0:00Central to the meeting was the comprehensive concept plan for Edco, a metal fabrication company currently operating in Hopkins, which intends to relocate to a 28-acre site on Creek Road in Southwest Chaska. The site is currently zoned for rural residential use and is farmed. The proposal includes a 240,000 square foot building with a height of 38 feet, a planned expansion area of up to 120,000 square feet, and parking for 185 vehicles to accommodate approximately 155 employees.

The commission engaged in substantial discussion about the proposed access points to the facility. Primary access is planned from Creek Road, with a secondary access potentially aligning with an existing driveway. Concerns were voiced about the impact of increased truck traffic on the residential areas nearby. The need for adherence to county spacing requirements for intersections and the potential effects on road conditions were also highlighted.

The discussion extended to the necessary screening measures along the western property line, which abuts residential properties. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing vegetative buffers to reduce the visual and noise impacts on neighboring homes. While the property currently features a layer of vegetation, additional screening will be essential as part of the development process.

As part of its comprehensive plan, the area is designated for business park use, aligning with Edco’s industrial operations. However, the commission raised concerns about pedestrian connections and the integration of surrounding natural amenities. Creating pedestrian-friendly spaces and links to adjacent areas, such as the Chaska Creek Corporate Center, was deemed critical for the preliminary plans.

The building’s design was also scrutinized, with expectations for materials to meet the city’s industrial design standards. The design incorporates precast panels, accent materials, and windows consistent with Edco’s branding. The visual impact of the loading area, situated on the northeast side facing Angler Boulevard, was identified as a key consideration in maintaining the site’s aesthetic and functional integrity.

20:53Public comments were abundant during the meeting, particularly regarding the state of Creek Road. A resident expressed concerns over the road’s poor condition and questioned the city’s plans for improvement. The resident highlighted the lack of visible progress on road repairs, which city representatives acknowledged, noting that development alongside Edco’s project would prompt necessary upgrades. However, the timeline for these improvements remains uncertain.

The commission’s dialogue also focused on wetland mitigation, stormwater management, and landscape planning. A wetland mitigation and impact plan, along with a stormwater management plan, will be required for preliminary submissions. The landscape plan aims to enhance buffering around parking and loading areas, particularly where the site adjoins residential zones, while ensuring pedestrian connections to existing pathways.

A representative from Edco and the design team addressed questions about the building’s height and the orientation of loading docks. They acknowledged the challenges posed by the site’s grade and wetland impacts, emphasizing the importance of resolving these issues to optimize operational efficiency. The developer, identified as Gardener Builders, confirmed that the project is structured as a build-to-suit initiative.

Concerns about secondary access for operational flow, especially for truck traffic, were raised. The architect discussed ongoing civil engineering work, noting that design modifications could help avoid wetland impacts and facilitate access. Future expansion considerations, primarily for increasing warehouse space, were also mentioned, with significant growth anticipated within the next decade.