8B, Planning Case 12-009 - 1201 County Road E Reuse Proposal

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Chair Larson noted that there is confusion on the traffic report based on an unknown future. Commissioner Stodola noted the farthest west entrance onto County Road E is 425 feet from the intersection and asked if the entrance on Lexington and County Road E is closer than that. Mr. Manhart replied this was an access that was looked at as a right turn only; if too congested to turn right there is two other access points out. It can be considered close proximity but in terms of 24 hours a day it may be congested one hour of the day. Commissioner Stodola asked if there was a concern with the access being that close to the intersection. Mr. Manhart replied there will be a median separating the north and south bounds, which would not cause a left turn problem and a right turn would probably be of minor concern. Commissioner Holewa stated with aging population in the City a lot more traffic is happening in the middle of the day so a mid-day, not just a peak AM and a peak PM study should be done. She asked if these study numbers will change if Shoreview decides to build east of Lexington Avenue on County Road E. Mr. Manhart replied the numbers are based on a guiding plan of other consulting companies so if based on those impacts, yes, and if not, no. Commissioner Holewa asked about the controversy of peak hour trips at a 44% reduction. Mr. Manhart replied the 44% is a standard reduction, not a number RLK came up with. The Trip Generation Handbook indicates there could be reductions associated with a mix- use development, they can be combined trips and use a% for trip generation; therefore, certain trip generation totals can be reduced by a% based on mix-uses sharing those trips. With increases in bicycle and other transit use certain reductions can be made in trips and parking per site to handle those other types of trips that aren't single occupant based. Commissioner Holewa questioned comparing urban to suburban. Mr. Manhart agreed but stated different populations are coming into the suburbs so they can apply sorne of those figures. Commissioner Holewa asked the variables that went into the 44% number. Mr. Manhart replied mode share, pedestrian and bicycle use, and transit use. Commissioner Holewa referenced mix-use and asked if there was something somewhere that a reasonable person could confirm that 44% was correct. Mr. Manhart replied yes, the number could be replicated. Commissioner Holewa asked if another firm would come up with a similar number. Mr. Manhart replied yes, although it seems high it could be replicated. Commissioner Hames, referencing Lot 2, asked if there are any uses prohibited by City Code or traffic, for example a gas station. And, if a bank is put there would another access be needed, could they use a right in off of Lexington Avenue and flow through the apartment building onto County Road E. City Planner Beekman replied her understanding was that a gas station is not a permitted use in the B-2 District. Also, there are regulations on drive thru windows with a bank or a fast food restaurant. Code does have limits for distance between drive thru windows.