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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 09-11 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 SEPTEMBER 11, 2003 REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners, Graydon Boeck, Rex Newman, and Sean Rahn were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioners Stephen Erdmann, Diane Reem and John Whitehead were absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —AUGUST 14, 2003 There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to approve the minutes of the August 14, 2003 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. Commissioner Boeck abstained since 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. APPLICATION NO. 2003 -017 — 1501 FREEWAY, LLC Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2003 -017, a request from Daniel S. Schleck, an attorney representing 1501 Freeway, LLC, seeking Rezoning and Development Plan Approval through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process to convert the existing 227 unit Best Western Hotel located at 1501 Freeway Boulevard into an 80 to 110 unit upscale senior condominium development. Mr. Warren presented the staff report describing the location of the property and the proposal. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 9 -11 -03 for Application No. 2003 -017, attached.) The property in question is zoned C -2 (Commerce) and is located at the southwest corner of Freeway Boulevard and Humboldt Avenue North. Mr. Warren explained that the applicant submitted modified plans today to the city, which addresses some of the concerns, pointed out by staff in the original plans. He also pointed out that as part of this PUD, it is recommended that if the plan for a senior building were to fail, this site would not be allowed for any other multi - family use. He added that the developer's plan is for one and two bedroom condominiums only, not three as indicated in the report. Page 1 9 -11 -03 Commissioner Rahn asked if the applicant has met the minimum requirements as described in city ordinances. Mr. Warren responded that the applicant has made some alterations to their original plan submitted and additional information will need to be provided prior to approval of the plans and issuance of permits. Commissioner Newman asked if this plan constitutes "spot zoning ". Mr. Warren explained that spot zoning is generally one inconsistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and that the underlying zoning on the site remains as C -2 (Commerce). The use of this parcel as a senior condominium is an appropriate use under this zoning designation. He added that he did not believe the proposal constituted "spot zoning ". PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2003-017 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2003 -017, at 8:51p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. Mr. Dan Schleck, on behalf of the developer 1500 Freeway, LLC, introduced himself and addressed some of the concerns made b the Commissioners. He explained that the do not plan Y p Y P to create another multi family housing complex, but rather plan to establish a desirable owner occupied place for seniors to live. Owners will not be allowed to rent out the units. He also explained the term "market rate" was used only to describe that the units will be sold at a current market rate and this will not be subsidized housing. He added that an age limit would be part of the contract agreement with owners and this will be an independent living facility only for persons 50 years of age or older. There will be no three bedroom units but rather three existing hotel rooms will be converted into one and two bedroom units. He pointed out that the development team has decided to use "Option B" for an exterior finish. Their plan is to develop a very upscale senior community. Mr. Schleck clarified that these units would be filed under the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act rather than the Minnesota Condominium Act as stated in Item No. 10 of the Planning Commission Resolution. Commissioner Newman asked what the intended use is for the common areas on the site such as the swimming pool, restaurants, etc. 4 th 4 4 Street, 216 St. Paul Mr. Cha Van 6 E. St # g, explained that he has been in discussion with P Walker about developing other sites like this and what programs or facilities to offer to seniors. There was discussion about the use of the existing restaurant on the site. Mr. Schleck explained that their plan is not to create a commercial use of the site by opening a restaurant to the public but rather the possibility exists that the restaurant facilities might be available to the residents. Page 2 9 -11 -03 Mr. Sanjay Patel, 1501 Freeway Boulevard, current owner of the Best Western, stated that he spoke with other hotel owners in the area and vacancy rates are down for many. He added that they all believe this new use would be a benefit to them and the community. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2003 -017. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2003 -017, at 9:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 2003 -02 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2003 -02 regarding the recommended disposition of Planning Commission Application No. 2003 -017 submitted by Daniel S. Schleck, on behalf of 1501 Freeway, LLC. The motion passed unanimously. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Newman, and Rahn, And the following voted against the same: None; Whereupon said resolution as declared duly passed and adopted. Resolution No. 2003 -02 is made part of these minutes by attachment. The Council will consider the recommendation at its September 22, 2003 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. 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 9:40 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 3 9 -11 -03