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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 03-15 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 MARCH 15, 2012 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Rahn at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Sean Rahn, Commissioners Scott Burfeind, Kara Kuykendall, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Councilmember Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel. [Stan Leino appeared at 7:31 PM; Michael Parks was absent and unexcused]. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —MARCH 1, 2012 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Burfeind to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2012, meeting as submitted. The motion passed, with Commissioner Kuykendall abstaining as she was not at said 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, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. FINAL PLAT OF EVERGREEN VILLAS ADDTIION — BRETT HILDRETH — (REQUEST TO ADOPT PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2012-03) Mr. Benetti presented the final plat for the "Evergreen Villas Addition", which consists of replatting two existing parcels into two separate platted lots located at 720 and 800 69th Avenue N. He added that the new Lot 1 will consist of 121,870 sq. ft. of area (2.8 acres) and Lot 2 will contain 11,584 sq. ft. (0.27 acres). The preliminary plat was approved by the City Council at the November 14, 2011 meeting (Resolution No. 2011-148). There was a motion by Commissioner Kuykendall, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2012-03, which recommends approval of the proposed Final Plat of Evans Nordby Addition. Voting in favor: Chair Rahn, Commissioners Burfeind, Kuykendall, Morgan, and Schonning. DISCUSSION ITEM None 3-15-12 Page 1 OTHER BUSINESS —BROOKLYN BOULEVARD STUDY UPDATE Mr. Eitel stated that City staff met with SRF Consultants and the Technical Advisory Committee to review the latest information and findings related to the corridor study on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. He explained that Brooklyn Boulevard is a six mile County road running parallel with County Road 81 and is a minor arterial to that roadway which runs between County Road 81 in Brooklyn Park and the 44th Avenue North/Penn Avenue intersection. The average daily traffic on the 3.5-mile stretch of Brooklyn Boulevard located in Brooklyn Center varies between 18,700 south of Highway 100 to 40,700 just north of I-694/I-94. Much of the roadway north of I-694/1- 94 in Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park has been improved to better accommodate the significant traffic volume and to facilitate adjacent redevelopment. Mr. Eitel presented a digital picture slide show (pictures taken on 3-14-12) of the lower section of this corridor. Mr. Eitel pointed out that the section south of 1-694/1-94 is lined with many single-family dwellings that access directly onto the Boulevard, causing traffic problems and these single family units are too close to the street given the level of traffic carried by the street. He added that the streetscape in this section of the Boulevard has a negative visual image and lacks aesthetic appeal. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that where the sidewalks abut the streets, snow is often left blocking the sidewalks. She asked that the city make sure that the walking lanes have a separation from the roadway. Mr. Eitel stated that he agrees it is dangerous and if it is dangerous, people won't use it. He added that SRF has provided a draft finding, but they are not ready to present it. Mr. Eitel pointed out the study should include the following: • Opportunities for pedestrian/bike paths • Offset walkways near Malmborg's • Highlight of the white picket fence (represents the Earle Brown Farm appearance) • Highlighted the custom-made bus stop off 51" and Brooklyn Boulevard • Off-set of walkway to bridge that tapers out to 8 ft. and then reduces to 5 ft. on each side • Highlighted the median as a haven with pedestrians • Three lanes northbound up to 53`d Avenue. Commissioner Kuykendall stated that there may be a need to speed up re-decking of Hwy 100 underpass/bridge to coordinate with the redevelopment of Shingle Creek Crossing. Commissioner Stan Leino arrived at 7:31 p.m. Commissioner Kuykendall suggested a lighted/blinking light crosswalk in those areas to help with pedestrian traffic. 3-15-12 Page 2 Commissioner Burfeind asked if moving two bus stops is an option? Mr. Eitel responded that Metro-Transit is open to the ideas but typically pedestrians look for the convenience and Metro Transit usually complies. Commissioner Leino stated that school bus routes and pick-ups also need to be addressed especially regarding safety of the passengers. He further stated that there is a need for "visioning" within the corridor to identify coordinated uses inside this area so it is maintained. This area needs a lot of work and needs to be adaptable and flexible to the changing times. Chair Rahn stated that there is a need to expand the revisioning. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Leino, seconded by Commissioner Kuykendall, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass/Tim Benetti 3-15-12 Page 3