HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972 12-07 PCM Minutes of the Proceedings of the
Planning Commission of the City of
Brooklyn Center in the County of
Hennepin and State of Minnesota
December 7, 1972
The Planning Commission met in regular session and was called
to. order at 8:05 P.M. by Chairman Robert Jensen.
Roll Call: Chairman Jensen, Commissioners Bogucki, Grosshans,
Scott, Foreman, Gross and Engdahl. Also present were Director of
Public Works, James Merila and Administrative Assistant Blair
Tremere.
Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner Gross to
approve the minutes for the November 28, 1972 meeting. voting in
favor were Chairman Jensen, Commissioners Bogucki, Grosshans, Foreman,
Gross and Engdahl. Not voting: Commissioner Scott, who explained
she was not at the November 28th meeting.
First item of business was consideration of planning Commission
Application No. 72081 submitted by R. W. Engstrom. The item was
introduced by the Secretary who explained the applicant was seeking
a variance from Section 15-104 to permit subdivision by metes and
bounds description of a parcel located at the southeast corner of
55th and Bryant Avenues North. He stated that the proposed
dimensions of the lots were approximately 100 feet by 127 feet and
that the land was zoned R-2.
The Secretary further commented that each of the proposed lots
exceeds the minimum area requirements for the R-2 District. He
further explained that precedent exists for the requested action in
that the contended hardship is that formal subdivision requirements
would be unduly restrictive.
Chairman Jensen noted that none of the notified property owners
was present.
Motion by Commissioner Grosshans seconded by Commissioner
Engdahl to recommend approval of Planning Commission Application
No. 72081 submitted by R. W. Engstrom noting that a hardship had
been established in that formal subdivision requirements would be
unduly restrictive. The motion passed unanimously.
The Secretary next reviewed Planning Commission Application
No. 72082 submitted by B.C.I.P. , Inc. He explained that the
applicant was seeking preliminary plat approval for the property
known as "Outlot C Twin Cities Interchange Park" . He noted that
"Tract B" of the proposed registered land survey was the site of
the recently approved fourth speculative industrial building.
An extensive discussion ensued relative to the recommendation
that a 14 foot wide strip of land extending along 69th Avenue North
be provided from this parcel for future roadway and utility purposes.
The Director of Public Works reviewed the preliminary alignment plans
for County Road 130 submitted by the County.
Further discussion ensued relative to the establishment of the
50 foot setback, either from the street right-of-way line or from
a possible 14 foot wide tract boundary. Commissioner Bogucki stated
that should the 14 feet be provided as a separate tract, the 50 foot
setback should be determined from that point and not the street
right-of-way line. In other words, a credit of 14 feet should not
be allowed.
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Commissioner Grosshans and Chairman Jensen noted possible
difficulties might be realized should the 14 feet be provided as a
tract, in that the developer would be required to provide the entire
14 feet from his property without compensation.
Commissioner Gross agreed, stating the problem was accentuated
by the tentative and long range nature of the preliminary plans for
the upgrading of County Road 130. He stated that the applicant
could provide an easement of approximately 14 feet along 69th Avenue
and thus would be able to utilize the area for part of the 50 foot
setback from the street right-of-way line.
Following further discussion there was a motion by clmmissioner
Gross seconded by Commissioner Foreman to recommend approval of
Planning Commission Application No. 72082 subject to the following
conditions:
1. The final plat is subject to review by the City Engineer;
2. The final plat is subject to the requirements of the Sub-
division Ordinance;
3. An easement approximately 14 feet wide shall be provided
along 69th Avenue North to allow for possible future
utility and roadway requirements, with the precise
dimensions of said easement to be verified by the City
Engineer.
She motion passed unanimously.
The Secretary introduced Planning Commission Application
No. 72085 submitted by Mr. Roy E. Miller in behalf of Nino's
Restaurant. He stated the applicant was seeking a special use
permit for live entertainment in the Nino's Restaurant located on
the ground floor of the new office building located at 6040 Earle
Brown Drive. He noted that the Council had recently authorized the
issuance of a liquor license (including Sunday sales) for the estab-
lishment.
Following a brief discussion there was a motion by Commissioner
Foreman seconded by Commissioner Scott to recommend approval of
Planning Commission Application No. 72085 as submitted by Roy E.
Miller on behalf of Nino's Restaurant. Motion passed unanimously.
The Secretary next introduced Planning Commission Application
No. 72084 submitted by Henry Stenquist. He explained that the. item
was submitted only for conceptual review in that the applicant had
yet to submit some of the required data.
He stated that the applicant was proposing construction of a
42-unit townhouse project on an "L" shaped R-3 parcel which abuts
the C-2 Tract at the northwest intersection of 66th and Lyndale
Avenues North. He explained that the applicant had applied the
density credits permitted by ordinance by providing parking spaces
beneath the structures and he noted that without such credit the
ordinance would allow for approximately 37 units.
A discussion ensued and it was noted that, not withstanding
the unusual shape of the parcel, the density of the proposed town-
house units was relatively high. It was further noted that the
ordinance definition of a townhouse development provides that there
shall be a large identifiable open space for the project and that
such an amenity was not included on this site. The Secretary
commented that the developer had proposed individual recreational
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areas for the several clusters of townhouses, each including a
swimming pool.
Commissioner Foreman noted that the definition of a townhouse
was three or more living units horizontally attached in a linear or
cluster arrangement. He pointed out the provision for two 2-unit
dwellings on the site.
Further discussion ensued relative to the relationship of the
proposed townhouse project to the neighboring commercial and
residential properties. The Director of Public Works commented
relative to the sixty foot easement on the northerly side of the
site and he noted that the submitted plans indicated an encroachment
upon the easement by two townhouse units.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Commissioner
Bogucki seconded by Commissioner Foreman to table further considera-
tion of Planning Commission Application No. 72084 until the study
meeting to permit the applicant the opportunity to submit complete
plans for review. Motion passed unanimously.
In other business the Commission reviewed and discussed
extensively, the proposed amendment to the Fire Prevention Ordinance
which was given first reading at the December 4th City Council
meeting. The Secretary explained that the amendment would include
all structures four stories or more in height in the residential
districts as well as industrial and commercial structures which
were now comprehended by the ordinance.
Commissioner Bogucki stated that a resolution of e"doxoement
should be adopted and forwarded to the council prior to the second
reading of the ordinance amendment. In further discussion chairman
Jensen stated that both sides of the issue should be fully examined
and he inquired as to what the arguments were most often presented
in opposition to such requirements.
Following further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Commission to direct the Secretary to draft a resolution endorsing
and urging adoption of the proposed ordinance amendment to Chapter 5
of the City Ordinances requiring fire sprinkling systems in
residential buildings four stories or more in height.
The Commission also reviewed the Iiome Occupation and Special
Home Occupation provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and it was
suggested that a joint meeting be held with the City Council in re-
gard to possible amendment of those requirements. Chairman Jens_n
stated that the joint meeting should be in the form of a public
hearing so that adequate input could be provided before a possible
decision to alter the present requirements was made.
Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner Scott to
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning
Commission meeting adjourned at 11:25 P.M.
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