Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 03-25 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 25, 1993 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Sander at 7:40 p.m. Chairperson Ella Sander, Mark Holmes, Robert Mickelson, Tim Willson and Debra Hilstrom. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning and Zoning specialist Ronald Warren and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Nancy Berg. The secretary indicated that Commissioner Johnson had previously stated that he would be unable to attend this evening's meeting and was, therefore,'ezcused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 25, 1993 Commissioner Mickelson asked that the spelling of his name be corrected in the Roll Call of the February 25, 1993 minutes. Motion by Commissioner Willson and seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to approve the minutes of the February 25, 1993, Planning Commission meeting as amended. Voting in favor: Chairperson Sander, Commissioners Holmes, Mickelson, Willson and Hilstrom. Voting against: none. The motion passed. CHAIRPERSON'S EXPLANATION Chairperson Sander explained that the Planning Commission is 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS: THE BROOKLYN BOULEVARD REDEVELOPMENT STUDY The Secretary presented the Brooklyn Boulevard Redevelopment Study. He reviewed the study and recommendations and answered questions of the Commission. The Secretary pointed out that Commissioners Holmes, Mickelson and Reem were members of the Brooklyn Boulevard Task Force. He mentioned some examples of private redevelopment in Brooklyn Center according to the Comprehensive Plan. He added some of the areas would involve acquisition 3-25-93 1 1 1 or demolition to redevelop and the City would have to take a look at what it could provide as incentive to develop these areas. He also added it would be beneficial for the City to participate in some of the redevelopment. The Secretary explained the Commission will need to look at the lot size requirements along Brooklyn Boulevard and why the City has the requirements it does along major thoroughfares. He stated the City's policies and regulations currently discourage residential conversion to business. Commissioner Willson asked if there would still be "grandfathering" for existing businesses. The Secretary answered yes, anytime the City changes a zoning ordinance there would always be a grandfather clause even if the City were to rezone or amend an ordinance. He explained there was an example of nonconforming use on Brooklyn Boulevard north of 69th. He further explained there were a number of single family homes which were actually zoned for business and these homes under their nonconforming status could not be changed in anyway. Commissioner Hilstrom asked if the home on France and Brooklyn Boulevard was zoned commercial. The Secretary answered it was zoned Cl. Chairperson Sander inquired if the house on the corner of 71st and Brooklyn Boulevard was a home occupation. The Secretary answered it was, at one time, but not at this time. The Secretary reviewed the proposed Park & Ride concept at Highway 694 and Brooklyn Boulevard. Commissioner Hilstrom asked if the Park&Ride would be patrolled. The Secretary answered he did not believe Park & Ride facilities were generally in need of extra security, however he felt the MTC or the Police Department would provide routine checks. He added there should also be adequate lighting and it would be developed park-like with landscaping and ponding. Chairperson Sander stated this proposal was the best use of the property. Commissioner Mickelson asked if the Brooklyn Boulevard Redevelopment Study he received was the official copy. The Secretary answered yes. Commissioner Mickelson stated it should be checked better for typos before it goes out to the public. Commissioner Hilstrom pointed out the study mentioned routing traffic on Zane Avenue. She stated she was concerned about this because of the schools on Zane Avenue. The Secretary answered the study was looking at it as a traffic problem. He explained the City needs to look at alternative ways to move traffic through this area especially at the intersection of 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard. He further explained the traffic could be managed to the point where it would not interfere with the safety of the schools. He added he was aware that both the City of Brooklyn Park and ISD 279 were opposed to even a limited interchange at I694 and Zane. Commissioner Willson asked about the ISTEA funding. The Secretary explained the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) was a new program that provides funds to eligible projects that are part of the national highway system. He stated it encourages states and cities to incorporate non-transportation considerations into transportation planning and projects. 3-25-93 2 1 1 He further explained the eligible types of projects include transit, surface transportation, highway safety, motor carrier, research, intermodal, air transportation and extension of taxes and trust funds. Commissioner Willson stated there are time lines for filing for the ISTEA funding, and he asked if the Council had given the Planning Commission a time line to look at the study recommendations. The Secretary explained staff was preparing a report for City Council recommendation on April 26, 1992. He added the City would also need to reach some agreement with Hennepin County regarding public improvements to Brooklyn Boulevard. He further explained the Engineering Department was looking at how to obtain ISTEA funding. Commissioner Holmes asked what the funds are earmarked for. Commissioner Willson answered they were earmarked for infrastructure. Commissioner Willson asked what area staff would recommend for redevelopment first. The Secretary said staff was in the planning process. Commissioner Willson stated he would recommend the area around Brookdale Center. He asked if the study had been made available to the representatives of Brookdale Center. The Secretary answered not yet, but the City was giving the Center the message they are important to the community and we want to improve the Center. Commissioner Hilstrom stated she was concerned about the use of flowers for landscaping as flowers only look nice about three months of the year. She further stated she would like to see the City go with some shrubs or flowering trees. The Secretary answered staff was not committed to using flowers. Commissioner Holmes asked if there was a time schedule for implementation of the recommendations of the study. The Secretary answered staff would be putting together a time table for the City Council. He added the Planning Commission would be responsible for conducting public hearings, and any ordinance amendments would be required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission as would any Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The Secretary pointed out the implementation recommendations of the study suggested a mechanism to monitor the application and implementation of the principles and the framework plan. He stated the Planning Commission was that mechanism. He warned the Commission would have to take a careful look at establishing standards because it was very important the Commission set standards for the good of Brooklyn Center but not to the point of making development in Brooklyn Center unrealistic. Commissioner Hilstrom asked if Brooklyn Center owned two apartment complexes on Humboldt. The Secretary answered yes, and the City was looking at leveling the units and letting the land sit vacant for awhile pending same sort of future redevelopment. Commissioner Hilstrom asked if the City also owned an apartment building across from SuperAmerica. The Secretary 3-25-93 3 1 1 answered yes an 18 unit building on Willow Lane. He explained as the apartment leases expire, the City would not renew and was looking at possible demolition. The Secretary encouraged the members of the Planning Commission to thoroughly review the Brooklyn Boulevard Redevelopment Study, call him with any questions, and to also report any typos. Commissioner Hilstrom asked the Secretary to explain the neighborhood advisory groups. The Secretary explained each Commissioner was the chair of a neighborhood advisory group and the groups work with the Planning Commission on such things as rezoning and comprehensive plan amendments. He further explained they were advisory bodies for the Planning Commission and they meet only when necessary. ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING GASOLINE SERVICE STATION ABUTMENT WITH RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY The Secretary discussed consideration of an Ordinance Amendment, which would modify the current prohibition in the City's zoning ordinance regarding the abutment of gasoline service stations with R1, R2 and R3 zoned property either at a property line or at a street line. He explained the Brooklyn Boulevard Redevelopment Study recommended the City abandon this absolute restriction and substitute a provision which would require certain performance standards for screening where these uses abut either at a property line or a street line. The Secretary explained the reason for tonight's discussion was a possible redevelopment proposal involving a nonconforming use of the property at 63rd and Brooklyn Boulevard. He further explained the applicant had since decided against proceeding, and the Secretary recommended withholding further discussion on the amendment until further review of the Brooklyn Boulevard study. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Mickelson stated he was surprised to learn the City Council used the Planning Commission's minutes before the Commission had approved the minutes. The Secretary explained this had been the procedure for many years and was used because of time constraints. Commissioner Hilstrom stated she was concerned about a letter to the editor in the paper by Councilmember Mann criticizing the new Planning Commission members. She stated the article questioned the Mayor's appointments. The Secretary explained it was his understanding the concern was really with the non-reappointment of commission members. Commissioner Willson stated Councilmember Mann's proposed resolution to rescind the commission appointments really addressed the lack of experience of the new commission members. The Secretary noted that Commissioner Johnson's statement was printed in the Planning Commission minutes which were provided to the City Council. Commissioner Holmes felt Councilmember Mann just wanted the Mayor to explain his appointments. Chairperson Sander agreed the Council should have responded to Commissioner Johnson's statement. 3-25-93 4 1 1 The Secretary reminded the Commission the next meeting would be April 15, 1993. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Sander seconded by Commissioner Mickelson to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Chairperson Recorded and transcribed by: Nancy Berg Timesaver Off Site Secretarial 3-25-93 5 1 1