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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 12-17 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT MEETING DECEMBER 17, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission members and the City Council members met in a joint meeting convened by Planning Commission Chair Willson and Mayor Kragness at 7:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Debra Hilstrom (entered the meeting at 8:35 p.m.), Kay Lasman, Robert Peppe; Planning Commission Chair Tim Willson, Commissioners Graydon Boeck, Stephen Erdmann, Ed Nelson, Rex Newman, Sean Rahn, and Dianne Reem were present. Also present were City Manager Michael McCauley, Assistant City Manager Jane Chambers, Community Development Director Brad Hoffman, Planning and Zoning Specialist Ronald Warren, and Recording Secretary Arlene Bergfalk. Councilmember Kathleen Carmody did not attend. PRESENTATION - SENIOR HOUSING Mr. Roland Stinski, representing Skyline Builders, Minneapolis, described conceptual plans for redevelopment of an approximate 5 acre parcel of property in the Riverwood area of the City. Using architectural illustrations, he compared the current design with an earlier proposal shown to the affected neighborhood. Working with the Riverwood Neighborhood Association and adjacent residents individually and through public meetings, the current conceptual plans incorporate modifications suggested by those persons. The plan provides for 75 units in two 2 -story buildings. Development costs are expected to be 8 -9 million dollars. Mr. Bruce Holten described the site plans and 5 types of units which would be available. Mr. John Gould, representing the architect, provided additional building and site plan details of the conceptual design of the proposed development, including parking and landscaping. Mr. McCauley explained that the objective of the presentation is to seek reactions and input to the concept from the Planning Commission and the Council and give the developer guidance as to further expansion of the plans. Mr. McCauley explained the cooperative ownership methodology planned for the units. All the units would have to be pre -sold before construction would begin as required under HUD financing. Besides being a popular housing alternative for persons aged 62 and over, there is a robust secondary market in the Twin Cities area for these types of senior cooperative units with lengthy waiting lists. The property is owned by the City's EDA and is bounded by Hwy. 252, 66th Avenue, Willow Lane and 65th Avenue. 12 -17 -98 1 Messrs. Rod Snyder and Jerry Blarney, representing the Riverwood Neighborhood Association, provided some background history of the location and distributed a position paper outlining 9 ideal outcomes of redevelopment of the subject area, and described the group's work with the developer, Skyline Builders Inc., which has culminated in the conceptual design plans presented at this meeting. The neighborhood residents, in general, consider the developer's proposed conceptual plan to be a plan that reflects the interests of the residents and the City. Although no action is required on the conceptual design plans, it was reiterated that this presentation gives commissioners and council members an opportunity to comment on the proposal. Representatives of the developers, and Messrs. McCauley and Hoffman answered questions regarding the financing, the management of the cooperatives, status of the existing apartment building (Lynwood) near the area, re- zoning issues, and conditions under which the City would sell the property to a developer. Chair Willson invited comments from the public. Mr. Steve Cooper, 6632 West River Road, spoke on the issue of re- developing the area again with high density multiple housing, questioned whether problems associated with parking, traffic, etc. from other developments in the area have been adequately addressed, and viewed the proposal as being flawed in concept. Mr. Bruce Morrow, 7212 Willow Lane, noted the property is located in the Brooklyn Center /Anoka school districts. Chair Willson thanked the representatives for the informational presentation and indicated the Planning Commission will consider the re- development plan upon receipt of an application. PROCESS FOR REVIEWING PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATIONS - MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN Issues discussed among the Commissioners and Councilmembers included: - timing problems encountered with the State statute requiring Council action on applications within a 60 day period after receiving an application. In an effort to speed the process, the Commission intends to combine the neighborhood advisory group meeting with the Planning meeting whenever possible. It was suggested that the current statutory limitation be brought before the legislature for re- consideration. - role of the Commissioners on policy issues. It was pointed out that the Planning Commission's role is prescribed by ordinance and any additional authority proposed for the Commission requires a change in the ordinance. - resident/public input to matters that come before the Commission and Council. The perception of the public appears to be that its views have little impact on decisions made by the City. - land use. It was suggested that a collaborative effort between the Commission and the Council be undertaken to develop a land use plan for the City with specific criteria and guidelines. - status of city owned property. Financial data regarding sale of city owned property will be made available to the Planning Commission. 12 -17 -98 2 TALISMAN COMPANIES - APPLICATION NO. 98028 Mr. Warren stated that Application No. 98028, a request by Talisman Companies for rezoning and site and building plan approval through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process for expansion and redevelopment of Brookdale is incomplete. He recommended that because major components of the application required for proper consideration by the Planning Commission have not been received by the City, the matter be continued to a meeting in January 1999. The public hearing on 12 -17 -98 regarding this application was properly noticed; however, the hearing will also be re- scheduled upon receipt of a complete application. It was noted that the 60 day time limit imposed by State Statute for making zoning decisions will not start until a complete plan submittal has been received. The Planning Commission concurred with Mr. Warren's recommendation. The Councilmembers and Commissioners participated in a general discussion on the Brookdale redevelopment. Representatives from Talisman Companies were not present at this meeting, a public hearing was not conducted, and no action was taken on the Application. OTHER BUSINESS - None ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Arlene Bergfalk TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 12 -17 -98 3