Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 10-20 PCP PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA STUDY SESSION October 20 , 1977 .1. Call to Order: 8: 00 P.M. 2. Roll Call : 3. Approval of Minutes : October 13, 1977 4. Chairman' s Explanation: The Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission' s functions is to hold public hearings . In the matters concerned in these hearings , the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council . The City Council makes all final decisions on these matters . S. Fotomat, Ir.c. and United National, Inc. 76002 Site and Building Plans for a freestanding drive-up photo processing store ' in the Northbrook Center. (item tabled 5-6- 76) 6. Winchell 's Donut House and United National , Inc. 77056 Site and Building Plans for an eating establishment in Northbrook Center, 1912 • 57th Avenue North. 7. Discussion Items: a. Metro Land Planning Act and Comprehensive Plan b. Mississippi River Critical Area Planning c. Application No. 77034 d. Neighborhood Group Members e. Pending Items 8. Other Business : 9. Adjournment s Planning Commission Information Sheet Application No. 76002 Applicant: Fotomat, Inc./United National , Inc. Location: Northbrook Shopping Center Request: Site and Building Plan Approval, This item was considered at the May 6, 1976 meeting and was tabled to allow the applicant and the shopping center management to prepare additional plans relative to necessary revisions of the access and traffic flow in this area . The item was also tabled to permit the applicant the opportunity to submit additional plans regarding the roof and exterior treatment of the proposed 5 x 9 kiosk-type building. We have enclosed a copy of the original Planning Commission minutes as background on this item. This application is serving as the vehicle for the review and approval of the proposed site improvements which would be made throughout the southerly portion of the shopping center. We will be prepared to comment on the proposed plans which consist of the installation of numerous island delineators and the modification of the curb cuts onto County Road 10. With respect to those curb cuts, the plan proposes to restrict the use of the former Morgan Avenue entrance to a "right-in - right—out only" function, and the main entrance to the shopping center would be to the west of the Union 76 Service Station. There is a related Application (No. 77056) submitted by Winchell 's Donuts and United National , Inc. which can be reviewed concurrently with this one since the • common site improvements to the shopping center are also involved. Specifically, the Fotomat plans are in order and approval would be 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 documentation in a form approved by the City constituting an agree- ment 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 of the adjacent use supplying the necessary sanitary facilities. 3. With respect to the related approved site improvements for the Northbrook Shopping Center, 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. 4. Site and building plan approval is exclus1ve of all signery which shall be 'subject to the requirements of Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances. 5. The plat of the Northbrook Shopping Center approved under Appli- cation No. 76025 shall be submitted to the City for final approval , and shall be appropriately filed with Hennepin County prior to occupancy. 10-20-77 • Application No. 76002 The next item of husiness was consideration of Application (Fotomat for United No, 76002, submitted by Fotomat Corporation and United National , Inc. ) National , Incorporated. The item was .Int.roduced by the Secretary who stated the application consisted of site and building plans for a freestanding kiosk-type drive-up facilYty for photo processing and photographic supplies, to be located in the southwest area of the Northbrook Shopping Center., The Secretary reviewed the submitted plans for the pre- fabricated structure which is approximately 8'7" by 4"3" , and which sets upon a 6' x 17' base, He stated that the build-Mg plans have been certified by the State Build- ing Code Division and that the applicant has indicated a masonry exterior finish generally compatible with the masonry finish of other buildings in the center, • The Secretary stated that approval of the plan should specify that an explicit condition of the operation is a current written agreement with an adjacent establishment for use of sanitary facilities.. He explained that Fotomat establishments are not equipped with plumbing and that the State Building Code permits, as an alternative, such an agreement . He stated that the hours of operation would be those of the support.ing establishment. The Secretary and Director of Public Works then reviewed the site plan for, the center, including the drive-in characteristics of the proposed Fotomat. Concerns rela- tive to the impact of the Fotomat activity area upon the center as well as the traffic patterns and ingress and egress characteristics of the center as a whole were discussed. Chairman Foreman then recognized Mr. Rom Michels, a repre- sentative of Fotomat Corporation, and Mr. Elof Norberg and Mr. Ron Blake, who represented United National , Inc. An extensive discussion ensued as to the site and building plans and Mr. Michels stated that a shake-roof as in- f I i dicated on the plans was not proposed and that the standard Fotomat roof would be used- He stated a • brick facia would be utilized to be compatible with the other structures in the shopping center. During further discussion Mr, Michels stated the proposed operations were 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 pom�, Monday through Saturday. He also stated that the I lease with the center ownership specified that the structure and foundation would be removed -f the business should cease operation in the future. Commissioner Kohrt inquired whether alternate loca- tions in the shopping center had been considered, including the existing former service station on 57th Avenue. Mr. ,Michels responded that the applicant needed high visibility to a main arterial road such as 57th Avenue North and would not be Interested in JI a location such as at the north end of the center. He stated that the former service station on 57th Avenue was too-large for the needs of Fotomat, and the preference was to utilize the established kiosk- type structure. Commissioner Pierce inquired as to the foundation - - and the structure itself and the Chairman recognized Mr. Will- Dahn, Building Official for the C?ty who stated that the structure had been approved by the Internaitonal Conference of Building Officials and the State Building Code Division, He commented that it would, in effect, be a floating slab founda- tion which was within the code requirements. Commissioner Pierce inquired as to compliance with the State Engergy Code and Mr. Dahn responded that the applicant must submit proper criteria for• com- pliance with the energy code before permits can be issued. Relative to landscaping, Commissioner Pierce inquired whether the proposed plantings were natural or 4 artificial, and Mr. Michels responded that the plans called for use of artificial plants, but that natural !' ones could be substituted it required. ' In further discussion, the Secretary inquired as to the "stacking" of automobiles, since the facility was a drive-in type of operation, Mr: Michels responded that the average business transaction takes approx- imately 90 seconds, and That the facility is designed to accommodate seven cars per hour. He noted that the heaviest period of operation was prior to Christmas, and that those hours generally coincided with the off-hours of shopping centers. In further discussion, Chairman Foreman stated that it appeared the major problems, evidenced by the- plans and observation, were primarily with the traffic flow and ingress and egress of the shopping center on the whole. He asked the Secretary and Director of Public Works whether these factors had been taken into con- sideration and the Secretary responded in the affirma- tive. He stated that the concerns as to traffic and ingress and egress had been discussed with represen- tatives of the center ownership, and the staff had suggested that a professional traffic analysis be conducted as to possible improvements which could be made, such as delineation and modification, or even elimination of existing access points. The Director of Public Works explained that with re- spect to a companion application, No, 76025, com- prehending a preliminary replat of the entire shopping center, the County Highway Department had stated a 1 '1" 5/6/76 strong concern as to the feasibility of the continued use of the Morgan Avenue entrance. He stated that a pro- fessional traffic analysis of the entire center was necessary, given current conditions and pending improve- ments such as the installation of traffic signals at 57th and Logan Avenues North. Chairman Foreman then recognized Mr. Blake, who stated that the design of the shopping center had been approved a number of years ago by the City, and while the applicant was willing to look at improvements as to traffic flow and ingress and egress in the future, he did not feel the sub- ject application should be subject to problems of general concern to the center rather than to the Fotomat proposal f specifically, The Secretary responded that despite the small size of tree use proposed, the application represented an amendment to the center as a whole and therefore was the normal opportunity for the City to evaluate existing problems with the center. He commented that this was consistent with established ordinance requirements and Planning Commission policy to periodically review the operation of major developments whenever site or building plan amendments were proposed. In further discussion, Chairman Foreman inquired as to the status of the former service station on 57th Avenue North, commenting that it was highly unaesthetic, and he also ques- t.ioned -whether, in tact, if was a hazardous structure. The Secretary responded that the Building Official had had correspondence with the applicant relative to securing the site from vandalism and unauthorized access. He stated that there were conditions on the site which represented a hazard, particularly to pedestrian and bicycling traffic. He stated there were concrete foundations formerly used `. • for signs upon the site near the walkway area along 57th Avenue that had not been removed. In further discussion as to the building itself, the Secretary reviewed the State statutory provisions for hazardous structures, noting that abandoned buildings could eventually be so classified by the Building Official, and ordered removed. He seated, in fact, that many communicies throughout the country had adopted ordinances calling for the removal of abandoned service stations if they were not put to a productive use within a reasonable period of time. t Chairman Foreman recognized Mr. Blake who .stated that the owner of the center was nearing completion of a lease of the property which would call for the elimination of the -- building, and the establishment of a new freestanding commercial use on the site, a Further discussion ensued as to traffic problems observed in the area, particularly at the Morgan Avenue entrance. Commissioner Horan suggested that signalization at 57th and Logan Avenues might actually intensify the traffic problems at that Morgan Avenue entrance rather than ai- leviatc them as suggested by the applicant during the discussion, The Director of Public Works commented that many problems involving the traffic in the area were evident and that it would be feasible to have a meeting between the appli- cant and ar engineering consultant with the City and County officials to discuss the improvement of the access to the center. Mr. Blake stated his concern that traffic improvements, such as closing access points or installation of delineators might adversely effect businesses in the center. In further discussion, Chairman Foreman stated his concern i -5- 5/6/76 • 3 j i ! i . as to the use of bituminous curbing and aelineators • throughout the site and the need to maintain the strip- ing of the parking stalls. He referred specifically to slides which the Secretary presented of the shopping center, and he stated that it was evident many of the de- lineators and curb and gutter sections had been totally 1 demolished or severely damaged, through snow removal and impact from automobiles. The Secretary commented that the experience with the bituminous delineators on this and other sites was a partial explanation for the cu-rent ordinance require- ment for concrete curb and gutter deign delineators r and curbing. He stated that if concrete curb and gutter were not installed in the center, then extensive con- tinuous maintenance is required. In further discussion, Chairman Foreman Poted that there were several trash containers througi,-ut the site that were not properly screened and the Secretary stated that the City would shortly be contacting owners and operators of all commercial establishments through .out the City as to the need to screen such enclosures. I Chairman Foreman again recognized Building Offic?al Will Dahn, who recommended that proper handicap parking and access facilities be provided through the striping of the parking spaces and, where necessary, the installa- tion of ramping to the sidewalk areas Following further discussion there was a motion by Com- Action Tabling Applica- missioner Horan seconded by Commissicner Pierce to table tion No. 76002 Planning Commission Application No. 76002, to allow the (Fotomat for United development of further information relative to traffic- National, Inc.) • flow and ingress and egress for the Northbrook Shopping Center; to provide time for a meeting between the repre- sentatives of the center, the City staff, and County t officials, relative to traffic problems on 57th Avenue North; and, further, to allow the applicant the oppor- tunity to submit revised building plans accurately reflecting the proposed roof structure. Chairman Foreman recognized Mr. Blake, who again in- r quired as to whether the application roe the proposed Fotomat could not bC acted on alone, and a requirement stipulated for furtner analysis of the traffic problems of the center as a whole, The Secretary again responded that the application represents an amendment to the entire center, despite the size of the proposed structure, t and that it would not be in order to "split" the applica- tion into a separate building approval and a separate site approval. Chairman foreman then called for a vote �nd_the motion passed unanimously. • Planning Commission Information Sheet • Application No. 77056 Applicant: Winchell 's Donut House/United National , Inc. Location: Northbrook Shopping Center 1912 - 57th Avenue North Request: Site and Building Plan Approval The applicant is proposing an approximate 1400 sq. ft. food establishment on the site formerly occupied by a Gulf Service Station which was demolished last year. Apparently, the proposed development is an addition to the Wincheil Donut House which was approved earlier this year for a site at 6810 Brooklyn Boulevard. We will be prepared to review the site and building plans in detail . Some of the considerations for this particular site include locatng the new building virtually adjacent to the existing commercial building; this is done in part to allow for the desired size of building on a rather shallow site, and this location is permitted in the commercial zoning district where the ownership agrees to the common wall construction. It is our understanding that United National Corporation retains ownership of the property and has entered into a long term lease with the Winchell Donut Company. Another consideration is that the submitted site and building plans are not clear as to the proposed site lighting and we would recommend that this be specified as a condition of approval . We have informed the applicant of this requirement, and we would expect that detailed lighting plans will be available at the meeting. • Another consideration involves the closing of the existing curb cut to this property, and the access would be from County Road 10 through the modified former Morgan Avenue entrance. This is done for traffic safety considerations and in the context that since the former Gulf Oil Station site is now an integral part of the North- rook Shopping Center, there is not a need for an addition curb cut to the center. We have also recommended to the applicant that additional trees be shown on the site plan for the immediate Winchell 's Donut site. This portion of the center is totally void of any landscaping and the initial plans indicated only sodding and relatively small plantings. We have recommended that 2"to 212-" long-lived hardwood trees also be provided. The concerns noted under Application No. 76002 submitted by Fotomat and United National , Inc. apply in this instance as well . Approval would be 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. Grading, drainage and utility plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer prior to 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. Application No. 77056 continued . 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 will be subject, to Chapter 34 of the City Ordinances . 10-20-77 • y P fTION psi 76002 7705 CIO o - U d 01 • 'Uql �1 X STATion1 RZx SHOPPING CeNT�� I --- i AcmE -r � i yPEWFiTE� n � LOGAn1 r�Y[�UE -1 Ch s. 00 Cr� C1� C DATE: OCTOBER TO: BR`OYLYN CENT R PLANT ING COr;WIISSION "� f FRO1�: S''l NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY GROUP SUBJECT: HONE, INC. REZONING RED UEST After considerable input on both sides to the Howe, Inc.-' request for rezoning two parcels of adjacent land, the SW Neighborhood Advisory Council offers these reco.::mendations to the Planning Commission: 1. On a possible change or amendment of the Comprehensive Alan that would be requisite to any zoniri g changes; concerning the Howe, Inc. request , we believe that the spirit of the Plan was meant to maintain colierency, control and compatibility of adja- cent properties and neighborhoods when personal property rights are in conflict . To amend or abridge the Plan can be done , but only for its long term benefits and with. great centainty that restraints are built into the amendments as controls against subsequent abuses of the spirit of the Comprehensive Plan. . I 2. In the matter of rezoning two parcels of land 7lest of the uowe , Inc. property from Residential to I-2, we cannot determine whether the request is to "upgrade"..or "expand" present operations. To "upgrade" is desirable, if it is part of a plan that improves the visual appearance of the entire plant and property; there has been little evidence demonstrated over the past 20 years or so that the visual appearance and enhancement of the community has weighed on the minds of Howe, Inc. management . However, we cannot preclude that enlightened self-interest may now be in the strategy of the owners in order to increase efficiency of operation by upgrading facilities. Expansion, however, is contrary to the wishes of the neiehborhod • i and the Comprehensive Plan. This is, in the main, because of the obnoxious and toxic effects of the emissions from the plant . Expansion could mean an increase of emissions and we cannot expect any reasonable person to be in favor of such propects. 3. The adversary history of the plant and neighborhood which still obtains in the matter of odors, esthetics and traffic suggests that the request for rezoning (and change or amendment to the Comprehensive Plan ) is premature and ill-advised at this time. And that any zerious discussion of the matter in the future should include: controls such as licensing, automatic shut-off devices etc for adverse atmospheric conditions, maximum confor- mance to Minnesota EPA requlations and site improvements (black- top, decorator gravel, shrubs, walkways, grass , etc. ) that mod- ernize the operations to the highest degree possible. Charlie Gellerman, Jbhn Larson, Dean Hill, Leo Hanson, Virgil Linn, Yvonne quady