HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 04-29 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
April 29, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn, and Dianne
Reem, were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and
Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca
Crass. Stephen Erdmann was absent and excused. Tim Roche was absent and unexcused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 25, 2004
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Reem,
to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2004 meeting as submitted. The motion passed.
Commissioner Boeck abstained as he was not at the meeting.
CHAIR'S EXPLANATION
Chair Willson 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.
DISCUSSION ITEM• REQUEST TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE
OPERATION OF A MICRO BREWERY
Mr. Warren described the request from Mr. Omar Ansari, Sparky Abrasives, which is a request
to consider an amendment to the City's Zoning Ordinance to allow the operation of a
microbrewery at 4811 Dusharme Drive in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Warren explained the current
use of the property and the details surrounding Mr. Ansari's request. He also stated that
currently manufacturing of these beverages is not allowed anywhere in the city, however, if a
brewery is to be allowed, the I -2 (General Industry) zoning district and the I -1 (Industrial Park)
district would be the appropriate zones.
Mr. Warren noted that because Mr. Ansari has made a formal request to modify the Zoning
Ordinance, the City must respond within 60 days. The proposal was received on April 15, 2004,
therefore a disposition should be rendered no later than June 14, 2004 by the City Council.
Commissioner Newman asked for clarification on the differences between a microbrewery and a
brewpub. The differences between these two facilities and the production and consumption of
beer was discussed.
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Commissioner Rahn inquired about the possibility of tours on the site and how that would be
handled. Mr. Warren explained that "off sale" liquor is not allowed in Brooklyn Center unless it
is through a municipal establishment. He further explained that the consumption of liquor is not
allowed without a full service restaurant. The concept of tours being offered with the
consumption of beer would have to be addressed at a later date.
PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE
OPERATION OF A MICRO BREWERY
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Boeck to open the
public hearing regarding a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow the operation of a
microbrewery at 7:56 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments
from the public.
Mr. Omar Ansari, 1445 Tyrol Trail, Golden Valley, introduced himself and asked for questions
from the Commissioners. He also explained that he has thoroughly researched Minnesota laws
governing microbreweries and his establishment will follow these guidelines.
The Commissioners inquired about deliveries, parking and hours of operation. Mr. Ansari
explained his plans for the business operation and the reasons for his proposal.
The Commissioners also discussed if this use would be allowed in other zoning districts. Mr.
Warren explained how such a use could be allowed in other districts.
CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING
There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Boeck to close the
public hearing regarding a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow the operation of a
microbrewery at 8:16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
The chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissoners.
The Commission members further discussed approval of the ordinance amendment request.
ACTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW
THE OPERATION OF A MICRO BREWERY
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Rahn to recommend to
the City Council approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 35 Regarding the Manufacturing
of Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverages in both the 1 -1 and 1 -2 zoning districts.
Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioner Boeck, Newman, Rahn and Reem.
Voting against: None
The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Warren informed Mr. Ansari that the matter would be presented to the City Council at the
May 10, 2004 meeting.
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OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to adjourn
the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at
8:24 p.m.
Chair
Recorded and transcribed by:
Rebecca Crass
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission Members
FROM: Ronald A. Warren, Planning Commission Secretary
SUBJECT: Request to Amend Zoning Ordinance
DATE: April 26, 2004
Attached is a written proposal from Mr. Omar Ansari, Sparky Abrasives, 4811 Dusharme Drive,
Brooklyn Center, requesting an amendment to the City's Zoning Ordinance to allow the
operation of a microbrewery in their building. The property in question is zoned I -2 (General
Industry) and is located at the northwest end of the Dusharme Drive cul de sac, which is an
extension of 48 Avenue North.
Attached for the Commission's review is an area map showing the I -2 zoning district,
highlighting the Ansari property and also an aerial photo of the site. Attached as well are copies
of Section 35 -330 and 35 -331 regarding the allowable uses in the I -1 and I -2 zoning distrits.
Mr. Ansari believes their family owned building would be an excellent location for a
microbrewery where they would manufacture and distribute beer to local restaurants. He notes
that their business has changed over time from a manufacturing operation that at one time
employed 80 people to one that is currently downsizing to the point where they have space
available where a microbrewery could be operated. The problem is the Zoning Ordinance does
not allow a brewery use in the I -2 zoning district. In fact, the zoning ordinance specifically
excludes the manufacturing of malt or malt liquors in both the I -1 and I -2 zones. Nowhere in the
city is such a use allowed. The wholesale distribution of beer, wine and distilled alcoholic
beverages is allowed in the I -1 and I -2 zones, but not the manufacturing of these items.
The reason manufacturing of these beverages is not allowed anywhere in the city is not clear,
however, it was noted that when this ordinance was written, almost 40 years ago, microbreweries
did not, for the most part, exist. Breweries generally require large areas of land, a large supply of
water and sewage system capable of handling their discharges. Odors and smells associated with
the industry might also have been considered a negative. These may have been the reasons why
such a use was not authorized anywhere in the City of Brooklyn Center,
Mr. Ansari, in his written submission, reviews the manufacturing process and brewery issues
relating to water usage, sewer capacities and odors. The Public Works Director, Community
Development Director and City Manager have been provided with the written proposal and have
been requested to provide their comments. None have been received to this date.
It should be noted that any such operation would be required to meet PCA, EPA and other
environmental, noise or odor regulations. It appears our utility system could handle such an
operation.
If a brewery is to be allowed anywhere in the city, the I -2 (General Industry) zoning district, and
perhaps the I -1 (Industrial Park) district, would be the appropriate zones. An argument could be
made that the City should accommodate such a use somewhere in the city.
The Planning Commission should review the written material presented and make a
recommendation to the City Council regarding this matter. Because Mr. Ansari has made a
formal request to modify the Zoning Ordinance, the City must respond to this request within 60
days. The proposal was received on April 15, 2004, therefore, a disposition should be rendered
no later than June 14, 2004 by the City Council.
Attached is an Ordinance Amendment that would allow the manufacturing of beer, wine and
distilled alcoholic beverages in the I -2 (General Industry) zoning district for the Commission's
consideration if the Commission is inclined to make a favorable recommendation.
We will be prepared to discuss this matter further at the April 29, 2004 Planning Commission
meeting.
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