DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS - Bryan K. Schafer, Planning and Community Development Director
Title
GRANTING A COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT FROM LDR (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) TO HDR (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) AT 10931 - 11025 UNIVERSITY AVENUE NE. ANOKA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM. (CASE FILE NO. 14-0021/LSJ)
Schedule of Actions
Planning Commission (Public Hearing) |
05/13/14 |
City Council (1st Reading Rezoning) |
06/05/14 |
City Council |
|
(Comp Plan Amendment, 2nd Reading Rezoning, Pre Plat, CUP |
06/19/14 |
Action Deadline |
06/21/14 |
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the comprehensive land use amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat and conditional use permit. Several residents spoke at the public hearing with concerns about the project.
Background
Anoka County Highway Department (ACHD) has purchased and removed nine (9) homes along the east side of University Avenue immediately north of 109th Avenue for expansion of the roadway in 2014 and 2015. All of the residents were relocated as part of that acquisition. There are two single family homes on the south side of the project that have not been purchased as no additional r-o-w was needed at that location. These two homes are just north of four homes that are owned by ACCAP and that have been serving the RISE program.
ACCAP has been working with the City and Anoka County on a residential redevelopment concept that would include the removal ACCAP's four homes, the two homes not purchased by the Anoka County Highway Department, and six of the now vacant lots that were purchased by the ACHD. ACCAP has reached an agreement to purchase the two homes currently still privately held. The proposed redevelopment project would include 30 townhomes within five separate buildings on this property. ACCAP would own all units and would rent the units to residents at 60% of the median income ($49,380-family of four). The City's economic development arm (Blaine EDA) has agreed to assist ACCAP in the redevelopment by providing funds for site assembly and redevelopment.
In order to accomplish this redevelopment, a comprehensive land use amendment, rezoning, preliminary plat and conditional use permit would need to be approved by the City of Blaine.
Please note that a neighborhood meeting was held at City Hall on April 30th to allow the neighborhood adjacent to this proposal to review the plans. Four residents, from three adjacent homes, came to review the plans. Two of the residents were generally opposed to the project.
Comprehensive Land Use Amendment and Rezoning
The current land use designation for this project area (1.72 acres) is LDR (Low Density Residential) and the current zoning for this project area is R-1 (Single Family). The project area is surrounded (in Blaine) by property with the identical land use and zoning designations. The property across University Avenue to the west is in Coon Rapids and is commercial in nature.
A change in land use to HDR (High Density Residential) and zoning to DF (Development Flex) is required and makes sense for this project and for this property for the following reasons:
1. High density residential development is often seen in areas that abut major roadways and commercial development.
2. Some of the homes that were located in this area were in need of substantial repair and neglected. Removing the homes and constructing attractive high density residential buildings makes sense and would be a welcome reinvestment in this area.
3. At least four of the homes are owned by ACCAP currently and being used in much the same manner as the new high density homes will be used.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the comprehensive land use plan amendment from LDR (Low Density Residential) to HDR (High Density Residential).
Attachments
Zoning and Location Map
Memo from ACCAP
Preliminary Plat
Grading Plan
Site Plan (2)
Landscape Plan
Floor Plans (4)
Elevations
Public Comment Received
Body
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462.355, Subdivision 2, prescribes the procedure for amending the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 13, 2014, and recommended approval regarding the Comprehensive Plan amendment request for:
THOSE PARTS OF LOT 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, AND 25 ALL IN BLOCK 4, CUSACK & CARLSON'S BLAINE OAKS, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, LYING EASTERLY OF ANOKA COUNTY HIGHWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY PLAT NO. 88, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA; AND
THE EAST 112.43 FEET OF LOTS 16 THROUGH 19, INCLUSIVE, BLOCK 4, CUSACK & CARLSON'S BLAINE OAKS, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA; AND
THE WEST 172.46 FEET OF THE NORTH 156.2 FEET OF THE SOUTH 567.7 FEET OF THE WEST ONE-FOURTH OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER, AS MEASURED ALONG THE EAST AND WEST LINES OF SAID WEST ONE-FOURTH OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 31, RANGE 23, ANOKA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, EXCEPT THE WEST 33.00 FEET THEREOF.
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Comprehensive Plan amendment request and finds the change to be in general conformance to the adopted Comprehensive Plan for land use compatibility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that the land use plan be amended to change portions of the property, as described above, and based on land use maps contained within Case File No. 14-0021, from LDR (Low Density Residential) to HDR and (High Density Residential) based on the following rationale:
1. High density residential development is often seen in areas that abut major roadways and commercial development.
2. Some of the homes that were located in this area were somewhat run down and neglected, and removing the homes and constructing attractive high density residential buildings makes sense and is welcomed in this area.
3. At least four of the homes were owned by ACCAP currently and being used in much the same manner as the new high density homes will be used.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 19th day of June 2014.