Review Sketch Plan for Odyssey Homes Townhomes on Nowthen Blvd and 146th Avenue (Project No. 19-140)

The purpose of this case is to receive an update on an ongoing project and Planning Commission Recommendation for an application from Odyssey Homes (the "Applicant") for a 26-unit, attached townhome project on the property generally known as 14600, 15444, and 14520 Nowthen Blvd NW (the "Subject Properties"), on the southwestern corner of 146th Avenue NW and Nowthen Boulevard NW. The Subject Property is currently four (4) parcels with one residential home and detached structures that would be removed with the project.

A Sketch Plan is an opportunity for the City and Developer to review a concept of a development before the Developer incurs the costs of designing a Preliminary Plat. The City Council does not ordinarily review Sketch Plans (typically just a Planning Commission process); however, Staff felt it important to check in with the City Council on this medium density (townhome) plat and future road planning/connection before moving to the next step. 

No notification is required for Sketch Plan. However, Staff attempted to send a notice of the Planning Commission Meeting via Standard US Mail to property owners, as noted in the Anoka County Property Records, within 700 feet of the Subject Property. Notification is not required and has not been provided for the City Council Meeting. 

Summary of Property
The Subject Property consists 14600, 15444, and 14520 Nowthen Blvd NW along with Anoka County PID 253225230020 (no address assigned). The Subject Property consists of four parcels and is approximately 950 feet long running parallel to Nowthen Boulevard from 146^th Avenue NW. The Subject Property is approximately 5.55 acres and fronts both 146^th Avenue NW and Nowthen Boulevard NW. There is currently one detached accessory building (pole barn) on each of the two most northern parcels and a home and detached building on the southern parcel that are proposed to be removed with this project. The Applicant is proposing 26 attached townhome units on the site.

Bulk Standards
From a Planning and Zoning perspective, the proposal appears to generally meet all of the requirements of the Medium Density Residential Classification (Comprehensive Plan) R-2 Residential District (attached) section of City Code (Section 117-112). With the preliminary plat, density transitioning will be required due to the existing single family residential neighborhood to the west.  At that time, a tree inventory and preservation plan will also be required. Engineering has recommended widening the turning radiuses into the site and has also noted that storm water management (ponding) must also be addressed.

Staff comments are attached.

Streets and Access
The Applicant has proposed a 24 foot wide private street running north-south through the Subject Property. The Applicant has also proposed one connection to Nowthen Boulevard on the south end of the site. The home on the southern most parcel does have a driveway onto Nowthen Boulevard. Staff has sent the Sketch Plan to Anoka County for review; no comments have been received.

Code Sections

• Section 117-112: R-2 Bulk Standards
• Section 117-588: Major Plat Requirements

Summary
Overall, the Sketch Plan appears to meet most of the R-2 Residential requirements. Staff has worked with the Applicant to revise the Sketch Plan to meet these requirements, and does feel it appropriate for the Applicant to proceed to the Preliminary Plat phase.

Two (2) residents attended the January 2, 2020 Planning Commission meeting and expressed concerns over tree preservation, road access, and traffic along Nowthen Blvd. Draft Planning Commission minutes are attached. Due to resident concerns, the Planning Commission recommended a workshop with the Applicant to hear resident concerns in a less formal environment prior to developing the preliminary plat. The workshop (open house style), will be on February 6, 2020 at 5:30 pm. The regular Planning Commission meeting will follow at 7 pm.

Next Steps
The Planning Commission tabled action on this item due to lack of attendance from the Developer at their January 2, 2020 meeting. They will hold a workshop at 5:30 pm on February 6, 2020 before their regularly scheduled meeting. All are welcome to attend the open house workshop - there is no formal agenda, please arrive when you are able.

The Planning Commission is requesting that the City Council advance the planned Nowthen Boulevard Corridor Study (traffic) that is currently identified in the City Council's Strategic Plan. 

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this project and review.

The Planning Commission recommends that the City host a workshop/open house on February 6, 2020 and discuss at the Planning Commission meeting to provide the Applicant feedback for their preliminary plat.

No action required. Case provided as an update only.