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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.28.06 Work Session Minutes COUNCIL/NEWLAND COMMUNITIES WORKSHOP MINUTES February 28, 2006 Mayor Soderberg called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Present: Council- Soderberg, McKnight, Pritzlaff, Wilson Newland - Chris Enger, Krista Fleming, Peter Coyle, Diane Gaynor Also Present: Jonas Seed, Robin Roland, Kevin Carroll, Dan Siebenaler, Randy Distad, Lee Mann, Brenda Wendlandt, Lisa Shadick, Cynthia Muller The first step in the process is to find out what the City wants and start building a partnership. Ms. Fleming gave a history of the Seed property and Newland Communities. Newland starts with a master plan that looks at the land, area, community, and the market. Newland's communities are designed so a person can live in that same community throughout their entire life. They look at the land and what it can hold. This dictates what can be there. They emphasize a connected community in design and technology. Newland requires technology , through their builders so their communities have a neighborhood internet. There is an information center in each community that is not tied to anyone builder. Through the design and building process Newland makes sure the builders meet their criteria. They use local and national builders. Their communities have amenities which are maintained through a homeowner's association. There are also architectural controls. Newland has a marketing strategy that contains a model village. This ensures what is said about the community is accurate. Ms. Gaynor presented the four guiding principles: 1. New development must pay its own way and more and not be a burden to existing taxpayers. 2. Provide home ownership opportunities and benefits for existing and future residents. 3. Preserve key habitats, conserve natural resources and protect local character of the community. 4. Form partnerships that honor and help bridge Farmington's past with its future. Mayor Soderberg noted these principles are in line with the City's principles as far as trying to bridge the downtown with development to the north. Ms. Fleming asked for Council's objectives for this development. Councilmember McKnight wanted it to be a unique and cool place to live, but it has to be a part of the Farmington community. Mr. Coyle addressed transportation. This site has unique and interesting challenges. The transportation infrastructure challenges are enormous. 195th Street is moving forward and plans and specifications are being ordered. Solving the- east-west corridor issue is very important to this project. The AUAR is underway. Mayor Soderberg asked about the progress with the TH3 and 195th Street intersection. Mr. Coyle replied they are trying to make progress, however TH3 is not a priority for MNDot. Newland needs to help them see it is a priority and to allow intersection improvements to be made. Newland will work with MNDot to fix the elevation to Counci1lNewland Workshop Minutes February 28, 2006 Page 2 set the grade for 195th Street. Mr. Coyle stated he is watching for roadblocks which could be TH3. They will be meeting with MNDot and county staff. Newland hopes to do initial grading on 195th Street this fall, but needs to settle the issue with TH3 first. Newland will consult with staff first and coordinate meetings with MNDot and county staff. Mr. Coyle suggested enlisting a legislative delegation to meet with the county and approach MNDot on a senior level. Councilmember Pritzlaff suggested using the commercial development along TH3 as leverage for increased traffic. Newland will continue to remind MNDot ofthe importance ofTH3 at every chance. Police Chief Siebenaler suggested looking at this as a FarmingtonJEmpire/ Newland/county/Met Council issue. This has regional significance. Mr. Coyle felt they needed to do this within the next couple months. Acting City Administrator Roland noted staff is meeting with Dakota county and MNDot next week at a starter level. Staff feels they need to build a cooperative spirit and work their way up. At some point they could pull in legislators, but felt it was important to build a base first to stand higher later. Mr. Coyle then talked about land use. North Creek runs through the property and they want to build on it and make it better. North Creek is an important part of the park system. Newland would like feedback from staff on North Creek. Newland anticipates part of this site could be for an elementary school. The proximity to North Creek creates an educational opportunity. The land use plan calls for some commercial in this area. This could be an important piece as it could be a place in the middle ofthe development for people to gather. The plans also include a large park which could be the Community Center. Mr. Coyle asked if Diamond Path becomes a reality with the Community Center. Staff noted the county wants it planned as MNDot could see this as taking traffic from TH3. The cost is not planned on up front. This area would be utilized as open space until the City is able to build a Community Center. The right-of-way for Diamond Path will have to be designated and the area set aside. Ms. Fleming noted Newland could develop the property and never use Diamond Path. Ms. Fleming asked for Council's thoughts on what they would like to see for residential housing. Councilmember Wilson would like life cycle housing - townhomes to smaller acre parcels to larger acre parcels. Councilmember McKnight would like something similar to Parkview Ponds and Mystic Meadows but expand them on both ends. Mayor Soderberg noted there is a certain segment of people that would like to see luxury homes. Councilmember Pritzlaff felt Newland has to do what they need to for lot sizes. He sees a broad range of housing types. Police Chief Siebenaler felt the community could use more of a condominium market and keep it on an upscale market. Also an assisted living aspect is needed. Ms. Fleming stated Newland will be looking at a balance for lot sizes. They want to bridge the styles of the downtown homes with the Newland development. Over the last 18 months, Newland has been collecting information and conducting envisioning sessions. There are four pillars that are differentiating factors: 1. Village - with an emphasis towards small town uniqueness. 2. Architecture - an emphasis towards small town, quality choice, classic and historical. 3. Intellectual Enrichment - emphasis towards personal growth and development. 4. Wellness - emphasis towards recreation, trails, parks and open space. Newland has met with City staff and toured Stone Mill Farms. They will share information with the Planning Commission, Parks and Rec Commission, residents, the school district, the chamber, and clubs and organizations. CouncillNewland Workshop Minutes February 28, 2006 Page 3 Ms. Gaynor shared comments received from the focus groups. People wanted a quieter neighborhood, they liked open spaces, but understood land owner rights, and wanted a certain architectural style. They would like to see a family restaurant, a grocery store, gas station, dry cleaners, and a bank. People wanted the area to be approachable and to connect all areas of Farmington. They wanted to carry the historic character throughout Farmington. Residents have a very high level of trust in local government. They trust local government to make good decisions, but to keep them informed - no surprises. Ms. Gaynor is the contact for meetings with clubs, etc. These should be held within the next month. Newland will also be launching a comprehensive website within the next month. They plan on having a grand opening for the development in the fall of2008. MOTION by McKnight, second by Pritzlaffto adjourn at 7:30 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, ~?Y1~ Cynthia Muller Executive Assistant