HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 09-20 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
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:15 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Stan Leino, Carlos Morgan and Michael
Parks were present. Also present were City Attorney, Charlie LeFevere, Secretary to the
Planning Commission/Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning
Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner JoAnn Campbell- Sudduth was
absent and unexcused.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 27, 2010
There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall,
to approve the minutes of the May 27, 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.
DISCUSSION ITEM — CONTINUED DISCUSSION WITH THE OWNERS OF 6530 JAMES
AVENUE NORTH, A 127,600 SQ. FT. INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, REGARDING A
BUSINESS USE INVOLVING OUTSIDE STORAGE
Mr. Eitel explained that he had a discussion with the property owner of 6530 James Avenue
North regarding the amount of outside storage that would be allowed on the site. He was
informed that the potential tenant had a change of mind and would not be relocating to this site.
The property owner thanked the Commission for their willingness to have the discussion
regarding a possible use of the site. This item was then withdrawn from the agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEM — CONTINUED REVIEW OF THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
PROVISIONS AND PROCESS, SECTION 35 -333, SUB. 5, OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE
Mr. Eitel introduced City Attorney, Charlie LeFevere, to the Commission and explained that he is
here to discuss the PUD ordinance and how it is used as a development tool.
Mr. LeFevere, City Attorney with Kennedy and Graven, explained that he represents local
governments and was asked to be present to review the PUD process in general terms for better
understanding of future applications.
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Mr. LeFevere stated that some of the things the city does with Rezonings through the PUD
process are:
• Controlling density
• Acceptable level of green space
• Reasonable setback of buildings
• Provides access to sunlight
• Provides one compatible use to another
• Provides acceptable housing options
• Divides the city to assure there are various kinds of uses including commercial and
industrial uses that provide jobs and tax base
• Regulates uses of land
Mr. LeFevere explained that the result of the process is that there is a set of rules, and if the
developer operates within those rules and guidelines, it can do what it wants within a
development. He added that a PUD applies the flexibility to those same objectives where a
larger area is planned as an entire unit. Once a PUD is approved, the plan cannot be altered
outside of that specific identified area without further review and approval by the City.
Stan Leino arrived at 7:34 p.m.
There was further discussion among the Commission members and Mr. LeFevere regarding what
is involved with the review and approval of rezonings and the PUD process.
Mr. Eitel thanked Mr. LeFevere for addressing the Commission. He then stated that September
22, 2010 was the deadline for offers for the Brookdale site. Mr. Eitel stated that staff is hopeful
that an announcement will be made soon as to who acquired Brookdale so discussions can take
place as far as what the site will evolve into. He reminded the Commission that in 1999 the
Brookdale site was rezoned to PUD /C -2 which involved a master plan and a major
redevelopment took place at that time. Mr. Eitel further described existing conditions that would
need to be addressed prior to any redevelopment.
Mr. Eitel thanked the Commission for being at tonight's meeting. He stated that he understands
the difficulty in making a commitment to attend the Commission meetings when there are no
formal applications to review. He added that he feels that there will be some exciting activity
happening soon.
OTHER BUSINESS — REVIEW PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATES AND
ATTENDANCE
Chair Rahn stated that the Commission has been short on attendance lately and stressed the
importance of having a quorum in attendance at all meetings. Chair Rahn also reminded the
Commission to notify staff b hone or email if the will not be in attendance in advance of the
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meeting.
There was no other business.
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ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Leino, to adjourn the
Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at
8:34 p.m.
Chair
Recorded and transcribed by:
Rebecca Crass
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