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8. (a) MARGOLIS SKETCH PLAN. Margolis Sketch Plan review regarding the rezoning ITom Rl to PUD at 295 West Larpenteur Avenue. City Planner, Michael Falk, provided a background report on the Sketch Plan proposal for senior cottages located south of Dionne and east of the Ramsey County open space, north ofLarpenteur and west ofGaltier Street. He noted that the site is within the city's Comprehensive Plan study, and has been identified as a medium density potential site. The proposal as submitted by Margolis has been prepared by Schaffer Development and would include 56 rental townhome units, a community room, and very limited open space. He noted that, it is general knowledge that the so~l conditions on the site will need careful consideration, and that, because of the landscape center operation on the site, it is possible there may be soil contamination ITom the fertilizers and pesticides used on the site. Paul Schaffer, of Schaffer Development, presented a sketch plan of the 56-unit project. He noted that this is slightly less than 8 units per acre, and that the project would be constructed in 4-plexes and 2-plexes which would be rental units, initially, later to be sold as condominium units. Each unit would have an attached garage. Mr. Schaffer stated that he would prefer entrances to the project on Galtier and Dionne to only once entrance on Larpenteur Avenue. Member Thomas stated that there may be more traffic on Larpenteur and that this project should be designed to place some space between the R1 zone to the east and the project, itself. By putting the units together, the developer may be able to reduce areas where soil must be corrected. She asked for clarification regarding the park dedication for land to the north, and noted that the project may need a sediment ponding area. Mr. Schaffer responded that the project is designed to use the streets as holding ponds. Member Wietecki asked the developer to consider the following: 1. A self-contained development with an entry onto Larpenteur. 2. A lower density project. 3. Buffers between the Rl zone and the ultimate mid-density or low-density project proposed by Schaffer. 4. Correction of the soil problems, shrinkage and swell of the soils and sinkage of the peat land soils. 5. Concern regarding the water "moat" around the Margolis site. 6. A natural buffer which currently exists between the Margolis site and the single family homes should be retained. 7. There is no internal green space. 14