Maple Grove Planning Commission Tables Senior Townhome Development
The Maple Grove Planning Commission tabled discussion on a senior townhome development on May 8.
Called the Cottages at SilverCrest, the development would be part of the existing SilverCrest on Main campus at 8200 Main St. N.
The 18-units of rental housing would be spread across eight townhome buildings. They would be located in between the existing SilverCrest building and the nearby Applewood Pointe senior coop.
The previous plan for the site called for development of a two-story, 60-bed long-term care facility.
City staff members recommended the project for approval.
Neighbors at Applewood Pointe raised issues with the proposed architectural designs of townhomes that face Applewood, as well as the types of shingles used on the roofs.
Likewise, they questioned the wisdom of constructing homes in close proximity to the existing development.
“Forty-four people are facing it,” said Richard Martins, board president of Applewood Pointe. “Effectively their front yard – it’s not their front yard but effectively. That’s where they’re sitting, that’s where they’re looking out, that’s where their main living space is, looking out onto this. And these are very close. These aren’t 150 feet away. So when you think about residential development, how often would you ever put back yards facing front yards? I mean, if you could help it, you wouldn’t do that.”
A graphic rendering of the proposed townhomes at SilverCrest in Maple Grove. The Maple Grove Planning Commission tabled discussion on the senior housing proposal.
Commission Decides to Table Discussion
Some commissioners shared the concerns that were brought forward by neighbors.
“I think more can be done, and maybe giving the applicant more time to address some of those things might result in a better outcome,” said Maple Grove Planning Commission Chair Craig Lamothe.
The developer was willing to consider making changes to the proposal to address issues raised by neighbors and the commission.
“We’ve worked so well together with the city of Maple Grove,” said Jack Collings, executive vice president of SilverCrest Properties. “We want that relationship to continue, and so at this point in time, based on some of what the opinions are here, and [the ongoing work] with the people at the Applewood Pointe, we’re fine to table for two weeks and address some of these things a little bit further.”
The commission expects to review revised plans on May 30.
See also: In 3-2 Vote, Maple Grove Council Approves Housing Plan Near Tree Preservation Site
