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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 09-29 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 SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The Planning ommission meeting was called to order b Chair Sean Rahn at 7:02 .m. g g Y p ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Rachel Morey, Carlos Morgan, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Councilmember Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Stan Leino was absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — AUGUST 25, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Morey, to approve the minutes of the August 25, 2011 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Sean 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. DISCUSSION ITEM: DISCUSSION WITH CITY ATTORNEY CHARLIE LEFEVERE, REGARDING MINNESOTA STATUES 2010, SECTION 462.357, SUBDIVISION 6 RELATING TO VARIANCES Mr. Benetti explained that City Attorney, Charlie LeFevere, could not be at tonight's meeting and he extends is apologies. He added that Mr. LeFevere would like to come to a future Planning Commission meeting to discuss variances, either on October 13 or 27 Mr. Benetti stated he would make arrangements with Mr. LeFevere to attend a future meeting. Commissioner Parks stated that if the October 14 agenda is a light agenda, he would like to play a CD that contains information on planning issues, specifically sustainability and green issues. Mr. Benetti responded that staff has been unable to fix the audio problem in Council Chambers and they would not be able to hear the CD. Chair Rahn stated that two hours would be a lot to watch at a Planning Commission meeting and suggested that perhaps Commissioner Parks could point out the highlights to the Commission. Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:10 p.m. DISCUSSION ITEM: INTRODUCTION OF TWO PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLANS BY PAUL HYDE OF REAL ESTATE RECYCLING ON THE FORMER HOWER SITE 9 -29 -11 Page 1 (4821 -23 XERXES AVENUE NORTH) AND THE FORMER LIFETIME FITNESS SITE (4001 LAKEBREEZE AVENUE NORTH). NO OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN. Mr. Benetti explained that staff is presenting development plans proposed by Paul Hyde, Real Estate Recycling, for the former Howe site located at 4821 -23 Xerxes Avenue and the former Lifetime Fitness site located at 4001 Lakebreeze Avenue North. Mr. Benetti stated that Mr. Hyde is requesting a slightly modified plan than that approved under a 2008 PUD for a 50,000 sq. ft. office /warehouse facility at 4821 -23 Xerxes Avenue North. The modified plan may require a PUD amendment to facilitate the changes. Mr. Benetti further explained that Mr. Hyde proposes a 123,000 sq. ft. office /warehouse building at the s ite located at 4001 Lakebreeze Avenue North. He added that the e former Lifetime Fitness proposed redevelopment would require a PUD amendment and rezoning approvals. Also, other issues to be addressed are site planning issues such as a regional trail connection, buffering and screening measures, residential neighborhood impacts and drainage. Mr. Benetti stated that some of the issues that may need to be addressed at the 4001 Lakebreeze Avenue site is possibly rezoning to 1 -1 to accommodate a proposed use which would also require a land use amendment. Also, the property will need to be replatted to combine the site with the former Denny's site acquired for MnDOT right -of -way. The property will be conveyed/sold to Mr. Hyde (the Developer) from the city. Mr. Benetti further described how Mr. Hyde will meet required setbacks along residential areas to provide appropriate buffering from the proposed building. (Note: I -1 does not allow outdoor storage and allows a number of potential uses.) There was discussion by the Commission and Staff regarding concerns about increased truck traffic along Azelia in an area that has residential property on a dead end street. Mr. Benetti stated that public safety is always a concern, but public streets are intended for traffic and not to be used as a playground. Mr. Benetti provided examples of types of uses allowed in the C -2 zoning district and explained that the impact on a neighborhood is critical and the impact will be taken into account as the site layout is being planned including noise, traffic, road design and sustainability. Mr. Benetti also mentioned that Staff is hopeful that they can also accommodate a rail connection through the site. Commissioner Kuykendall asked about how the transfer of ownership happens regarding the title to MnDOT right -of -way. Mr. Benetti responded that in most cases the State prefers to offer or sell property to schools or cities first. He added that they know the city would like the parcel to be part of a future development, but because of the way the State does business, it will go from the State to the City to the developer for the same price it was purchased for. Commissioner Parks inquired if accessory off -site parking is meant to allow parking on another site? Mr. Benetti explained that off -site parking is only allowed through the Special Use Permit process and only if hardship can be shown for inadequate parking on the subject street. Generally, on street parking is not allowed in the subject zoning district. 9 -29 -11 Page 2 Mr. Benetti gave some details on possible updates to the Howe Fertilizer site that would allow more space for truck traffic. Such changes would require a PUD amendment and that may come before the Commission in the next few months. Mr. Benetti reminded the Commission that this is being provided for informational purposes only and no official action will be taken at this meeting. DISCUSSION ITEM: STATUS REPORT ON ONGOING PROJECTS IN THE CITY Mr. Benetti gave updates on the following ongoing projects: • The FBI project is wrapping up soon. • Work will begin soon at the Luther Honda/Toyota site. • Construction on the CEAP addition to the Adult Ed building will begin soon once permits are issued DISCUSSION ITEM: UPDATE ON THE BROOKLYN BOULEVARD CORRIDOR STUDY FOR 2011 -2012 Mr. Benetti stated that the City Council recently awarded a contract to SRF Consulting Group, Inc. to study the Brooklyn Boulevard corridor. City staff will be working with SRF's staff in developing and providng a new action plan related to this important corridor in the City. Mr. Benetti further stated that the plan is to be completed by late summer 2012 and will include the following issues to be studied: • Driveway and access connections • Right of way design • Sidewalk and trail connections • Signage • Streetscape • Landscaping and similar enhancements Mr. Benetti stated that they are attempting to equalize right -of -way along Brooklyn Boulevard and eliminating conflicting land uses such as single family homes with driveways entering along Brooklyn Boulevard. He continued that when properties have become available, the City has attempted to purchase them to allow for future development and further frontage road designs. Mr. Benetti added that there will be public meetings in the future that will allow the Planning Commission to participate and provide input during the planning process. He clarified that the area identified in the study is located from Hwy 94 to Hwy 100 and the report with findings will be back to the City in the summer of 2012. OTHER BUSINESS: There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Morey, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. 9 -29 -11 Page 3 Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Recording Secretary r 9 -29 -11 Page 4