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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 03-17 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 17, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:07 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Stan Leino, Rachel Morey, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, Planning and Zoning Specialist Tim Benetti, Councilmember Carol Kleven, City Manager Curt Boganey and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner Carlos Morgan was absent and unexcused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 10, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Morey, seconded by Commissioner Schonning,to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2011 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. 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. 2011 -006 TOD SHAW FOR PRECISION MACHINE, INC. Chair Rahn introduced Application No. 2011 -006, a request for Planned Unit Development approval to rezone 1700 Freeway Boulevard from I -1 (Industrial) to PUD /I -1 (Planned Unit Development/Industrial) as part of the redevelopment/renovation plans for this existing 45,000 sq. ft. industrial building and expansion of its parking lot. Mr. Eitel presented the staff report and explained that on January 27, 2011, the Planning Commission considered the potential relocation of an existing Brooklyn Center manufacturing use into the vacant industrial building at 1700 Freeway Boulevard and the possible use of the Planned Unit Development ordinance to establish flexibility in allowing the expansion of the existing one -way angled parking (accessed from Freeway Boulevard) to a double sided parking lot with a relocation of the driveway unto James Avenue. The discussion at that time included considerations to preserving the existing boulevard trees and the possible use of parking lot materials that would not increase the rate of storm water runoff. Commissioner Parks arrived at 7:11 p.m. 3 -17 -11 Page 1 He added that on February 17, 2011, the Planning Commission unanimously moved to recommend conceptual approval which allowed an expansion of the parking lot that encroached upon the standard 15 foot front yard setback with the use of rain gardens within the James Avenue North/ boulevard to address storm water runoff. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2011 -006 There was a motion by Commissioner Morey, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -006, at 7:16 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Rahn called for comments from the public. Mr. Todd Shaw, representing Precision Machine, Inc. stated that the company has been in Brooklyn Center for over 50 years when the business was located near 50 and France as Cass Screw. At that time there were 15 employees and with the expanding business they now have 100 employees with 20,000 sq. ft. for industrial space and hope to double that with this move. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -006. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Morey, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -006, at 7:17 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. Commissioner Parks asked for clarification about the drain tile within the rain garden treatment area. Mr. Eitel responded that the applicant took the initiative to suggest the rain garden treatment which allows proper drainage and eliminates standing water on the site. He added that the City Engineer will review and approve the plans prior to installation and that the intention is for water treatment not water retention. He added that there is percolation with this process that allows for drainage through the tile system. Commissioner Leino arrived at 7:20 p.m. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -03 There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2011 -03 regarding the recommended disposition of Planning Commission Application No. 2011 -006, submitted by Todd Shaw for Precision Machine, Inc. for Planned Unit Development Approval to rezone 1700 Freeway Boulevard from I -1 (Industrial) to PUD /I -1 (Planned Unit Development/ Industrial). 3 -17 -11 Page 2 Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Kuykendall, Leino, Morey, Parks, and Schonning. And the following voted against the same: None Whereupon said resolution as declared duly passed and adopted. Planning Commission Resolution 2011 -03 is made part of these minutes by attachment. The Council will consider the application at its March 28, 2011 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. 2011-004 — LOREN VAN DER SLIK FOR GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC. Chair Rahn introduced Application No. 2011 -004, a request from Loren Van Der Slik for Gatlin Development Company, Inc., for Preliminary Plat Approval of Shingle Creek Crossing, the replat of the Brookdale properties into four lots and two outlots to facilitate Phase I of the Shingle Creek Crossing PUD. Mr. Eitel explained that the replating of the Brookdale Mall properties, excluding the Sears, Midas and Kohl's parcels, is part of the first phase improvements and development of the Shingle Creek Crossing PUD. He added that the property is zoned PUD /C -2 (Commerce District) and is located within the City's Central Commerce (CC) Overlay District. Mr. Eitel stated that based on a review and report by the City Engineer, there are a number of issues which may involve changes to be made to the preliminary plat and should be addressed before a Planning Commission recommendation is forwarded to the City Council. He described several easements on the site related to drainage, utilities, and trailways that are shown on the preliminary plat to be dedicated with the final plat. Mr. Eitel stated that it is Staff s recommendation that the Application be tabled and the public hearing continued at the March 31, 2011 meeting. Commissioner Leino stated that it appears that the previous legal showing Torrens and Certificate of Title doesn't show that the easements were properly laid out in the legal description and asked if through the replat are we dedicating new easements? Mr. Eitel stated that is correct and added all underlying easements on the plat will be vacated and the new public easements will be dedicated at that time. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2011 -004 There was a motion by Commissioner Leino, seconded by Commissioner Morey, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -004, at 7:42 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Rahn called for comments from the public. Mr. Frank Gatlin, representing Gatlin Development, introduced himself and asked if there are any questions from the Commissioners. 3 -17 -11 Page 3 Commissioner Parks asked the applicant if they have had an opportunity to review the staff's recommendations. Mr. Gatlin responded that he and his team have been working with staff to assemble plans that will be approved at future meetings. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -004. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Leino, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2011 -004, at 7:46 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. ACTION TO RECOMMEND TABLING OF APPLICATION NO. 2011-004 LOREN VAN DER SLIK FOR GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC UNTIL MARCH 31, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Leino, to table Application No. 2011 -004, submitted by Loren Van Der Slik for Gatlin Development Company, Inc., for Preliminary Plat Approval of Shingle Creek Crossing until March 31, 2011 to allow further review and revisions to the Preliminary Plat to address concerns raised by Staff. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Kuykendall, Leino, Morey, Parks, and Schonning The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission will continue the public hearing at their March 31, 2011 meeting. RESOLUTION OF THE BROOKLYN CENTER PLANNING COMMISSION CONCERNING CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROPOSALS OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER. Mr. Eitel explained that the City Council is considering on March 28, 2011 the creation of TIF District No. 5 and that the purpose of the resolution is to confirm that the proposed creation of a Tax Increment District is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Eitel commented on the following: • Tax Increment District 5 is a Renewal and Renovation District for eight parcels within the Brookdale site which meet the statutory requirements for blight and substandard code conditions. • It excludes Kohl's, EDA owned property (formerly Ground Round), Sears, Midas and Applebee's. 3 -17 -11 Page 4 • The new district provides the funding source for the internal streetscaping and Shingle Creek Daylighting components of the Shingle Creek Crossing PUD and an economic inventive component to facilitate the proposed demolition and redevelopment of Brookdale Mall. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2011-004 There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2011 -004 a Resolution of the Brooklyn Center Planning Commission Concerning Certain Redevelopment Project Areas and Tax Increment Financing Proposals of the City of Brooklyn Center and the Economic Development Authority in and For the City of Brooklyn Center. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Kuykendall, Leino, Morey, Parks, and Schonning. And the following voted against the same: None Whereupon said resolution as declared duly passed and adopted. The Council will consider Planning Commission Resolution No. 2011 -04 at its March 28, 2011 meeting. PRESENTATION BY THE GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY DESIGN TEAM AND REVIEW OF THE SHINGLE CREEK ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS. Ms. Kathy Anderson, President of Architectural Consortium, explained that there architectural guidelines are performance standards used to critique designs as they come in. She added that using mixtures of masonry and EFIS will create a desirable design to the development. Commissioner Parks stated his concerns with the back side of the development facing Hwy 100. He asked how the back side would be decorated to look more attractive to people along Hwy 100. Ms. Anderson stated that it was designed in a way such that traffic will not be entering from Hwy 100 but rather from Bass lake Road. Therefore, they built up the ponding area and trees and landscaping along Hwy 100 to attract attention to the signs and green areas rather than the back sides of the buildings. Ms. Anderson further described that storefront design will be of glass and stone and will have the perception of two story buildings in the design. Chair Rahn added that he would like to see more than just a sign showing what stores are there along Hwy 100 and the back side of a building. He suggested the design be more attractive along Hwy 100. 3 -17 -11 Page 5 Ms. Anderson stated that she doesn't feel that the back sides of the building should attract too much attention since people will be traveling at a high speed and will hardly notice detail on the buildings as they travel Hwy 100. Commissioner Schonning stated that he feels this is an acceptable design and layout. He also stated that some additional landscaping and berming will camouflage the back side of the buildings along Hwy 100. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that she is supportive of the layout also. Commissioner Leino stated that he shares concerns with others regarding how the back side of the building will look along Hwy 100. There was further discussion among the Commission and Ms. Anderson regarding signage, landscaping and the look and feel of the proposed buildings. Ms. Jackie Cook, with SAIC, stated she represents the Architects and Engineers" for Walmart. She stated that Walmart is one of the pioneers in energy conversation by installing skylights on their buildings and uses energy and light from those on certain days which allows them to turn down lights in the building. They also design their stores with white roofs which saves energy and install all LED lighting on the site as well as installing occupancy sensors in areas of the store. There was further discussion by the Commission regarding the design and layout of the buildings. A report and recommendations on the design standards will be presented on the March 31, 2011 Planning Commission meeting. PRESENTATION BY THE GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY DESIGN TEAM AND REVIEW OF THE PHASE I INTERNAL STREETSCAPING AND LIGHTING FOR THE SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING PUD Will Matzek, representing Kimley -Horn, described and demonstrated a plan that included Phase I of the development and pointed out the areas that will be first developed and those that will be developed at a later date. Mr. Todd Halunen, Landscape Architect for the project, described the overall concept with the project and details that support the landscape plan. He stated that the main focus in development of the site is to give a feel of a town image and town center. He added that the way to do that is with trees and certain lighting that often repeat in pattern. He pointed out an area of detail along Bass Lake Road that encourages pedestrian traffic along and throughout the site. Mr. Halunen explained that one of the highlights on the site is the daylighting of Shingle Creek which includes the look and feel of a bridge walkway on the site. Chair Rahn asked what part of the landscaping will take place on the site first. Mr. Halunen replied that landscaping and irrigation will take place on the site as development takes place and 3 -17 -11 Page 6 when the landscaping has the best chance for viability. A report on the minimum improvements will be provided at the March 31, 2011 Planning Commission meeting. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT TRAINING SEMINAR. -YOUR ROLE AS PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER Mr. Eitel described upcoming planning training seminar opportunities that he would encourage Commission members to attend if available at the March 31, 2011 Planning Commission meeting. CONTINUED REVIEW OF COUNCIL GOALS AND THE 2010 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDAS IN PREPARATION FOR THE APRIL 6 TH JOINT COUNCIL /COMMISSION MEETING. Mr. Eitel explained that he will have materials prepared for the April 6 th joint Council /Commission meeting. Commissioner Morey stated that she would like to receive her packet electronically to save paper and help the City go green. There was further discussion regarding the method of which agenda packets would be provided to the Commission. 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 9:20 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 3 -17 -11 Page 7