Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 02-14 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 REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 14, 2002 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, Stephen Erdmann, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn, and John Whitehead were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Dianne Reem was absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JANUARY 31, 2002 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Newman, to approve the minutes of the January 31, 2002 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 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. 2002 -003 — NATHAN WATTENHOFER FOR HEART ALIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENT CENTER Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2002 -003, a request from Nathan Wattenhofer of Heart Alive Entertainment and Event Center for a Special Use Permit to operate a family entertainment and event complex offering live entertainment at the old Cinema I, II, III & IV Theater building, 5801 John Martin Drive. Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the property. (Refer to Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 2 -14 -02 for Application No. 2002 -003 attached.) He advised the property in question is zoned C -2 (Commerce) and that recreation and amusement places such as motion picture theaters and legitimate theaters are special uses in the C -2 zoning district. Live entertainment such as that being proposed with this activity was not comprehended as part of the original special use permit. Therefore, the applicant is seeking the additional approval. Mr. Warren reviewed the applicant's proposal to provide family entertainment which will include movies, live music and dances as well as educational activities. There will also be food 2 -14 -02 Page 1 service and retail sales. The applicant has indicated that the activities are geared towards young and old alike and would be "Christian oriented ". Mr. Warren discussed the applicant's response to the special use permit standards. They believe their proposal will promote personal and family morals and values and they will make all necessary improvements to the site to meet all state and local codes. Commissioner Newman asked if a Special Use Permit is attached to the owner or the property once it is granted. Mr. Warren explained that once a Special Use Permit is granted and the use on the site stays the same, the permit runs with the property. This application would be considered an amendment to the Special Use Permit issued when the theater originally opened. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2002 -003 There was a motion by Commissioner Erdmann, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2002 -003, at 7:55 p.m.. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. The applicant, Mr. Nathan Wattenhofer for Heart Alive Entertainment and Event Center, introduced himself to the Commission and said he would like to answer any questions they had. Commissioner Boeck asked what the total floor space area for the building is. The applicant responded that the building is 19,300 sq. ft. in area and consists of 85 % theatre space and 15% concession sales. He explained that the theatre will be used for many different types of entertainment uses and after renovations are complete, they will be able to accommodate 750 people at a single event. Chair Willson asked about security issues on the site. Mr. Wattenhofer responded that this will be a Christian based entertainment center and they don't anticipate unruly behavior from their guests. They expect adult leaders will also attend most youth groups. Commissioner Erdmann inquired about the hours of operation for the event center. Mr. Wattenhofer explained that all bands will be done by 1:00 a.m. and they will respect city curfews for youth and not schedule events beyond that time. Marlene Woods, 5900 Upton Avenue North, stated that she received a notice about the meeting and was concerned about the description of "live entertainment ". She asked for clarification on what Heat Alive is and what specific religious groups they plan to work with. Mr. Wattenhofer replied that Heart Alive is not affiliated with any church or religious group but will encourage local churches to use their facilities when they need space for special events. Richard and Marta Schlavin, 5907 Upton Avenue North, asked about the owner and financing for Heart Alive. Chair Willson noted financing for the operation is not a matter relative to the Commission's consideration, however, the question could be put to the applicant at another time. Mr. & Mrs. Schlavin stated they didn't understand why some neighbors received notices of the public hearing while others did not. Mr. Warren explained the ordinance requirement for notices and how the determination is made based on the type of notice required and the surrounding 2 -14 -02 Page 2 property types involved. A measurement is made within a required radius of the property and the properties affected are sent a notice of public hearing. He added that all residents are invited to attend and speak at a public hearing even if they don't receive a notice. James Woods, 5900 Upton Avenue North, asked the applicant what kind of stage would be used for events. Mr. Wattenhofer described how the stage is designed to include a green room off to the side. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2002 -003. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Newman seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2002 -003, at 8:12 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 APPLICATION NO. 2002 -003 - NATHAN WATTENHOFER FOR HEART ALIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND EVENT CENTER There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead to recommend to the City Council that it approve Application No. 2002 -003, submitted by Nathan Wattenhofer of Hearts Live Entertainment and Event Center for a special use permit to operate a family entertainment and evenet complex at the old Cinema I, II, III & IV Theater building, 5801 John Martin Drive, subject to the following conditions: 1. A special use permit is granted to Heart Alive Entertainment and Event Center to operate an entertainment and event center at 5801 John Martin Drive as indicated in this application. Any expansion or alteration of the use not comprehended by the zoning ordinance or by the approved plans shall require an amendment to the special use permit. 2. The special use permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Any violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. 3. The building plans for alterations and renovations of the building are subject to the approval of the Building Official with respect to applicable codes. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and roof top or on ground mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. Special Use Permit approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the city ordinances. 2 -14 -02 Page 3 6. Outside activity such as flea markets, craft sales or other types of sales are allowed only in conjunction with the issuance of an administrative land use permit per Section 35 -800 of the city's zoning ordinance. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Erdmann, Newman, Rahn, and Whitehead. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its February 25, 2002 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 Mr. Warren reminded the Commission that the meeting scheduled for February 27, 2002, is on Wednesday, rather than Thursday. 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 8:15 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 2 -14 -02 Page 4