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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 10-20 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 STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 20, 1977 Call to Order: The Planning Commission met in study session and was called to order at 8:05 p.m. by Chairman Cecilia Scott. Roll Call : Chairman Scott, Commissioners Engdahl , Jacobson, Book and Horan. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director of Public Works James Merila, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair Tremere and Planning Aide Laurie Thompson. Chairman Scott deferred approval of the October 13, 1977 minutes until later in the meeting. The Secretary introduced the new City Manager, Mr. Splinter. Commissioner Pierce 'Commissioner Pierce arrived at 8:10 p.m. Application No. 76002 The first item of business was consideration of Appli (Fotomat, Inc. and United cation No. 76002 submitted by Fotomat, Inc. and united National , Inc.) National , Inc. The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated it had originally been considered at the May 6, 1976 Commission meeting and had been tabled to permit the analysis of the ingress and egress of and the traffic flow through the Northbrook Shopping Center, where the application proposed a Fotomat drive-up photo supply and processing facility. The Secretary stated that the staff had met with the applicant and the applicant's engineering consultant, as well as the County Highway Department, to discuss the matter of ingress and and egress especially onto the County Road. He stated that during the interim, the applicant's consultant had prepared a revised parking plan for the shopping center. Application No. 77056 The Secretary also reviewed Application No. 77056 (Winchell 's Donut House, Inc. submitted by Winchell 's Donut House, Inc. and United and United National, Inc.) National , Inc. proposing a food establishment in the shopping center on the site addressed as 1912 57th Avenue North. The Secretary explained that both facilities represent amendments to the shopping center and, in addition to the specific proposed construction, the plan approval included the parking-related site improvements to the center in general . The Secretary briefly reviewed the May 6, 1976 minutes and presented slides of the shop- ping center. An extensive discussion ensued with the review of the proposed site improvements and. relative to the site layout for the proposed Winchell 's Donut House. The Secretary explained that the former Morgan Avenue entrance, which at the present time was a heavily used ingress and egress, would be substantially modified to a "right in - right-out only" curb cut. The major entrance would be that located to the west of the Union 76 Station adjacent to an in-place left turn lane island in the County Highway. He stated that a system • of new concrete delineators was prosposed within the center which would direct and guide traffic flow through the center. Relative to the proposed Winchell 's Donut House, the Secretary explained that there would be no direct curb cut onto the County Road, but rather access would be directly from within the center and that the entrance point to the site was near the former Morgan Avenue curb cut. 0 ` -1- 10-20-177 Discussion ensued relative to the proposed Fotomat facility, and the Secretary explained that the applicant had also submitted requested revisions to the roof detail and to the exterior finish which would be a brick veneer comparable to the brick finish of the existing buildings in the shopping center. . Chairman Scott recognized Mr. Rich Evans who represented Winchell 's Donut House, Inc., and who who stated that artificial plants were proposed for the small planter areas at each end of the building. Chairman Scott recalled that another concern last year had been the provision for the sanitary facilities since none were proposed for the Fotomat structure. The Secretary explained that the Building Code permitted such uses, provided formal agreement was reached with a use on an adjacent site as to access to sanitary facili- ties for the Fotomat employees. He stated that a form had been submitted last year representing an agreement between the Union 76 Service Station and Fotomat, and that this agreement should be updated. Discussion ensued regarding the parking lot changes in front of the .Country Club Supermarket, and it was sug- gested that a pedestrian right-of-way be striped onto the lot from the store out to the parking area. Further discussion ensued as to the parking and traffic flow in the vicinity of the proposed Winchell 's site and the Director of Public Works was asked about a tie-in to the Acme Typewriter parking lot. He re- sponded that that had been reviewed, but it was deter- mined such a connection would effectively defeat the purpose of modifying the former Morgan Avenue curb cut and would result in congestion and traffic problems on the site. The Director of ,Publ-ic .Works generally commented on the proposed improvements stating that they were desirable and necessary in consideration that traffic patterns and traffic intensity are much different and greater than when the original shopping cneter was established in the mid-1950's. He stated the proposed improvements represented a reasonable, but minimal upgrading to include concrete curb and gutter delineation, signery and a small amount of landscaping. He stated that combined with the proposed Winchell 's site, the relative impact would be substantial for the center and for the neighborhood. Commissioners Horan and Chairman Scott inquired about the designated landscaping on the Winchell site plan and on the general site layout for the center. Commis- sioner Horan suggested that additional shrubbery be provided along the east property line greenstrip shared with Acme Typewriter Company, and it was the consensus that the shrubbery type in this area should be comparable to the shrubs on the south greenstrip. Further discussion ensued relative to the landscaping treatment in the center, and it was noted that some type of plantings were proposed on the submitted site plan, but that the specific type was not indicated. Chairman Scott recognized Mr. Ron Blake and•Mr. Elof Norberg who represented United National , Inc., and a brief discussion ensued. It was the consensus that the applicant would determine an appropriate decorative tree species to be planted as indicated on the site plan and that species would be subject to review by the Planning and Inspection Department. Chairman Scott suggested that the planting type be determined prior to the City Council meeting. 10-20-77 -2- Further discussion ensued relative to the landscaped "treatment on the south end of the structure indicated as Building No. 1 presently occupied by Minnesota : Fabrics, Inc. It was determined that the landscape treatment should consist of mulch and shrubbery com- parable to that proposed on the Winchell 's site. The Secretary noted that certain handicapped parking - spaces were being proposed in conjunction with the installation of new concrete delineators. Following a brief discussion among the Secretary and Commission- ers Engdahl and Jacobson it was determined that the appropriate number .of code-required handicapped parking spaces throughout the center should be provided. Chairman Scott recognized Mr. Rom Michels who repre- sented Fotmat, Inc. He explained that the Fotomat structure could be located soon after the final ap- proval since. it was prefabricated with the base and planters being poured around the building which would be located on the surface of the parking lot. The Secretary stated that with respect to Fotomat, the plans submitted were "prototype" plans used on a National basis and at various places represented certain signery which would not be permitted by the Brooklyn Center Sign Ordinance. He suggested that the approval specifically exclude any signery noting that it would be subject to the requirements of the Sign Ordinance. In further discussion the Secretary stated that the applicant had. received preliminary plat approval from the City Council under Application No. 76025 compre- hending the replatting of the shopping center. He stated the final plat was being prepared and it was expected that it would be presented to the City Council for final approval in the near future. Chairman Scott recognized Mr. Blake who stated that it was expected construction could commence on the Winchell 's site and on the Fotomat site this fall . He stated regarding the plat that there had been some revisions requested by the City and that he expected the final plat could be filed with the County within 60 days. Recommend Approval of Following further discussion there was a motion by Application No. 76002 Commissioner Engdahl seconded by Commissioner Jacobson (Fotomat, Inc. and _ to recommend approval of Application No. 76002 submitted United National , Inc.) by Fotomat, Inc. and United National , Inc subject to the following conditions: 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. Prior to the issuance of permits, the applicant shall submit written document- ation, in a form approved by the City, constituting an agreement with an adjacent use with respect to the provision for sanitary facilities; and the hours of operation for the Fotomat facility shall not exceed those during which the sanitary .facilities are available. 3. With respect to the related approved site improvements for the Northbrook Shopping Center, 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 improven,;,Bnts. -3- 10-20-77 4. Site and buildingfplan approval is exclusive of all signery which shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 34 of the City Q�rdinances. 5. The plat of the Northbrook Shopping Center, approved under Application No. 76025, shall be submitted to the City for final approval and shall be appropriately filed with Hennepin County. 6. The landscaping plans shall be detailed to include a minimum of four decorative trees as approved by the City along the east side of Building No. 2 and north of the Acme Typewriter parking lot; and Evergreen shrubs and mulch shall constitute the Landscape treatment south of the building designated as Building No. 1 . 7. All outside trash disposal facilities shall be appropriately screened from view. The motion passed unanimously. Further discussion ensued regarding Application No. 77056 and a review of the proposed building plans ensued. Mr. Blake explained that the Winchell 's , structure would be located approximately one foot from the south wall of the existing building containing the Municipal Liquor Store and the United Stores, and the Secretary stated that the concept of a common wall in the commercial zoning district was permitted by the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that details of construction design and material specification would be subject to approval by the Building Official . Commissioner fngdahl suggested that the top and sides of any open area between the buildings be covered to prevent the accumulation of debris between the structures. During further discussion the Secretary explained that the proposed Winchell 's building was approximately 1 ,400 sq. ft. and that the applicant had elected not to install an automatic fire extinguishing system. He stated that the ordinances excepted structures of less than 2,000 sq. ft. Commissioner Engdahl inquired as to the disposal of grease or cooking oils used in the production of donuts, and Mr. Evans responded that the shortening was used up in the cooking process and there was virtually no waste. Motion by Commissioner Horan seconded by Commissioner Recommend approval of Pierce to recommend approval of Application No. 77056 Application No. 77056 submitted by Winchell 's Donuts and United National , Inc. (Winchell 's Donuts and subject to the following conditions: United National , Inc.) 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 and utility plans are subject to review and approval 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 on the Winchell 's site. Issuance of building permits shall be subject to the submission of a Performance Agreement and supporting financial guarantee for general site improvements as comprehended under Application No. 76002. 10-2047 -4 4. The plat of the Northbrook Shopping Center approved under Application No. 76025 shall be submitted to the City for final approval and shall be. appropriately filed with Hennepin County prior to occupancy. 5. Site and building plan approval is .exclusive of all signery which shall be subject to Chapter 34 of the City -.Ordinances 6. Additional shrubbery, comparable to that indicated in the south greenstrip shall be provided along the east green- strip shared with the Acme Typewriter Company. The motion passed unanimously. Recess: The meeting recessed at 9:25 p.m. and resumed at 9:50 p.m. Other Business: In other business the Secretary reviewed the status of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act and the City Council 's request for a reconciliation hearing regard- ing certain language in the Metropolitan System State- ment. He stated that it appeared that the concerns could be resolved through stipulation with the Metro politan Council and would not require a formal hearing. A brief discussion ensued as to the procedures which • would be followed in instituting formal Comprehensive Plan review and discussion, and the Secretary stated that efforts were being taken to develop a preliminary set of objectives and a work program specifically for applying for a Metropolitan Land Planning Act Grant. In other business the Secretary submitted a communi- cation received from the Southwest Neighborhood Advisory Group regarding the Howe, Inca Applications (No. 77037 and 77038) He stated it was expected that those applications would be on the regular agenda in November and that further information was being sought from the Pollution Control Agency regarding the control of emissions from the Howe Plant. Relative to the November meeting schedule, the Secretary stated the regular meeting was scheduled for November .10, 1977,and he recommended the 17th be designated as the date for a study meeting since Thanksgiving was on the 24th. It was the consensus of the Commission to schedule the November study meeting on the 17th. Approve Minutes Motion by Commissioner Engdahl seconded by Commissioner October 13, 1977 Jacobson to approve the minutes of the October 13, 1977 meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairman Scott, Commissioners Engdahl , Book and Pierce Not voting: Commissioner Horan who stated he was not present at the meeting. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Engdahl seconded by Commissioner Jacobson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Chairman -5- 1a-20-77 1 i