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09-26-2000PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA September 26, 2000 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Approval of Minutes Planning Commission meeting of July 25, 2000 and study session of August 8, 2000. Public Hearing ITEM #1 00- CUP -13 ITEM #2 00 -PUD -1 ITEM #3 00 -FDP -2 00- CUP -13 New Business ITEM #4 Old Business Liaison Reports Adjournment Conditional use permit to allow a drive -up teller window at 6613 Penn Avenue Planned unit development plan for the Best Buy Campus project and rezoning of property, southeast corner of Penn Avenue and 76th Street Final development plan and conditional use permit for the Best Buy Campus project, southeast corner of Penn Avenue and 76th Street Discussion of cable cast of meetings School Board Community Services Advisory Commission H RA City Council Auxiliary aid for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours in advance to the Administrative Service's Director at 861- 9702 ". wA Planning Commission Minutes Regular Meeting July 25, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners: David Gepner, Bill Kilian, Mark Tolvstad, John Bjostad, Gordon Hanson and Jeffery Walz. Chairperson Brenda Bjorklund arrived at 7:25 p.m. MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners: Terry Alhstrom and Donna Drummond COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor STAFF PRESENT: Julie Urban, Zoning Administrator Mark Andrle, Community Development Technician The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Vice - Chairperson Gepner at 7:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES M/ Kilian, S/ Tolvstad to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of June 27, 2000 and the study session of July 11, 2000. Motion carried: 6 -0 PUBLIC HEARINGS 00- CUP -11 ITEM #1 6529 Penn Avenue Walser Auto Sales Renewal of conditional use permit Zoning Administrator Julie Urban reviewed the staff report, stating that staff recommends approval of the request to renew a conditional use permit for 6529 Penn Avenue for an auto sales lot for an additional three years. July 25, 2000 Page 2 Commissioner Kilian asked if records are kept for compliance of current CUP. Ms. Urban stated that there are no records of any complaints received regarding this property over the past year. Staff has monitored the property. Commissioner Hanson asked what happens if compliance with the stipulations to the CUP are not kept. Ms. Urban stated that the business will be notified of the non - compliance and given a period of time to comply. Eventually the City Council can revoke the CUP. Commissioner Kilian asked if the CUP will remain if the property is sold. Ms. Urban stated that the CUP goes with the property and the new owner will have to comply with any stipulations. Ray Tharp owner of 6529 Penn Avenue, stated that Walser has had good management of the property and has kept it neat and clean. He has had trouble keeping the plantings alive and has a ten year lease with Walser. Mr. Thorpe asked why his tenants can't use the alley for an additional access. Ms. Urban stated that the City would like to see the alley landscaped and staff feels that the two accesses for the property is adequate. The alley access on 66` x' Street is not considered safe by Engineering staff. Bruce Bail 6526 Oliver Avenue, stated that the shed on the property has been broken in to and suggested that the owner keep the shed locked at all times. Inessa Tamar manager of the Walser sales lot, stated that they try to keep the plantings neat and alive and that the shed is locked at all times. She stated that the shed has been broken into but there was nothing they could do to prevent the break -in. Mr. Thorpe stated that removing the shed is fine with him. Ms. Urban stated that the shed was used as a dumpster enclosure and if the shed is removed, the dumpster must remain inside the building. Tv/Kilian, S /Bjorklund to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 7 -0 M/Bjorklund, S /Hanson to recommend approval to renew the conditional use permit for 6529 Penn Avenue for an auto sales lot for an additional three ems with the following stipulations: 1. That a 22 -foot minimum drive aisle be maintained in the parkin area. rea. 2. That landscaping in the front of the property be maintained in compliance with the approved landscape plan and in compliance with PASS design guidelines, 3. That a maximum of 30 cars be on the lot at any one time 4. That the alley located to the south of the property be maintained free of vehicles. 5. That the trash enclosure should be removed with the understanding that trash must be kept inside the building and if its not, a new enclosure will have to be constructed. Motion carried: 7 -0 July 25, 2000 Page 3 00- CUP -12 630918 1h Avenue ITEM #2 Time Warner Cable Conditional use permit Zoning Administrator Urban reviewed the staff report and gave background on why Time Warner must relocate a utility building in Richfield. She stated that staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit. Commissioner Bjostad asked what are the setbacks for a non - residential use in a residential zone and if the proposed building meets the 50 foot visibility requirement. Ms. Urban stated that the setbacks are 30 feet on the side and 40 feet in the font. She stated that the building meets the visibility requirements. Chairperson Bjorklund asked what the building will be used for. Bernie Doffing of Time Warner stated that it will hold their fiber optic cables and they need a building to house the cables in every city they provide service to. Commissioner Kilian asked if the building will have a generator. Mr. Doffing stated that it would and it will cycle once every other week for 20 minutes. Mr. Doffing also stated that the only time someone would be at the building would be if there is a mechanical problem. Mark Cook, employee at the building east of 6309 18`h Avenue asked if access to his building will be restricted during construction. Mr. Doffing stated that access will not be restricted. M/Kilian, S /Gepner to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 7 -0 M/Kilian, S /Gepner to recommend approval of a conditional use permit to allo` ction of a 1,411 square foot utility building at 6309 181h Avenue South with the followin stipulations: 1. That a variance be granted for setback and minimum lot size requirements. 2. That the Public Works Director approve the stormwater management plan. 3. That at least 80 percent of the building facade be made of brick. Motion carried: 7 -0 NEW BUSINESS July 25, 2000 Page 4 PC Letter #27 Item #3 Consideration of Zoning Ordinance requirements relating to corner visibility Ms. Urban reviewed the staff report and provided the Commission with additional information from other cities and departments on the corner visibility requirements. Commissioner Bjostad asked how the rule is enforced. Ms. Urban stated that the rule has been in effect for about 15 years and anything within the visibility triangle before the rule went into effect has been allowed to remain. Code Enforcement tries to catch violations as they occur, but some times they may miss one. The Commission reviewed the visibility triangle at 6945 Russell and discussed several different options in changing the corner visibility requirements. Randy Darling 6945 Russell stated that there are many corners in Richfield in violation of the rule and feels each situation needs to be looked at by a staff member to determine if an exception to the rule can be allowed. The Commission came to a consensus that there should be a provision allowing for some relaxation of the visibility requirement at fully controlled intersections. The criteria for an exception should be made clear in the ordinance. Ms. Urban agreed to work with other staff on an exception process and take an amendment to the City Council this fall. OLD BUSINESS None. LIAISON REPORTS School Board: None Community Services Advisory Commission: None HRA: None City Council: Mayor Kirsch reported that the CUP and off street parking permit for heritage, Hampton, and Crestwood were approved, they approved the sale of 6309 18`h to Time Warner, and authorized the City Manager to start city wide strategic planning. July 25, 2000 Page 5 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:15 p.m. Mark Tolvstad Planning Commission Secretary b Nk Planning Commission Minutes Study Session August 8, 2000 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Brenda Bjorklund; Commissioners: Terry Ahlstrom, John Bjostad, Donna Drummond, Gordon Hanson, Bill Kilian, Mark Tolvstad, Jeffrey Walz MEMBERS ABSENT: COUNCIL LIAISON: Commissioner David Gepner Martin Kirsch, Mayor STAFF PRESENT: Bruce Nordquist, Housing and Redevelopment Manager John Stark, Community Development Manager Julie Urban, Planning and Zoning Administrator The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bjorklund at 7:00 p.m. Study Session Items PC Report #28 ITEM #1 Presentation on Best Buy Campus development Tim Murnane of Opus introduced the people in attendance representing Opus and Best Buy. Mr. Murnane spoke about the status of the acquisitions and the timeline for the Best Buy Campus development in the Interchange West area. Walter Rockenstein, Faegre & Benson, described the Environmental Impact Statement EIS) process and provided an update on its status for the project. John Albers, Opus Architects, described the history of design and site development. He shared the priorities and design goals of Best Buy and the City_ He reviewed the various site configurations that they went through in developing -the current site plan. He walked through the plan layout. Biz Colburn, BRW transportation consultant, described the Travel Demand Management TDM) plan, that Best -Buy is in the process of developing for the Campus. August 8, 2000 Page 2 In response to a question from Chairperson Bjorklund regarding TDM goals to reduce parking needs, Della Kolpin, Best Buy, explained that they are in the process of developing reasonable TDM goals for a suburban project. In response to a question from Commissioner Kilian, Mr. Rockenstein described the alternatives that are being studied in the EIS and the requirement for carrying out any mitigation measures listed in the document. Mr. Murnane reviewed the traffic improvements being planned in the area. Commissioner Bjorklund asked Mr. Albers to. describe the. view of the.ramp from 76th Street. Mr. Albers explained that a portion of the ramp will be below ground from the 76th Street perspective and that landscaping will be used to soften the impact of the structure. Larry Wozniczka, 6733 Wentworth Avenue, raised the issue of providing a public road through the project as is described in the Comprehensive Plan. He also suggested that the City consider providing access from 35W at 76th Street to the Southtown area around the south side of the project (in the vicinity of the existing frontage road) to reduce traffic on 76th Street and Penn Avenue. PC Report #29 ITEM #2 Presentation on City Bella development Mike Conlan, Gramercy Corporation, provided background on the City Bella project's development and described the site plan and project components. In response to a question from Commissioner Kilian, Mr. Conlan described the process they have gone through in working with the Lake Shore Drive condominium owners. He described that adjustments they have made to the design in response to the residents' concerns. Mr. Conlan explained how parking access would work and its relationship to the retail and office space. He reviewed the project's timeline. Bruce Nordquist, Housing and Redevelopment Manager, answered questions regarding tax increment financing (TIF). ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:05 p.m. Mqik Tolv tad Planning Commission Secretary h : \cdadmin\p& \ template\pcminute\2000\0808mtg) AGENDA SECTION AGENDA ITEM # REPORT # CASE # PUBLIC HEARING 00- CUP -10 wAN PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PC MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Public hearing regarding a conditional use permit to allow a drive-up teller window at 6613 Penn Avenue. Ill. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 11 Conduct and close a public hearing and by motion: Approve a conditional use permit to allow a drive -up teller window at 6613 Penn Avenue. II. BACKGROUND First National Bank of the Lakes is proposing to purchase the property at 6613 Penn Avenue South and open a branch office. A financial institution is a permitted use in this zoning district (C -2, general commercial); however, the bank is proposing a drive -up teller service, which requires a conditional use permit. At one time, the property had a drive - through window; however, it has been approximately four years since the window has been in operation so any approvals for the window have expired. The site was originally developed as a restaurant in 1968. A new building was constructed in 1989 for a dry cleaners with drive -up pick -up and drop - off service, which replaced the restaurant. In 1996, the use changed to a retail /office space and the drive = through window was no longer used. The building and the drive - through window were developed prior to 1995 when the City adopted buffer yard requirements for drive- through windows. The current ordinance requires a buffer yard of not less than 20 feet in width to separate the drive - through facilities from any lot line. That buffer yard can be reduced to 10 feet in width adjacent to another commercial use. The applicant is able to provide a 10 foot buffer yard on the north side of the property, adjacent to the Amoco gas station. On the east side of the property, adjacent to single family residences, a buffer yard of 15 feet is the maximum area that can be provided. The bank is proposing to make several improvements to the property. The parking lot would be reconstructed. A new dumpster enclosure would be constructed on the east side of the parking lot. The existing landscaping would be cleaned up and additional landscaping installed in the two buffer yards. Improvements would be made to the building fagade. The fence along the east side of the property would be repaired or replaced. III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION A. POLICY The bank is proposing to make improvements to the property and building. B. CRITICAL ISSUES There is adequate parking provided. City standards require 14 spaces for a building this size; there are 20 parking spaces on -site. The site plan would provide queuing space for four vehicles behind the vehicle at the drive -up window, as required by City standards. The bank contacted the three neighbors directly behind the property to inform them about the proposed project. One concern expressed was that a fence remain along the east side of the property. The bank currently has two locations with drive -up teller service. Information regarding traffic counts at one of those locations is provided in Exhibit A. C. FINANCIAL N/A D. LEGAL Zoning: C -2 (general commercial) Land Use: Commercial Comprehensive Plan: Regional Commercial /Office Notification: Notice of the hearing was mailed to property owners and occupants within 350 feet of the subject property. Other Actions: Council: A public hearing would be held on October 9, 2000 Hearing Examiner: A public hearing on the buffer yard variance will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2000. A drive -up window is a conditional use in the C -2 district. The findings necessary to issue a CUP (546.05, subd.6) are as follows: a) the proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designation is Regional Commercial /Office. A bank is consistent with this designation. b) the proposed use is consistent . with any officially adopted redevelopment plans or urban design guidelines: Improvements to the property would be consistent with the PASSS area design guidelines. c) the proposed use is or will be in compliance with the performance standards specified in Section 541 of this code: The trash enclosure would be replaced. The parking lot would be reconstructed according to City standards and a new stormwater management plan submitted. d) the proposed use will not have undue adverse impacts on governmental facilities, utilities, services, or existing or proposed 1 0 improvements: The property is currently developed; the CUP is for a change in use. e) the use will not have undue adverse impacts on the public health, safety, or welfare: A buffer yard will be provided between the proposed use and the adjacent residential property, t) there is a public need for such use at the proposed location: The property is in a commercial area, and the bank is complementary to surrounding commercial uses. g) the proposed use meets or will meet all the specific conditions set by this code for the granting of such conditional use permit: A 10 foot buffer yard will be provided on the north side of the property. The applicant has applied for a variance from the 20 -foot buffer yard requirement on the east side -of -the property because the property was developed 11 years ago with a drive - through window and a 15 -foot buffer yard. That 15 -foot buffer yard was later reduced to 10 feet without City approval. The bank would reinstall the 15 -foot buffer yard. Stipulations of Approval: 1. That a final landscaping plan be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 2. That a stormwater management plan be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. 3. That a sediment and erosion control plan be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. 4. That the fence along the east side of the property be repaired or replaced and that the design of any new fence be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 5. That plans for facade improvements be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 6. That the adequacy of the parking lot lighting be reviewed, and if the existing lights remain, they be painted and repaired. 7. That final plans for reconstruction of the parking lot be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S): Deny the conditional use permit for a drive -up window with a finding that the 15 -foot buffer yard would have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood. V. ATTACHMENTS Code References: 546.05 Attachment A: Surrounding land uses Attachment B: Traffic counts for existing an Bank of the Lakes facility Attachment C: Site plan Attachment D: Original building elevations Attachment B: Original approved site plan VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING Mike Morris, First National Bank of the Lakes Rick Sheridan, representing First National Bank of the Lakes Randy Moon, SKD Architects CODE CITATIONS SECTION 526 - ZONING: COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS Subd. 6. Uses which provide drive -up window or teller service, (excluding Class III restaurants) provided the following conditions are met: a) a buffer yard of not less than 20 feet in width shall be provided to separate drive -up facilities and related queuing areas from any lot line -- if the drive -up facility or queuing area abuts a commercial use or public right -of -way, the Council may reduce the buffer yard to not less than 10 feet; b) queuing space for at least four cars (70 feet) shall be provided per drive -up service lane, as measured from but not including the first drive -up service window or teller station -- such queuing space shall not interfere with parking spaces or traffic circulation; c) alcoholic beverages shall not be served; and d) exterior speakers shall comply with the noise control limits set by Section 930 of the City Code. SECTION 546 - ZONING: ADMINISTRATION 546.05. Conditional use permits. Subdivision 1. Permit required. It shall be unlawful to engage in any use listed in this code as a conditional use without first obtaining a conditional use permit (CUP) from the City pursuant to this subsection. Subd. 2. Limitations. A conditional use permit may not be issued for the purpose of granting an adjustment or appeal, or for any use prohibited in the zoning district for which the permit is sought. Subd. 3. Application. Application for a conditional use permit shall be made to the Director on forms provided by the City. Subd. 4. Planning Commission review. After receipt of a completed application, a date shall be set for consideration before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may offer whatever public notice of its review it deems necessary. Following this consideration, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the application. Subd. 5. Public hearing. After receipt of the recommendation of the Planning Commission, a date shall be set for a public hearing. Not less than 10 days prior to the public hearing, notice shall be published once in the official newspaper and sent by mail to all the owners of properties located wholly or partially within 350 feet. The Council shall make the final determination on the application, and in doing so shall make findings regarding its review. The Council may impose conditions and require guarantees on the granting of the permit in order to ensure compliance with the conditions designated in connection therewith. The Council shall make a decision within 60 days of submission of a completed application unless written notice of an extension is provided to the applicant. The notification must state the reasons for the extension and its anticipated length, which may not exceed 60 days unless approved by the applicant. If the Council fails to make a timely decision, the conditional use permit shall be deemed to have been approved. (Amended, Bill No. 1995 -19, Sec. 4) Subd. 6. Conditions for issuance. The Council may not grant a conditional use permit unless it finds that all of the following conditions will be met: I a) the proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan; b) the proposed use is consistent with any officially adopted redevelopment plans or urban design guidelines; c) the proposed use is or will be in compliance with the performance standards specified in Section 541 of this code; d) the proposed use will not have undue adverse impacts on governmental facilities, utilities, services, or existing or proposed improvements; e) the use will not have undue adverse impacts on the public health, safety, or welfare; and f) there is a public need for such use at the proposed location; and g) the proposed use meets or will meet all the specific conditions set by this code for the granting of such conditional use permit. Subd. 7. Recording of CUP. Upon commencement of an approved conditional use, a certified copy of the conditional use permit shall be filed by the applicant with the Hennepin County Recorder or Registrar of Titles. The permit shall contain the legal description of the property. Subd. 8. Expiration of CUP. A conditional use permit shall expire one year after it has been issued unless: a) the use for which the permit was granted has commenced within the one year period; or b) upon written request of the person or corporation holding the CUP, the Council extends the expiration date for an additional period not to exceed one year. Subd. 9. Term of CUP. A conditional use permit shall remain in effect for so long as the conditions regulating it are observed, unless specifically stated otherwise. A conditional use permit shall expire if normal operation of the use has been discontinued for 12 or more months. Time shall be calculated as beginning on the day following the last day in which the use was in normal operation and shall run continuously thereafter. Subd. 10. Amendment to CUP. Holders of a conditional use permit may propose amendments to the permit by following the procedure set in this subsection for issuance of a new permit. Significant changes in the circumstances or scope of the use shall require approval of the Council. Such changes may include, but are not limited to, hours of operation, increase in number of employees, expansion of structure or premises, or major operational modifications, as determined by the Director. The Planning Commission may recommend, and the Council may impose, additional or modified conditions as a result of the amendment. Subd. 11. Fee. The fee for a conditional use permit or amendment thereto is set by Appendix D of the City Code. 65 1/2 ST W ro zww Attachment A Surrounding Land Use 6613 Penn Avenue 66TH ST W 66TH ST V R 0 0 z 2 IN, 100 0 100 200 Feet Land Use Commercial Apartment Duplex Residential Quasi-Public School Church Vacant NO Park September 20, 2000 i dl,1" -10 ybihKI) 1J: J., eAKSUNb ti C, 510 FI st Artenue Abrth Brinokerho f sutra 550 c It,L:01L Jib UUt`1 t. Mlnneepd/a, MN 55403 ` Cleaners 612-371.0449 1E)0- 50 vehicles 10 -25 vehicles ATTACHMENT B1 DATE: July 6, 1998 t4'DAT0D JIULY 10, 1898 TO., Theresa Kintner- Stein,.CorRorate Of "er F Memorandum FROM: Ted Axt, Senior Transportetlon Engine" Sit -Down, 1300 sq. ft.) RE: Pariahs 510 FI st Artenue Abrth Brinokerho f sutra 550 c Mlnneepd/a, MN 55403 ` Cleaners 612-371.0449 1E)0- 50 vehicles 10 -25 vehicles Fax: 612 - 977-4410 DATE: July 6, 1998 t4'DAT0D JIULY 10, 1898 TO., Theresa Kintner- Stein,.CorRorate Of "er F 11:70 icier 14 vehicles FROM: Ted Axt, Senior Transportetlon Engine" Sit -Down, 1300 sq. ft.) RE: First National Bank of the lakes = Drj e- Existing Building) h Facility Traffic Generation This memo compares the anticipated ftfiirl' Irrtp cis? location property, It includes the updale0.0g6pect I Traffio;GenerA various land uses for the 3101 Hennepin Avenue supplied by the Welsh Companies. Characteristics Drive - Through Bank FNBL- Naverre: IJ ' i1. "44 icles 17 vehicles Cleaners Phone Survey, 1E)0- 50 vehicles 10 -25 vehicles Local /National) ti ; Restaurant ITE Trip Generafion 11:70 icier 14 vehicles Sit -Down, 1300 sq. ft.) Manual 6°i Edlbdy1 Existing Building) is Restaurant ITE Trip Generation 1340 Vehicles 28 vehicles Sit -Down, 2600 sq. ft.) Manual & Edition New Building covering one -half the parcel area) Restaurant ITE Trip Generation ;930 ehicles 62 vehicles Fast -Food 1300 sq. h.) Manual 6°i Edition National Chain No Drive - Through Existing Building) i Both the expanded restaurant use and fist- food;rest4urant use generate significantly higher daily and PM peak hour vehicle trips. The bank drive- t6roughjeleeners, and conversion of the present building into a restaurant essentially produce similar, trrOic volumas,lall which are low intensity uses resulting from the limited size of the parcel and the building footprint. It can also be expected that a high percentage &- the:,drive- through bank traffic will consist of existing customers currently using the FNBL building ecross.the street. This, in effect, lowers the overall new traffic generation of the drive- through bank In ¢omparlson,Wlth other uses, and reduces some of the on- street parking demand created by the bank at times. i Over • Century of ` engineering Eircef ence „ 1U1 i — CD k'AK 1:,11 .1 t, K i N:• 1\ 1'.. k H t.; r v 11.1.: 1,.- .••I .tiI - August 25, 1998 Mr. Michael Monahan, PE Assistant Director of Public Works Director of Transportation - City of Minneapolis Room 233 City Hall 350 South 5"' Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 -1314 RE: First National Bank of the Lakes: Drive -Up Facility Southeast Corner of 31' Street and Hennepin Avenue Daily Traffic Volumes Dear Mr. Monahan, Parsons Brinckerhaff ATTACHMENT B2 510 First Avenue North suite 550 Minneapolis, MN 55403 61?- 371.0443 Far: 612- 371 -4410 By Fax: 673.2149 This letter is in response to your telephone call today regarding the variability of traffic anticipated at the proposed First National Bank Drive -Up facility. We estimated the usage of the drive -up facility through a traffic count at the First Bank of the Lakes Navarre branch location, which has a drive -up facility and very similar sized customer base (1,800 persons). The count was taken over a two -week period in April, 1998, with the highest daily vehicle count recorded being 144 vehicles, and the peak hour occurring at 4 -5 PM, with an average of 17 vehicles. As expected, there was daily variability in the recorded numbers. For the peak hour (4 -5PM), there was a fluctuation in the traffic volumes recorded, ranging from a low of 9 vehicles in the hour, to a high of 32 vehicles in the hour. The highest hourly count was 37 vehicles, which occurred between 11 AM and noon. Attached with this letter are the hourly breakdown of the high and low vehicle counts at the Navarre branch. As with the ITE reference comparing alternative land uses, hourly traffic volumes vary with the day of the week and the season of the year. Both the ITE estimated traffic volumes and our observed traffic volumes were compared using an average rate, We also recognize the importance of correctly signing the prohibited southbound movement from Hennepin Avenue into the site, We will be working with the project architect to ensure the project design incorporates the appropriate signing scheme. We will present this to the City for review and approval as part of our building permit application. A draft version can be forwarded to you for initial comment in the coming week. We appreciate your review of the enclosed information. Please feel free to contact me at 371 -0443 to further discuss any aspect of this project. Sincerely, Pars "s Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. E and W. t, Jr. P.E. Senior Transportation Engineer Cc: Tom Hart - Winthrop & Weinstine Over GoatMry of Teresa Kintner -Stein FNBL Engineering Fxceliense ATTACHMENT B3 I - FIRST NATIONAL BANK of the LAKES TRAFFIC HIGHS & LOWS APRIL 1ST - APRIL 14TH TIME HIGH COUNT LOW COUNT 7:30 -9:00 22 12 9:00 -10:00 30 8 10:00 -11:00 29 3 11:00 -12:00 37 3 12:00 -1:00 16 6 1:00 -2:00 30 6 2:00 -3:00 20 9 3:004:00 20 13 4:00 -5 :00 32 9 5:00 -6:00 31 8 6 5 11 E I I 6a-, o . 11111WI, ONia-line -- Iirays NOHd]-j--'l wV) m LIZ? CO z Lj C, 0U G ID 714/711/ lyyIL-h - -.a - v YVIII j n/ 1 zcV) W 00 a i O A X z w U 1 r d H H Cn V d O O C-) Z Q d z U Ow N n/ 1 N A 51 ell I IS A r i F EQ 0 q W W i W I J o JQ Z I a W A. 4 NNN C6 t m z ib V) W 00 a i Ox4 Q- N A 51 ell I IS A r i F EQ 0 q W W i W I J o JQ Z I a W A. 4 NNN C6 t m Z W a i Ox4 Q- 2 L x Om o d 0 z Ul g H z w U H H Z a J a W W a- 0 W w a. C/) O Ma TM OCD co a - 0 L 7 Z D J m 0 LU Ch O CL O m CL 00'09 L r 9 - r N r 0 r 0 r N r 4A \ - <,- 00-09L 8Z i.. ,S'8Z S '3" NN3d a. aZ L6 N r mor AGENDA SECTION AGENDA ITEM # REPORT # CASE # PUBLIC HEARING 00 -PUD -1 wAd PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PC MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Public hearing on a planned unit development plan for the Best Buy Campus project and a rezoning of property located between 76th Street and 1 -494 and Knox and Penn Avenues from C -2 (general commercial), R (single family residential), MR -1 (two family residence) and MR -2 two familv residence) to PC -2 (planned oeneral commercial). Ill. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 11 Conduct and close a public hearing and by motion: Approve a planned unit development plan for the Best Buy Campus project and rezoning of Dropertv from C -2. R. MR -1 and MR -2 to PC -2. II. BACKGROUND Best Buy Corporation is proposing to construct a corporate campus, including four buildings with 1.5 million square feet of office space and parking for 7,500 cars, in the Interchange West area (76th Street to 1 -494 and Knox to Penn Avenues). Best Buy's current office facilities are located in nine buildings throughout Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. Best Buy is seeking to consolidate its employees into one campus setting. Best Buy's current office facilities accommodate approximately 3,200 employees. All office staff, excluding the printing and call center operations, would be relocated to the new campus. By the time the campus is completed, Best Buy expects to have from 5,500 to 6,500 employees. Employment is projected to rise to 7,500 persons after moving to this location. Existing Land Use and Zoning The site is currently developed with a mixture of 68 single family and duplex properties, three apartment complexes (87 units), 12 small businesses and the Walser and McCarthy car dealerships. At this time, Opus, working for Best Buy as the developer, has signed purchase agreements with all 68 residential property owners, one of the car dealerships and eight of the other properties. The 42 -acre site is covered by a variety of zoning districts including R (single family residential), MR -1 (two - family residence), MR -2 (medium density multiple family residence), and C -2 (general commercial). Buildings The four buildings would be six and eight stories tall, with approximately 300,000 and 400,000 square feet in each building. They would be connected with a one -level (30 feet tall) commons area where functions such as a cafeteria and convenience store would be located. A day care facility for 250 children and a fitness center would be located in the first building. A training center would also be incorporated into one building. Some basement space (up to 90,000 square feet) may be constructed to provide a service corridor underneath the buildings, storage space, a store mock -up area, and other similar functions. Access Signalized entrances will be located on Penn Avenue at 77th Street and on 76th Street at Newton Avenue.. A signal will also be added on 76th Street at Knox Avenue and additional access to the development will be off of Knox Avenue. Each access will provide entrance to the parking structure at a different level. Parking A majority of the parking (6,700 stalls) would be provided in a five -level parking ramp located in the northeast portion of the site. On the 76th Street side, two levels of the ramp would be below grade and three levels above grade (approximately 33 feet). On the Knox Avenue side, one level would be below grade. An additional 250 parking stalls would be available for visitor parking in the southwest corner of the site. A 476 -stall surface parking lot would be located on the south side of the site. This area would be taken for roadway purposes at such time that 1 -494 is widened. Best Buy plans on heavily landscaping the perimeter of all parking areas to soften the impact of the hard surface. Transportation Improvements Several transportation improvements are necessary to accommodate traffic from the development. A new Penn Avenue bridge is proposed at 1 -494. Penn Avenue, from 1- 494 to 76th Street, will be reconstructed. The intersection at Penn Avenue and 76th Street will be reconstructed with dual left turn lanes and right turn lanes in all directions. 76th Street, from Penn Avenue to the 35W entrance ramp will also be reconstructed. 76th Street will be a four -lane roadway with a center median and protected left turn lanes at the Newton and Knox Avenue signals. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been issued for the project indicating that an additional improvement is necessary at the north /west exit ramp from 35W to provide adequate storage space for right turning cars. The final design of this improvement will be determined through the Final EIS process. These improvements will be in place by November, 2002. The DEIS shows that, with these transportation improvements, these intersections will operate with acceptable levels of service. Setbacks A PUD allows flexibility from the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district. A comparison of the PUD plan to the C -2 zoning district shows that most setbacks are exceeded. The setback for a portion of the ramp along 76th Street will be 20 feet instead of the 25 feet that would be required in a C -2 zoning district. The building heights also exceed the maximum that would be allowed in the C -2 zoning district. SETBACKS C -2 district PUD Principal Building Front Penn Ave 35 feet 100 feet Rear Knox Ave 20 feet 100 feet Streetside 1-494 (pre- taking) 1 -494 (post- taking) 76th Street 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 230 feet 70 feet 45 feet HEIGHT Principal Building 3 stories (40 feet) 6 stories — 90 feet 8 stories — 120 feet SETBACKS Accessory Building Front Penn Ave 35 feet 530 feet Rear Knox Ave 8 feet 30 feet Streetside 1 -494 (pre- taking) 1 -494 (post- taking) 76th Street 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 580 feet 400 feet 20 feet HEIGHT 1 story (15 feet) 3 stories — 38 feet 4 stories — 50 feet Note: The setbacks along 76th Street may vary depending on the final alignment of 76th Street. Schedule Acquisition of properties is expected to occur between February and April of 2001. Demolition and grading would take place in April and May. Construction would begin on the first building in June of 2001. Construction of the remaining buildings would occur consecutively, one month apart. Construction is expected to be completed Summer to Fall of 2002. III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION A. POLICY The City's Comprehensive Plan encourages high density development along the 1 -494 corridor. The Plan also encourages improvements at the gateways to the community. The proposed redevelopment of the Interchange West area is consistent with those goals. The proposed redevelopment removes 167 housing units. A portion of the project's tax increment ($678,000 annually for 25 years) will be dedicated to a housing fund. Those funds will be used to increase and improve the City's housing stock. B. CRITICAL ISSUES Several transportation improvements are planned to accommodate the increased traffic from the development and to improve existing failing intersections in the area. The project requires that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared. The EIS process will be completed before a final decision on the PUD plan and rezoning can be made. a C. FINANCIAL The Housing and Redevelopment Authority has signed a contract for private redevelopment with Best Buy that details the financial aspects of the development. Funding for the proposed transportation improvements is secured. The Penn Avenue bridge will be funded through a portion of the project's tax increment, a loan from Best Buy to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and MnDOT funds. Funding for 76th Street will be paid for with the City's Minnesota State Aid (MSA) funds. D. LEGAL Zoning: R, MR -2, C -2 Land Use: Single -, two- and multiple - family residential, quasi - public, commercial Comprehensive Plan: South 30 acres: Regional Commercial /Office; North 10 acres: The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in March, 2000 to re- designate this area from High Density Single Family Residential and neighborhood commercial to Regional Commercial /Office Notification: Notice of the hearing was mailed to property-owners between 75th Street and 1 -494 and 35W and Penn Avenue, those properties on 76th Street between Penn and Xerxes Avenues, those person who have requested information on the Environmental Impact Statement process, and others who have requested notice. Other Actions: Council: First reading is scheduled for October 23, 2000 The findings necessary to approve a planned unit development plan 536.17, subd. 4) are as follows: a) the proposed development conforms with the goals and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Development Plan and any applicable redevelopment plans: Thirty acres are guided for Regional Commercial /Office, which is consistent with the proposed development. The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in March, 2000; the amendment changes the designation for the north 10 acres of the site from R- SFH (high density single family residential) and C -N (neighborhood commercial) to CR/O (regional commercial office). The City Council authorized staff to submit the amendment to the Metropolitan Council in May, 2000. The Met Council is scheduled to review .the amendment on September 27, 2000. Following Met Council review, the City Council will take final action on the amendment. b) the proposed development is designed in such a manner as to form a desirable and unified environment within its own boundaries: The project is designed to create an office campus setting for the Best Buy Corporation. The buildings, ramp and site development are all part of one unified development. c) the development is in substantial conformity with the purpose and intent of the original district, and departures from the original district regulations are justified by the design of the development: One setback for the parking ramp and the building heights depart from C_q the original district regulations. The setback for the parking ramp on 76th Street is five feet less than would be required in the original district regulations for an accessory building. The reduced setback along 76th Street will allow for a right turn lane on 76th Street onto Knox Avenue. Significant landscaping will be installed in this area to make up for the reduced setback area. The additional building height is appropriate for freeway office development and allows for more open space on the site. d) the development will not create an excessive burden on parks, schools, streets, or other public facilities and utilities which serve or are proposed to serve the development: Transportation improvements are proposed to accommodate traffic from the development, and to- improve existing traffic problems in the area at Penn Avenue and 1 -494 and Penn and 76th Street. There are sufficient utilities to serve the development. e) the development will not have undue adverse impacts on neighboring properties: Transportation improvements are proposed to accommodate traffic from the development. Site features are planned to minimize visual impacts from the development on neighboring properties. Additional information regarding site features is provided in the final development plan. t) the terms and conditions proposed to maintain the integrity of the plan are sufficient to protect the public interests: A final development plan, which establishes the terms and conditions of the development, is required before construction can commence. Stipulations of approval are detailed in the next bulleted point. An Environmental Impact Statement and Indirect Source Permit are required for the project. The EIS identifies impacts of the project and proposes mitigation measures. The Indirect Source Permit requires that the mitigation measures be implemented. Stipulations of Approval 1. That the rezoning ordinance shall become effective on such date as all subject parcels are held in common ownership by Best Buy Co., Inc. or 30 days following publication or when the environmental assessment process has been favorably completed, whichever is later. 2. That the City Council adopts the Comprehensive Plan amendment designating the north 10 acres of the property as regional commercial /office. 3. That the City Council makes a finding of adequacy regarding the Environmental Impact Statement. IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) Deny the planned unit development plan and rezoning with a finding that the proposed project would have a negative impact on surrounding properties or the City as a whole. V. ATTACHMENTS Code References: Zoning Ordinance Section 536.17 Attachment A: Existing and Proposed Zoning Attachment B: Site Plan uir VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING Representatives from Best Buy and Opus will be present at the meeting. O'' CODE CITATIONS SECTION 536 - ZONING: PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS 536.17. Review of PUD application. Subdivision 1. Procedure. Upon receipt of a completed PUD application and the fee set by Appendix D of the City Code, the following review procedure set out in this subsection shall commence. Subd. 2. Planning Commission review. The Planning Commission shall conduct a public hearing on the PUD application and serve mailed notice of such hearing to the applicant and all property owners situated wholly or partially within 350 feet of the proposed PUD district. The Planning Commission shall submit its recommendation to the Council. The Planning Commission may recommend approval with or without modifications, or may recommend denial of the PUD application. (Amended, Bill No. 1995 -19, Sec. 2) Subd. 3. Council consideration. Following action by the Planning Commission, the Council shall hold a public hearing and consider rezoning the area described in the plan. If the PUD plan is approved, the area shall be rezoned as one of the six types of PUD districts. Subd. 4. Required finding. The findings necessary for approval of a PUD application shall be as follows: a) the proposed development conforms with the goals and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Development Plan and any applicable redevelopment plans; b) the proposed development is designed in such a manner as to form a desirable and unified environment within its own boundaries; c) the development is in substantial conformity with the purpose and intent of the original district, and departures from the original district regulations are justified by the design of the development; d) the development will not create an excessive burden on parks, schools, streets, or other public facilities and utilities which serve or are proposed to serve the development; e) the development will not have undue adverse impacts on neighboring properties; and f) the terms and conditions proposed to maintain the integrity of the plan are sufficient to protect the public interests. o m I N Z E! l.I.t. Y 1 I da[F,aba Hbt. • lN3 t Q I a ® E! l.I.t. Y 1 I da[F,aba Hbt. • lN3 t r a an l l L J AGENDA SECTION: AGENDA ITEM # REPORT # CASE # 3 PUBLIC HEARING 00- FDP -2; 00 -CUP- 13 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PC MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 269 2000 ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Public hearing on a final development plan and conditional use permit for the Best Buy campus r2ject, located between 76th Street and 1 -494 and Penn and Knox Avenues. U. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 11 Conduct and close a public hearing and by motion: Approve a final development plan and conditional use permit for the Best Buy campus project, located between 76th Street and 1-494 and Penn and Knox Avenues. II. BACKGROUND Best Buy is proposing to construct a corporate campus, including four buildings with 1.5 million square feet of office space and parking for 7,500 cars, in the Interchange West area (76th Street to 1 -494 and Knox to Penn Avenues). Best Buy's current office facilities are located in nine buildings throughout Eden Prairie and Minnetonka. Best Buy is seeking to consolidate its employees into one campus setting. Buildings The four buildings would be six and eight stories tall, with approximately 300,000 and 400,000 square feet in each building. They would be connected with a one -level (30 feet tall) commons area where functions such as a cafeteria and convenience store would be located. A day care facility for 250 children and a fitness center would be located in the first building. A training center would also be incorporated into one building. Some basement space (up to 90,000 square feet) may be constructed to provide a service corridor underneath the buildings, storage space, a store mock -up area, and other similar functions. Access Signalized entrances will be located on Penn Avenue at 77th Street and on 76th Street at Newton Avenue. A signal will also be added on 76th Street at Knox Avenue and additional access to the development will be off of Knox Avenue. Each access will provide entrance to the parking structure at a different level. Parking A majority of the parking (6,700 stalls) would be provided in a five -level parking ramp located in the northeast portion of the site. On the 76th Street side, two levels of the 3,1 ramp would be below grade (approximately 38 feet would be above grade). On the Knox Avenue side, one level would be below grade. An additional 250 parking stalls would be available for visitor parking in the southwest corner of the site. A 476 -stall surface parking lot would be located on the south side of the site. This area would be taken for roadway purposes at such time that 1 -494 is widened. City standards would not require this parking area to be replaced. Transportation Improvements/Traffic Several transportation improvements are necessary to accommodate traffic from the development. A new Penn Avenue bridge would be constructed. Reconstruction of Penn Avenue, from 1 -494 to 76th Street. Reconstruction of the intersection at Penn Avenue and 76th Street with dual left turn lanes and right turn lanes in all directions. Reconstruction of 76th Street, from Penn Avenue to the 35W entrance ramp. 76th Street will be a four -lane roadway with a center median and protected left turn lanes at the Newton and Knox Avenue signals. A summary of the traffic study from the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is included as Attachment J. Eighteen intersections were studied. The level of service for individual turning movements as well as the intersections as a whole were analyzed for the project in the year 2003 and 2022. Twelve of the intersections were found to be acceptable with Best Buy traffic. Two experience congestion but the congestion is not caused by Best Buy traffic. Four intersections will be upgraded to provide acceptable levels of service. The DEIS indicates that an improvement is necessary at the north /west exit ramp from 35W to provide adequate storage space for right turning cars. The final design of this improvement will be determined through the Final EIS process. These improvements will be in place by November, 2002. The DEIS shows that, with these transportation improvements, these intersections will operate with acceptable levels of service. The purpose of the DEIS traffic study is to determine which intersections are impacted by the project. There are other intersections that currently having failing operations that are not caused by the project. Travel Demand Management Best Buy is developing a Travel Demand Management (TDM) plan to reduce the number of employees who drive to work during peak hours. The TDM plan is included in the DEIS, although the results of the traffic study indicate that traffic could be accommodated without TDM. A copy of the TDM plan as it appears in the DEIS, is included as Attachment K. The site is being designed to accommodate transit, pedestrians and bicyclists. An on- site transit stop has been designed off of 76th Street. Bicycle storage facilities will be provided on campus with shower and locker facilities in the proposed fitness center. Eight -foot paths are proposed throughout the site to provide access for pedestrians and bicyclists (employees as well as community members). The north site entrance will be constructed to accommodate buses on the site. Stormwater Management Two ponds would be provided on site to retain and treat stormwater. The ponds will improve the quality of storm water runoff discharging from the site and will increase capacity for the area. There are existing flooding /ponding problems in the 1 -494 right -of- way at Penn Avenue and at the Fountainhead Apartments that would be reduced with the project. Landscaping The proposed landscape plan is Attachment H. A significant number of trees —over 900 - -are proposed for the site. Larger trees and more intensive landscaping would be planted along 76th Street to soften the visual impact of the parking ramp. There are approximately 560 trees currently in the project area. Trees will not likely be saved in their current locations; however, Opus will try to relocate some trees to the edges of the site. In addition, the City will be given the opportunity to move trees to parks and other locations in the City. Submittal of.a detailed final landscape plan would be a stipulation of approval. Utilities There is adequate capacity in the City's water system to accommodate the development. There is currently a lift station at Knox and 77th Street that controls the flow of sewage into the metropolitan interceptor along 76th Street. The storage capacity of the lift station will be expanded to accommodate additional sewage from the development. Lighting Lighting will provide adequate levels for safe use of parking areas. The lighting will meet the ordinance requirement for less than 0.5 foot candles at any residential property line. The landscaping along 76th Street will also be designed to minimize any impact from lighting inside the parking ramp. Shadows A shadow analysis was completed for the proposed plan. The analysis indicates that, during the spring and fall, there will be some shadows on parts of the buildings to the east and west of the site in early morning and late evening. In the summer, the shadows will be contained on site. In the winter, there will be morning and afternoon shadows on part of the Woodlake Church parking lot and apartments at 76th and Penn. Signage Monument signage is proposed at the corner of Penn Avenue and 1 -494 and at Penn and 77th Street. Smaller identification /directional signage is proposed for the entrance. at 76th and Newton and at 76th and Knox. Building signage is proposed for the freeway side of the development. Trash and Loading Area Trash will be accommodated inside the building and accessed through the southeastern access to the site. All loading functions will take place in this building with access from Knox Avenue. Schedule Acquisition of properties is expected to occur between February and April of 2001. Demolition and grading would take place in April and May. Construction would begin on the first building in June of 2001. Construction of the remaining buildings would occur consecutively, one month apart. Construction is expected to be completed Summer to Fall of 2002. 3-3 III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION A. POLICY The City's Comprehensive Plan encourages high density development along the 1 -494 corridor.. The Plan also encourages improvements at the gateways to the community. The proposed redevelopment of the Interchange West area is consistent with those goals. The proposed redevelopment removes 167 housing units. A portion of the project's tax increment will be dedicated to a housing fund. Those funds will be used to increase and improve the City's housing stock. B. CRITICAL ISSUES Several transportation improvements are planned to accommodate the increased traffic from the development and to improve existing failing intersections in the area. Best Buy is developing a Travel Demand Management (TDM) plan to promote the use of alternative transportation modes and reduce the number of employees who drive alone during peak periods. The project requires that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared. The EIS process will be completed before a final decision on the final development plan and conditional use permit can be made. C. FINANCIAL The Housing and Redevelopment Authority has signed a contract for private redevelopment with Best Buy that details the financial aspects of the development. Funding for the proposed transportation improvements is secured. The Penn Avenue bridge will be funded through a portion of the project's tax increment, a loan from Best Buy to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and MnDOT funds. Funding for 76th Street will be paid for with the City's Minnesota State Aid (MSA) funds. D. LEGAL Zoning: PC -2 (proposed) Land Use: Single -, two- and multiple - family residential, quasi - public, commercial Comprehensive Plan: South 30 acres: Regional Commercial /Office; North 10 acres: The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in March, 2000 to re- designate this area from High Density Single Family Residential and neighborhood commercial to Regional Commercial /Office Notification: Notice of the hearing was mailed to property owners between 75th Street and 1 -494 and 35W and Penn Avenue, those properties on 76th Street between Penn and Xerxes Avenues, those person who have requested information on the Environmental Impact Statement process, and others who have requested notice. Other Actions: Council: A public hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2000. J_q All uses are conditional uses in the PC -2 district. The findings necessary to issue a CUP (546.05, subd.6) are as follows: a) The proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan: Thirty acres are guided for Regional Commercial /Office, which is consistent with the proposed development. The Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan in March, 2000; the amendment changes the designation for the north 10 acres of the site from R -SFH (high density single family residential) and C -N neighborhood commercial) to CR/O (regional commercial office). The City Council authorized staff to submit the amendment to the Metropolitan Council in May, 2000. The Met Council is scheduled to- review the amendment --on September 27, 2000. Following Met Council review, the City Council will take final action on the amendment. b) The proposed use is consistent with any officially adopted redevelopment plans or urban design guidelines: A redevelopment district has been established for this area. The proposed project is consistent with that district. c) The proposed use is or will be in compliance with the performance standards specified in Section 541 of this code: Adequate provision has been made for lighting, traffic, parking, landscaping, utilities, exterior treatment of buildings, screening mechanical equipment, dumpster enclosures and stormwater management. d) The proposed use will not have undue adverse impacts on governmental facilities, utilities, services, or existing or proposed improvements: There are adequate facilities, utilities and services to support the development. With the proposed improvements, there will be adequate roadways to serve the development. e) The use will not have undue adverse impacts on the public health, safety, or welfare. t) There is a public need for such use at the proposed location. g) The proposed use meets or will meet all the specific conditions set by this code for the granting of such conditional use permit: Stipulations of Approval: 1. That a final landscape plan be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 2. That a final sediment and erosion control plan be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. 3. That a final stormwater management plan be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. 4. That a final plan for walkways and sidewalks, both public and private, be submitted to and approved by the Public Works Director. 5. That a final lighting plan be submitted to and approved by the Community Development and Public Safety Directors. 6. That a final signage plan be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 7. That the final Travel Demand Management Plan be submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director. 3 -5 8. That, at such time that the south portion of the property is taken for roadway purposes, that a revised design for the south edge be submitted to and approved by the City Manager. 9. That the City Council makes a finding of adequacy regarding the Environmental Impact Statement. 10. That the property be replatted. IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) Deny the final development plan and conditional use permit with a finding that the proposed project would have a negative impact on adjacent properties or the City as a whole. V. ATTACHMENTS Code References: Zoning Ordinance Section 546.05 Attachment A: Current and proposed land uses Attachment B: Existing conditions Attachment C: Proposed site plan Attachment D: Building elevations Attachment E: Ramp elevations Attachment F: Preliminary grading plan Attachment G: Preliminary stormwater management plan Attachment H: Landscape plan Attachment I: Lighting plan Attachment J: Summary of traffic analysis Attachment K: Travel Demand Management Plan VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING Representatives from Best Buy and Opus will be present at the meeting. SECTION 546 -ZONING: ADMINISTRATION 546.05. Conditional use permits. Subdivision 1. Permit required. It shall be unlawful to engage in any use listed in this code as a conditional use without first obtaining a conditional use permit (CUP) from the City pursuant to this subsection. Subd. 2. Limitations. A conditional use permit may not be issued for the purpose of granting an adjustment or appeal, or for any use prohibited in the zoning district for which the permit is sought. Subd. 3. Application. Application for a conditional use permit shall be made to the Director on forms provided by the City. Subd. 4. Planning Commission review. After receipt of a completed application, a date shall be set for consideration before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may offer whatever public notice of its review it deems necessary. Following this consideration, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the application. Subd. 5. Public hearing. After receipt of the recommendation of the Planning Commission, a date shall be set for a public hearing. Not less than 10 days prior to the public hearing, notice shall be published once in the official newspaper and sent by mail to all the owners of properties located wholly or partially within 350 feet. The Council shall make the final determination on the application, and in doing so shall make findings regarding its review. The Council may impose conditions and require guarantees on the granting of the permit in order to ensure compliance with the conditions designated in connection therewith. The Council shall make a decision within 60 days of submission of a completed application unless written notice of an extension is provided to the applicant. The notification must state the reasons for the extension and its anticipated length, which may not exceed 60 days unless approved by the applicant. If the Council fails to make a timely decision, the conditional use permit shall be deemed to have been approved. (Amended, Bill No. 1995 -19, Sec. 4) Subd. 6. Conditions for issuance. The Council may not grant a conditional use permit unless it finds that all of the following conditions will be met: a) the proposed use is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan; b) the proposed use is consistent with any officially adopted redevelopment plans or urban design guidelines; c) the proposed use is or will be in compliance with the performance standards specified in Section 541 of this code; d) the proposed use will not have undue adverse impacts on governmental facilities, utilities, services, or existing or proposed improvements; e) the use will not have undue adverse impacts on the public health, safety, or welfare; and f) there is a public need for such use at the proposed location; and g) the proposed use meets or will meet all the specific conditions set by this code for the granting of such conditional use permit. Subd. 7. Recording of CUP. Upon commencement of an approved conditional use, a certified copy of the conditional use permit shall be filed by the applicant with the Hennepin County Recorder or Registrar of Titles. The permit shall contain the legal description of the property. J -q Subd. S. Expiration of CUP. A conditional use permit shall expire one year after it has been issued unless: a) the use for which the permit was granted has commenced within the one year period; or b) upon written request of the person or corporation holding the CUP, the Council extends the expiration date for an additional period not to exceed one year. Subd. 9. Term of CUP. A conditional use permit shall remain in effect for so long as the conditions regulating it are observed, unless specifically stated otherwise. A conditional use permit shall expire if normal operation of the use has been discontinued for 12 or more months. Time shall be calculated as beginning on the day following the last day in which the use was in normal operation and shall run continuously thereafter. Subd. 10. Amendment to CUP. Holders of a conditional use permit may propose amendments to the permit by following the procedure set in this subsection for issuance of a new permit. Significant changes in the circumstances or scope of the use shall require approval of the Council. Such changes may include, but are not limited to, hours of operation, increase in number of employees, expansion of structure or premises, or major operational modifications, as determined by the Director. The Planning Commission may recommend, and the Council may impose, additional or modified conditions as a result of the amendment. Subd. 11. Fee. The fee for a conditional use permit or amendment thereto is set by Appendix D of the City Code. 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IN ,11 .lON 11111 ,iN ,1115, 1-ail ,e B @11 dei ..i 6 T 3 I a ^$ S $ P e N O N> I TO ae t-- 17.1 I I 4 7-4- p 7-4- O r N V E c L J i s 1la iIi. 69 a s.l... i i.al,i E c L J i M M v N Z W r a- Q L R l -i! . it fiti u J r O N Z W i AT- z e I 0 88 r w w o v oas oa zao 0 w x o a 0 d3 a d3 R C L J O m N F A 3 a O NKOa2CN za0 o w o ozw w° n L J vi cj o il m N F A 3 a O NKOa2CN za0 o w o ozw w° n L J yl 8 0 U - ll U0||OU0| | z i - X fill iFtIo 111111A I 3,-d i Attachment J 5.0 TRAFFIC A detailed Traffic Impact Study had been completed for the proposed Best Buy Campus. A copy of this report is included in Appendix B and a summary of the findings are provided in the following sections. For the details on methods, assumptions, and technical analysis, refer to the appendix. 0 5.1 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 5.1.1 Methods and Assumptions The purpose of this analysis was to identify potential traffic impacts associated with the Project and to identify possible strategies for mitigating these potential problems. Eighteen intersections were selected during the Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (Scoping EAW) process based on the potential level of Project related impacts and public comments received. The key intersections along with their associated peak AM and PM peak hours are listed in Table 5.1. Table 5.1: Intersections and Peak Hours Used in Traffic Analysis Intersection AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour 76` Street / York Avenue 7:15 8:15 AM 4:45 — 5:45 PM 76 Street / Penn Avenue 7:15 8:15 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 76` Street / Newton Avenue (To be signalized) 7:15 8:15 AM 4:30 5:30 PM 76` Street / Knox Avenue (To be si nalized 7:15 — 8:15 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 76` Street / I -35W West Ram 7:15 8:15 AM 4:45 5:45 PM 76` Street / I -35W East Ram 7:15 8:15 AM 4:45 — 5:45 PM L ndale Avenue / 77 Street 7:30 8:30 AM 4:00 — 5:00 PM L ndale Avenue / I -494 North Ram 7:15 8:15 AM 4:00 — 5:00 PM L ndale Avenue / I -494 South Ram 7:30 — 8:30 AM 4:00 — 5:00 PM Penn Avenue / 77` Street (Proposed Site Access 7 :30 — 8:30 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM Penn Avenue / I -494 (Single -point diamond interchan e — to be constructed 7 :30 — 8:30 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM Penn Avenue / Southtown Access 7:30 — 8:30 AM 4:45 — 5:45 PM Penn Avenue / 80` Street 7:15 — 8:15 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM Penn Avenue / 82 Id Street 7:15 — 8:15 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 82" Street / I -35W East Ram 7:00 — 8:00 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 82" Street / I -35W West Ram 7:00 — 8:00 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 82" Street / Knox Avenue 7:00 — 8:00 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM 80` Street / Knox Avenue 7:30 — 8:30 AM 4:30 — 5:30 PM Attachment J The locations of these intersections in relation to the Project Site are illustrated in Figure 5.1. The analysis of these intersections was based on the following assumptions and methods: Study Year: Two years were selected for analysis; 2003 to represent the year after project completion and 2022 to correspond to MnDOT's forecasts for traffic volumes and roadway improvements along I -494. Peak Hour: The peak hour is defined as the one hour period in which the greatest number of vehicles enter into an individual intersection and is typically identified for the AM peak period and the PM peak period. Because the volume of traffic entering into an individual intersection is independent of traffic entering into another intersection, the peak hour for individual intersections may differ, as shown in Table 5.1. Typically, the AM peak hour occurs between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and the PM peak period typically occurs between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Growth Rate: The historic Average Daily Traffic (ADT) volumes were examined from the Mn/DOT traffic flow maps for the years 1990 to 1998 for 76`h Street, Penn Avenue, I -35W, and I494. An annual growth rate of 0.5 percent per year was used for the analysis based on a conservative growth assumption for this developed area, historic (1990 to 1998) MnDOT ADT volumes for Penn, 76` h Street I -35W and I -494, as well as 2000 data collected by BRW. This growth rate was applied to the field collected volumes to determine background volumes for the Years 2003 and 2022. Signal Timing: The Integrated Corridor Traffic Management (ICTM) project along the I-494 corridor from TH 77 to TH 100 utilizes the Sydney Coordinated Traffic Management System (SCATS) as its signal controller at each intersection. The goal of the SCATS controller equipment is to maximize the capacity at each intersection while maintaining coordination with adjacent signalized intersections. Optimal operation of SCATS was assumed for signals at the Lyndale, Penn, 76`h Street and 82 °d Street corridors studied. Model Software: SYNCHRO 4 and SimTraffic 4 were the software programs used to analyze each alternative with conservative adjustments to queue lengths. Trip Generation Rates: Trip generation rates were based on averages compiled by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual 6`h Edition for the number of employees. See Table 2 -1 in Appendix B. Directional Distribution: Directional distribution of traffic to and from the Site was determined based on existing turning movement counts (SEH, 1999), employee 31d Attachment J distribution data from Best Buy and the Met Council's Twin Cities Regional Travel Demand Model. See Figure 2 -2 in Appendix B. Project Roadway Improvements ": For the purpose of the Traffic Impact Study and this DEIS, the term "Project Roadway Improvements" means the roadway improvements assumed to be constructed as part of the Project, as described on Section 2.2 of the DEIS and Section 4.1 of the Traffic Impact Study (Appendix B). Programmed Roadway Improvements ": For the purpose of the Traffic Impact Study and this DEIS, the term "Programmed Roadway Improvements" includes those improvements programmed for construction from Year 2003 to Year 2022 as described in Section 6.0 of the Traffic Impact Study. Recommended Roadway Improvements ": For the purpose of the Traffic Impact Study and this DEIS, the term "Recommended Roadway Improvements" relates to any roadway improvements that are recommended for implementation due to the impacts of the background traffic. Mitigation Measures ": The term "mitigation measures" relates to any roadway improvements that are recommended for implementation due to the impacts of the Site - generated traffic. 5.1.2 Level of Service A capacity analysis is a process that estimates the quality of traffic flow along segments of a roadway and through intersections. The key factors affecting capacity include roadway geometrics, traffic volumes, incidents and the types of intersection control. The results of a capacity analysis are typically presented in the form of a letter grade (A — F) that provides a qualitative indication of the operational efficiency or effectiveness of a specified intersection or roadway. The letter grade assigned to the analysis is referred to as level -of- service (LOS). By definition, LOS A conditions represent high - quality operations (i.e., motorists experience very little delay or interference) while LOS F conditions represent failing operations i.e., extreme delay or severe congestion). LOS D is considered to be an acceptable level of traffic operations in urbanized areas during peak traffic hours. Table 5.2 presents the description of each level of service grade for signalized intersections. Table 5.2 Level of Service Criteria For Signalized Intersections * Level of Service Delay Per Vehicle seconds Description A 10 Excellent conditions B 10 and <= 20 Good conditions C 20 and <= 35 Avera e conditions I Attachment J D 35 and <= 55 Acceptable conditions E 55 and < =80 Poor conditions F 80 Failing conditions Source: Highway Capacity Manual, December 1997 — Table 9 -1 In addition to each intersection having an overall LOS, each movement (left turn, through, and right turn) at an individual intersection also has a LOS. In some cases, the overall level of service at a particular intersection may be at LOS D or better; however, an individual movement at that same intersection may have a LOS E or F. The overall intersection LOS is calculated by using a weighted average of the volumes and delay associated with each movement. 5.1.3 Queuing Analysis An analysis of delay (LOS) alone would neglect potential queuing issues resulting from the background traffic or a proposed development. A queue is defined as a line of one or more vehicles waiting to be serviced by the system. For this analysis, the system is represented by a signalized intersection. Therefore, a queuing analysis was also conducted to determine if adequate storage length for left and right turn lanes exists. In addition, the queuing analysis indicates issues with through traffic spilling back into the upstream intersection. If through traffic were to spill back through the upstream intersection, this would be considered a significant traffic operational deficiency. 5.1.4 Alternatives Analyzed. Capacity and queuing analyses were conducted for both AM and PM peak one hour periods for: a No Build Alternative with existing geometry (for Year 2003); a No Build Alternative with Project Roadway Improvements (for years 2003 and 2022); Option A (7,500 employees) development density for years 2003 and 2022; and Option B (9,500 employees) development density for years 2003 and 2022. The design differences internal to the Site under Alternatives 1 and 2 do not affect the traffic analysis and are therefore not described further in this section. Similarly, the alignment alternatives for the 76`h Street Reconstruction project (North, South, Central) do not affect the traffic analysis and are therefore not described further in this section. 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 5.2.1 No Build Alternative - Year 2003 with Existing Geometry 3 Attachment J This analysis assumes that the Best Buy Campus is not constructed (No Build Alternative). The capacity analysis and queuing analysis were conducted to determine the impacts of Year 2003 traffic volumes on the existing roadway geometry. The analysis consisted of using the field counted turning movement volumes collected for all of the intersections included in the study and applying the 0.5 percent growth rate per year to develop forecast volumes for Year 2003. These volumes were then used in conjunction with existing roadway geometry and existing signal timings (taken from the "Interchange West Traffic Study," conducted by SEH, Inc.) to develop level of service and queue length results for Year 2003. a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM peak hour, all intersections included in this analysis were predicted to operate at a LOS C or better. During the PM peak hour, all intersections included in this analysis are expected to operate at a LOS D or better except for the Penn Avenue / 761' Street intersection and the Lyndale Avenue / I -494 South Ramp intersection, which are expected to operate at a LOS F. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service During the AM peak hour, all the individual movements at each intersection were predicted to operate at a LOS D or better. During the PM peak hour, all individual movements at each intersection were predicted to operate at a LOS D or better, except those listed'in Table 5.3. Table 5.3. Year 2003 No Build PM Peak Hour Movements at LOS E and F Intersection Movement Movement LOS 76` / York West, east and north approaches F 7.6 / Penn Several E and F 76` / Newton North approach through E 80` / Penn South approach left E L ndale / I -494 South Rams South approach through and right F Note: Shaded intersection movements would be improved to LOS D or better with Project Roadway Improvements discussed in Section 5.2.2. c. Queuing Analysis The queue lengths for each movement in the AM and PM Peak hours were not predicted to exceed storage lengths, except those movements listed in Tables 5.4 and 5.5. Table 5.4. Queue Intersection s Exceeded in Year 2003 No Build AM Peak Hour Movement Queue Length exceeds AM PEAK HOUR 76 ` / York North approach left turn 65 J o1 W Attachment J 76 Street/ Penn North approach left tun 90 Lyndale Avenue / 77h Street South approach left turn and 90 76 Street / York Avenue though movements 85 76 Street / Penn Avenue North approach left turn 70 Penn Avenue /'1-494 North South approach left turn ' = 30 Ramp South and north approach left Penn Avenue / I -494 South North approach left turn . 1-190/a Ram South approach lanes 190/a Penn Avenue / 801 Street South approach left turn 135 80 Street / Knox Avenue South approach left turn 100 Note: Shaded intersection movements with queue length problems would be improved to remain within the storage lengths with the Project Roadway Improvements discussed in Section 5.2.2. a) This queue is expected to back up through the upstream intersection of Penn Avenue and the I494 North Ramp; Table 5.5. Queue Lengths Exceeded in Year 2003 No Build PM Peak Hour Intersection Movement Queue Length exceeded by feet 76 Street / York Avenue North approach left turn 85 76 Street / Penn Avenue East, south, and. north approach. 110, 30, and 250. left tums , Lyndale Avenue / 77 th Street South and north approach left 110 feet and 70 feet turns Lyndale Avenue / I -494 North South approach lanes 190/a Ram Lyndale Avenue / I -494 South South and north approach lanes 260 feet and 30 Ramp b Penn - Avenue /'-1-494 North South approach left turn 120 /c Ram Penn Avenue / I494 South North.approach left-turn 120 /d . Ram Penn Avenue / Southtown North approach left turn lanes 100 Access Penn Avenue / 80 Street South approach left turn 135 82° Street / I -35W East West approach lanes 180/e Ram 80` Street / Knox Avenue I South approach left turn 110 Note: Shaded intersection movements with queue length problems would be improved to remain within the storage lengths with the Project Roadway Improvements discussed in Section 5.2.2. a) This queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection of Lyndale Avenue and the I -494 South Ramp; b) The north approach queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection of Lyndale Avenue and the I -494 North Ramp. The south approach queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection of Lyndale Avenue and 80a' Street; Attachment J C) This queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection Penn Avenue and the I -494 South Ramp; d) This queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection of Penn Avenue and the I -494 North Ramp; e) This queue is expected to back up into the upstream intersection of 82nd Street and the I -35W West Ramp. d. Recommended Roadway Improvements Five intersections were recommended for improvements because the intersection LOS, movement LOS and/or queue lengths exceeding storage lengths would significantly impact the overall operation of the intersection under the No -Build Condition (Year 2003) as summarized above. These five intersections include: 76`h Street and York Avenue Penn Avenue and I-494 North and South Ramps Lyndale Avenue and I -494 North and South Ramps 82nd Street and I -35W East Ramp 76`h Street and Penn Avenue 5.2.2 No Build Alternative - Year 2003 with Project Road Improvements Several Project Roadway Improvements assumed to be in place by the Year 2003 are expected to improve the capacity on the local roadways in the cities of Richfield and Bloomington. Without the development of the Best Buy Campus, the No -Build condition with the Project Roadway Improvements for the Year 2003 would not occur in the near future. However, a No Build Alternative with Project Roadway Improvements has been analyzed to isolate Project traffic impacts specific to the Year 2003. Only five intersections would be impacted by the improvements from the previous Year 2003 No Build Conditions analysis. These intersections include: 76`h Street / Penn Avenue 76`h Street / Newton Avenue 76`h Street / Knox Avenue Penn Avenue / Site Access Penn Avenue / I -494 Interchange (single -point diamond) Figure 5.2 illustrates a single -point diamond interchange. With no change in the geometries, the capacity and queuing analyses for the other 12 intersections are not expected to change by the Year 2003. Attachment J a. Intersection Level of Service In the AM peak hour, all 5 intersections were predicted to operate at a LOS C or better. In the PM peak hour, all 5 intersections were predicted to operate at a LOS D or better. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service In the AM and PM Peak hours, all 5 intersections movements were predicted to operate at a LOS D or better except for the north approach through movement at 76ffi Street / Newton Avenue, which would operate at a LOS E. However, the volume on this approach would be very low less than ten vehicles during the peak hour) and would have little impact on the overall intersection operation. See shaded areas in Tables 5.3 to see how the Project Roadway Improvements change the conditions of these five intersections from the No Build Year 2003 with Existing Geometry. c. Queuing Analysis In the AM and PM Peak hours, the queue lengths were not predicted to exceed the storage lengths at these 5 intersections. See shaded areas in Tables 5.4 and 5.5 to see how the Project Roadway Improvements change the conditions of these five intersections from the No Build Year 2003 with Existing Geometry. Attachment J d. Conclusions The Project Road Improvements would resolve some of the current intersection operation deficiencies at these five intersections. However, as evident in Tables 5.3 and 5.4, a number of deficiencies would still occur at other intersections because of Year 2003 background traffic. 5.2.3 No Build Alternative - Year 2022 with Programmed Road Improvements Several roadway improvements are programmed to be in place by the Year 2022, which are expected to ease congestion along the I -494 and I -35W corridors and to facilitate flow on the minor arterial routes (i.e. 76`h Street, 801h Street, Lyndale Avenue, etc.) in the Cities of Richfield and Bloomington. These Programmed Roadway Improvements along with their programmed start date or date of completion include the following: Lyndale Avenue / I -494 to a single -point diamond interchange, between 77th Street and 80`h Street. Scheduled Fall of 2003 / Spring 2004. 79th / 80`h Street bridge over I -35W, from Penn Avenue to Knox Avenue. Scheduled Summer of 2003. I -494 / I -35W interchange. Planned to start after the Year 2011. I-494 to an 8 -lane freeway with collector - distributors between Xerxes Avenue and Nicollet Avenue. Planned to start after the Year 2011. 76th Street bridge over I -35W. Planned to start after the Year 2011. 82 °d Street bridge over 1 -35W. Planned to start after the Year 2011. The Project Roadway Improvements that were assumed to be implemented in Year 2003 (2003 No -Build with Project Road Improvements) are also assumed to be in place in Year 2022. The Year 2022 geometry is illustrated in Appendix B Figure 6 -1. The Year 2003 Recommended Roadway Improvements and Option A mitigation measures, that were identified for the Year 2003 No -Build and post- development conditions were assumed to be in place for the purpose of analyzing the Year 2022 No -Build and post - development traffic. These Year 2003 Recommended Roadway Improvements and identified Option A mitigation measures included: Recommended Roadway Improvement: Adding left turn lanes with exclusive /permitted left turn phasing on 76` h Street at York Avenue. (See Section 3.5.1) Mitigation Measure (Option A Year 2003): Reconstructing the I -35W / 760, Street intersection north approach to allow a "right- turn-on -red" condition for vehicles making a right turn onto 76th Street. (See Section 5.1.3) a. Intersection Level of Service In the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections were predicted to operate at a LOS D or better. Attachment J b. Intersection Movement Level of Service In the AM peak hour, several of the intersections along Penn Avenue have left turns that would operate at a LOS E or F. This would occur because a higher cycle length was chosen to be optimal for this coordinated system. By utilizing a higher cycle length, a vehicle waiting to make a left turn must wait longer for its green arrow/ball to come up. These and other intersections movements at LOS E or F are listed in Table 5.6. Table 5.6. Year 2022 No Build AM and PM Peak Hour movements at LOS E and F Intersection AM Peak Movements PM Peak Movements Penn / 77` East and north approach left turns Penn / I -494 East, south and north approach left turns 76` / York south and north approach North approach left turn left turns 76th / Penn West approach left turn 76` / Newton North approach through South and north approach South approach left left turn Penn / Southtown Access North, east and south North approach left turn approach left turn and east through 80` / Penn All approach left turns West and south appraoch left turn 80th / Knox West approach left turn low volume 82" / Penn East approach left turn East approach left turn 82" / I -35W South aproach left and through 82" / Knox West, east and south approach left c. Queuing Analysis The queue lengths at each intersection were not predicted to exceed storage lengths except at the intersections listed in Table 5.7 during the AM and PM peak hours. 3'S` Attachment J d. Recommended Roadway Improvements for Background Traffic Four intersections were recommended for improvements because the intersection LOS, movement LOS and/or the queue lengths exceeding storage lengths would significantly impact the overall operation of the intersection under the No -Build Condition (Year 2022) as summarized above. These four intersections include: 76`h Street and York Avenue — 250 foot dual lefts on north approach Penn Avenue and 80`h — 300 foot dual lefts on south approach Penn Avenue and 82nd Street — 300 foot dual lefts on north approach 801h Street and Knox Avenue — additional left turn lane added to south approach Tahle 5.7. Oueue Lengths Exceeded in Year 2022 No Build AM and PM Peak Hour 5.2.4 Year 2003 — Option A (7,500 employees) a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections are expected to operate at a LOS D or better. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service AM PEAK HOUR PM PEAK HOUR Intersection Movement Queue Movement Queue Length Length exceeded by exceeded by feet feet 76` / York north approach 85 West and north 165,30 left turn approach left turn Lyndale / 77` north approach 40 south approach 20 left turn left turns Penn / north and south 80,30 north approach 100 Southtown approach left turn left turn lane Access lanes Penn / 80 south approach 455 West and south 100,325 left turn approach left turns 82" / Penn North approach 315 lanes 801 / Knox south approach 100 South approach 100 Avenue left turn left turn 5.2.4 Year 2003 — Option A (7,500 employees) a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections are expected to operate at a LOS D or better. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service Attachment J All intersection movements were predicted to operate at LOS D or better in the AM and PM peak hours, except for the 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp north approach right turn and the Lyndale / I -494 North Ramp east approach left turn. The Lyndale / I -494 North Ramp intersection overall would operate at a LOS B, therefore the east approach movement does not have a substantial effect on overall intersection operations. See mitigation Section 5.3.2 for recommended mitigation measures for the 76`h Street / I -35W impacts. c. Queuing Analysis There are four intersection movements in the AM peak hour and eight intersection movements in the PM peak hour that were predicted to exceed storage lengths. However, only one of these AM peak hour) would be due to Site - generated traffic. The others were described in Sections 5.2.2 and 5.2.3. The movement affected by the Site - generated traffic would be the 76th Street / I -35W West Ramp north approach right turn. See mitigation Section 5.3.2 for recommended mitigation measures for the 76`h Street / I -35W impacts. 5.2.5 Year 2003 — Option B (9,500 employees) a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections are expected to operate at a LOS D or better except for the 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp, which would operate at a LOS F due to Site - generated traffic. See mitigation Section 5.3.5 for recommended mitigation measures for the 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service All intersection movements were predicted to operate at LOS D or better in the AM and PM peak hours, except for four intersection movements in the AM peak hour and four intersection movements in the PM peak hour. Only one of these movements would impact the overall intersection operations due to Site - generated traffic - the AM peak hour movement at the 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp north approach right turn. See mitigation Section 5.3.3 for recommended mitigation measures for this impact. c. Queuing Analysis 5'3 Attachment J In the AM peak hour, the analysis shows eight intersection movements where queue lengths were predicted to exceed storage lengths. Five of these are due to background traffic and were described in Section 3.3.3 of the Traffic Impact Study (Appendix B). The 82nd Street / I -35W intersection would still operate at a LOS A with the Site- generated traffic; therefore the overall operations of the intersection would not be impacted. The following two AM movements would impact intersection operations due to Site - generated traffic. The 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp intersection north approach right turn the queue length is expected to exceed the storage length by approximately 500 feet which is expected to impact the I -35W southbound mainline. Queue lengths extending to the I -35W mainline would be considered a significant traffic operational deficiency and a safety concern. The Penn Avenue / I -494 interchange west approach left turn (total queue length is expected to be approximately 1,100 feet). The queue is expected to impact the I -494 eastbound mainline. Queue lengths extending to the I494 mainline would be considered a significant traffic operational deficiency and a safety concern. See mitigation Section 5.3.3 for recommended mitigation measures for these impacts. 5.2.6 Year 2022 — Option A (7,500 employees) a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections are expected to operate at a LOS D or better. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service All intersection movements were predicted to operate at LOS D or better in the AM and PM Peak hours, except for eight intersection movements in the AM peak hour and eight intersection movements in the PM peak hour. None of these movements in either peak hour were predicted to have a substantial impact on overall intersection operations. c. Queuing Analysis During the AM and PM Peak hours, queue lengths were not predicted to exceed the storage lengths, except for six intersection movements in the AM peak hour and seven intersection movements in the PM peak hour. All but one of the AM Peak hour movements would be due to background traffic and were described in Section 5.2.2. The 76` h Street / I -35W West Ramp intersection north approach right turn lane would impact intersection operations due to Site - generated traffic. See mitigation Section 5.3.3 for recommended mitigation measures for these impacts. Attachment J 3'A Six of the PM peak hour queues would be due to background traffic and were described in Section 5.2.2. The 82nd Street / I -35W East Ramp intersection west approach left turn queue is caused by Site - generated traffic but is not expected to significantly impact the overall operations of the intersection. 5.2.7 Year 2022 — Option B (9,500 employees) a. Intersection Level of Service During the AM and PM Peak hours, all intersections are expected to operate at a LOS D or better, except the Penn Avenue / Project Site West Access intersection in the PM peak hour, which is expected to operate at a LOS F. Vehicles attempting make a left turn from the Site onto Penn Avenue southbound are expected to experience an extremely long delay (approximately 270 seconds per vehicle). See mitigation Section 5.3.5 for recommended mitigation measures for this impact. b. Intersection Movement Level of Service All intersection movements were predicted to operate at LOS D or better in the AM and PM Peak hours, except for nine intersection movements in the AM peak hour and 11 intersection movements in the PM peak hour. Two of the AM peak hour movements would have impacts on intersection operations due to Site - generated traffic - the 76`h Street / I -35W West Ramp north approach right turn and the Penn Avenue / I -494 North Ramp west and north approach left turns. Three of the PM peak hour movements would have impacts on intersection operations due to Site - generated traffic, including; 76`h / Knox Avenue south approach right and left turns, Penn / Project Site West Access each approach left and right turn, and Penn / 80`h Street north approach left and through. See mitigation Section 5.3.3 for recommended mitigation measures for these impacts. c. Queuing Analysis During the AM and PM peak hours, queue lengths were not predicted to exceed storage lengths except for six intersection movements in the AM peak hour and nine intersection movements in the PM peak hour. All but three of these AM peak hour movements and all but three of these PM peak hour movements would be due to background traffic and were described in Section 5.2.2. Attachment J In the AM peak hour, the queue lengths at the 76` h Street / I -35W West Ramp north approach right turn and the Penn Avenue / I -494 west approach left turn significantly exceed the storage lengths to warrant mitigation. Mitigation measures for these impacts are described in Section 5.3.5. The queue length at the 76` Street / Knox east approach left turn is not sufficient to require mitigation given that the storage length exceeded would be accommodated within the taper of the turn lane. In the PM peak hour, queue lengths at 760' Street / Penn Avenue, 76`h Street / Knox Avenue and Penn Avenue / Project Site West Access would exceed storage lengths due to Site - generated traffic. At 76` h Street / Penn Avenue, the queue lengths exceed the storage lengths by a small amount and are not expected to be a consistent problem. Mitigation measures are discussed for the impacts of the other two intersections in Section 5.3.5. Attachment J 3" 5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 5.3.1 No Build Alternatives for Years 2003 and 2022 Mitigation measures are not required because there would be no Site- generated traffic added to this analysis. 5.3.2 Year 2003 — Option A (7,500 employees) The queue length at 76` s Street / I -35W North approach right turn movement necessitates implementing mitigation to reduce the impact of the Site - generated traffic. Three potential options could be considered to mitigate the queue length. 1) Removing the signed "No- Right- Turn -On -Red" condition. The signed "No- Right -Turn- On -Red" condition was initially implemented to provide a safer crossing across the north approach for pedestrians and bicyclists. If the sign is removed, there may be safety issues for pedestrians and bicyclists. By allowing the vehicles to make a right - turn-on -red from I -35W southbound to 761' Street westbound, the intersection level of service is expected to improve to a LOS B with all moves at a LOS C or better. The maximum queue length for this movement is expected to be reduced by approximately 750 feet for the AM peak hour. 2) Removing the signed "No- Right- Turn-On -Red" condition and widening the north approach of the intersection to the west to accommodate a channelized pork -chop median island for the right turn lane. Also, the appropriate signage and striping should be installed for vehicles to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists at the intersection. This would allow motorists the opportunity to "turn- right -on -red" while maintaining pedestrian and bicycle safety. 3) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the Travel Demand Management (TDM) Plan (Appendix Q. Because the Site - generated traffic is not expected to significantly impact the other intersections included in the analysis, no other mitigation measures were identified for Option A — 7,500 employee development. 5.3.3 Year 2003 — Option B (9,500 employees) Three locations require implementing mitigation measures to reduce the impact of Site - generated traffic. 3111'51 Attachment J a. 76`h Street II - -35W Intersection North Approach Right Turn Movement Four options to reduce the queue length for this movement include: 1) Removing the signed "No- Right - Turn -On -Red" condition. The signed "No- Right- Turn-On -Red" condition was initially implemented to provide a safer crossing across the north approach for pedestrians and bicyclists. If the sign is removed, there may be safety issues for pedestrians and bicyclists. If a vehicle is allowed to make a right turn on red from I -35W southbound to 76`s Street westbound as recommended in the 7,500 employee development scenario, the intersection level of service is expected to improve to a LOS B with all moves at a LOS C or better. However, the maximum queue length for this movement is still expected to be approximately 760 feet during the AM peak hour, which still exceed the storage length of the exit ramp. 2) Constructing an additional 300 foot right turn lane on the north approach. By adding the second right turn lane, the queue length for the north approach right turn movement is expected to decrease to approximately 200 feet per lane. If a dual right turn lane is constructed, the "no -right- turn-on -red" condition should be implemented again to take into consideration the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 3) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDM Plan, 4) Decreasing the development size of the Best Buy Campus to less than 9,500 employees. b. Penn Avenue 1I- -494 Interchange West Approach Left Turn Unlike the 7,500 employee development scenario, the queue on the west approach at Penn Avenue and the I -494 Interchange is not expected to clear out during every cycle at the intersection. Because the new bridge design will incorporate dual left turn lanes on all approaches, geometric mitigation measures cannot be implemented to reduce the queue length on this approach. There are two options to reduce the queue lengths for this movement. 1) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDN4 Plan. 2) Decreasing the development size of the Best Buy Campus to less than 9,500 employees. 5.3.4 Year 2022 —Option A (7,500. employees) The 76`h Street / I -35W intersection north approach right turn movement necessitates implementing mitigation to reduce the impact of the Site - generated traffic. Attachment J With the reconstruction of the 76`h Street bridge over I -35W that is planned to occur after Year 2011, the length of the I -35W southbound exit ramp will be extended from approximately 700 feet to 3000 feet. Therefore, the 550 foot queue that is expected to occur during the AM peak hour for a 7,500 employee development size is not expected to impact the 1-35W southbound mainline. However, due to the length of the queue, MnDOT may require some mitigation to reduce the queue length. The queue could be reduced through one of two options, which include: 1) Constructing an additional 300 foot right turn lane on the north approach at the same time that the 76` Street / I -35W interchange is being reconstructed. By adding the second right turn lane, the queue length for the north approach right turn movement is expected to decrease to approximately 200 feet per lane. If a dual right turn lane is constructed, the no- right - turn-on -red" condition should be implemented again to take in consideration the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 2) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDM Plan. 5.3.5 Year 2022 — Option B (9,500 employees) Three locations require for implementing mitigation measures to reduce the impact of Site - generated traffic. a. 7e Street /Knox Avenue Four options to reduce the level of service impact and queue length during the PM peak hour on the south approach include: a. Converting the exclusive left turn lane into a shared left turn/right turn lane. However, this would be expected to add delay and queuing for vehicles attempting to make a left turn onto westbound 76h Street. b. Constructing an additional 200 foot right turn lane, which would allow the left and right turning vehicles to be kept separate. Also, because of the high volume of traffic on eastbound 76` h Street (1,585 vehicles), the 590 vehicles attempting to make the right turn onto eastbound would not be expected to find a gap in traffic to be able to turn right -on -red. Therefore, a dual right turn lane would provide better storage for the high volume of right turning vehicles. c. Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDM Plan. d. Decreasing the development size of the Best Buy Campus to less than 9,500 . employees. b. 76`" Street II- -35W West Ramp 33 Attachment J Three options to reduce the level of service impact and queue length during the AM peak hour on the north approach include: 1) Constructing an additional 300 foot right turn lane on the north approach at the same time that the 76`h Street / I -35W interchange is being reconstructed. By adding the second right turn lane, the queue length for the north approach right turn movement is expected to decrease to approximately 200 feet per lane. If a dual right turn lane is constructed, the "no -right- turn-on -red" condition should be implemented again to take in consideration the safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. 2) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDM Plan. 3) Decreasing the development size of the Best Buy Campus to less than 9,500 employees. c. Fully Built Intersections The other intersections that are expected to be impacted by the AM and PM peak hour Site - generated traffic are built to their fullest design capacity. These include: 76`h Street / Penn Avenue Penn Avenue / Project Site West Access Penn Avenue / I -494 Interchange Penn Avenue / 80"' Street Therefore, the mitigation measures that are recommended to lessen the impacts at these intersections include:. 1) Reducing the number of Site - generated trips through the use of the TDM Plan. 2) Decreasing the development size of the Best Buy Campus to less than 9,500 employees. S - /- U Attachment K TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. GOAL OF THE TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................1 1.1 Goals ................................................................................. ..............................1 1.2 Objectives ......................................................................... ..............................1 2. INTRODUCTION ................................................................ ..............................2 2.1 Initial Steps for TDM Plan ................................................ ..............................2 2.2 Existing Policies ............................................................... ..............................2 2.3 Project Description ........................................................... ..............................3 2.3.1 Overview .................................................................. ..............................3 2.3.2 Design Alternatives .................................................. ..............................4 2.3.3 76h Street Reconstruction Alternatives ................... ..............................5 2.4 Access to Transit ............................................................... ..............................5 2.4.1 Existing Services ............ ............................... 5 2.4.2 Future Services ........................................................ ..............................5 3. TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN ................. ..............................6 3.1 Policy /Staffing .................................................................. ..............................6 3. 1.1 Campus Transportation Coordinator ........................ ..............................6 3.1.2 Truck and Service Scheduling ................................. ..............................6 3.1.3 Flexible Work Hours /Schedules .............................. ..............................6 3.1.4 Telecommuting ........................................................ ..............................7 3.2 Transit ............................................................................... ..............................7 3.2.1 Transit Friendly Campus ......................................... ..............................7 3.2.2 Promote Transit ........................................................ ..............................7 3.2.3 Coordination ............................................................ ..............................8 3.3 Ridesharing ....................................................................... ..............................8 3.4 Bicycle Friendly Campus .................................................. ..............................8 3.5 Travel Demand Management Plan Budget ....................... ..............................9 3.6 Metro Commuter Services Support ................................. .............................10 3.7 Proposed Evaluation Program ......................................... .............................11 3.7.1 Survey Employees .................................................. .............................11 3.7.2 TDM Status Report ................................................. .............................11 4. SUPPORTING AGENCIES .............................................. .............................12 4.1 Metro Transit ................................................................... .............................12 4.2 Minnesota Valley Transit ................................................. .............................12 4.3 Southwest Metro Transit .................................................. .............................12 4.4 I -494 Corridor Coalition* .................................................. .............................12 4.5 Metro Commuter Services ............................................... .............................13 Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 0 3-` Attachment K 1.0 GOAL OF THE TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN The Travel Demand Management (TDM) Plan for the Best Buy Campus identifies actions to be taken by Best Buy Co., Inc. (Best Buy), with support from Metro Commuter Services and other transportation organizations. It includes strategies to manage travel demand and minimize site - generated traffic during peak traffic periods. 1.1 GOAL: To reduce the percent of Best Buy Employees who drive alone during the peak periods by _ percent, thereby reducing the demand on congested portions of the regional roadway system. * 1.2 OBJECTIVES: Develop a set of transportation services that is attractive to employees; Design a "Transit" Friendly, "Pedestrian" Friendly, "Bike" Friendly Campus; Create, enhance or influence change to transportation alternatives; Inform employees of all transportation services. The development of this TDM Plan has been done in coordination with the City of Richfield, Hennepin County, MnDOT, the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, Metro Commuter Services (MCS), and the I -494 Corridor Commission. Note: Best Buy intends to identify a specific percentage of employees as their goal by the time the proposed Richfield campus opens. At this point, Best Buy is still in the information gathering stage in order to determine a realistic goal. During this process, Best Buy is coordinating closely with the City of Richfield, Hennepin County, MnDOT, the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, Metro Commuter Services MCS), and the 1 -494 Corridor Commission. Best Buy Campus Draft Travel Demand Management Plan DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 Attachment K 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 INITIAL STEPS FOR TDM PLAN To date, Best Buy has undertaken a number of initial actions to develop a successful TDM Plan for the new Best Buy Campus, including the following: Developed and Administered a Survey of All Em llooyees. The survey, administered during the week of July 10, 2000, will provide helpful information on employee commuting habits and the steps to be taken to encourage employees to use alternative forms of transportation. Metropolitan Council was involved in the development of this survey. Compiled an Employee Distribution Inventory. This inventory identifies the home location of all full -time employees to help determine the origin of work trips to the new Best Buy Campus (i.e. the "travel shed "). Conducted Initial Meetings With Representatives From Transportation Organizations. Prior to the issuance of this DRAFT TDM Plan, Best Buy representatives met with representatives from Metro Transit, the City of Richfield, MnDOT and the I -494 Corridor Coalition to discuss and share initial elements of the TDM Plan. In addition, Best Buy has met with representatives from the Golden Triangle Transportation Management Association, based in Eden Prairie. Incomorated "Transit - Friendly" Design Features. Various transit- friendly design features have been incorporated in the alternative site plans for the Best Buy Campus. For example, the 76`h Street entrance has been designed to accommodate buses; a bus stop is planned for Penn Avenue; and passenger - waiting areas, with amenities, have been incorporated into the designs. Held initial meetings with Hennepin County. Best Buy met with Hennepin County in April 2000 to discuss TDM Plans and site design features that would support and encourage transit use and/or car and van pooling to the Project Site. Designated a Human Resources Employee. Best Buy has designated a Human Resources Employee for the next two years to explore the feasibility and implementation of a number of strategies and policy decisions to reduce the number of vehicle trips in the peak hour. One of these is to establish flexible work hours /schedules. 2.2 EXISTING POLICIES Best Buy currently uses a number of travel demand management strategies at its existing facilities to support employees' use of alternative modes of transportation to single occupancy vehicles (SOVs). They include: Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 2 3--q3 Attachment K Designated preferential parking was initiated in January 1998 for approximately 120 car /van pools at existing facilities that are now used at capacity, indicating that approximately 4 percent of Best Buy employees either car or van pool. Began a telecommuting policy in some departments in 1999. Provided bike racks for 40 bicycles at the existing Best Buy facilities since January 1994. Began the informal use of flexible work schedules by some employees. 2.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 2.3.1 Overview The proposed Best Buy Campus will be located north of Interstate Highway 494 (I -494), west of Interstate 35W (I -35W), and south of 76`h Street, between Penn and Knox Avenues in Richfield (Project Site or Site). The Project Site is approximately 43 acres in size, and is currently fully developed. The Best Buy Campus is expected to be completed in late summer of 2002. Best Buy proposes to redevelop the Site by constructing four to five buildings with a minimum of 1.5 million square feet and parking facilities for 7,500 cars (the expected level of redevelopment), and a maximum of 1.9 million square feet and parking for 9,500 cars. The Project will also include road improvements on 76`h Street from the intersection with Penn Avenue east to the I -35W west ramps, on Penn Avenue between 76`h and the access to Southtown just north of 801h Street where the Penn Avenue bridge over I -494 will be completely rebuilt. The Project will be constructed as one complete development and no future phases are anticipated. Best Buy's current office facilities are located in nine separate locations within the Cities of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka, accommodating approximately 3,200 employees. One of the reasons Best Buy chose the Richfield site was the proximity to its employee base. All office staff, excluding the printing and call center operations, will be relocated to the new Best Buy Campus in Richfield after redevelopment is complete. The number of employees is expected to increase to between 5,500 and 6,500 by the 2002 move -in date. The expected level of development of the Best Buy Campus would accommodate 7,500 employees to account for future company growth. The maximum level of development would accommodate 9,500 employees. Work Hours — The proposed campus will operate similarly to Best Buy's existing office buildings. Most employees work standard eight to nine hour days, Monday through Friday, with flexible work hours generally between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Best Buy Campus Draft Travel Demand Management Plan DRAFT August 15, 2000 7-7 Attachment K Amenities — The office complex will include standard workstations; office spaces; conference and team spaces; file and storage space; and adequate on -site employee parking. A common use area will include an employee cafeteria, a day care facility, a fitness center, and a convenience store with dry cleaning pickup. Conceptual Design — Two building layout concepts are now being considered for the project. Both could accommodate the expected and maximum square footage and parking spaces by adding floors to one or more buildings and levels to the parking ramps. These conceptual alternatives are further described below and in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Site Access - Access to the site would be from three entrances located on Penn Avenue, on Knox Avenue and on 76`h Street at Newton Avenue. 2.3.2 Design Alternatives Two alternatives are being evaluated in the DEIS. Each of these alternatives has an expected development scenario (Option A) and a maximum development scenario Option B) as follows: Option A: The total space developed for the expected development would be 1,500,000 square feet. The parking spaces provided would total 7,500. Option B• The total space developed for the maximum development would be 1,900,000 square feet. The parking spaces provided would total 9,500. Alternative 1 - Site Plan Alternative Alternative 1 includes five buildings that would be clustered around a central pond that would extend out in two directions to form water features among the buildings. An additional one -story common use area would be constructed between two of the buildings. The five office buildings would vary in height, with a minimum of three stories and a maximum of 11. Parking would be provided in three structured ramps — one on the south of the Project Site, one at the northwest corner of the Site and one along the northeasterly portion of the Site, ranging in height from two levels to five levels. A surface lot would also be included along the southern portion of the Site. Alternative 2 - Proposed Project Alternative 2 includes four buildings, located in the southwest half of the Project Site, which would be connected by a one -story common use area, with several ponds located Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 . Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 4 3`45 Attachment K along the southerly and southwesterly side of the Site. The four office buildings would vary in height, with a minimum of six stories and a maximum of nine. Parking would be provided primarily in one large parking structure on the northeast half of the Site. This structure would have from five to six levels. A surface lot would also be provided along the southern portion of the Site. 2.3.3 76`h Street Reconstruction Alternatives The City of Richfield will require upgrades to- 76`h Street between I -35W and Penn Avenue, as part of the Project. However, the preliminary design for these improvements has not yet been determined. Therefore, the DEIS analyzes three different road improvement alternatives for 76`h Street, including one alternative that widens the roadway to the north, one that widens the roadway to the south and one that widens the roadway with some combination to the north and south of the existing right -of -way. 2.4 ACCESS TO TRANSIT 2.4.1 Existing Services There is a park -and -ride lot on the north side of 76`h Street at Oliver Avenue South just across the street from the Project Site. This lot is shared with the Woodlake Lutheran Church. Existing bus service to the Site is provided by Metro Transit Routes 4, 35C, and 46/47. Route 4 is a local all day service along Penn Avenue between Downtown Minneapolis Downtown) and the Site; the 35C is an express bus with 20- minute service between Downtown and the Site during the peak hours; and the 46/47 provides all day service via 35W between Downtown and the Site. The existing Route 590 currently uses 82nd Street as the east -west route between I -35W and Edina. Discussions with Metro Transit indicate that this route could be rerouted to use 761h Street with a stop at the Woodlake Lutheran Church to provide additional service to the Site. 2.4.2 Future Services Metro Transit is proposing to construct a new transit center at 81" Street and Humboldt Avenue that would provide additional bus service near the Site. Additionally, Metro Transit is evaluating transit service in the area as part of its "Transit Redesign" initiative. It is anticipated that new bus routes will be in place when the Best Buy Campus becomes operational in 2002. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 5 Attachment K 3.0 TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN This section describes the Travel Demand Management (TDM) Plan for the Best Buy Campus and the programs and strategies to support Best Buy employees in the use of alternative modes of transportation to SOVs. Best Buy proposes to undertake the actions described below. 3.1 POLICY /STAFFING 3.1.1 Campus Transportation Coordinator Best Buy will designate a Campus Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for the Best Buy Campus, who will be responsible for implementing, administering, and monitoring the programs described in the TDM Plan.' The CTC will coordinate its services and programs with those offered by the various transportation providers in the area. Specifically, the CTC will be responsible for the following: Maintaining on Site information kiosks. Distributing new employee orientation information. Overseeing the on -site sale of transit passes. Providing information on transportation alternatives to employees. Informing employees and administrators of associated tax benefits. Overseeing Best Buy's ridesharing programs. Serving as Best Buy's liaison with transportation providers in the area. Communicating with Best . Buy employees on a regular basis regarding transportation alternatives. 3.1.2 Truck and Service Scheduling Best Buy will implement a policy that encourages truck and/or service deliveries to occur outside of Monday through Friday peak -hour traffic times.Z 3.1.3 Flexible Work Hours /Schedules With respect to work hours and schedules, Best Buy will implement the following: Hold business meetings within core business hours. Provide flexible work arrangements for employees (with supervisors' permission) that encourage employees to arrive and/or leave outside of peak hour travel times. Program employee activities during the peak hour to encourage travel at non -peak periods. 1 This will be a 25% Full Time Equivalent position. z This would not include Fed Ex and UPS -type deliveries. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 6 Attachment K 3.1.4 Telecommuting Although Best Buy has a policy that encourages the practice of telecommuting in some departments, it is currently used by very few of its employees. Therefore, Best Buy has assigned a task force to investigate the barriers to telecommuting and ways to increase its use. 3.2 TRANSIT There is existing transit service, as described earlier, in the vicinity of the Project Site provided by Metro Transit Routes 4, 35C, and 46/47 during the peak hours as well as all - day service. Other routes could be rerouted to serve the Site such as Route 590. In addition, with the construction of the new 82nd Street Transit Center and Metro Transit's Transit Redesign" initiative, additional service may be provided to the Project Site. Best Buy has or will pursue the following in order to encourage transit use and support initiatives to improve transit: 3.2.1 Build a Transit Friendly Campus Incorporate design features at the 76`h Street entrance to the Site to accommodate buses, including a convenient area for passengers to wait inside the building. Investigate installing an automatic signal device that gives preference to buses exiting the Site at 76`h Street. Construct a bus stop on Penn Avenue to provide convenient access for employees. This will reduce traffic flow interruptions caused by buses. Construct passenger waiting areas that incorporate conduit and other features to accommodate the installation of electronic signs /monitors to display real -time transit information, when available. 3.2.2 Promote Transit Offer employees discounted bus passes through the TransitWorks! program. Provide on -site sale of bus passes to Best Buy employees. Provide materials to inform employees of available bus routes, stops and schedules. Construct an information kiosk located centrally in the commons area to provide information on bus service and other transportation alternatives. Provide transit- related tax benefit information to Best Buy employees. Conduct a Commuter Fair in conjunction with Metro Commuter Services to inform and assist employees in learning about alternative transportation opportunities. Promote alternative modes of transportation as part of the Bus/Bike Or Pool (B- BOP) program undertaken each spring by Metro Commuter Services. This one- Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 7 J -y6 Attachment K day event promotes using alternative forms of transportation to the single occupant vehicle. Promote the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program. GRH is available to all employees who ride the bus, carpool, vanpool, bike or walk to work at least three days per week. Eligible employees who complete a GRH registration form receive two coupons good for up to 12 months for a bus or taxi ride home on a regular workday in the event of an emergency or a schedule conflict. Registration is renewable annually. 3.2.3 Coordination Meet with Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit and SouthWest Metro Transit to discuss shuttle service to the Site. Continue to coordinate with Metro Transit and others to incorporate transit features and amenities into the Site. Participate with transit providers to change transit routes to increase bus ridership to the Project Site. 3.3 RIDESHARING Provide designated, preferential parking spaces (close to building entrances) for car and van pools. Promote the guaranteed ride home program offered through Metro Commuter services.3 Explore opportunities for vans to be provided to van poolers through the I -494 Corridor Commission. Provide a link on Best Buy's intranet home page to the Metro Commuter Services web site which offers an online ride matching service and other information on forming car and van pools. Provide information on ridesharing and other transportation alternatives as part of Best Buy's regular internal communications with employees. 3.4 BUILD A BICYCLE FRIENDLY CAMPUS Provide bike storage for up to 80 bicycles (this is an approximate number, survey. results will help to determine an appropriate number to fulfill Best Buy employee needs). Provide shower and locker facilities in the proposed fitness center. 3 This program is also available to transit users as discussed above in Section 3.2.2. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 8 3-qy 3.5 TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN BUDGET Best Buy Campus Draft Travel Demand Management Plan Attachment K DRAFT August 15, 2000 . Attachment K 3.6 METRO COMMUTER SERVICES SUPPORT Metro Commuter Services (MCS) will support the implementation of the Best Buy Draft TDM Plan as follows: Take the lead in rideshare matching for the formation of carpools by employees. MCS is regional clearing house for rideshare matching. Provide information to Best Buy on the MetroPass and TransitWorks! programs, and other discounted bus pass options. Provide the Best Buy Campus Transportation Coordinator with information packets concerning transportation choices for distribution to all Best Buy employees. Provide information to Best Buy employees on the Guaranteed Ride Home GRH) program sponsored by MCS. Assist Best Buy with promotional events and other initiatives related to informing employees of available transportation alternatives. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 10 3 -s. Attachment K 3.7 PROPOSED EVALUATION PROGRAM 3.7.1 Survey Employees As noted earlier, Best Buy is conducting a survey of its employees' current commuting habits and needs. The Best Buy Commuter Survey was developed in coordination with the Metropolitan Council, The survey findings will be used as a base -line to evaluate the effectiveness of the TDM Plan. Best Buy will survey employees one year after move -in to the Best Buy Campus to determine commuting patterns and needs. This will help determine how the TDM Plan is working. Follow -up surveys may be implemented, with assistance from MCS, every two years to monitor the effectiveness of the TDM Plan. 3.7.2 TDM Status Report The Campus Transportation Coordinator will review the TDM Plan one year after move - in to determine its effectiveness, and will document the results in a Status Report. The Status Report will be sent to the MCS for review and recommendation and to the Metropolitan Council for review. Subsequent reviews will take place every two years. The Status Report will document the initial survey of employees, efforts of Best Buy to encourage alternatives to single occupancy vehicles and the results in terms of number of transit users, car poolers, bikers, pedestrians, and employees taking advantage of flex- time and telecommuting options. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 11 Attachment K 4.0 SUPPORTING AGENCIES The following agencies are expected to provide services that directly support Best Buy's TDM plan: Metro Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit, SouthWest Metro Transit, the I -494 Corridor Commission and Metro Commuter Services. Currently, there is very little bus service provided in the vicinity of the Project Site. Coordination with - each of these agencies will be needed to provide increased transit service to the Site in order for Best Buy to achieve its TDM goals. An overview of each agency is provided below. 4.1 Metro Transit Metro Transit is the largest transit provider for the Twin Cities metropolitan area and operates as a division of the Metropolitan Council. Metro Transit's service area includes the City of Richfield. 4.2 Minnesota Valley Transit Minnesota Valley provides a variety of public transit services to residents in Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Prior Lake, Savage and Rosemount. Major destinations from these cities include downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo. A number of existing Best Buy employees live in the area served by Minnesota Valley Transit. 4.3 SouthWest Metro Transit SouthWest Metro provides public transit services to the residents of Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Shakopee to destinations throughout the metropolitan area. A large number of existing Best Buy employees live in the area served by SouthWest Metro Transit. 4.4 I494 Corridor Commission The I -494 Corridor Commission is a Joint Powers Organization (JPO) of seven cities that are working together to reduce congestion along the I -494 corridor by working with affected businesses and public agencies to reduce travel demand. Their mission is to promote the improvement of I494 from the Minnesota River in Bloomington to I -94 in Maple Grove, in order to increase the people- moving capacity of I -494, and to improve the productivity and convenience of businesses and residents throughout the region. Members include the Cities of Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth and Richfield. Partners include the Metropolitan Council, Mn/DOT, Metro Transit, Southwest Metro Transit, Maple Grove Transit, Plymouth Metrolink and Hennepin County. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 15, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 12 s3 Attachment K 4.5 Metro Commuter Services The development of this TDM has been done in coordination with Metro Commuter Services (MCS), the Twin Cities area regional commuter transportation agency. As part of the Metropolitan Council, MCS promotes the planning, development and implementation of commuter options that decrease traffic congestion by improving both the effectiveness and efficiency of existing transportation infrastructure. MCS offers direct assistance to employers who seek to promote commuter options. For example, MCS works with employers to assess the current transportation situation and commuting needs of its employees through the MCS Commuter Survey. MCS also assists employers through the Finding Alternative Sources of Transportation (FAST) Plan. Other services offered by MCS include ride matching services, subsidies for start-up vans of five or more passengers, and the Guaranteed Ride Home program. MCS also provides transit information; MCS can identify all the routes and park- and -ride lots available to employees for their commute. In addition, MCS can investigate the option of reverse commuting from inner city to suburb, and from suburb to suburb, thereby broadening the available employee pool. Best Buy Campus DRAFT August 1 S, 2000 Draft Travel Demand Management Plan 13