Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 06-27 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 CITY HALL STUDY SESSION JUNE 27, 2002 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners 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. Graydon Boeck and Dianne Reem were absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —JUNE 13, 2002 There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2002 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. Commissioner Erdmann abstained as he was absent from 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. DISCUSSION ITEM PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN FOR EARLE BROWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/ GRANDVIEW PARK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Chair Willson introduced the discussion item regarding redevelopment plans for Earle Brown Elementary School/Grandview Park redevelopment project. Mr. Warren stated that Dr. Toni Johns, ISD 286 Superintendent, and Mr. Paul Hagen, Architect for Leonard Parker Associates, are at the meeting to present preliminary plans for redevelopment of the site. He described the area under consideration and the surrounding properties including the proposal for a vacation of Humboldt Avenue North and the relocation of the school and park facilities on the site. Mr. Warren added that this plan will require a public hearing when applications are made to the Planning Commission for Site and Building Plan Approval, Special Use Permit and Preliminary Plat Approval. Notices will be sent to surrounding property owners notifying them of the public hearing. He noted that the Park and Recreation Commission has reviewed the preliminary plans and recommended that the School District proceed with the project. 6 -27 -02 Page 1 Marlow and Joan Cordes, 5825 Knox Avenue North, inquired about the process for sending out notices for a public hearing. Mr. Warren explained the process for notifying residents within a required radius of the site in question. The City was not required to notify residents of this study session, but did so as a courtesy. He added that formal notices will be mailed at the time the applications are formally reviewed by the Planning Commission. Dr. Toni Johns explained that the School District has met with city staff several times since passing the bond referendum and the plan being presented is their final plan. Mr. Paul Hagen stated that their plan is to start demolition of the park site in November 2002 and start digging building footings by February 2003. He adds that the existing building will not be demolished until the new building is constructed. They plan to demolish the existing school in June 2004 and open the new in September 2004. Mr. and Mrs. Cordes asked about the plan for the walking path in Grandview Park along Hwy 100 and what routes the trucks will use for construction. Dr. Johns responded that the walking path would remain in place. Mr. Warren stated that grading on site and the construction hauling routes would be addressed when building permit applications are submitted. Mr. Warren explained that Humboldt Avenue would no longer be a through street between 59th and 60th Avenue. He further explained the history of renovations to the school including the use of temporary classrooms leading to the School District's plan to build a new building. It was later determined that the facility was unable to be expanded further and the School District was only able to improve the facilities by rebuilding. Dr. Johns added that the State regulates size requirements of school buildings and land size. They would not approve any further renovations to the existing structure due to the deteriorating condition of the building. Commissioner Whitehead inquired about the number of floors /stories allowed in elementary schools. Mr. Hagen answered that two stores are allowed, but not below ground/basement areas. He added that the plan includes a second story on one end of the school with an elevator for accessibility. The other is proposed to be built as one story with the potential to add a story if space needs arise. Commissioner Newman asked about the location and size of the water retention ponds. Mr. Warren explained that the plan would require Watershed Commission reivew and those issues will be addressed at that time. He added that the relationship between the park and the school should allow for adequate open space on the site. Chair Willson stated that he feels that City and School District have partnered together to come up with a nice looking plan. Dr. Johns added that staff, students and parents are excited about this plan. Mr. Cordes asked how many employees are on site during the day at the school. Dr. Johns responded that the average number of staff is about 120. Mr. Warren added that parking on the plan appears to be adequate and an improvement over the existing layout. 6 -27 -02 Page 2 Mr. Warren informed the Planning Commission that the applicant would be submitting applications for a Special Use Permit, Preliminary Plat Approval, and Site and Building Plan Approval for the July 25 Planning Commission Meeting. He added that the formal vacation of Humboldt Avenue would require an ordinance amendment. The Planning Commission generally believed the plan to be acceptable and looks forward to reviewing the final plans. DISCUSSION ITEM REQUEST FOR SIGN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Mr. Warren explained that a letter had been received from Mr. Richard Schadegg of CB Richard Ellis requesting the City's consideration of a Sign Ordinance Amendment that would allow development complex signs in addition to regular signs under certain circumstances. This would allow easier identification of complexes and tenants and would be placed at the main entrance to individual complexes. It was explained that several years ago the Shingle Creek Business Center was allowed a variance from the sign ordinance to allow such a sign. However, such a sign was never installed, only on site directional signs were placed. Chair Willson asked what sites might be anticipated to take advantage of such a change to the sign ordinance, such as car dealers along Brooklyn Boulevard, which already have several means of attracting customers. Mr. Warren responded that the car dealerships would qualify for such a sign also. He added that the Commission may want to consider certain limitations to such a sign ordinance amendment in cases where adequate signage is already allowed. The Commission believed it was appropriate to consider ordinance language authorizing complex development signs. Mr. Warren stated that he would put together language for standards as to how a complex would quality for such a sign. OTHER BUSINESS No business items have been submitted for the July 11, 2002 meeting. Mr. Warren stated that Brookdale has asked for an amendment to its Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow electrical message board signs along Highway 100, which would exceed what is currently allowed. This would be submitted as a PUD amendment and will be on the Commission's July 25 agenda. Chair Willson stated that Commissioner Reem is concerned about the condition of the Thunder Alley /Slumberland site and also the Denny's restaurant along Highway 100 (which has been closed). Both sites show a deteriorating parking lot, weeds, tall grass, etc. Also, there has been 6 -27 -02 Page 3 garbage and debris dumped on the Denny's site, which contains an unsecured dumpster enclosure. Mr. Warren assured the Commission the City staff would inspect both sites for any violations. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Newman, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 6 -27 -02 Page 4