the Commission would allow the applicant to speak on the proposed
fence installation.
Curt Gentile of 5788 Main Avenue NE informed the Commission members that he has been the
owner of Geez Sports Bar for approximately seven (7) years. Mr. Gentile has done his best to
keep in touch with the previous owner over the seven (7) years. Gentile reiterated that as the
police reports note there has not been any noise complaints against his establishment for over a
year. Mr. Gentile didn’t feel the noise was coming from either his establishment or the 152
Club; however, did believe it was coming from the Full Moon Saloon. Gentile let the
Commission and staff know that there are no outdoor activities on his establishment. The only
time there is added activity in the outdoor dining area is during the annual Friendly City Days, in
which all three establishments would have higher than normal outdoor activity. As a final note,
Gentile stated that his application did not require the installation of a fence.
There was discussion and confusion as to how the lot lines or the layout of the area was prior to
the Downtown Land Exchange.
MOTION BY Commission member Edgren, seconded by Commission member Kocon to
recommend approval of the Installation of a Fence by March 2010 between the residential
City of Albertville
Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes
September 9, 2009
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property and the commercial per the Outdoor Dining Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) on two (2)
of the Downtown Establishments, with Commission comments to incorporate language for
financial relief for Curt Gentile with Geez Sports Bar because the installation of the fence was
not an original part of his CUP, with City Planner’s report dated October 8, 2009, contingent
upon City Council approval at the November 2, 2009 regular City Council meeting or a meeting
soon thereafter, at which time the review of the Outdoor Dining Conditional Use Permits will be
presented to the Council for review and approval. Motion carried unanimously.
APPOINTMENT OF VICE-CHAIR
Chair Leintz stated that with Commission member Dorenbush’s resignation the Commission no
longer has a Vice-chair; therefore, it appears to be a need to nominate and appoint a new Vice-
chair.
Commission member Edgren nominated Frank Kocon to serve as the Vice-chair.
MOTION BY Commission member Edgren, seconded by Commission member Olson to
appoint Commission member Frank Kocon to serve as the Vice-chair for the remainder of 2009
and the entire year of 2010. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Commission member Olson, seconded by Commission member Edgren to
adjourn the October 13, 2009 regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.
_______________________________________
Bridget Miller, City Clerk/Secretary
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PLANNING REPORT
TO: Larry Kruse
FROM: Alan Brixius
DATE: October 28, 2009
RE: Albertville – Guardian Angels Elderly Housing Concept Plan
FILE NO: 163.06 – 09.08
BACKGROUND
Guardian Angels of Elk River has applied for a PUD concept plan for a large, vacant
parcel of land located at the corner of Kassel Avenue and County Road 18 (historically
referred to as Albert Villas 7th Addition). The 14.5 acre parcel has remained vacant after
the completion of the other Albert Villas additions.
The concept plan, requesting land use and rezoning, is proposing to establish an elderly
housing campus that will provide a variety of elderly housing options and a broad range
of services including:
Congregate Living: This elderly housing option provides for independent living
services and offers age-restricted housing with some limited in housekeeping services
and social programs. The first phase of development is intended to be a 47 unit HUD
senior living complex. This facility will provide affordable housing options to low income
elderly households.
Assisted Living: This housing option provides housing along with housekeeping,
meals and limited nursing services for senior households that cannot maintain an
independent lifestyle.
Memory Care: This specialized housing is for elderly residents that may be affected
with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Care Suites: The care suites provide skilled nursing for elderly residents that require
short term transitional care following surgery (hip, heart). The care suites provide a
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place for recuperation and rehabilitation after leaving a hospital and before returning
home.
Commons/Community Rooms: Central to the Guardian Angels campus is a
commons that connects each of the housing components. The commons may provide
the following amenities or services to serve the campus residents:
• Offices/Staffing
• Kitchen and Dining
• Community Room
• Social and Recreational Programs
• Country Store
• Coffee Shop
• ATM
The concept plan provides a campus design with landscaped grounds and parking
areas located along County Road 18.
The Albertville Comprehensive Plan guides this site low density residential land uses
and the site is currently zoned R-1A, Low Density Residential District. To implement the
concept plan, the following development applications will be required:
1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Change the site land use designation from
low density residential to high density residential.
2. Rezone the property from R-1A to R-7/PUD, Residential Special Purpose-
Planned Unit Development District to allow the proposed use and campus
design.
3. Subdivision, Preliminary and Final Plat.
4. Planned Unit Development Site and Building Plan Review.
The applicant is not prepared to submit formal applications for the aforementioned
approvals. As a concept plan, the applicant is soliciting City insight and comment on
the land use prior to proceeding with PUD rezoning and detailed construction plans.
The concept plan provides the opportunity for discussion, but the concept plan does not
represent any development approval. It will provide the applicant direction as to
whether to proceed to development stage.
Attached for reference:
Exhibit A: Site Issues
Exhibit B: Site Concept Plan
Exhibit C: Three Story Senior Housing Elevations
Exhibit D: Elderly Housing Target Sites
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PROJECT HISTORY
A stated priority of the City Council since 2005 is to bring an elderly housing project to
the community. This objective is to provide age restricted housing along with amenities
and services that would allow long-time Albertville and area residents to continue to live
within the City as they grow older.
In 2007, City staff identified potential undeveloped sites that may be suitable for an
elderly housing project. These sites, identified in Exhibit D, include a number of
commercial/residential properties along County Road 19 and the site in question. Each
one of the targeted sites would require a change in land use and zoning to
accommodate the high density elderly housing.
In 2007, Schuett Real Estate Group presented an elderly housing concept plan for the
same site. In considering this concept plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission and
City Council affirmed that this site may be suitable for an elderly housing land use and
campus.
Guardian Angels has had Maxfield Research Inc. prepare a market study to determine
demand for low income elderly housing in the Albertville area. This market study
identified the primary market area as being Albertville, St. Michael, Otsego, Hanover,
and Monticello Township.
The conclusion of this study finds that the lack of elderly housing vacancies in the
primary market area combined with growing elderly population indicates a demand for
123 new units in 2009, growing to 180 units by 2014. The market study estimates that
the first phase 47 unit HUD senior housing project would reach full capacity within six to
eight months after opening. In response to this market demand, Guardian Angels has
purchased the property and are pursuing HUD financing for the first phase
development.
LAND USE / CONCEPT PLAN ANALYSIS
Location. The 14.5 acre property is along the south side of Jason Avenue (County
Road 18) at the intersection of Kassel Avenue. The property will require the full
reconstruction and upgrade of Kassel Avenue which will create a full intersection at
County Road 18.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Amendment. In evaluating the requested land use
and zoning change, the City shall evaluate the applicable use based on criteria outlined
in Section 300.1.F of the Albertville Zoning Ordinance as follows:
1. The proposed action has been considered in relation to the specific
policies and provisions of and has been found to be consistent with the
official City Comprehensive Plan.
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Comment: The Albertville Comprehensive Plan identifies the proposed site for
low density residential land use. The site is zoned R-1A, Low Density
Residential, which is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Past requests from Edina Development for family oriented townhomes for this
site have been denied. The City Council has indicated that the City has a
sufficient supply of townhomes and multiple family housing. The one exception
to this housing type has been elderly housing with services that would allow long
term residents to stay in Albertville as they mature beyond their current housing.
In 2007, the Schuett Real Estate Group proposed a project that offered a
combination of independent senior living townhomes, assisted living, and
memory care housing with services such as housekeeping, meal services, social
activities, and medical services. This land use change was seen as appropriate
for this site.
The Guardian Angels proposal is an age-restricted housing project offering
housing for independent living seniors, assisted living, memory care and care
suites, along with services such as housekeeping, meal services, social
activities, and medical services. This project is consistent with the past elderly
housing considerations for this site.
The introduction of this higher density land use must be considerate of its
impacts on the adjoining single family neighborhood. The following
Comprehensive Plan policies should be considered related to the land use
change:
• Protect low density residential neighborhoods from encroachment or
intrusion of incompatible higher use or density types and by adequate
buffering and separation from other residential as well as non-residential
use categories.
• Maintain a balance in the types and quantities of housing units available
throughout the City, emphasizing larger single family units/lots, low to
medium density multiple and elderly housing developments to balance
with existing residential development.
• Maintain a high quality life cycle residential environment throughout the
community which emphasizes physically coordinated neighborhoods
which incorporate all types, sizes and styles of dwellings.
• The City should provide housing opportunities which attract persons of all
ages and income levels and which allows them the ability to maintain
residence within Albertville throughout the various stages of their lives.
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• Provide sufficient housing options to meet the needs of all segments of the
population, including the handicapped and elderly through life cycle
housing.
2. The proposed use is or will be compatible with present and future land
uses of the area.
Comment: The site in question is surrounding by single family homes on three
sides and detached townhome units north of County Road 18. The proposed
use will represent a significant change in density and housing type.
Physical features on the site will provide some physical separation from the
existing neighborhoods. County Ditch 9 is the site’s west boundary. A large
stormwater pond will exist along the south lot line. County Road 18 is the north
boundary of the site and site narrows to the east. Site design and the physical
barriers can be utilized to mitigate some of the compatibility issues.
To offset some of the compatibility concerns, the following items are offered by
the applicant:
a. The housing is age-restricted, which will result in smaller household sizes
and less intense multiple family housing compared to family oriented
housing.
b. The City restricts occupancy to residents 60 years and older. The
applicant has indicated that typical occupancy is generally much older (75
to 80 years).
c. The concept plan suggests a campus design to provide open space and
landscaped yards. The concept plan provides an 80 foot setback between
the HUD senior living and the single family at its closest point.
d. The site is located at the periphery of the Albert Villas neighborhoods with
direct access to County Road 18. This will not produce excess traffic in
the single family neighborhoods.
e. Required County Ditch 9 improvements will likely require increased
setbacks from neighborhoods to the west.
3. The proposed use conforms with all performance standards contained
herein.
Comment: At this point in time, we lack detail for a more formal review. If the
concept PUD proceeds to development stage, the City will conduct a detailed
evaluation of all plans.
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4. The proposed use will not tend to or actually depreciate the area in which it
is proposed.
Comment: The applicant has provided conceptual drawings of the proposed first
phase building. City staff will require that the units meet City standards for
multiple family development. We do not foresee that the project would negatively
impact the value of the surrounding neighborhood.
5. The proposed use can be accommodated with existing public services and
will not overburden the City’s service capacity.
Comment: We do not anticipate that the elderly housing development will
negatively impact City utilities or services if this project proceeds.
6. Traffic generation by the proposed use is within the capabilities of streets
serving the property.
Comment: The proposed density will increase traffic above having the site
developed as single family. The site is located at the periphery of the single
family neighborhood and will not bring traffic into the neighborhoods. Both
Kassel Avenue and County Road 18 will have adequate capacity to serve the
units.
Density. The concept plan is proposing 146 total units of elderly housing and assisted
living/memory care. With 146 total units on 14.54 acres, the total number of units per
acre is approximately 10 units.
STAFF COMMENTS
In review of the concept plan, staff offers the following comments:
1. County Ditch 9 will need to be re-graded and cleaned.
2. A new cul-de-sac must be constructed at the end of 51st Street NE. The
Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council should give direction to staff if
51st Street NE may end in a cul-de-sac or be required as a through street.
3. Water mains must be looped between 51st Street NE and Kassel Avenue.
4. Wright County review of the future plat will need to identify right-of-way needs for
County Road 18.
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5. Kassel Avenue will need to be reconstructed to meet City design standards.
Staff is recommending that the Kassel intersection include a median that
replicates the intersection design north of County Road 18.
6. Sidewalks shall be required along Kassel Avenue from the south property line to
County Road 18.
7. For the multiple family units of three or more stories, the Zoning Ordinance
requires 50 percent or more be of brick or stone or an equivalent material
approved by the City. The proposed concept building elevations has a mixture of
cement board and brick or stone.
8. The site must be re-graded to eliminate the dirt piles.
9. As the site plan progresses to construction drawings, it shall be forwarded to the
City Fire Inspector to insure adequate fire protection and access.
10. The project will offer an opportunity to finish the Albert Villas neighborhood and
resolve a number of problem items including:
a. Final construction of Kassel Avenue.
b. Removal of dirt piles from the site.
c. County Ditch 9 improvements.
RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council should discuss the
appropriateness of the land use change and the concept plan. The applicant is seeking
guidance from the Commission and Council as to whether they feel this is a good fit for
Albertville and the surrounding neighborhood. If the Planning and Zoning Commission
and Council feel the concept plan for elderly housing and assisted living/memory care is
an acceptable use of the site, they should direct the applicant to proceed with their HUD
application and subsequent development applications. The Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council should also offer a letter of support for the HUD
application.
c: Bridget Miller
Jon Sutherland
Tori Leonhardt
Mike Couri
Adam Nafstad
Dan Dixon, Guardian Angels of Elk River
Skip Sorensen, Pope Associates Inc.
EX
H
I
B
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T
A
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EXHIBIT C
EXHIBIT D