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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 06-15 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 i REGULAR SESSION JUNE 15, 1989 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Commissioner Lowell Ainas at 7:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Lowell Ainas, Kristen Mann, Wallace Bernards, Bertil Johnson, Ellamae Sander and James McCloskey. Also present were Director of Planning and Inspection Ronald Warren and Planner Gary Shallcross. Commissioner Malecki had called to say she would be unable to attend and was excused. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE he ec y then a minfstered the oath of office to Planning Commissioner James McCloskey. He noted that Commissioner McCloskey is from the northwest neighborhood and his appointment by the Mayor was confirmed by the City Council on June 12, 1989• APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 25, 1989 Motion by Commissioner Johnson seconded by Commissioner Mann to approve the minutes of the May 25, 1989 Planning Commission meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Commissioners Mann, Ainas, Johnson and Sander. Voting against: none. Not voting: Commissioners Bernards and McCloskey. The motion passed. APPLICATION NO. 89016 (Sherman Boosalis Interests, Inc.) Following the Chairman's explanation, the Secretary reviewed the contents of the staff report (See Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. 89016 attached) . The Secretary also added some comments regarding exterior treatment. He pointed out that the policy of a consistent exterior treatment is not to discourage quality_. He stated that there had been a lot of discussion on the old Ethan Allen building north of the freeway regarding consistent exterior treatment pertaining to the mansard treatment. He also reviewed with the Commission some examples where a mixture of treatments has been allowed, including the Brooklyn Center Service Station at 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard and the Parkway Place building on Shingle Creek Parkway. He stated that the City is generally looking for consistency in the quality of materials and similar appearance around a building. He stated that he did not see a major problem with the proposal as submitted. Commissioner Bernards noted that the present building sits far back oil the lot and that it is not very visible. He stated that he did not often see the sides of the building anyway. The Secretary stated that he had noticed the sides of the building from Shingle Creek Parkway. Commissioner Bernards asked about landscaping in that area. The Secretary noted that there is some berming along Shingle Creek Parkway. He reviewed the building elevations of the proposed building with Commissioner Bernards. In response to a question from Commissioner Sander, the Secretary noted the materials to be used around the building, including cedar shakes on the front mansard. Commissioner Bernards asked how far back the building would be relative to Burger Brothers. The Secretary pointed out on the transparency that the buildings would be fairly close in their setback off John Martin Drive, although the building under consideration would be set back somewhat further. 6-15-89 -1- Commissioner McCloskey stated that the proposed exterior would definitely have a facade rather than a wrap around treatment of the building. The Secretary stated that it is a judgment call for the Commission to make regarding exterior treatment. He stated that the purpose of the policy was to encourage quality and avoid false facades. He noted that in the past the front of the building was usually dressed up facing the street while the back of the building was left untreated facing residential development. He stated that this sort of contrast was something to be avoided. Commissioner Bernards stated that he felt the proposed addition would be an improvement to the building. Commissioner Ainas asked the applicant whether he had anything to add. Mr. Jens Beck, the architect for the project, reviewed with the Commission a rendering of the site plan. He noted the presence of conifers along the back side of the site to shield the loading dock area and to break up the parking on-site from the U. S. West Direct parking lot to the south. He stated that the plans would be revised to j indicate handicapped parking in front of the building and an extra space reserved for the service entrance in the rear. He then reviewed with the Commission briefly the exterior treatment of the building, noting that the height of the mansard would basically match the elevation of the cedar siding along the sides and rear of the building. Commissioner Ainas asked whether they were open to making the stucco a sandstone color so that it would be less of a contrast with the brick. Mr. Beck stated that the color of the stucco could be changed. Commissioner McCloskey agreed with this suggestion and asked whether the trash enclosure would be enlarged to accommodate the large cartons that would be discarded from the operation. Mr. Beck answered that there would be a number of cartons discarded when the original display furniture was installed, but that normally furniture was installed, would be sold in the carton. Commissioner Johnson asked what the size of the walkway would be in front of the building. Mr. Beck responded that it would be 7' wide. Commissioner Bernards noted that the site was constrained as to how much landscaping could be added. Mr. Beck agreed, noting that there is a power line easement along the west property line which would prevent additional plantings in that area. Commissioner Ainas asked the Commission for their comments on the exterior treatment question. Commissioner Sander asked the Secretary how he felt about the beige stucco as opposed to the existing white. The Secretary stated that he could live with either color, but that the beige was a good suggestion. Commissioner McCloskey noted that repainting the stucco would allow for a more consistent color around the building. Commissioner Mann stated that she felt the contrast was fine the way it was. Commissioner Ainas stated that he felt the architect has done a fine job, considering the building he had to work with. Commissioner Johnson stated that he felt the beige color would be better for the building. Commissioner Ainas asked Mr. Beck if there would be a problem changing the color of the stLbco to beige. Mr. Beck answered that it can be done. Commissioner Ainas suggested adding a condition that the architect work with staff to make the stucco color more consistent with the brick. Commissioner Sander noted that part of the canopy in the cupola area would also be a stucco treatment and should match the stucco on the building. Commissioner Ainas explained to the applicants that they were not trying to dictate design, but making recommendations so that the treatment of the building would be reasonably consistent. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 89016 (Sherman Boosalis Interests, nc. otiron by Commissioner Sander seconded by Commissioner Mann to recommend approval of Application No. 89016, subject to the following conditions: 6-15-89 -2- i 1. 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 berming 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 by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits. 4. Any outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop 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. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which is subject to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 7. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas. 8. The plans shall be revised, prior to the issuance of permits to indicate: a) 250 watt bulbs on the light pole east of the northeast corner of the building so as to reduce light intensity at the property line to 10 foot candles. 9. The applicant is directed to work with staff on a mutually acceptable tint to the stuccato board treatment around the west, south and east sides"of the building to be compatible with the brick treatment. Voting in favor: Commissioners Ainas, Mann, Bernards, Johnson, Sander and McCloskey. Voting against: none. The motion passed. Commissioner Bernards asked when the addition would be built. Mr. Tim Mannie, with Sherman Boosalis Interests, stated that they hoped to build the addition in July and August and open in September, if possible. OTHER BUSINESS Me- ecre ary informed the Commission that the June 29 meeting would be cancelled and that the next meeting would be July 13. He stated that the Commission would have the last chapter of the group home study from Consultant Donn Wiski. He stated that there would also be a need at that meeting to comment on modifications to the tax increment district plan in the center of town. He also informed the Commission that a housing study was being performed and that when it was completed, there would be a Joint meeting with the Housing Commission. He also stated that at some future study meeting he hoped to have the City Attorney come to the Planning Commission to review with the Commission their legal function and authority. 6-15-89 -3- r Commissioner Ainas informed the Commission of a survey done by the Planning Commission in Worcester, Massachusetts regarding community concerns. He noted that the survey results showed that 90% of community residents favored group homes, but that only 12% wanted them in their neighborhood. He noted that the problems with group homes are the same around the country. The Secretary concluded by informing the Commission of some modifications to the bunkhouse at the Earle Brown Farm and also, that the City Council had approved the moratorium on development at 66th and West River Road and that the Request for Proposals would be sent soon. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Mann seconded by Commissioner Sander to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 8:21 p.m. Chairman 1 6-15-89 -4-