REVISED: Adopt Resolution #17-07-187 Approving Final Plat for COR Stonebrook Academy (Project #17-101); Case of Michael and Kristen Johnson

The City has received an application for Final Plat for StoneBrook Academy, a proposed approximately 9,100 square foot building for a new child care center to be located west of Sunwood Village between Sunwood Drive and Veterans Drive. The City Council has previously approved the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan for the project.

Note: the original version of this case noted potential revisions on Friday, July 21. At this time, Staff does not believe revisions to this case are necessary. All necessary contingencies for approval are already covered in the previous Preliminary Plat and Site Plan approval from June 13.

General direction on architectural design was provided upon Preliminary Plat approval, with specifics to be worked out with Staff. Staff believes that the design team has met the intent of said direction, but desires to confirm along with Final Plat approval. As a reminder, the parameters of architectural redesign were as follows:

1. Additional window coverage on Sunwood Drive facade
2. Further emphasis on stone pillars between window facades on Sunwood Drive
3. Both design elements illustrated on Page 52 (top right image) of The COR Design Framework (included in attached Staff Review Letter)

City Staff attempted to notify all property owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property of the request via U.S. mail and published a notice of public hearing in the Anoka Union Herald, the City's official newspaper.

The proposed project appears consistent with the Zoning and Future Land Use maps.

The Final Plat appears to be consistent with Preliminary Plat Approval.  Necessary revisions are outlined in the Staff Review Letter, carried forward to this stage of approval. It appears that most of these contingencies have been satisfied, but final approval is contingent upon final review of the City Engineer.

The intent of the project is to construct an approximately 9,100 square foot daycare facility with an auxiliary playground space of approximately 2,300 square feet, all of which is located on the proposed 36,925 square foot proposed parcel.  Staff believes this proposed use will be an asset to the City and especially for The COR.

The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) reviewed the proposed Preliminary Plat at its meeting on May 15, 2017 and recommended approval of the preliminary plat with corrections as noted in the Staff Review Letter.

Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-06-129 approving the Final Plat request as proposed.  The proposed project appears to comply with the bulk standards of The COR Design Framework and the proposed use would be an asset to the COR development as well as the City of Ramsey.  Planning Commission and Staff are supportive of this alternative contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter (already covered by June 13, 2017 approval).

Alternative 2: Approve the project with modifications. This action would be based on City Council direction.

Alternative 2: Do not adopt Resolution #17-06-129 that would approve the Final Plat as requested. If the City Council desires denial it should clearly state its findings for the denial and direct staff to prepare a resolution outlining those findings of fact.  As previously noted, the proposed project appears consistent with the provisions of City Code and The COR Design Framework.  Staff does not support this alternative.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the site plan, contingent on further building design revisions in addition to those outlined in the Staff Review Letter. This contingency appears to have been met with the revised plans.

Motion to adopt Resolution 17-07-187 approving Final Plat for Stonebrook Academy.