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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 03-25 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION MARCH 25, 2010 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners JoAnn Campbell- Sudduth, Kara Kuykendall, Stan Leino, Carlos Morgan, and Michael Parks were present. Also present were Director of Business and Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 11, 2010 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2010 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Rahn explained the Planning Commission's role as an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. APPLICATION NO. 2010 -005 WELSH CONSTRUCTION, LLC Chair Rahn introduced Application No. 2010 -005, a request for PUD/Rezoning and Site and Building plan approval to facilitate the Phase II construction of the Adult Education Building located at 7051 Brooklyn Boulevard and transportation improvements of 70 Avenue North. Mr. Eitel presented the staff report describing the location of the property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 3 -25 -10 for Application No. 2010 -005, attached.) He further explained that the accompanying development plan illustrates the future construction of a 63,362 sq. ft. addition to the Adult Education Building, a three story parking structure, redesign of access and internal movement within the parking lot of the Earl Childhood Learning Center, and access improvements from 70 Avenue North. Mr. Rich Kodchlein, T S & R Architects, displayed a visual demonstration of the proposed addition to the building. He explained that the materials used would match what is currently on the building. He added that the parking ramp would be three levels, with the first level on the ground and the plan includes a skyway from the parking ramp to the building. 3 -25 -10 Page 1 Commissioner Parks asked what the size of the building would be. Mr. Eitel responded that this proposed plan is a total of 83,000 sq. ft., which includes the parking ramp. The building addition will be a total of 63,000 sq. ft. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2010-005 There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2010 -005 at 7:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Rahn called for comments from the public. Mike Schraad, representing Welsh Construction, 4350 Baker Road, Minnetonka, introduced himself to the Commission. Commissioner Parks asked Mr. Schraad about a drive lane giving access to the building. Mr. Schraad responded that there is approximately a 14 ft. clearance in the drive lane and they have been working with the Fire Department to assure there is proper access for emergency vehicles. Chair Rahn asked if the property has any security on site. Mr. Schraad responded that there is no security planned. Ms. Terry McDevitt, 7007 Perry Avenue North, asked about the expected length of time for construction on the site. Mr. Schradd stated they expect construction to last ten months with an anticipated start in the summer of 2010. Mr. Eitel asked for clarification for parking on the site during construction. Mr. Schraad responded that in cooperation with the school district, they have worked out a plan with the Brooklyn United Methodist Church along Noble and Brooklyn Boulevard, to allow parking of construction workers and they will keep traffic off the residential neighborhoods. Ms. Diane Sannes, 7006 Willow Lane, member of United Methodist Church, stated she is excited to have CEAP back in Brooklyn Center. She asked for clarification on the access on the south side. Mr. Eitel stated that the site plan addresses a safe access to the site utilizing the signalized intersection of 71 Avenue North and restricts northbound traffic movement from the current driveway. Ms. Sannes asked if there will be an extra lane added on Brooklyn Boulevard. Mr. Eitel responded that Hennepin County has jurisdiction over Brooklyn Boulevard and they are reviewing that and looking at possibilities of a right hand turn lane opening to this site. He also added that the improvements to the 71" Avenue intersection will include changes to the sidewalk to assure safe pedestrian movement, enhancements to the neighborhood entrance and enhancements to the Willow Lane Early Childhood and the proposed Northwest Family Services Center. Commissioner Leino arrived at 7:37 p.m. Mr. Schraad added clarification that there was a traffic study done that looked at traffic movements and they determined that there would be no significant impact on traffic along Brooklyn Boulevard. That study is being reviewed by the City's Engineering Department. 3 -25 -10 Page 2 i Ms. McDevitt asked about the potential increase in the volume of use of the building due to an increase in services available as far as the number of people at the site and the traffic impacts. Mr. Schraad responded that all the users of the site have done projections in terms of staff members, clients and customers and based on that projection at peak demand, it comes out to about 360 people. Mr. Schraad added that the parking ramp holds 400 vehicles and the traffic study contemplated that number of users coming in and out of the site. Mr. Daniel Engstrom, Assistant County Administrator for Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health, stated that the County began looking at planning a regional hub site in Hennepin County to improve services to their clients. He added that today most clients have to go downtown for services and they are planning to create six additional hub sites similar to the one proposed in Brooklyn Center. These hub sites would include all available services including social services, housing, children and family services as they move to an integrated approach. Commissioner Campbell- Sudduth asked Ms. McDevitt if she has noticed a change in traffic flow since the Adult Education building was constructed. Ms. McDevitt stated that she has not noticed a change but expects that with this addition, an increase in traffic will be noticeable. Commissioner Joann Campbell- Sudduth asked how late classes will conducted. Mr. Schraad responded that classes will end by 9:00 p.m. Mr. Byron Lahner, Executive Director of CEAP in Brooklyn Park, stated that at their current location they have 45 parking spaces and schedule 33 families for food shelf visits on a daily basis. He added that they also serve meals on wheels, car loan programs and make food runs two to three times a day. They are not planning on adding additional staff or services in this building; however, have noticed a tremendous increase in a need for services and in 2009 they served 566 families. Commissioner Parks asked how moving into this building will change CEAP's operations. Mr. Lahner stated that they expect to be much more efficient in providing service to their clients. He added that this building is modeled by one in Anoka County that combines human services, work force and different social services — all of which are often accessed by the same people with similar needs. Mr. Dale Magnuson, 4830 71 Avenue North, asked about the access along 71 Avenue North and stated that he felt it was creating a lot of traffic cutting through the neighborhood. Mr. Eitel responded that there was more of a concern about traffic coming southbound off the interstate than off 69 unto Perry Avenue North. Mr. Magnuson replied that it is a concern for the neighborhood. Mr. Eitel responded that the traffic studies did not show traffic shortcutting through the neighborhood off 69 Avenue and felt that the approach proposed would keep the integrity of the neighborhood intact. 3 -25 -10 Page 3 Mr. Jim Skiff, 7014 Brooklyn Boulevard, stated his concern with this being a hub for this type of activity with other blight and empty buildings in the city, including Brookdale, not being utilized. He also stated that he understands that this process includes the acquisition of two single family homes and he wants to know who paid for the properties and will they be removed from the tax rolls. Mr. Eitel responded that two lots were acquired by the applicant and they would be taken off the tax roll and the City acquired 4800 71 Avenue and will be taken off the tax roll. Mr. Eitel referenced the past planning within the Brooklyn Boulevard corridor, noting that the City has acquired other properties consistent with these plans. These acquisitions will remove blighting influences along Brooklyn Boulevard, promote streetscape improvements and redevelopment opportunities which will result in a better image of the corridor, entrances to our neighborhoods and the residential values within the neighborhoods that will significantly outweigh the loss of these individual property values from the tax rolls. Mr. Eitel pointed out that while the subject property may not pay taxes, it does employ many people which will eventually increase trade in the area and other activity that will have positive impact on the economy. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2010 -005. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Campbell- Sudduth, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2010 -005 at 8:13 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Parks stated that what Gary Eitel explained is an important part of the city's future development in relation to access off and on the freeway which makes the area more attractive for development. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 2010 -005 — WELSH CONSTRUCTION. LLC There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Application No. 2010 -005, submitted by Welsh Construction, LLC a request for PUD/Rezoning to facilitate the Phase II construction of the Adult Education Building located at 7051 Brooklyn Boulevard and transportation improvements of 70 Avenue North subject to the following conditions: 1. Execution of a PUD development agreement as prepared by the City Attorney. 2. Completion of the Replatting of the Northwest Family Services Center Addition. 3 -25 -10 Page 4 i 3. Approval of a final site plan by the Planning Commission and City Council. 4. Hennepin County approval of the improvements to the 71" Avenue/Brooklyn Boulevard signalized intersection. 5. City approval of a street improvement project to 71 Avenue. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Campbell- Sudduth, Kuykendall, Leino, Morgan, and Parks. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its April 12, 2010 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Planning Commission will require that the application be returned to the Commission for reconsideration. APPLICATION NO. 2010 -004 WELSH CONSTRUCTION, LLC Chair Rahn introduced Application No. 2010 -004, a request from Welsh Construction, LLC, for Preliminary Plat approval to combine two residential lots with Lot 3, Block 1, Osseo Schools Willow Lane Addition and dedication of right of way for the realignment/improvements to 71 Avenue North to allow for a development under a Planned Unit Development (PUD). Mr. Eitel presented the staff report describing the location of the property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 3 -25 -10 for Application No. 2010 -004, attached.) Mr. Eitel explained that the applicant is also seeking Rezoning and development plan approval though the PUD (Planned Unit Development) process under Planning Commission Application No. 2010 -005 to facilitate the Phase II construction of the Adult Education building located at 7051 Brooklyn Boulevard. Mr. Eitel explained that changes to the Preliminary Plat have resulted in a delay in completing the City's and County's review of the proposed plat and staff recommends that the Planning Commission continue this public hearing until its April 15, 2010 meeting. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2010 -004 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Campbell- Sudduth, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2010 -004 at 8:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Rahn called for comments from the public. No persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the Public Hearing on Application NO. 2010 -004. 3 -25 -10 Page 5 CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Leino, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to continue the public hearing on Application No. 2010 -004 until April 15, 2010. The motion passed unanimously. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners, Campbell- Sudduth, Kuykendall, Leino, Morgan, and Parks. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission will continue the public hearing for Application No. 2010 -004 to the April 15, 2010 meeting. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Eitel reminded the Planning Commission that on April 6, 2010 a joint meeting with the City Council and all Advisory Commissions and the Charter Commission will take place. Mr. Eitel explained that this is an opportunity to discuss how the Commission wants to proceed with this since there is a full Commission in attendance. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that she would like to use the two goals suggested by Mr. Eitel at the last meeting. Gary explained that the Commission should identity two strategic goals that they could identify with. There was further discussion about the Council's six strategic and six ongoing goals and what would be addressed by the Planning Commission at the joint meeting. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Leino, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 3 -25 -10 Page 6