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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 07-05 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA. REGULAR MEETING CITY HALL JULY 5, 1973 call to order: The Planning Commission met in regular • session and was called to order at 8:05 P.M. by Chairman Pro tem Robert Grosshans. Roll Call: Chairman Pro tern Grosshans, Commissioners Foreman, Engdahl, Scott, Bogucki, and Gross. Application No. 730120 The first item of business was consideration (Kraus-Anderson/ of Application No. 73020 submitted by Kraus- McDonald's) Anderson of St. Paul Co. The item was in- troduced by the Secretary who stated the applicant was seeking site and building plan approval for 114 seat McDonald's Restaurant to be located on a site at 5525 Xerxes Avenue No. in the Brookdale perimeter, southerly of Midwest Federal Savings. The Secretary explained that during prelimi- nary discussions as to the design of the restaurant and certain signery indicated on the nationally standardized plans, the appli- cant had been informed that Planning commission site and building plan action would be ex- clusive of all signery. Chairman Pro tem Grosshans recognized Mr. Jack Rice who represented the applicant and Dayton- Hudson properties. Regarding parking, the Secretary noted that 76 spaces were provided and that 57 were re- quired per the 114 seats. He stated this left 19 extra spaces for use by employees and for overflow. Mr. Rice commented that the maximum number of employees would be approximately 20. A discussion ensued regarding various design and landscaping features and the Secretary commented that consideration should be given to extending the internal walkways out to the Xerxes Avenue municipal walkway. Relative to landscaping, the Secretary noted the recommen- dation that a privet hedge be extended along the north property line and that some addition- al trees could be provided around the site. • In further discussion, the Director of Public Works stated that the submitted landscaping plan denoted the various species of plantings but did not indicate the height or dimension. He also recommended that consideration be given to some berming along Xerxes Avenue so to provide an element of screening for the parking lot. -1- 7/5/73 r Mr. Rice commented that the applioant wmgld be amenable to the proposed enhancement of the site and he stated, ar, to the dimensions of the proposed plantings, that the applicant, would conform to reasonable specifications to determined by the City. The Secretary re- sponded that the landscaping dimensions should be available for review by the City Council, and that the staff could consult with the applicant as to the appropriate size of plantings based on approved plans for other sites. The Director of Public Works also stated that,, since the subject proposal represented a culmination of the development of this portion of the Brookdale area, a Registered Land Survey should be required of the area between 55th and 56th Avenues North, and between Xerxes Avenue North and Trunk Highway 152. Mr. Rice responded that it was the intention of Dayton-Hudson Properties to proceed with such a registered land survey immediately and he asked that such an action not be made a part of the subject application. Commissioner Foreman asked mr. Rica :shether he would be willing to subnit a letter to the effect that Dayton-Hudson Pr^pertias would proceed with a preliminary plat of the area and Mr. Rice responded in the affirmative. Action Ra Following further discussion there was a Approval of Apps. ipn motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by No. 73020. Commissioner Gross to recommend approval of Planning Commission Application No. 73020 submitted by Kraus-Anderson of St. Paul Co. subject to the following conditions: 1. Building plans are subject to approval by the Building Inspector with respect to applicable building codes prior to the issuance of permits; 2. Drainage, grading and utility plans are subject to the approval by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits; 3. A performance agreement and financial guarantee (in an amount to be deter- mined by the City Manager) shall be submitted to the City to assure the installation of site improvements as shown on the approved plans; • 4. Plan approval is exclusive of all signery and the decorative timbers on the roof as indicated by the sub- mitted plans shall not be internally illuminated; 5. Walkways extending from the front of the building shall intersect with the public walkway along Xerxes Avenue; -2- 7/5/73 6. A traffic ingress and egress control system shall be developed with and approved by the City Engineer; 7. Data relative to the dimensions of the proposed trees and plantings shall be submitted to the City prior to City Council considerations S. At least three additional trees of the variety indicated on the submitted plans shall be provided, and golden privet hedges, similar to those in- dicated on the plans, shall be pro- vided along the northerly greenstrip and shall be maintained at a height not less than 30 inches. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Gross left at 9:00 P.M. Application No. 73022 The next item of business was consideration of (James O'Brien) Planning Commission Application No. 73022 submitted by James O'Brien. The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated the application waa presented for conceptual re- view and was the ::esult of the applicant's request for site and building plan approval for a 168 unit apartment complex to be located at 70th and Camden Avenues North. The Secretary further, explained that a 160 unit apartment complex known as Columbus Village Phase II had been approved two years ago on the subject site and that due to the lapse of time and the applicant's desire to institute certain changes in tl-ie site and building plans, a new application had been required. The Secretary reviewed various changes -Wade in the site, noting particularly the decrease in the amount of landscaping; the elimination o.,G • community buildings and the relocation of • swimming pool. He noted the complex would be comprised of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Chairman Pro tem Grosshans then recognized the applicant and a brief discussion ensued. Commissioner Bogucki noted that overall, the development appeared to be of less quality than the first phase of Columbus Village, due primarily to the elimination of a substantial amount of the landscaping, which was approved for the original development. Commissioner Bogucki stated that this was particularly • accentuated by the fact that the number of units was being increased. He noted also that the high quality of an apartment development such as Phase I of Columbus Village was due primarily to attention by the builder and the management to details. Commissioner Engdahl stated his concern about the relocation of the swimming pool, noting that it was now proposed to be located on the east side of the internal roadway, whereas, -3- 7/5/73 a majority of the residents would live on the west side. He stated there might be some ramifications as to traffic and safety of children going to the pool. Mr. O 'Brien commented that the architect, Mr. Wilson Montgomery, had redrawn the plans and had strived to incorporate landscaping which met with City Ordinance requirements. Commissioner Bogucki responded that he had not been questioning whether ordinance re- quirements had been met, but, rather that the landscaping as approved for Columbus Village Phase II on the same site had been substan- tially reduced. Mr. O'Brien commented that there was a substantial number of existing trees on the site. He also commented that the quality of landscaping was dependent greatly on the care and management of the apartment complex. Mr. O'Brien also stated that construction costs had skyrocketed and that he was striving to make the proposed development economically feasible. He emphasized, however, that he was not trying to skimp on the landscaping and that he would discuss the matter with the architect. Commissioner Scott inquired as to whether tot lots would be provided, and the architect stated that they would, and apparently had been overlooked in the preliminary plans. Action to Table Following further discussion, there was a Application No. 73022 motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by (James O'Brien) Commissioner Scott to table Planning Com- mission Application No. 73022 submitted by James O'Brien to permit further detailed re- view by the staff and consultation with the applicant. The motion passed unanimously. Recess The meeting recessed from 9:35 P.M. to 10:05 P.M. Discussion of The next item of business was a matter in- .Proposed Amendment volving a proposed amendment to the site and to Application No. building plans approved under Planning Com- 70070 mission Application No. 70070. The Secretary explained that the applicant was considering the amendment of the parking plan for the Earle Brown Farm Apartment building located at 1701 69th Avenue North. The Secretary explained the applicant was specifically proposing the addition of twelve parking stalls southerly of the apartment building, in front of the garages. He stated the alleged need was for convenience, and he emphasized that there was not a parking de- ficiency on the site. The Secretary further commented that the applicant contended the "close in" parking was desired because tenants, living in the wings of the building furthest from the parking facility, were complaining about the walking distance. -4- 7/5/73 Chairman Pro tem Grosshans then recognized Mr. Dick Sheehy and an extensive discussion ensued. The Secretary reviewed the existing parking situation and noted tae staff opinion that any problems realized on the site were due to failure of management to effectively utilize existing parking facilities. He stated that it was apparent the problem could be alleviated, using the existing spaces and effective control procedures. Mr. Sheehy commented that numerous attempts had been made to notify residents of improper parking procedures, particularly in areas which serve as emergency vehicle lanes. He stated that he was in the process of having signs installed in these areas, designating them as firelanes. Commissioner Foreman re- sponded that if parking in these areas per- sisted, especially after firelane signs were posted, the administration should be expected to enforce the pertinent regulations regarding illegal blocking of emergency vehicle areas. He suggested that Mr. Sheehy further implement a parking space assignment system for the residents before making a final judgement as to the desirability of additional parking spaces. Mr. Sheehy stated he was in general agreement with the concerns of the City, and stated that he would strive to implement and enforce some form of parking control. He stated that over time, if such a system did not work, he in- tended to resubmit his proposal for inatal.linv parking closer to the building. Discussion of In other business, the Secretary noted that Housing Advisory Chairman Jensen had sent a letter to the commission members of the Neighborhood Advisory Groups regarding the Housing Advisory Commission's recommendation that certain housing and re- development matters be submitted to the Planning Commission Neighborhood Advisory Groups for consideration. He noted that this matter would be placed on the study meeting agenda. Comments on Proposed The Secretary also commented that a draft pro- Nonconforming Use posal relative to the possible exemption of Exemption single family homes in residential districts other than R-1 and R-2, would also come before the Commission at the study meeting. • Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner Bogucki to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission adjourned at 11:11 P.M. Chairman -5- 7/5/73