Workshop Item - Sheila Sellman, City Planner
Title
Title
North-East Property on Lexington Avenue NE and 125th Avenue NE
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Background
The two properties at the Northeast corner of Lexington Avenue and 125th Avenue are zoned FR (Farm Residential) and have a land use designation of LDR (Low Density Residential). Each parcel is developed with a single-family home. The northern property is 8.53 acres and the property at the intersection is 11.52 acres. Both lots are wooded and have wetlands present.
The FR district is intended for areas where urban services are not presently available. A minimum lot size of ten (10) acres will retain these lands in their natural uses and agricultural uses pending proper timing of economical provision for parks, streets, utilities, and other public facilities, so that orderly development will occur.
The LDR land use designation is for single family detached residential at a density of 2.5-6 units an acre. For these sites to develop, further rezoning will be necessary.
The developer is requesting feedback on a land use change to MDR/HDR (Medium Density/High Density Residential) to develop the two parcels with a 4-5 story apartment building consisting of 160-170 units, and 2-story townhomes consisting of 34-38 units. The MDR/HDR designation allows for townhomes and apartments at a density of 6-25 units/acre.
City services (water and sanitary sewer) are currently stubbed to the south end of both Erskin Street NE and Fraizer Street NE (at the north property line for the potentially proposed townhouse section). The water would be required to be looped, potentially under 125th Ave NE or from the east at the intersection of 125th Avenue NE and Lever Street NE.
Additional information as to how the site will meet the stormwater requirements and avoid the existing wetlands on the properties will need to be provided, per the established regulations.
The extension of Erskin Street NE and Fraizer Street NE would be required to be a public road. The potential connection of Fraizer Street NE to 125th Avenue NE would be determined/approved by Anoka County. Additional consideration for the spacing of the parking lot and garage drives would need to be considered as the site plan moves forward.
Per city policy, any proposed development that requires a comprehensive plan land use change is required to come before the City Council to get feedback whether there is an interest in the proposed land use change. Staff has cautioned the developer about recent concern the City Council expressed about the existing HDR classification on the northwest corner of the intersection, and that a change could come forward to reduce allowed densities. This likely would mean the City Council would also not be interested in high density residential on the opposite corner.
Staff Recommendation
Provide feedback on changing the land use to high density residential for an apartment and townhomes.
Attachment List
Location Map
Narrative
Site Plans
Land Use Map