PC SUM 2017 05 16CHANHASSEN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SUMMARY MINUTES
MAY 16, 2017
Chairman Aller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Aller, Mark Undestad, John Tietz, Maryam Yusuf, Nancy
Madsen, and Mark Randall
MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Weick
STAFF PRESENT: Kate Aanenson, Community Development Director; Bob Generous, Senior
Planner; and Alyson Fauske, Assistant City Engineer
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Jon Gilbert 1641 Jeurissen Lane
Steve F.
Jayne JP Meyer 9440 River Rock Drive South
Zhexin Zhang 1455 Bethesda Circle
Brian Oman 9081 River Rock Drive
Kevin Vetsch 9310 River Rock Drive North
Don Ketchum 9456 River Rock Drive South
Joe Shamla 1691 Mayapple Pass
PUBLIC HEARING:
AVIENDA – PRELIMINARY PLAT AND PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD)
REZONING FOR A REGIONAL DESTINATION, LIFESTYLE AND MIXED USE
CENTER (AVIENDA) ON FIVE PARCELS TOTALING 118 ACRES ON PROPERTY
ZONED AGRICULTURAL ESTATE DISTRICT (A-2) WITH A LAND USE
DESIGNATION OF REGIONAL COMMERCIAL OR OFFICE USE, AND LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LYMAN AND POWERS BOULEVARDS. THE
CONCEPT PLAN INCLUDES RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, HOTEL AND OFFICE
USES. APPLICANT: LANDFORM PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, LLC. OWNER:
LEVEL 7 DEVELOPMENT.
Chairman Aller outlined the schedule for review of this item by the Planning Commission and
City Council. Kate Aanenson presented the staff report on this item. Jon Horn with Kimley-
Horn and Associates provided an overview of the traffic analysis that was done as a part of the
AUAR process. Alyson Fauske addressed issues pertaining to grading, stormwater, and
retaining walls. Commissioner Madsen asked for clarification on prohibited uses including big
box stores. Commissioner Tietz asked about a follow up study by the McCombs Group dealing
Planning Commission Summary – May 16, 2017
2
with demographics. Representing the developer, Mark Nordland with Launch Properties
introduced the development team before providing a history of work that’s been done to date.
Representing the applicant Level 7, Darren Lazan with Landform Professional Services
addressed issues pertaining to the constraints of the site, site plan, the storm water re-use system,
parking, senior housing with the services component, and the Bluff Creek Overlay District.
Chairman Aller asked Mr. Lazan to address the issues raised by residents in the signed document
that was included as part of the packet. Chairman Aller opened the public comment portion of
the meeting. Brian Oman, 9081 River Rock Drive asked about the removal of the retaining wall
in his back yard and stated he did not see the purpose of the Mills Road connection. Kevin
Vetsch, 9310 River Rock Drive North stated his concern with the Mills Road connection because
of the number of kids in the neighborhood. Jayne JP Meyer, 9440 River Rock Drive South
expressed concern with the tree loss that will occur to construct the emergency road to the south
and concern with the lights and noise coming from the retail center. Don Ketchum, 9456 River
Rock Drive South asked what will be done to prevent traffic from going on the emergency road.
Zhexin Zhang, 1455 Bethesda Circle, being one of the neighbors who drafted the letter of
concerns thanked City staff and the developers for addressing their concerns, discussed tree loss
associated with the senior living component, and a concern with the number of retail stores that
are closing nationwide and the prospect of paving over this land to build retail space that might
not be viable. Joe Shamla, 1691 Mayapple Pass stated he would like to see the Bluff Creek
corridor preserved, concern that the wetland is being removed and not replaced within the
development, the lack of a park on this site, and asked that something be done to connect the
buildings to the trail system for easier access from the surrounding neighborhoods. Jon Gilbert,
1641 Jeurissen Lane stated he agreed with the comments from the previous speakers but
reiterated that he wants to see preservation of the Bluff Creek Overlay District, and discussed
parking, density, and tree loss associated with the emergency access. Jayne JP Meyer suggested a
movie theater as a possible use and discussed how Eden Prairie has protected their green space
and parks through development in their city. Chairman Aller closed the public comment portion
of the meeting. City staff and the developers addressed the questions and issued brought up by
residents. After discussion and comments from commission members the following motion was
made.
Yusuf moved, Randall seconded to continue this item to the Planning Commission meeting
on June 6, 2017. All voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to
0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Madsen noted the verbatim and summary Minutes of the
Planning Commission meeting dated May 2, 2017 as presented.
COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS. None.
ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS. Kate Aanenson reviewed new sign permits that
have been issued, City Council action update and future Planning Commission agenda items.
Planning Commission Summary – May 16, 2017
3
Commissioner Yusuf moved to adjourn the meeting. All voted in favor and the motion
carried unanimously with a vote of 6 to 0. The Planning Commission meeting was
adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by Kate Aanenson
Community Development Director
Prepared by Nann Opheim