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WHO’S GOT SKIN IN THE GAME?

PART OF CHEVALLE’S SKIN IS IN VICTORIA

         Council discussed on May 14th the sketch plat of a proposed development in that portion of Chevalle that lies within the city limits of Victoria.  Chevalle is primarily in Chaska; the parcel in Victoria consists of 27 acres on the southeast corner of County Road 11 and 86th Street. 

         Victoria's Wintergreen neighborhood is directly across 86th Street from Chevalle, and Deer Run is directly across County Road 11 [Victoria Drive] from Chevalle.

         Holly Kreft, Community Development Director for the City of Victoria, reported that all property owners within 350 feet of the Chevalle parcel and the related homeowners associations were invited to a neighborhood meeting where the sketch plat was discussed.

         "There were three property owners in attendance," informed Holly.  "One from Wintergreen, Chris Pyne who lives at 8855 Victoria Drive, and a resident from Chevalle.  The Wintergreen resident voiced concerns with additional traffic on 86th Street.  Chris Pyne and his realtor stated they would like to see the access constructed to County Road 11.  The resident in Chevalle noted concerns with the density and more homes adjacent to his."

         Holly said that the property, formerly in Laketown Township, was annexed to the City of Victoria in 2007.  "We've been meeting with the developer over a number of years," she said.  "With the reconstruction of 86th Street, we've approved their access to 86th with compensation.  We would one day like an access  on County Road 11 directly across from the Deer Run access."

         Holly pointed out that Chevalle does not own the property directly across from the Deer Run access.  "We've tried to work with all properties that abut access at Deer Run but it was cost prohibitive," she said.

         Said Mayor Mary Thun in that regard, "This was before us five to seven years ago.  We need to have it written in that it's memorialized and clear that their County Road 11 access is required to align with Deer Run Drive."

         Holly informed that currently there is only one access to all of the Chevalle property and it lies in Chaska.  "The City of Chaska is requiring a second access."

         Councilmember Kim Roden reported that the Planning Commission had concerns with the 65-foot lots and the 7.5-foot sideyard setbacks.  Victoria normally doesn't approve such narrow lots and such small sideyard setbacks.

         Councilmember Tom O'Connor clarified that there are 45 lots proposed in the sketch plat, that 39 of them are 75 feet wide and six of them are 65 feet wide.

         "I'd like to see what 10-foot sideyard setbacks would look like in that development and how many lots they'd lose," said Mayor Thun.  "I would not like it to be a surprise.  Seven and a half feet is not very far between the houses.  I'm not saying I don't agree.   I'm saying, hmmm, let's see what 10 feet would look like."

         David Igel of the Chevalle Development Company responded that evening about increasing sideyard setbacks to 10 feet throughout the Victoria parcel.  "It would mean the loss of four to five lots," he said.  "We are selling to builders.  We're trying to get the right price and the right size.  We're trying to give everyone out there an open feel.  The lots do not back up to each other but to open space."

         Asked Councilmember Kim Roden, "What other neighborhood in Victoria has 7.5-foot sideyard setbacks?"

         Replied Holly, "There is nothing less than 10-foot sideyard setbacks."

         Said Councilmember Roden, "My preference would be to develop there [Chevalle] as in the rest of Victoria.  I don't particularly like what I see in Chaska.  I agree with Planning Commissioner Siegert."  She remarked on the viability of the D.R. Horton property at  Lakebridge with four fewer lots, a recent contentious issue as reported in the Gazette last month.

         Mr. Igel said there were 5-foot sideyard setbacks in the Chaska part of Chevalle.

         Councilmember Tom O'Connor gave a different take on the issue.  "I see 86th Street as a fairly significant dividing line.  These 45 homes will be considered part of Chevalle," not necessarily part of a Victoria neighborhood. 

         "Every home in Victoria doesn't have to cost most of $400,000," he continued.  "I'm not terribly upset by what you're showing us.  The builders have the skin in the game."

         Asked Councilmember Jim Crowley, "Why don't we provide guidance to the Planning Commission?  What do we want Victoria to be like?"  We need to set a strategy.  This will come up every time there's a new development."

 

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June 2012

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