HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 01-18 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
BROO:KVVN CFNiER Iti THE COUN'TI' OF
F—EN1t?73PIN AND STATE OF MIIRgv-SOTA
STUDY SESSION
JANJARY 18, 1973
CITY HALL
• Call to order The Planning Commission met in study
session and was called to order by
Chairman Robert Jensen at 8:00 P.M.
Roll Call, Chairman Jensen, Commissioners Boqucki,
Scott, Foreman, and Engdahl. Also Pre-
sent were Director of Public Works James
Merila and Administrative Assistant
Blair Tremere.
Oath of Office Following the administration of the oath
of office to Commissioners Jensen,
Foreman, and Scott by the Secretary,
there was a motion by Commissioner
Foreman seconded 11y, Commissioner Scott
Elect Chairman to designate Robert Jensen as Chairman
of the Commission . The motion passed
unanimously.
Auurove Minutes Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded
1-4-73 by Commissioner Scott to approve the
minutes of the January 4, 1973 meeting.
Motion passed unanimously.
Application Following the Chairman's explanation,
No. 72070 the Secretary introduced Planning Com-
mission Application No. 72070. He stated
that the item had been tabled at the
January 4th meeting to permit the appli-
cant the opportunity to prepare and sub-
mit complete plans. He noted that the
applicant had revised the initial plans
to include a listing of proposed land-
scaping and the installation of B-612
type curbing around the driving and park-
ing areas including the inside curb of
the driveway leading to the car wash bay.
The Secretary reiterated the concern
that the applicant complete the site im-
provements at the subject station as well
as the site improvements stipulated as
conditions of approval for the special
use permit allowing a car wash operation
! at the 66th and Lyndale Avenues North
station. He noted that the applicant
had been granted an extension to June 1,
1973 for the completion of those site
improvements.
Chairman Jensen stated that his prime
concern was with the assurance that the
designated site improvements be completed
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and he stated that perhaps the stipula-
tion could be made prohibiting the acting
operation of the car wash facility until
the site improvements were completed.
He stated that this would allow the
applicant to install the machinery and
equipment but would defer the actual
operation.
He then recognized Mr. Mundorff a repre-
sentative of the applicant who stated
that the applicant was interested in
commencing operations as soon as the
equipment was installed. He stated
further that because of the winter season,
site improvement construction would not
be feasible until sometime after the in-
stallation of the car wash.
An extensive discussion ensued and it
was the consensus of the Commission that
since the applicant had been given a
June 1, 1973 deadline for the completion
of site improvements at both stations,
the present request for a special use
permit could be approved upon receipt of
a letter from the applicant specifying
the completion of all site improvements
as soon as weather permits, and in no
case later than June 1, 1973. Said
letter would also acknowledge that non-
compliance with the conditions of the
special use permit would result in a re-
view of not only the special use permits
but the operating licenses for the .
station as well. Mr. Mundorff indicated
that such a communication would be sub-
mitted to the City, and he noted the in-
tent of the applicant to complete all
site improvements at both stations as
soon as weather permits.
Application No. 72070 Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded
Recommend Approval by Commissioner Scott to recommend
approval of Application No. 72070 sub-
mitted by Shell Oil Company subject to
the following conditions;
1. prior to City Council considera-
tion of the application, a letter
will be submitted by the applicant
specifying the completion of ap-
proved site improvements no later
than June 1, 1973, and acknowledg-
ing that noncompliance will result
in immediate review of all permits
and operating licenses;
2. The permit is issued subject to
the improvements noted on the
approved plans exclusive of all
signery;
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3. All sod which is damaged or re-
Toved during the site construc-
tion shall be replaced.
^he mot'-on passed unaninously.
.Discussion of The next item of business was consiaera -•
De';elopmeat tion and discussion o,k a residential
Proposea by development proposed .by Mr. Marvin Gordon.
Marvin cordon The Secretary ekplained that Mr. Gordon
had requested an informal hearing with
the Commission *regarding development
POssa.Dilit.ies of the barcel dying'
so-14h01rly of FA3 S-4 at :Eee and Noble
Avenues North. He noted that applica-
tions for rezoning o is the property to rt-:
and site and building plans for a town
house develcpment had been denied by the
City Council on February 28, 1972.
He stated that Mr. Gordon hail subsequent-
ly discussed with t1he staff;, a proposal
comprehending 12 single-farLily units
which wauld Le a;:tac%ad in a townhouse
fashion wit-111 the ??.te developed at the
R-1 density. The ,Director of Public
Works reviewed _memorandum directed to
the Commission date4 January 27, 1972,
regarding the feasibility of developing
the subject property into residential
lots. ire commented that in terms of the
ordinance provisions for such develop-
ment, i.e. single family detached tiwell-
ings, certain yard setback variances
would be necessary.
Chaizinan Jensen inquired as to the set-
back variances that would be required
for the now proposed cluster development
and the Director of Public Works re-
sponded that it appeared a side yard set-
back variance would be required.
An extensive discussion ensued and
Commissioner Bogucki reiterated his con-
cern that the subject property was not
suitable for residential development due
to its proximity to the freeway. He
stated that he was also concerned about
the precedent which would be set in per-
mitting the construction of attached
dwellings upon land zoned R-1.
Commissioner Foreman stated that it was
doubtful such dwellings were even per-
mitted in the R-1 district. He noted
the memorandum from the Director of
Public Works regarding the development
of the parcel with single family de-
tached homes, and stated the basic issue
appeared to be whether the substantial
setback variances should be allowed.
Commissioner Foreman also stated that
considering installation of new council-
men, and the realization of revenue
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sharing funds, the matter should be re-
submitted to the Park and Recreation
Commission and ultimately, the Council.,
for review in terms of possible acquisi-
tion of the subject property for park
purposes.
Commissioner Bogucki stated that he felt
acquisition by t-he City was the only
solution to the proper use of this land
in that it was undesirable for residen-
tial development, there was a need for
proper buffering from the freeway as
part of the long range planning for the
City and there was the possibility of
expansion of the freeway.
The Secretary commented that the earlier
proposal for acquiring the land had been
reviewed by the staff, the Park and Re-
creation Commission, and informally by
the City Council. He stated that as a
matter of policy and for basic financial
reasons, the City was not at this time
interested in acquiring the land for
park or other purposes. He also com-
mented that acquisition by the City of
such remnant-like parcels, particularly
those which were buildable, would estab-
lish a precedent of questionable merit.
Chairman Jensen stated that such land
acquisition would be a policy matter for
the Council to determine. He stated that
the present issue was whether the Com-
mission felt the proposed cluster develop-
ment at R-1 density was feasible.
He then recognized Mr. Gordon who com-
mented that substantial efforts would be
made to buffer the development from the
freeway and develop the site-in such a
way that it would serve as a buffer. He
stated this could be accomplished through
the development of earth berms, the in-
stallation of a heavy growth of trees,
and through the actual design of the
units themselves. He noted that the
units would include such features as
central airconditioning and substantial
soundproofing construction materials . lie
stated that the proposed design which was
similar to a 2-story house was more flex-
ible than a straight row house concept.
Chairman Jensen stated one of his prime
concerns was with the precedent of per-
mitting attached dwellings on R-1 land,
• and with the possible ramifications upon
the neighborhood. The Secretary read
from the report dated January 5, 1972
submitted by the West Central Neighbor-
hood Advisory Group at the time of the
rezoning hearing, and noted the state-
ment that "a type of multiple-dwelling
arrangement is feasible for the property
provided a buffer of trees and bushes
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i
were included between the homes and the
new units
Consensus Following further discussion, Chairman
Determined Jensen polled the Commissioners and
determined that it was the consensus of
the Commission that the development of
the subject parcel with attached dwell-
ings at the R-1 density, as proposed,
was not feasible. Chairman Jensen then
• noted the time and effort devoted by the
applicant to develop the subject proper-
ty and stated that if Mr. Gordon desired
a formal hearing and determination of '
the proposal, he could submit an applica-
tion for site and building plan approval
based upon the suggested design at the
R-1 density. The Secretary commented
that the applicant had never formally
had a decision on a site and building
plan proposal in that the earlier one
had been contigent upon rezoning. Mr.
Gordon indicated that he would take the
comments of the Commission into con-
sideration. and would probably initiate a
request for site and building plan
approval.
Recess The meeting recessed at 9:40 P.M. and
resumed at 10:00 P.M.
Proposed The next item of business was considera-
modification of tion of proposed modifications of the
Sign Ordinance City Sign Ordinance. The Secretary com-
mented that a Subcommittee chaired by
Commissioner Bogucki had been appointed
at the January 4th meeting and had met
twice since then to consider the pro-
rosed changes. Commissioner Bogucki in-
troduced the report of the Subcommittee
in the form of recommended ordinance
changes which were endorsed by a con-
sensus of the Subcommittee (except for
Commissioner Gross who is not present) .
Chairman Jensen then asked the Secretary
to review the text of the proposed amend-
ment to the Sign Ordinance. An extensive
discussion ensued relative to signery
consensus Developed for multi-story office buildings and it
on Multi-story Office was the consensus of the Commission that
Building Signery only wall or projecting signs identify-
ing the building should be permitted on
multi-story office buildings regardless
of the district in which they are located.
• Consensus Developed P Further discussion ensued regarding
on Signery for Retail signery for retail uses located in office
Uses in multi-story structures which were located in the C-2
Office Buildings zone. It was the consensus of the Com-
mission to allow for a limited amount of
wall or projecting signery for retail
uses located on the ground floor of
multi-story office buildings in the C-2
district.
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