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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 07-10 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 JULY 10, 1980 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman William Hawes at 7: 35 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Theis, Manson, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Also present were Director of Planning and Inspections Ronald Warren, Superintendent of Engineering James Noska, and Plan- ning Assistant Gary Shallcross. The Secretary noted that he had . received a call earlier in the day from Commissioner Malecki in- forming him that she would be late. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 26, 1980 Motion by Commissioner Theis seconded by Commissioner Lucht to approve the minutes of the June 26, 1980 meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Theis, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. Not voting: Com- missioner Manson, as she was not at that meeting. APPLICATION NO. 80020 (Gerald Blomberg) Following the Chairman' s explanation, the Secretary introducea the first item of business, a request for a special use permit to operate a- recreation center in one of the tenant spaces in Humboldt Square. The Secretary reviewed the information contained in the staff report. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet, for Application No. 80020 attached) . The Secretary showed the proposed layout of the tenant space as sub- . mitted by the applicant, Gerald Blomberg. It showed a 9 ' x 12' area to be devoted to electronic games. The rest of the floor area of the 24 ' x 48 ' space would be used for display racks for cards, gifts and other knick-knacks. There would also be vending machines in the rear of the tenant space for dispensing pop, candy and other snack items. The Secretary then reviewed the past• history of other recreation centers in Brooklyn Center. He stated that these operations can cause problems for other businesses in the same shopping center. He recalled the difficulties with the Electric Emporium formerly occupying the same space in Humboldt Square, including drinking, drugs, vandalism, curfew violations, etc. The Secretary stated that the •City learned, as a result of the experience with the Electric Emporium, what the proper conditions should be for the approval of such an establishment. He cited Piccadilly Circus at Brookdale as a successful operation which has caused the City few problems because it •conforms to those conditions. He concluded by reporting that he had received two responses to the written notices sent concerning the operation, both in opposition. The responses were made by Kar-Win Auto Parts and Lane Book Exchange in the Humboldt Square Shopping Center. 7-10-80 -1- _ Commissioner Theis asked how many notices had been sent. Chairman Hawes stated that the list of notices numbered 30 to 35. Commissioner Erickson asked whether there was a Merchants Association of the tenants at Humboldt Square. The Secretary answered that it was his understanding that there was an association of tenants that occasion- ally met to discuss problems. . He pointed out that the shopping center is managed by Coldwell Banker. Commissioner Malecki arrived at 7:54 p.m. Chairman Hawes asked whether the gameb aspect of the operation would be allowed to expand if the other aspects, cards and gifts and snacks were to fail. The Secretary responded that such a contingency could be controlled by the conditions of approval. He noted that the proposal has evolved over the past two months with a number of uses being mentioned by the applicant. He stated that he felt .the major source of traffic, however, would always be the games. Commissioner Simmons stated that in her opinion the two basic uses, gifts and games, seem incompatible. She also questioned the layout. of the uses and stated that she thought adults would avoid the -place, rather than to frequent the establishment. Commissioner Erickson asked the applicant how many games he would have in the establishment. Mr. Blomberg responded that he would not have more than ten, probably a half dozen. Commissioner Erickson . stated he doubted that very many games could be put in a 9 ' x 12' area. He then asked the applicant to explain something of his back- ground. Mr. Blomberg answered that he ran a Dairy Queen operation which has given him experience running a business that caters ' to young people. He added that he had once been a clinical psychologist. In answer to a question from Chairman Hawes, Mr. Blomberg stated that the layout was intended to create a traffic pattern which would mix adults and younger people. Commissioner Simmons reiterated that she did not think -adults would be attracted to such a place. Mr. . Blomberg admitted that she could be right. - Commissioner Simmons asked where the layout for the estab- lishment came from. Mr. Blomberg stated that there was a similar operation at a delicatessen in Minnetonka. The Secretary pointed out that the percent of revenue to be received from games is not the same in two different letters received from the applicant. Mr. Blomberg estimated that the games would probably represent about 30% of his revenue. He added that the ,.company which leases the machines gets most of the revenue. In response to a question from Commissioner Lucht, Mr. Blomberg stated that he would have two employees. ' PUBLIC HEARING Chairman Hawes then opened the meeting for a public hearing. Barry Wallerstedt, of 7001 Emerson Avenue North, stated that the' previous game operation had been a problem to the .neighborhood. He added that gift shops in Humboldt Square .have not been successful and he predicted that the proposed use would become simply an electronic game shop with no appeal to families. 7-10-80 -2 Commissioner Lucht stated that it should not be the City's concern whether or not the business is profitable. He added that while the Commission must take heed of past experiences,. it was also necessary to give new businesses a chance. Commissioner Malecki responded that the concern expressed by the Commission was whether the business made any sense. She stated that if the business didn't make sense to its customers, it would probably become simply a hang- out for kids and might create problems for other businesses and for residents in the area. Mr.- Wallerstedt expressed his agreement with Commissioner Malecki's remarks. Commissioner Erickson suggested that since the primary concern seems to be that if the gift aspect of the operation fails, the entire tenant space will be devoted to electronic games, perhaps restricting the area to be used for games would be the best -control on any negative impacts. The Secretary stated that the Planning Commission would have to make a finding that the proposed use does not meet the Standards for a . Special Use Permit in order to recommend denial. He explained that staff had recommended tight conditions based on past experience with recreation centers. He added that limiting the area for games would be an appropriate control. With that restriction in place, he said, the applicant would have to .return for an amendment to the special use permit before expanding the games aspect of the operation. Commissioner Lucht asked whether the City would be stuck with the games operation for 12 months if it approved the permits. The Secretary answered that similar applications had included three month or six month reviews at which time the permit- could be re- voked. He added that in this case it is recommended that the• permit be subject to a review of complaints , ordinance violation's and police calls and a report be made to the Planning Commission within 6 months. If problems are not resolved, consideration can be given to revoking the permit. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Commissioner Lucht seconded by Commissioner Erickson to . close the public hearing. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Com- missioners Malecki, Theis, Manson, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. The motion passed. Commissioner Malecki inquired as to the requirement for bike racks and whether that would affect parking or pedestrian traffic. The Secretary responded that there is not a parking problem at the center at present. He pointed out that the experience has been that bike racks will be needed and that a specific location that will not interfere with pedestrian and vehicular traffic will have to be determined. There followed a discussion of the house rules to be enforced at the establishment. Commissioner Simmons expressed her doubt that the rules could be enforced. Commissioner Lucht stated that it should not be a concern of the Commission how the rules are en- forced, only that they are adequate to protect the public's inter- est. The Secretary pointed out that the house rules were recommended as a ,condition of approval and that failure to enforce them would be cause for considering revocation of the special use permit. 7-10-80 -3- ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 80020 (Gerald Blomberg) Motion by Commissioner Manson seconded 5y--Commissioner Theis to recommend approval of Application No. 80020, a request for a special use permit to operate a recreation center with electronic games at the "Snacks and Nick Nacks" tenant space in Humboldt Square Shop- ping Center, subject to the following conditions: •1. The special use permit is issued to the applicant as operator of the facility and is nontransferable. 2. The permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations and any violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. 3. The hours of operation shall be from 10:00 a.m. to 9: 30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 9: 30 p.m. on Sunday. 4. The permit is subject to a review within 6 months of complaints, 'ordinance viola- tions and police calm. If, at the time of this review, the use is deemed by the City Council to constitute a public nuisance, the permit shall be revoked. 5. House rules and hours of local curfew regulations shall be clearly posted in the establishment and rigorously en- forced. The rules shall be submitted to the Director of Planning and Inspections prior to issuance of the special use permit. 6. Provisions shall be made for bicycle parking racks located in a manner approved by the Department of Planning and Inspection. 7. The applicant shall assure that the outside areas are maintained free of debris and litter generated by patrons of his estab- lishment. - 8. The area devoted to games shall be limited to 1/3 of the retail floor area of the establishment. Non-sales floor area shall not be included in the computation of the allowable space for games. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Malecki, Theis, Lucht and Erickson. Voting against: Commissioner Simmons. Com- missioner Simmons stated that her dissenting vote was based on the previous experience with a recreation center in this neighborhood and on the extreme difficulty she sees in enforcing the house rules 7-10-80 -4- as long as the operation is set up in the manner proposed by the applicant. She stated that the applicant has not demonstrated that he can meet Standard (b) for Special Use Permits and that the issuance of the permit may be injurious or detrimental to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity. APPLICATION NOS. 80021 and 80022 (Commercial Partners) The Secretary introduced the next item .of business, preliminary plat approval and site and building plan approval for a complex including a shopping center, restaurant and theater ,to be built on the Charlson property north of Brookdale Ford and south of Northwestern Bell on the east side of Shingle Creek Parkway. He reviewed the information contained in. the staff reports for both preliminary plat (Application No. 800.21) and site and building plan (Application No. 80022) applications. (See Planning Com- mission Information Sheets for Application Nos. 80021 and 80022 . attached) . Following presentation of the staff reports, the Secretary re- ferred to a memo from the Director of Public Works concerning traffic generated by the proposed development. He stated that although two traffic studies by engineering consultants have agreed that the projected traffic counts for Shingle Creek Parkway and for the. shopping center will not meet the warrants for a traffic sig- nal at the location of the main entrance to the complex, it is likely that there will be enough political demand for the traffic signals to require their eventual installation. He. cited the ex- ample of the signals of 65th and Brooklyn Boulevard and the signals projected for 73rd and West River Road as examples. ` Chairman Hawes asked what would be the consequence of installing one-way private streets with the south entrance being an enter only driveway and the north median opening used for exit only traffic. Commissioner Simmons stated that the shopping center would almost. certainly have to be reoriented if people were ever to find their way out using one-way streets. The Secretary commented that Northwestern Bell would probably suffer from such an arrangement. He recommended that the Planning Commission require the dedication of land for a public street to be installed along the north property line. Commissioner Manson asked whether most of the traffic coming to the site would not be traveling southbound on Shingle Creek Park- way. The Secretary answered that both traffic studies show a slight majority of traffic coming from the north. He noted that the Interchange at Highway 100 and Interstate 94 would be modified to eliminate certain traffic movements at that intersection. He added that the Interchange at Shingle Creek Parkway and Interstate 94 would be a complete Interchange and would handle most of the traffic coming from the northwest to this site. Commissioner Manson commented that it would seem to be advantageous to face the building to the north considering the direction of traffic. The Secretary agreed and pointed out that the City' s chief concern is that the north access to the site be the main access so that if signals are installed, they can be limited to one convenient location. 7-10-80 -5- - Commissioner Erickson noted the many problems the City has had in attempting to get land for a roadway along the north -property line. He asked whether it was realistic to require that at this time. The Secretary answered that it was his understanding that Northwestern Bell would cooperate with- the installation of a road along its south property line. He stated that although there may be opposition from property owners to the east, it would still be best for the City to ask for the dedication of land for this ' segment of the roadway at this time. If condemnation were re- quired to complete the roadway through to John Martin Drive, he said, that could be pursued in the future without holding up the development of the Charlson property. Chairman Hawes then called on the applicant's representative to speak to the application. Mr. Darrell Fortier of Korsunsky-Krank- Erickson addressed the Commission. He pointed out two changes in the information supplied in the staff report. He stated that the toy store would be shifted approximately 100 feet to the west and that the second lease already obtained by the developer was with a wallpaper store rather than a sporting goods store. He added that the exterior treatment of the shopping center might consist of wall brick as opposed to face brick. Mr. Fortier also stated that the applicant is willing to amend the landscape plan in accordance with the recommendations of staff. Mr. Fortier stated that the real issue presented by the application is the orientation of the shopping center. He stated -that the orientation of the shopping center to the south is a means of gain- ing greater community. recognition. He stated that this orientation would give the center the greatest visibility to people traveling on Shingle Creek Parkway and County Road 10. He stated that the amount of -traffic* coming from any particular direction is not the only concern. As to the roadway, he stated that Commercial Partners is not opposed to a road along the north- property line, but added that there does not seem to be any benefit to the property. He added that the same would be true for other properties abutting the new road. He stated that while the roadway might solve some traffic problems, he did not think the benefit of the roadway could be assessed to abutting properties. He added that while Commercial Partners would not oppose the roadway, there would be definite damages resulting from the loss of land, notably the loss of parking space to support the retail floor area of the plan for the complex. Mr. Fortier pointed out that two traffic studies of this area show that warrants will not be met by traffic using the shopping center and Shingle Creek Parkway. Shelly Johnson of Barton-Aschmann Associates next addressed the Commission regarding the projected traffic volumes. He stated that the location is excellent for commercial development and that the approach to the site would be roughly 50-50 from the north and south along Shingle Creek Parkway. He explained that the 14,700 average daily traffic projection for Shingle Creek Parkway is for the year 2000 and added that peak hour left turns are calculated based on the 15th heaviest day of the year. Normal traffic, he said, would only be about 60% of that estimate. Regarding the 7-10-80 -6 possibility that traffic signals might be forced on the City by political pressures, he stated that traffid engineers simply can- not listen to the public outcry. He also pointed out that the proposal basically meets the guidelines for access along Shingle Creek Parkway even though the middle curb cut is only 230 feet from the south entrance to the site. He concluded his remarks by saying that if traffic signals were put in, they would not be a problem for movement of traffic along Shingle- Creek Parkway. -The Superintendent of Engineering stated that some of the traffic counts used by- Mr. Johnson in his presentation were inaccurate. He pointed out that the traffic projection by MN/DOT for Shingle Creek Parkway in the year 2000 is actually as high as 17,500 rather than 7200. He stated that the City must consider safety warrants as well as traffic warrants when deciding on the installation of traffic signals. He suggested that while traffic projections do not quite meet warrants , the addition of accidents, property damage and personal injuries or deaths at a given location might easily result in the need for a traffic signal. Chairman Hawes asked whether a new road would be paid for by all properties in the Industrial Park. The Superintendent of Engi- neering answered that a new roadway would be assessed over the entire commercial and industrial area between the freeway and County Road 10. The Superintendent of Engineering also stated that the cost of acquiring land through condemnation might also be assessed on all of the land in this area of the Industrial Park. Commissioner Simmons questioned how visible the Shopping Center would be from County Road 10 with Brookdale Ford in the -way. She disliked the -idea of another eight screen theater in an area which already has five screens and stated that car high shrubbery would be annoying to those coming up to a major driving lane_ within the parking lot. Mr. Fortier answered that the north portion of the site is visible from County Road 10 and Shingle Creek Parkway and stated that it would be injurious to the shopping center for the building to be moved to the south side of the site. Mr. Fortier also stated that if the north entry is the main entry to the site, it would double the traffic at that location over the proposed plan. He stated that while Commercial Partners would not oppose the road, it prefers the plan as submitted. He added that the community wants the shopping center to locate on this property as shown by the •City Council's approval of the Industrial Develop- ment Revenue Bonds for this project. Chairman Hawes and Shelly Johnson discussed one-way streets briefly. Mr. Johnson explained that one-way streets would add to driving time and that people try to leave a complex at the same point they come in and would thus be confused by one-way streets. He stated that he felt the proposal as submitted will. work fine from a traf- fic standpoint. Chairman Hawes expressed doubt that the proposal would work without signals. He cited the problem of. getting onto Brooklyn Boulevard at intersections that are not signalized. Mr. Johnson conceded that there may be problems , but that if signals were installed at the south median opening there would be no dif- ficulties for traffic along Shingle Creek Parkway. 7-10-80 -7- Commissioner Simmons expressed concern about the entrance to the southern private driveway from the restaurant being fairly close to Shingle Creek Parkway. Mr. Fortier noted that that entrance is 150 feet from the roadway. and should not be a problem. Commissioner Simmons asked what would be the effect of shifting the restaurant northward. Mr. Fortier answered that that would leave the southern median cut too close to County Road 10. The Secretary explained that the median cut serving Brookdale Ford would be closed and that because of its proximity to County Road 10 , staff recommend that- the south entrance to the site be the'minor access point to the complex. He explained that the staff had long ago indicated to the applicant that the concept of the public street along the north property line might be abandoned if the north access to the site . was the major access and the south entrance the minor access. He added that the tentative approval of the Industrial Development ' Revenue Bonds for the complex was not an approval of any specific development plan. He also pointed out that, at the time the Indus- trial Development Revenue Bonds were considered by the City Council, the applicant had expressed complete willingness to make whatever amendments were necessary to meet with City approval and that the site plan .arrangement was not cast in concrete. A discussion then ensued between Commissioner Simmons and Mr. Fortier and Mr. Gustafson regarding the nature of the shopping center. Mr. Fortier explained that the shopping•center would be a destination . center for certain specific items rather than a neighborhood shop- ping center meeting general community needs. Mr. Gustafson added that the nature of the business is such that there is a need for visibility from Brookdale. The Secretary stated that the location of the building is not actually the primary concern of staff. Rather, he said, the primary concern is that the main access to the site be the north access. Commissioner Erickson asked about the problems of pursuing the road- way. The Secretary responded that the best course of action at this time would be to ask for dedication of land for roadway purposes along the -north property line of the subject site. He stated that, if necessary, the City could condemn land for other portions of' the roadway after further negotiations had been tried. The road could be built in stages as was mentioned in the BRW Traffic. Study for this site. Commissioner 'Erickson asked the applicant how he felt about the roadway. Mr. Fortier answered that the roadway would be injurious to the commercial complex because it would eliminate parking stalls needed to support the building area desire and would probably never be completed. The Secretary pointed out that the City Staff had been told by the applicant that the City would have to take the initiative if the roadway were to go through. He stated that in light of the lack of interest by private landowners, the City would take the initiative and use its condemnation powers, if necessary. He stated that the first step in this process was to request the' dedication of roadway by this property owner. This, he stated, was in keeping with the City Council directive at the time the Shingle Creek Parkway Access Policy was adopted by the Council. Chairman Hawes asked how much land would be taken through roadway dedication. The Secretary answered that it would not amount to very much since the right-of-way would' be shared between this 7-10-80 -8-- property and Northwestern Bell. As to the impact on parking re- quirements, the Secretary stated that there would be some effect since the present plan called for total utilization of available land. He added that setbacks for the building from the right-of- way would have to be taken into account in the site and building plan. Chairman Hawes commented that it seemed that only the office building to the east (the American Family Insurance Office Build- ing) would be adversely affected and perhaps even this could be ameliorated. Mr. James R. Merila, of Merila-Hansen, next spoke on behalf of the applicant. He stated that from his experience with the City, it was always understood that Brookdale Ford would have to move its access onto Shingle Creek Parkway further north. He stated that the concept for access contained in the site plan is not new and that it is in line with what had been planned in the past. .He pointed out that if the roadway were put in, the parking lot setback for the Perkins Restaurant would be deficient. He also stated that there would be no real benefit to any of the abutting properties. He stated that the main benefit of a through street is -that people do not become confused as they would by a cul-de- sac. ' He stated that the main question to be resolved is where the main access should be to the site. He noted that traffic signals which have been installed in other locations which did not meet traffic warrants were a result of pedestrian, not vehicle, difficulties. He pointed out that the site in question would draw little in terms of pedestrian traffic. Chairman Hawes pointed out that the roadway would allow drivers to use John Martin Drive ' in order to enter Highway 100, thereby relieving some of the' conges- tion on County Road 10. Mr. Merila responded that the roadway would also bring traffic to Shingle Creek Parkway from the north end of the commercial area which might not travel that way otherwise. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Commissioner Erickson seconded by Commissioner Theis to close the public hearing. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Com- missioners Malecki, Theis, Manson, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. ACTION TABLING APPLICATION NO. 80021 (Commercial Partners) Following a discussion among the Commission as to the implications of asking for roadway dedication, there was a motion by Commissioner Theis seconded by Commissioner Manson to table Application No. 80021 with direction to the applicant to resubmit the preliminary plat with dedication for roadway and the major access point shown along the north side of the property. While the motion was on the floor, Mr. Fortier approached the Commission and asked that the Commission vote the application up or down, rather than to table. Chairman Hawes asked the recommendation of staff. The Secretary answered that the staff would prefer tabling the application as contained in the motion. Chairman Hawes repeated the motion. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes and Commissioner Theis. Voting against: Commissioners Malecki, Manson, Lucht and Erickson. Not voting: Commissioner Simmons. The motion failed. 7-10-80 -9- ACTION RECOMMENDING DENIAL OF APPLICATION NO. 80021 (Commercial Partners) Motion by Commissioner Malecki seconded by Commissioner Manson to recommend denial of Application No. 80021, preliminary plat ap- proval for the Charlson and Brookdale Ford sites, because the pre- liminary plat does not meet the Council's direction for a roadway along the north edge of the property, nor is the applicant willing to make the north access the major access point. Voting in favor: Commissioners Malecki, Theis,. Manson, Lucht and Erickson. Voting against: Chairman Hawes. Not votingr Commissioner Simmons. The motion passed. ACTION TABLING APPLICATION NO. 80022 (Commercial Partners) Motion by Commissioner Theis seconded by Commissioner Simmons to. table Application No. 80022, site and building plan for a shopping center complex on the property between Brookdale Ford and .North- western Bell on Shingle Creek Parkway, until the issue of the road- way along the north property line is resolved. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Malecki, Theis, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. Not voting: Commissioner Manson. The motion passed. Commissioner Malecki asked that when the plans are resubmitted to the Planning Commission, they be revised to show the agreed upon changes to the landscape plan recommended by staff. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 11:05 p.m. and resumed at 11:21 p.je,„ APPLICATION NO. 80025 (Lutheran Church of the Master) Following the recess, the Secretary introduced the next item of business, site and building plan approval to construct an approxi- mate 10,000 sq. ft. addition to the existing Lutheran Church of the Master at 1200-69th Avenue North. He reviewed the information con- tained in the staff report. (See Planning Commission Information Sheet for Application No. . 80025 attached) . Following presentation of the staff report, the Secretary pointed out that the most recent plans submitted changed the location of- the entryway at the north property line slightly to the west so that it would line up with one of- the driving lanes in the parking lot. He stated that staff would recommend against this alignment in that traffic would be encouraged to use the lane for a .cut-through to 70th Avenue and the shifting of the driveway would increase the possibility of lights shining into the home on the north side of 70th. Avenue. He also stated that the approved plan should show the types of foliage and species of trees to be planted. . Chairman Hawes asked whether the revised greenstrip around the north parking lot would provide enough room for berms as a screening device. The Secretary pointed out that a 15 ft. greenstrip would not accom- modate more than a 2h ft. berm with a 3 to 1 slope. He expressed the opinion that the foliage, if planted densely, would be a better screening device. Commissioner Simmons asked whether chains would be an effective way of controlling the cut-through traffic traveling southwest and north- east on the site. The Secretary answered that these could be used 7-10-80 -10_ although they would likely create some difficulties. He stated that the changes made to the plans do address most of the problems with the site. Commissioner Simmons clarified that she was concerned about protecting the newly installed hedge from drivers attempting to drive over the boulevard directly onto 70th Avenue. The Secretary responded that a dense hedge is required and that . a bond will be held until the screening device is viable. He added that with the instal- lation of the 6 inch curb it did not seem likely that the hedge would be disturbed by cars using the parking lot. Mr. Barry Wallerstedt, of 7001 Emerson Avenue North, stated that the main problem is caused by the cut-through traffic, not the church traffic. Chairman Hawes again suggested berming within the greenstrip area. However, Com- missioner Lucht considered this idea superfluous and the Superin- tendent of Engineering suggested that �a berm in this case might be difficult to install and maintain. PUBLIC HEARING -Chairman Hawes then opened the meeting for a public hearing. Mr. Tom Sollberger, the Chairman of the Building Committee at Lutheran Church of the Master, stated that the church is concerned about the traffic problem. Relative to the proposal for berming, he stated that the church would prefer foliage to a fence or a berm which might give the impression that the church is trying to exclude people. Mr. Waller- . stedt stated that the proposed plan would be a big improvement over the existing situation. He stated that his main concern was with the cut-through and winter spin-around traffic. He pointed out that using foliage for a screening device would be attractive, but would have to be maintained. 0 Commissioner Simmons asked whether installing a chain across the driveway openings would prevent the parking lot from .being used as a skating rink for cars during the winter time. Mr. Thor Haug, President of the church congregation, stated that the church considered the idea of chains, but dropped it when someone heard of a man on a motorcycle being beheaded by such a barrier. Ann Wallerstedt, also of 7001 Emerson Avenue North, stated that chains would have some value at .certain times, such as when school children are in the area. The Pastor of the church, John Peterson, explained that the church has a very busy schedule and stated that manning the chains would be a full time job. Mr. John Torseth, the architect for the project and a member of the church, stated that to provide visibility at drive- way openings, he would recommend that the foliage screen not encroach within 15 ft. of either driveway opening. He also stated that cars using a parking lot for a skating rink is a problem which any fairly E large establishment faces. The Superintendent of Engineering com- mented that the curbing around the parking lot and the delineators within the parking lot should reduce the cut-through traffic. He also recommended the placement of stop signs at both entrances to the north parking lot. Ann Wallerstedt asked if the plans could be modified to show a continuation of boulevard shade trees on 70th Avenue and Emerson Avenue as established by the apartment buildings to the west. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING Motion by Commissioner Lucht seconded by Commissioner Malecki to close the public hearing. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Malecki, Theis , Manson, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. 7-10-80 -11- Commissioner Malecki suggested that conditions of approval require the chaining off of at least one entrance. She argued that this would hold down the cut-through traffic somewhat. She stated that the church should be concerned about the liability of a child being injured by a motorist cutting through as well as liability for a motorcyclist. ACTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 80025 (Lutheran Church of the Master) Motion by Commissioner Lucht seconded by- Commissioner Malecki to recommend approval of Application No. 80025, site and building plan and special use permit approval, to construct an approximate 10,•000 sq. ft. addition to the existing church at 1200 - 69th Avenue North, subject to the following conditions: 1. The permit is subject to all applicable codes, ordinances and regulations and violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. 2. Building plans are subject to review and approval by the Building- Official prior to the issuance of permits. 3. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 4. 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 to assure completion of approved site improvements. 5. B612 curb and gutter shall be provided around all parking and driving areas, except that B6 curb may be , acceptable around the north parking lot area upon approval by the .City Engineer. 6. Any outside trash disposal facilities or rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. 7. The property is subject to replatting in accordance with City Ordinances. , A final plat shall be filed with the County prior to the issuance of building permits. 8. The plans will be amended prior to consideration by the City Council to show a 15 ft. opening in the foliage screen either side of a driveway; the foliage screen will be labeled as honeysuckle planted at three foot on center; that ornamental trees will be in- dicated along the west property line with species designated; that. the •driveway off 70th Avenue stay where it presently is, rather than be moved to the' west; and that 1 3/4" diameter boulevard trees will be planted at 75 ' intervals along 70th and Emerson Avenues North; and the placement of stop signs at both entrances to the north parking lot. 7-12-80 -12- Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Malecki, Theis, Lucht, Erickson, and Simmons. Voting against: none. Not voting: Commis- sioner sioner Manson. The motion passed. Commissioner Manson explained that she abstained from the vote because she is a member of the church and wished to avoid any conflict of interest. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS . The Secretary then informed the Commission briefly of a small project by the Brookdale Covenant Church at 5139 Brooklyn Boulevard to install a handicapped driveup. facility for the north entrance to the church. He stated that staff did not consider the project to be a major structural alteration and said that although- the representatives of the church were appraised of the current site deficiencies, it was felt this project was not the occasion to bring the entire site up to current ordinance standards. The Secretary also informed the Commission of the action by the Brooklyn Park Planning Commission concerning the self-service car wash to be located on the property immediately north of The Ponds Residential Development. He stated that while it was legally im- possible for the Brooklyn Park Planning Commission to deny the use proposed, it did require screening very close to Brooklyn Center Standards and limited the hours of operation. - He also noted that drainage from the' site is toward the street in Brooklyn Park, rather than towards Shingle Creek. Chairman Hawes ,' who had also been to the meeting, noted that there would be a six foot high fence placed along the property line, that a full mansard would be placed around the entire building and that the building generally ,appears to be attractive. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Erickson seconded by Commissioner Simmons to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission. Voting in favor: Chairman Hawes, Commissioners Theis, Malecki, Manson, Lucht, Erickson and Simmons. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 12:44 a.m. ai man "7-10-80 -13- 1 1