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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 01-12 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 JANUARY 12, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:08 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. Stan Leino and Carlos Morgan were absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — DECEMBER 15, 2011 There was a motion by Commissioner Parks, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2011 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Parks, to adjourn the 2011 Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Mr. Benetti administered Oath of Office to Michael Parks. CALL TO ORDER — 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION The 2012 Planning Commission was called to order by Acting Chair Rahn at 7:11 p.m. ROLL CALL 2012 PLANNING COMMISSION Acting Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Kara Kuykendall, Michael Parks, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Stan Leino and Carlos Morgan were absent and excused. ELECTION OF 2012 CHAIR AND CHAIR PRO TEM Since the full Commission was not in attendance, it was the consensus of the Commission to postpone election of the Chair and Chair Pro Tern to delay the nominations until the next Planning Commission meeting. 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, Page 1 1 -12 -12 the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. DISCUSSION ITEMS Update and clarification for the request to redevelop the former Northwest Athletic/Lifetime Fitness site, 4001 Lakebreeze Avenue North. Reconsideration of the land use amendment scheduled for January 26, 2012. Mr. Benetti reminded the Commission that at the December 15, 2011 Planning Commission meeting there was a presentation and discussion regarding Mr. Paul Hyde's proposal to rezone the property located at 4001 Lakebreeze Avenue North (from C -2 Commerce to 1 -1 Industrial). He further explained that there was also a request to amend the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan in changing the underlying land use of the subject property from its current "OS- Office Service /Business" to an "I- Industrial" land use category. This amendment would make the proposed rezoning compliant with the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan. He further explained that the rezoning application had been tabled and staff had recommended that the Commission forward a recommendation to the City Council on the land use amendment only. Following the December 15 meeting, it was determined that real findings to support this amendment had not been adequately addressed, therefore, staff withdrew the item from the January 9, 2012 City Council meeting to bring back to the Commission for reconsideration at the January 26, 2012 Planning Commission meeting. At that time, it is anticipated that the proposed rezoning will be for a mixed use. Consideration of the 2012 Community Development Activities Map Mr. Benetti presented ongoing development and planning activities from 2011 and also updated the Commission on the 2012 Community Development Activities Map. Ongoing Planning Activities • Twin Lakes Regional Trail Extension — 57 Avenue corridor • Twin Lakes Regional Trail to Shingle Creek Regional Trail • Environmental clean -up plan for the Howe Fertilizer site • Shingle Creek Trail adjacent to Community Center • Northport Elementary School and Northport Community Park Planning 2012 Development Activities • Luther Auto Group — Phase III • Northwest Family Services Center - 71" Avenue/NW Family • Northwest Athletic Club /Lifetime Fitness site (4001 Lakebreeze Avenue) • Shingle Creek Crossing a) PUD amendments b) Sears store • Maranatha Nursing Home and Care Center (5401 -5415 69 Avenue North) — Remodel and addition • Central Commerce District a) Opportunity Site b) Former Jerry's Foods site Page 2 1 -12 -12 • New Millennium Academy - proposed charter school at Palmer Lake Plaza- 6850 Shingle Creek Pkwy • Eastbrook Estates 2 nd Addition • Redevelopment of EDA Properties a) Embassy Suites Phase Il site b) Former Olive Garden/Cracker Barrel site Following Mr. Benetti's presentation, the following discussions occurred: Commissioner Parks talked about the intersection overpass over Hwy 100 at France Avenue and how that impacted the businesses off France and traffic to the sites. He added that he has stated in the past that he feels there is a need for a similar ramp at the County Road 10 and Hwy 100 to allow traffic to flow better onto the commercial sites. Commissioner Parks suggested that the vacant land at 57 and Logan would allow adequate space to develop an overpass. He added that the bridge is old and perhaps the State could be approached regarding replacing the bridge and adding an overpass. Commissioner Kuykendall added that the way it is laid out the commercial sites west of Hwy 100 have visibility from Hwy 100 but no way to take the traffic off County Road 10 to those sites. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that she would like the traffic around the proposed development of 4001 Lakebreeze Ave to limit truck traffic so the residential properties across the street are not affected negatively. She added that she wants the development to be a success since Mr. Hyde has a good track record in the city. Mr. Benetti responded that staff is looking at options to present to Mr. Hyde regarding the truck traffic around the site. Mr. Eitel added that the proposed development will need to demonstrate that there is no negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Acting Chair Rahn asked if Sears is anticipating making any upgrades to their store. Mr. Eitel responded that staff is still waiting to hear what their plan is. He added that rumors are that Sears stores may be downsizing and focusing on hard goods such as Kenmore and Craftsman, rather than the department store layout. Mr. Benetti explained that staff has met with the representatives of Presbyterian Homes regarding a proposal to build a new three story building long term care /assisted living facility on the site where the Maranatha Homes is located. Once that is complete, they plan to move the existing 97 residents to the new facility and tear down what is currently the nursing home facility. He added that as financing becomes available, they will possibly add more units. Mr. Benetti added that there are some zoning issues that will need to be addressed and resolved before the project can move forward. Also, this proposed development could involve another land use amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to accommodate the new use on the site. Mr. Benetti further explained that this proposed development may be accomplished through the Planned Unit Development approval process. Update of the City's Landscape Points System/Tree Preservation Policies Page 3 1 -12 -12 Mr. Benetti reviewed that at the December 15, 2011 Planning Commission meeting staff had been directed to review the City's landscape point system policy and related tree /woodland preservation regulations. Staff is suggesting that the following communities be researched and asked the Commission to suggest any additional to be added the list: Crystal, Fridley, Golden Valley, Maplewood, New Hope, Richfield, Roseville, Shoreview, White Bear Lake Mr. Benetti also stated that he has already begun researching Burnsville's tree regulations as previously suggested by Commissioner Parks. Mr. Benetti added that staff will expand their investigation to include architectural standards since the Commission may be called upon to formulate a new set of standards in the future. OTHER BUSINESS 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 8:25 p.m. C r Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 4 1 -12 -12