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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 05-26 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA STUDY SESSION May 26, 1977 CITY HALL Call to Order: The Planning Commission met in study session and was called to order at 8:00 p.m. by Acting Chairman Gilbert Engdahl . Roll Call : Acting Chairman Engdahl , Commissioners Jacobson, Pierce, and Kohrt. Also present were Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere, Planning Aide Laurie Thompson and Building Official Will Dahn. Application No. 77017 Following the Chairman's explanation, the Secretary (Super America) introduced the first item of business which was con- sideration of Application No. 77017 submitted by Super America, Inc. The Secretary stated the application was for a Special Use Permit and Site and Building Plan approval for a service station and retail store at 6545 West River Road. He commented that the pre- mises had been a Shell Oil Service Station, and he presented slides of the property. Chairman Engdahl noted that a public hearing had been scheduled and none of the notified property owners was present. Motion by Commissioner Jacobson, seconded by Commissioner Pierce to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Engdahl recognized Mr. John Hogenson who discussed the design of the proposed station and showed pictures of a canopy treatment at other Super America Stations. The Secretary indicated that the applicant proposed to erect two canopies, one on the north side and one on the east side covering the respective pump islands. Mr. Hogenson also showed a picture of a former Shell Station in New Brighton which had recently been converted to a Super America Service and retail center. In further discussion, Mr. Hogenson stated that the -gasoline sales would be self-service, and in response to concerns raised by Chairman Engdahl relative to the condition of the parking lot, Mr. Hogenson stated that the entire lot would be repaved to provide a uniform driving surface. A brief discussion also ensued as to the regularity of trash pickups up at the site and the location of the outside trash disposal area at the rear of the building. Further discussion ensued as to the building and re- modeling plans, and the Secretary commented that the structure would be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system and would meet the State Energy Code requirements. Recommend Approval of Motion by Commissioner Jacobson seconded by Comissioner Application No. 77017 Kohrt to recommend approval of Application No. 77017 (Super America, Inc.) submitted by Super America, Inc. subject to the fol- lowing conditions: 1 . The permit is issued to the applicant as operator and is nontransferable. _1_ 5-26-77 2. The use is subject to all applicable ' ordinances and regulations including special licensing requirements, and violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation of the permit. 3. Building plans are subject to approval by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of a permit. 4. A Performance Agreement and -financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to assure completion of approved site improvements. 5. Site grading, drainage, and paving plans are subject to approval by the City Engineer. 6. All signery on the site shall be in con- formance with Chapter 34. 7. All outside trash disposal and mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened. 8. The building shall be equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing .system per ordinance requirements. The motion passed unanimously. The next item of business was consideration of Appli- Application No. 77018 cation No. 77018 submitted by Mr. Ronald Jaroscak. (Ronald Jaroscak) The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated the applicant was proposing a plat of the northeast corner of 62nd and Camden Avenue North. He stated . the applicant proposed the division of the property which presently contained the single family dwelling at the north end of the property, and he commented that the new lot at the south end meets the ordinance requirements as to area and depth. He stated, however, that the width of 74.88 feet is 15.12 feet less than the ordinance minimum for corner lots and thus there is also a variance consideration included in the application. Chairman Engdahl stated that a public hearing had been scheduled and that none of the notified property owners was present. Motion by Commissioner Kohrt seconded by Commissioner Jacobson to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Acting Chairman Engdahl recognized the applicant and a brief discussion ensued. In response to several questions the Secretary stated that the corner lots in this residential area had been reviewed and that the characteristic 75 or 77 foot lot widths indicated the proposed lot was consistent. Following further discussion, there was a motion by Recommend Approval of Commissioner Pierce seconded by Commissioner Jacobson Application No. 77018 to recommend approval of Application 77018 submitted (Ronald Jaroscak) by Ronald Jaroscak noting that the application satis- fies the requirements of Chapter 15 with respect to variances and subject to the following conditions: 1 . Final plat is subject to review and ap- proval by the City Engineer. 2. Final plat is subject to the requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances. 5-26-77 -2- 3. The variance comprehends the width and no other variances are granted or implied. The motion passed unanimously. Application No. 77019 The next item of business was consideration of (Schmitt Music Company) Application No. 77019 submitted by Schmitt Music Company. The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated the applicant has recently purchased the former Kennedy-Cohen building at 2400 Freeway Boule- vard which was last subject to review by the Com- mission in the fall of 1976 (Application No. 76055) . The Secretary reviewed a letter submitted by the applicant describing the proposed use and he presented slides of the subject property. He stated a Special Use Permit is necessitated in the I-1 district by the proposed retail sales and educational uses included in the proposed occupancy. Chairman Engdahl stated that a public hearing had been scheduled, and that none of the notified property owners was present. He did note that a letter had been submitted to the file by Mr. Roger Newstrum, President of B. C. I . P. , Inc. , supporting the petition. Motion by Commissioner Jacobson seconded by Commissioner Pierce to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman Engdahl then recognized Mr. Robert Schmitt and Mr. Curt Karls who represented the applicant. An extensive discussion ensued as to the status of the site improvements and landscaping which had deter- iorated due to the lack of maintenance over the past several years since Kennedy-Cohen had ceased busi- ness. Mr . Schmitt commented that the landscaping had been reviewed by a professional landscaper and it had been confirmed that substantial rejuvenation would be required such as the sodding which the landscaper indicated would have to be replaced. He stated that the status of certain trees was also questionable. Mr. Schmitt then presented an extensive explanation of the proposed use and of a proposed floor. plan. He stated the design of the building was highly com- patible with the sales and distribution aspects of the Schmitt Music Company use. Chairman Engdahl recalled that certain parking spaces required by the ordinance had been deferred at the Kennedy-Cohen's request since Kennedy-Cohen did not feel they needed all the required parking for their specific use. He asked Mr. Schmitt whether they had also considered whether the installed parking was adequate. Mr. Schmitt responded in the affirmative. He stated they had no similar operation, but that from all indications and knowledge of the type of use which would occur, it seemed the installed parking was adequate. The Secretary commented that the deferral approved under the original Site and Building Plans could be continued under this application. and that it provided for the installation of the required parking should it be deemed necessary by the City Council . In further discussion, Commissioner Pierce suggested that bicycle parking racks be installed, particularly if there were a large number of young people which would be coming to the facility for music lessons. Mr. Schmitt indicated that this had been planned since many employees also chose to ride bicycles to work in fair weather. -3- 5-26-77 Further discussion ensued regarding the istoration of of the site improvements and the Secretary explained that before any specific work was undertaken by a professional landscaper, the approved plans should be reviewed to assure consistency with the authorized improvements. Motion by Commissioner Jacobson secondod by Commis- Recommend Approval of sioner Pierce to recommend approval of Application No. Application No. 77019 77019 submitted by Schmitt Music. Company subject to (Schmitt Music Company) the following conditions: 1 . The permit is issued to the applicant as operator and is not transferable. 2. A portion of the required parking spaces may be deferred as indicated on the plans approved under Application No. 74022, until such time the installation of the additional spaces deemed necessary by the City Council ; provided that the de- ferred area is planted and maintained by viable turf and vegetative material. 3. A portion of the required underground irrigation may also be deferred as in- dicated on the deferred plans for the area north of the building and parking lot: provided that such systems shall be extended to the north. boundary greenstrip at such time that the deferred parking is installed. 4. The site lighting shall be repaired and/ or installed so that it will be functional prior to issuance of the permit. 5. All landscaping and parking lot improve- ments shall be rejuvenated, replaced, or installed consistent with the approved plans. 6. A Performance Agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be ' submitted prior to the issuance of the permit to assure completion of the re- quired improvements. The motion passed unanimously. The next item of business was consideration of Appli- Application No. 77020 cation No. 77020 submitted by Peter Racchini Associates (Peter Racchini Assoc. for Winchell `s Donuts. The Secretary stated the appli- for Winchell 's Donuts) cant seeks approval of Site and Building Plans for a 21 seat donut shop on the property currently addressed 6810 Brooklyn Boulevard. He stated that the site was the subject of Site and Building Plan approval and Special Use Permit approval last year for a Car-X .Muffler Shop, yet to be constructed. He stated the plans approved for the muffler shop comprehend a "future development" on the south portion of the . property. The Secretary showed slides of the property and re- viewed the approved parking plan for the muffler shop. He stated the property at the present time contains two separate tracts and, a condition of approval of the Car-X site and building plans was that the property would be combined through platting or registered land survey as required by the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that plans for the Winchell Donut Shop indicate ade- quate parking is provided for both of the uses;- however, a certain number of spaces have been deferred for the Car-X facility, and the land area for those spaces is on the south portion adjacent to the proposed donut shop. 5-26-77 -4- a Chairman Engdahl recognized Mr. Gayle Wakefield who represented Car X Muffler and Mark Bengtson who represented the architect and applicant. Mr. Wake- field explained that the Car-X development had not been started pending the confirmation of the neces- sary agreements with another tenant, namely, Winchell 's Donuts. He stated the intent of the owner was to sell the project to a local investor who would then develop both uses according to the approved ,plans. Mr. Wakefield also commented that the demolition of the existing structure and clearing of the site would commence promptly after approval of the site and building plans for the Winchell Donut facility, and that an application for resubdivision of the property was in process and would be submitted shortly. An extensive discussion ensued relative to the pro- posed building plans and particularly with respect to the proposed exterior finish. Further discussion ensued regarding the nature of the operation. The Secretary responded to a question by Commissioner Pierce that the City Sanitarian must approve plans for food equipment prior to issuance of permits. Recommend Approval of Motion by Commissioner Kohrt seconded by Commissioner Application No. 77020 Jacobson to recommend approval of Application No. (Peter Racchini Associates 77020 submitted by Peter Racchini Associates for for Winchell 's Donuts) Winchell 's Donuts subject to the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to review by the Building Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2. Grading, drainage, berming, and utility plans are subject to review by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits 3. A Performance Agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to assure completion of approved site improvements. 4. All outside trash disposal facilities and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. 5. The property shall be combined through plat or registered land survey prior to occupancy. 6. With respect to deferrment of the instal- lation of certain portions of the concrete curb and gutter as comprehended under Application No. 76067, all parking and driving areas on the site shall now be installed with permanent cast-in-place concrete curb and gutter. The motion passed unanimously. Application No. 77021 The next item of business was consideration of Appli- (Wetterau Builders, Inc.) cation No. 77021 submitted by Wetterau Builders, Inc. The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated the applicant seeks approval of Site and Building Plans for an approximate 31 ,450 sq. ft. retail facility at the south end of the vacant tract east of K-Mart and south of Earle Brown Office Build- ing No. I . He stated the proposed occupancy is toy and recreational equipment sales. He stated the applicant represents the owner-developer-contractor- operator which is based in St. Louis, Missouri . -5- 5-26-77 The Secretary presented slides of the area and re- viewed the Site and Building Plans. Chairman Engdahl recognized Mr. John Lark who repre- sented the architect; Mr. Frank Yeckl who represented Wetterau Builders; and, Mr. Mark Brill who represented the realtor. Mr. Yeckl explained that Wetterau Industries is the owner of Consolidated Toy Company which would be the prime occupant of the building. Mr. Lark proceeded with an extensive review of the site and building plans including certain detailed plan amendments which the Secretary confirmed had been reviewed by the staff prior to the meeting. These amendments concern site elevations, landscaping, utilities and the floor plan. Mr. Lark explained that the business depended upon a seasonal volume, and that the employee count varies with the season. The Secretary continued the review of the plans and indicated that a resubdivision through registered land survey or platting would be necessary to divide the site from the larger tract. Mr. Yeckl confirmed this and stated that a preliminary registered land survey was being prepared by a surveyor and would be submitted shortly. An extensive discussion ensued regarding the site plans and Chairman Engdahl inquired as to the com- parative height of the proposed building with the K-Mart, for example. The Secretary stated that the City Engineer had recommended the site be depressed even more than indicated especially in the parking lot area, and that at the elevation proposed the building would appear higher and consequently the parking lot would not be screened relatively as well . Mr. Lark responded that the plans represented. what the developer felt to be a reasonable grade, and that extensive excavation was already necessary to meet the proposed elevation which had been veri- fied as workable with respect to drainage. The Secretary also commented that the east greenstrip was void of any plantings other than sod and that consideration should be given to additional.. plantings in this area. Mr. Lark responded that in consideration of possible future development to the east and in consideration of the relatively high berming along that greenstrip, the developer would prefer not to have any additional plantings or trees in this area other than the sodding. In further discussion, Commissioner Pierce stated that the location of the proposed trash disposal facility at the rear of the building appeared to be in conflict with the traffic around that corner, particularly since it was near the designated loading and unloading area. Mr. Lark concurred and indicated the outside trash disposal area would be relocated to an appropriate space which would not interfere with traffic flow. Motion by Commissioner Pierce seconded by Commissioner Recommend Approval of Jacobson to recommend approval of Application No. Application No. 77021 77021 submitted by Wetterau Buil-ders subject to the (Wetterau. Builders) following conditions: 1 . Building plans are subject to 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 by the City Engineer. 5-26-77 -6- - 3. A Performance Agreement and supporting financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager)' shall be submitted to assure completion of approved site improvements. 4. All outside trash disposal and mechanical equipment shall be appropriately screened from view. . 5. The property shall be subdivided by platting or registered land survey prior to the is- suance of certificate of occupancy. 6. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery which will be subject to the requirements of Chapter 34. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Kohrt seconded by Commissioner Jacobson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 10:50 p.m. airman _7_ 5-26-77 1 1