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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 06-16 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 JUNE 16, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:06 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Councilmember Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioners Stan Leino and Rachel Morey were absent and excused. Carlos Morgan was absent and unexcused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 26, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks , seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the May 26, 2011 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 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. REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2011 -015 SUBMITTED BY SEARS ROEBUCK AND COMPANY Mr. Benetti explained that an application had been submitted by Sears, Roebuck and Company for an amendment to the 1999 PUD for the Brookdale Mall properties to include the same development standards that were recently approved as part of the Shingle Creek Crossing PUD amendment. Mr. Benetti commented on the following items: The 1999 Brookdale PUD applied to the entire 80+ acre Brookdale Mall site, which included the 15 acre Sear's site. This PUD included the following modifications from the underlying C -2 zoning standards; a) Allowed a 5 ft. rather than 15 ft. green strip at certain locations with a 3 to 3 ' /z ft. decorative masonry wall. b) Allowed 4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. c) Allowed 60 ft. wide parking dimensions for standard 90 degrees parking and aisle width. 6 -16 -11 Page 1 I d) Allowed two freestanding signs up to 320 sq. ft. in area along Hwy 100. e) Allowed an increase of 15 percent to 20 percent restaurant use without requiring additional parking; and, Mr. Benetti pointed out that the 2011 Shingle Creek Crossing PUD applied to approximately 65 acres of the Brookdale Mall site, excluding the 15 acre Sear's site. Mr. Benetti further explained that the PUD modifications that were considered as part of the public hearings for the Shingle Creek Crossing Development included the following modifications from the underlying C -2 zoning standards; A. Allow 5 ft. rather than 15 ft. green strips at certain locations where an appropriate 3 to 3 %2 ft. high decorative masonry wall shall be installed to offset negative effects along Xerxes Avenue. B. Allows a reduction in the 15 foot parking setback and 35 foot building setback along Bass Lake Road to offset the dedication of additional right of way for the trail improvements to replace the current trail easements. C. Allow 4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable retail area and 10 per 1,000 sq. ft. of restaurant area rather than the 5.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area and one per two seats and employee on a major shift for restaurants. D. Allow the 60 ft. wide parking dimension standard for 90 degree parking rather than the 63 ft. and a 52.5 ft wide parking dimension for 60 degree parking rather than the 57 ft. E. Allow two freestanding signs up to 320 sq. ft. in area along T. H. 100 and two Town Center identification signs (one additional) along Bass Lake Road and one Town Center identification sign on Xerxes Avenue. F. Allow an increase from 15 percent to 20 percent of the allowable restaurant use without requiring additional parking at Brookdale based on the uniqueness of Brookdale, the mix of uses and dynamics of multiple stops per person at the Center. Mr. Benetti stated to the Commission that the PUD ordinance identifies changes to an approved PUD Development Plan that constitute a major plan amendment may be approved by the City Council following the same notice and hearing procedures specified in this section. An amendment shall be considered major if it involves any change greater than that permitted by Subdivision 5d of this section. Changes which are determined by the City Council to be minor may be made if approved by the Planning Commission after such notice and hearing as may be deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission. Mr. Benetti pointed out that these items related to the intensity of land use, but do not suggest a further granting of additional modifications to the underling zoning standards. He added that after discussions with the City Attorney, it is the opinion of City Staff to amend the 1999 Brookdale PUD to include additional code modifications and a public hearing would be 6 -16 -11 Page 2 necessary to amend this PUD. It is recommended that a public hearing be scheduled for July 14, 2011 at the Regular Planning Commission meeting. Chair Rahn asked if the applicant is okay with the public hearing being held on July 14, 2011. Mr. Benetti explained that the applicant has expressed their feelings about the need of a public hearing and wishes that if there is one, they would like it to move along quickly and sooner. Mr. Tom Radio, representing Sear's, addressed the Commission and stated that Sear's wishes to square up their PUD the same as that approved and granted to Gatlin Development for the remainder of the Brookdale site as per the ordinance requirements. He stated that they do not see the necessity for a public hear but understands if the City Attorney feels the need for one. He added that they wish to move this along as soon as possible with minimal disturbance. Mr. Eitel further explained the need for a public hearing based on the potential modifications proposed to the Sear's property, specifically related to setbacks, parking, easements, signage, etc. He added that this application should be treated as a minor amendment to the overall PUD which brings uniformity to the Brookdale Mall properties and a public hearing should be held. Mr. Radio asked for clarification that staff views this application as a minor amendment but since one is not defined in the code, a public hearing would be required. Chair Rahn stated that the Planning Commission will proceed with a public hearing on July 14, 2011 for Planning Commission Application No. 2011 -015 submitted by Sear's. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Update on Shingle Creek Crossing Planned Unit Development Mr. Eitel stated that the City Council approved the PUD and Site Plan for the Shingle Creek Crossing Development. He added that all things are coming together for a soft closing next week which puts Gatlin Development in a position to begin abatement and demolition of the site. Mr. Eitel further demonstrated some plan amendments that will be coming forward to the Planning Commission which will show changes to the site that will allow an improved layout on the site which include different building layouts and additional sidewalk areas. He added that these revisions remove the interior mall feel and creates exterior retail spaces. Mr. Benetti displayed renderings of the proposed Walmart which includes new architectural guidelines as requested by the City incorporating more glass on the front of the building and using more attractive brick looking material on the front of the building which gives the appearance of brick and mortar. Commissioner Parks asked if the back side of the building had been modified. Mr. Benetti explained that the back side that faces the highway frontage was altered and would have the look of mixed materials which breaks up the back side so it doesn't look so harsh. 6 -16 -11 Page 3 Mr. Parks further expressed his concern with the layout of the site and access from the north end to Sear's and other businesses along Xerxes. Mr. Eitel explained the proposed layout on the site and how buildings would be located and accessed. Mr. Parks stated that as a resident he is concerned about getting a high quality product and businesses that will stay in the area to be enjoyed by the people that live here. B. Update on Third Generation Watershed Plan Review Mr. Eitel stated that the City Council has accepted a recommendation that the Planning Commission, through a study session, would assist with the Third Generation Watershed Plan Review in conjunction with the Parks Commission. He added that the Watershed was not looking for individuals as much as they were looking for a group such as a Commission to take on this responsibility. There will be five or six minutes facilitated by City Engineer Steve Lillehaug and members of the Watershed Commission. OTHER BUSINESS: It was suggested that the June 30, 2011 Planning Commission meeting be cancelled since there were no applications to review. 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 8:00 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Recording Secretary 6 -16 -11 Page 4