Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 10-28 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 OCTOBER 28, 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, Commissioner Kara Kuykendall, Carlos Morgan and Michael Parks were present. Also present were Councilmember Mark Yelich, Secretary to the Planning Commission/Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner Stan Leino and JoAnn Campbell- Sudduth were absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 & OCTOBER 14, 2010 There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Parks , to approve the minutes of the September 30, 2010 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Morgan, to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2010 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. Chair Rahn and Commissioner Parks abstained since they were not present at the meeting. 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 — WILLIAM MATZEK, PE WITH KIMLEY -HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC., PLANNING CONCEPTS FOR SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING DEVELOPMENT Mr. Eitel invited Mr. William Matzek, PE with Kimley -Horn and Associates, to address the Commission and provide additional information regarding the proposed development plan for the Brookdale Mall. Mr. Matzek stated that he is working with Gatlin Development on the redevelopment and explained that the existing regional mall includes 1.1 million sq. ft. of retail space and as part of this development, they will be transforming the existing mall from a regional mall to a shopping center that is more community based. The redevelopment will include approximately 800,000+ sq. ft. of retail space. He added that with a reduction in square footage, they propose additional green space on site, to include additional storm water treatment around the site. Page 1 10-14-10 Mr. Matzek further explained that access locations off Bass Lake Road will remain the same and will assure traffic operates efficiently on the site. The proposed development also indicates that they will maintain access to the Sears site as it exists since they are not part of the propose development. Mr. Matzek stated that they plan to continue the Shingle Creek Day - lighting so that the normal flow of the creek through the site will become an amenity which will improve water quality to Shingle Creek as well. He added that they will also connect to the existing trail ways which will provide many opportunities for pedestrian traffic and will create a very walk able shopping area. Mr. Matzek explained that the site will be pedestrian friendly so that people can travel freely while keeping much of the same conductivity around the perimeter of the site. Kathy Anderson, President of Architectural Consortium, stated that the shopping environment desired by the customers will be displayed in the layout of the buildings and retail stores. The proposed development will play into using Shingle Creek and the amenities afforded with the water flowing through the site. Chair Rahn asked if the Creek will flow into the ponds. Mr. Matzek responded that the Creek will be kept separate from the ponding areas. Commissioner Parks asked what the status of Sears will be if they are left out of the development. Ms. Anderson responded that since Sears is separately owned, they will not be altering the look or layout of the Sears building. Commissioner Parks asked if they had any contact with Sears regarding the proposed redevelopment. Ms. Anderson responded that they do not know if Sears has any plans to upgrade but emphasized that they do not plan to alter the Sears building at this time. Chair Rahn asked if there had been any discussions about upgrading the Kohl's site. Ms. Anderson responded that Gatlin Development is hoping to include Kohl's in the proposed redevelopment. Commissioner Parks stated that he is concerned that if Sears does not improve their site, it may affect the development. Mr. Matzek explained that they anticipate that once the development takes place, Sears will `step up' and dress up their building. Commissioner Morgan asked about the status of the Sears Auto Center. Mr. Matzek responded that is under Sear's ownership and not affected by the development. Mr. Eitel explained to the Commission that Mr. Gatlin has made contact with Sears so that they understand the plan as it is being reviewed by the City. Mr. Eitel stated that they are looking at looping of water for fire suppression, sufficient storm water management, continuation of the accessibility, and continuation of utility access for both properties separately so they can continue to operate independently. He added that the plans show that Applebee's and Kohl's will stay within the development and continue to operate. Page 2 10- 14. -10 Mr. Eitel stated that Shingle Creek Day - lighting and the Regional walkway /trailways are shown on the west side of the Shingle Creek Parkway entrance and loop drive. Mr. El tel reviewed the PUD/Rezoning of the Brookdale site that was approved in 1999, under City Council Resolution No. 99 -37. He explained that this proposed development would be an amendment to the PUD and would create new development criteria for the site. Mr. Eitel reviewed with the Commission that the developer is on target to submit plans in time to be reviewed at the December 2, 2010 Planning Commission meeting for a Preliminary Plat and Site Plan approval. He reminded the Commission of the 60 day time limit to make a decision on the application. Chair Rahn asked if there were any plans to include the former Ground Round site in the development. Mr. Eitel responded that the 50,000 sq. ft. site was acquired by the City and the building was demolished. It is on the plan conceptually and it is anticipated that it will be planned as part of this proposed development. Commissioner Parks stated his concern that this retail development be a success and asked what measures would be taken to assure its success. Mr. Eitel responded that based on the development that will take place and the proposed tenants and anchors, he does not feel that this will become a `hangout' for youth but rather a desirable place to comfortably shop. Mr. Eitel added that this development is not about just Wal -Mart, but encompasses the entire site for development. There was discussion about water retention on the site and how it is being designed. Mr. Matzek explained that they are adding storm water to the site to better handle and treat storm water before it is discharged to the Creek, which provides for better water quality. He added that they consider the water treatment to be an amenity on the site and incorporated as part of the landscaping. Commissioner Parks asked if they had considered using porous pavement on the site. Mr. Matzek replied that they have done soil borings which have indicated that the soils are not conducive to porous pavements on the site; however, they are doing further investigation. Mr. Eitel added that traffic and parking analysis studies are being conducted and the results of those studies will be part of the plans that will be reviewed by the Commission. Commissioner Parks asked if there will be less parking and more green space on the site. Mr. Eitel responded that the type of layout being designed for the proposed development will dictate the parkking ratio requirements. Ms. Anderson added that they are attempting to attract the best tenants they can get and to do so they must provide adequate parking to meet industry standards. Chair Rahn asked which part of the development will take place first. Ms. Anderson responded that Wal -Mart will be the first main anchor to begin construction. Page 3 10 -14 -10 OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Eitel reported that Commissioner Campbell- Sudduth notified staff that she would be submil:ting her resignation, which leaves the Commission with two open positions. He emphasized to the Commission the importance of the Commission being in attendance at the December 2, 2010 meeting for the scheduled public hearing. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. The meeting adjourned at p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 4 10 -14 -10