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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 08-16 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 AUGUST 16, 2001 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Willson at 7:34 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck, Sean Rahn, Dianne Reem, and John Whitehead were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission/Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass and Community Development Director Brad Hoffinan. Stephen Erdmann and Rex Newman were absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JUNE 28, 2001 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2001 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. 2001 -016 — HERBERT A. MARGOLIS ON BEHALF OF BRI -MAR COMPANY, INC. Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2001 -016, a request for preliminary plat approval to combine and divide 13.957 acres of land located on the east side of Brooklyn Boulevard into two lots for the Brookdale Dodge automobile dealership and the Luther Brookdale Mazda dealership. Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the property. (Refer to Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 8 -16 -01 for Application No. 2001 -016 attached.) The property is zoned C -2 (Commerce) and includes the former Total Gas Station site, the Big Wheel Auto Parts store, the Car X/Pit Stop site, Brookdale Dodge and Brookdale Mazda. The proposed plat is made up of portions of five properties that would be replatted into two lots and an outlot to be known as the Bri-Mar Addition. Right of way for the expansion of Brooklyn Boulevard (County Road No. 152) will be dedicated with the plat and is shown. An expanded right of way area is provided for opposite 68 Avenue to provide an intersection type access to the two proposed lots. Lot 1 will be the site of the Brookdale Dodge dealership and is proposed 8 -16 -01 Page 1 to be 267,588 sq. ft. (6.35 acres). Lot 2 will be the site of Luther Brookdale Mazda and is proposed to be 304,599 sq. ft. (6.993 acres). A 30 ft. by 26 ft. outlot (proposed Outlot A) is established to house PCA monitoring equipment in a shed surrounded by a 6 ft. high chain link fence on the former Total Gas property. The City and Hennepin County have pursued the widening of Brooklyn Boulevard from 65 Avenue to approximately 71 "/Noble Avenue. This necessitated the acquisition of certain properties. Partial takings of the Brookdale Mazda and Brookdale Dodge properties have also been accomplished. Negotiations between the City, the County and the various affected property owners has resulted in an agreement that calls for redrawing of property lines along with appropriate easement agreements. The current Brookdale Dodge showroom, which is located on a portion of the property to be attached to Brookdale Mazda, will eventually be demolished and a new facility for Brookdale Dodge will be built. Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -017 comprehends the site and building plan/special use permit approval necessary to accomplish these changes. Mr. Warren stated it is appropriate to hold a combined public hearing for both Application 2001 -016 and 2001 -017. APPLICATION NO. 2001-017 — HERBERT A. MARGOLIS ON BEHALF OF BRI -MAR COMPANY, INC. Mr. Warren then reviewed companion Application No. 2001 -017, a request for a special use permit and site and building plan approval for an 11,000 sq. ft. addition to the Brookdale Dodge automobile dealership at 6800 Brooklyn Boulevard. This would replace the current showroom building, which will be demolished after completion of the new construction. The application also involves a special use permit for the expansion/alteration of the existing automobile dealership. Mr. Warren added that normally building permits associated with a site and building plan are not authorized prior to the approving and filing of a final plat. However, in this case, since the City, County and property owners have various agreements for the development of the site, the applicant will be allowed to proceed with development based on those agreements. Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the property. (Refer to Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 8 -16 -01 for Application No. 2001 -017 attached.) The property is zoned C -2 (Commerce) and is the site of the proposed replatted property for Brookdale Dodge (Lot 1) as comprehended under Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -016 for preliminary plat approval. Mr. Warren explained that access to Brookdale Dodge will be from the newly configured 68 Boulevard intersection and will be a shared access with cross access easements granted between the Dodge and Mazda dealerships. Access to the site can also be gained from 69 Avenue North. The new property configuration will allow an expanded parking/display area between Brooklyn Boulevard and the new showroom for Brookdale Dodge. Chair Willson asked for questions from the Commission Members. The Commission asked Mr. Warren for further clarification on the design of Brooklyn Boulevard and 68 Avenue regarding access, drive lanes, congestion at the freeway ramps, parking for the auto dealerships, and landscaping. Mr. Warren pointed out that the plan being proposed will be adequate and 8 -16 -01 Page 2 confirmed they will be adding an additional traffic light at 68 and Brooklyn Boulevard to control traffic to the site. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2001 -016 & 2001 -017 There was a motion by Commissioner Rahn, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -016 & 2001 -017, at 8:38 p.m.. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. Herb Margolis, Vice President of Bri-Mar Company, stated they have been working on this project with the County for four years. After many complex negotiations between the County, City and himself, they have accomplished the proposed plan. He further explained how acquisition of and replatting of the various properties was done to achieve the desired result of two parcels. Commissioner Boeck asked Mr. Brad Hoffinan, Community Development Director, to clarify how the City (EDA) became involved with negotiating these properties. Mr. Hoffman briefly described what has taken place to achieve the desired effect of replatted, useable parcels. The property that the County has acquired for highway right -of -way to complete the widening of Brooklyn Boulevard, will be purchased from the City of Brooklyn Center (EDA) by the car dealerships at the time of closing. No persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -016 & 2001 -017. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Reem seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -016 & 2001 -017, at 8:47 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. 2001 -016 — HERBERT A. MARGOLIS ON BEHALF OF BRI -MAR COMPANY, INC. There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -016, submitted by Herbert A. Margolis on behalf of Bri-Mar Company, Inc., for preliminary plat approval to combine and divide 13.957 acres of land located east of Brooklyn Boulevard between I -94 and 69 Avenue North into two lots, subject to the following conditions: 1. The final plat is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. 2. The final plat is subject to the provisions of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. 8 -16 -01 Page 3 3. Cross access agreements between the proposed Lots 1 and 2 shall be filed with the final plat. 4. Other appropriate easements for utility and restricted access purposes, as approved by the City Engineer, shall be executed and filed with the final plat. 5. Final plat approval is subject to MNDOT review and requirements. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Rahn, Reem and Whitehead. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its August 27, 2001 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. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 2001-017 — HERBERT A MARGOLIS ON BEHALF OF BRI -MAR COMPANY, INC. There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -017, submitted by Herbert A. Margolis on behalf of Bri-Mar Company, Inc. for a special use permit and site and building plan approval for an 11,000 sq. ft. addition to the Brookdale Dodge automobile dealership at 6800 Brooklyn Boulevard, subject to the following conditions: 1. The building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage, utility and erosion control plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A site performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee in an amount to be determined based on cost estimates shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits to assure the completion of site improvements. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and roof top or on ground mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 5. The building is to be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system to meet NFPA standards and shall be connected to a central monitoring device in accordance with Chapter 5 of the City Ordinances. 6. An underground irrigation system shall be installed in all landscaped areas to facilitate site maintenance. 8 -16 -01 Page 4 7. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 8. B -612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 9. The applicant shall submit an as built survey of the property, improvements and utility service lines prior to release of the performance guarantee. 10. All work performed and materials used for construction of utilities shall conform to the City of Brooklyn Center's current standard specifications and details. 11. A special use permit is granted for the altered automobile sales, display and service operation indicated in this plan. Any expansion or alteration of the use not comprehended by the zoning ordinance nor this approval, shall require an amendment to the special use permit. 12. The special use permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Any violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. 13. The old Brookdale Dodge showroom and connecting walkway shall be demolished and removed from the site in conjunction with the occupancy of the new addition. 14. The final plat comprehended under Planning Commission Application No. 2001 -016 shall receive final approval and be filed with Hennepin County prior to the occupancy of the Brookdale Dodge showroom addition. 15. Construction and relocation of driveways within the Brooklyn Boulevard (County Road 152) right -of -way are subject to the issuance of driveway permits from Hennepin County. 16. The plans shall be modified prior to the issuance of building permits to extend the curb delineation at the entrance to the site easterly by 20 ft. per the City Engineer's recommendation. Voting in favor: Chair Willson, Commissioners Boeck, Rahn, Reem and Whitehead. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its August 27, 2001 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. Commissioner Boeck acknowledged the staff's efforts in implementing this plan together with the County and property owners. 8 -16 -01 Page 5 APPLICATION NO. 2001 -018 — L & D CONTRACTING FOR HARK'S MOBIL STATION Chair Willson introduced Application No. 2001 -018, a request from L & D Contracting for a special use permit and site and building plan approval to enlarge the convenience store and expand the car wash at Hark's Mobil Station, 6501 Humboldt Avenue North. Mr. Warren presented the staff report using overhead transparencies to describe the location of the property. (Refer to Planning Commission Information Sheet dated 8 -16 -01 for Application No. 2001 -018 attached.) The property is zoned C -2 (Commerce). A gas station/convenience store /car wash is a special use in the C -2 zoning district. In this case, an amendment to the special use permit is required. Mr. Warren explained that the applicant is planning to expand the existing convenience store into the current service bay area and add 10 ft. to both ends of the existing car wash. This will more than double the size of the existing retail operation. PUBLIC HEARING — APPLICATION NO. 2001 -018 There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Rahn, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -018, at 9:10 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Willson called for comments from the public. Mr. Joe Keisling from L & D Contracting Co., stated that the new owner wants to go forward with this plan to make necessary improvements to the site, which will positively enhance the city. No other persons from the public appeared before the Commission during the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -018. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2001 -018, at 9:13 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. 2001 -018- L & D CONTRACTING FOR HARK'S MOBIL STATION There was a motion by Commissioner Rahn, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to recommend to the City Council that it approve Planning Commission Application No. 2001- 018, submitted by L & D Contracting for Hark's Mobil Station for a special use permit and site and building plan approval to enlarge the convenience store and expand the car wash at Hark's Mobil Station, 6501 Humboldt Avenue North, subject to the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 8 -16 -01 Page 6 2. Any grading, drainage or utility plans are subject to final review and approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 3. All outside trash disposal facilities and roof top mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 4. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the city ordinances. 5. The area to the east and south by the entrances into the retail area shall be signed as "no parking, fire lane" as determined by the Fire Chief. 6. The amended special use permit is granted for the expansion of the retail area and the car wash addition as contained in the plans submitted. Any other expansion or alteration of this use shall require additional amendments to the special use permit granted. The repair of vehicles on this site is being discontinued and shall not be allowed. 7. The special use permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations. Any violations thereof shall be grounds for revocation. Voting in favor: Chair Wilson, Commissioners Boeck, Rahn, Reem and Whitehead. The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the recommendation at its August 27, 2001 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 consideration. BROOKLYN CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT PRESENTATION Mr. Ron Warren described to the Commission I. S. D. No. 286's plan to relocate Earle Brown Elementary School to part of the property currently used for Grandview Park. Cheryl Jechorek, School Board Member (5 100 Morgan Avenue North), explained that a few years ago the school district received City approval for the use of temporary classrooms due to lack of space. They continue to be faced with numerous problems due to inadequate facilities. Ms. Jechorek adds that a task force has done a facility study. They have concluded that putting more money into the existing elementary school by way of an addition and further renovations would not be feasible. They would like the City to consider a land swap with them to acquire the park site and build a new elementary building, then tear down the existing building. This plan would provide some shared land uses between the City and the School District. It would also involve vacating Humboldt Avenue between the school and the park. Steve Anderson, Director of Building Services, used visual aids to show the lack of space in the current building and how remodeling would not solve the space issues. He stated there seems to be a common goal between the City and School District to improve both sides. He added the school is land locked and this seems to be a viable solution for both. 8 -16 -01 Page 7 Dr. Toni Johns, Superintendent of Schools, stated that school officials have discussed their proposal with the Mayor and City Manager. The school district would have to pass a bond issue to fund a new building. This is planned for 11 -6 -01. Commissioner Boeck stated he has reviewed the report and asked who would pay for the cost of relocating the park. Dr. Johns explained that the School District's plans include a new playground area to be shared by the City and they hope to work with the City in planning and funding the park. She adds the City already has plans for improvements at the park and the School District's intent is to work with the City to establish shared uses of the property. Mr. Warren pointed out that the Planning Commission's role is to respond to whether they are favorable or not to the School District's plan to move ahead. Chair Willson stated that he supports the project and encouraged the School District to move forward with their proposal. He also encourages other City staff to work with the School District to see further development of the plan. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Warren informed the Commission that a drive up ATM will be constructed with a small canopy at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard for the Credit Union that occupies the building. The project did not require Planning Commission review and all requirements have been met for issuance of building permits. Commissioner Reem reported that she would be unable to attend the September 13, 2001, Commission meeting and requested to be excused. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Boeck, seconded by Commissioner Whitehead, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m. / - A f Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass 8 -16 -01 Page 8