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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 10-17 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 CITY HALL OCTOBER 17, 1974 Call to Order The Planning Commission met in study session and was called to order at 8:10 p.m. by Chairman Carl Gross . Roll Call Chairman Gross , Commissioners Engdahl, Foreman, Scott, Pierce and Horan. Also present were Director of Public Works James Merila and Director of Planning and, inspection Blair Tremere. Approve Minutes Motion by :Commissioner Foreman seconded by 9-19 =74 Commissioner Scott to approve the minutes of the September 19, 1974 meeting as submitted . Voting in favor were: Commissioners Engdahl, Foreman, Scott, Pierce and Horan. Not voting: Chairman Gross who explained he was not present at that meeting. The motion passed. 10-3-74 Motion by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner Scott to approve the minutes of the October 3, 1974 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. pplication No. 74048 Following the Chairman ' s explanation the first (Group Health Plan, Inc.) item of business was consideration of Planning Commission Application No. 74048 submitted by Group Health Plan, Inc. The item was introduced by the Secretary who stated that the required public hearing had been held at the October 3 meeting and had been deferred to permit review and recommendation by the Northwest Neighborhood Advisory Group. He briefly recounted that the application involved the westerly portion of that parcel bounded by 69th and 68th Avenues North, and Noble and Lee Avenues North, and that the proposal was for rezoning from R-5 to C-1. Chairman Cross noted that the Northwest Neighbor- hood Advisory Group had submitted a written recommendation to the file unanimously endorsing the proposal. In response to a question by Chairman Gross the Secretary stated that the general concerns noted in the recommendation from the Neighborhood Advisory Group were those which would be comprehended under the site and building plan review. Resolution Recommending Following further discussion, Commissioner Approval of Application Engdahl introduced the following resolution No. 74048 and moved its adoption. (Group Health Plan, Inc.) -1- 10-17-74 PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 5 RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF APPLICATION NO. 74048 WHEREAS, Planning Commission Application No. 74048 was submitted by Group Health Plan, Inc. on September 11, 1974, requesting rezoning from R-5 to C-1 of the parcel described as Lot 1, Block 2, Northtown Plaza lst Addition; and, WHEREAS, neighboring property owners were duly notified of the public hearing of the request held on October _3,, "1974; and.,, WHEREAS , members of the Northwest Neighborhood A'dvis. y Group attended said hearing and, in a subsequent action unanimously recommended approval of the request, per their October 10, 1974 letter;; and, WHEREAS , the matter was again considered by the Commission at its October 17, 1974 meeting; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center: That approval of Application No. 74048 su`bm :tted by Group Health Plan, Inc. is hereby recommended to the City Council, noting the recommendation that the subject parcel be combined with Lot 1, Block 1, into a single parcel per the requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances . The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Cecilia Scott. And upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Chairman Gross , Commissioners Engdahl, Scott, Pierce and Horan- And 'the following voted ' against the same: Commissioner Foreman. Whereupon said resolution was duly declared passed and adopted. Dated Secretary Chairman Commissioner Foreman explained his negative vote as a matter of principle in that he felt an unwise precedent had been encouraged because the Neighborhood Advisory Group should have been allowed the traditional thirty days to review the application and formulate the recommendation. The Secretary commented that the Group had attended the formal hearing, rather than waiting for the published minutes , and had indicated they were prepared to make a recommendation at that time. The next item of business was consideration of Application No. 74049 Planning Commission Application No. 74049 sub- (Group Health Plan, Inc.) mitted by Group Health Plan, Inc. The item was introduced by the Secretary who commented that the item had been considered at the October 3 -2- 10..17-74 meeting and that action had been taken, subject to approval of the rezoning action. He stated it was recommended that reaffirmation be made of the previous action. A brief discussion ensued relative to the status of the existing utility easement across the length of the property and the Director of Public Works briefly described the procedure for vacating an easement. The Secretary noted that a vacation of the easement was not necessarily required since the proposed build- ing and development did not interfere with the easement and that perhaps it would continue for an indefinite period. The Director of Public Works also commented that an existing seven foot sidewalk easement, across the north end of the property, was not shown on the preliminary plat and would be in- dicated on the final plat. He noted that the walkway was in place and did comprehend possible future expansion of 69th Avenue North. Action Recommending Following further discussion there was a motion Approval of Application by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner No. 74049 Pierce to recommend approval of Planning Com- (Group Health Plan, Inc.) mission Application No. 74049 submitted by Group Health Plan, Inc. subject to the follow- ing conditions : 1. Final plat is subject to review by the City Engineer. 2 . Final plat is subject to the requirements of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances . 3. Final plat shall indicate the existing seven foot walkway easement across the northerly portion of the property. The motion passed unanimously. Application No. 74050 The next item of business was consideration of (Group Health Plan, Inc.) Planning Commission Application No. 74050 sub- mitted by Group Health Plan, Inc. The Secretary introduced the item and explained that the re- quest was for site and building plan approval for an approximate 17,000 square foot Group Health Plan Medical Clinic at 69th and Lee ,Avenues North. Chairman Gross recognized the project architect, Henslin, and an extensive discussion ensued. The Secretary noted that Mr. Henslin and a re- presentative of Group Health Plan, Inc. had re- viewed the proposed plans in detail at the October 3 meeting and he proceeded to note specific recommendations relative to landscaping and site development. -3- 10/17/74 He explained that one primary concern was the status of ordinance-required underground irriga- tion system and ordinance-required sodding in consideration of the applicant's proposal to defer the installation of a certain amount of required parking spaces . He explained that the areas affected were the deferred parking area easterly of the proposed building and particu- larly, the greenstrip area along Lee Avenue North between the proposed curbcuts, as well as the undeveloped land to the south of the build- ing. He stated that the approval should speci- fically comprehend what would be deferred and what would be initially required. Extensive discussion ensued relative to the eventual need for screen berming along Lee Avenue North: the concern with aesthetic compatibility with the Post Office landscaping along Lee Avenue North, across the street; and, the need to pro- vide irrigation system to developed landscaped area. Mr. Henslin commented as to the concerns of the applicant relative to installing permanent land- scaping along Lee Avenue since it was likely future parking would be provided and berming would be required, thus disrupting any land- scaping installed at the present time. The Secretary responded that the installation of the deferred parking could be in the distant future and the concern was for the aesthetics, at least of that particular area. He noted that despite the existence of a sub- stantial number of trees , the turf in that area was well worn and was in need of upgrading. The Director of Public Works amplified the Secretary ' s observation and noted that per ordinance require- ment, not only the Lee Avenue boulevard but also the 00th Avenue bowlevard should be sodded. Chairman Gross determined that it was the con- sensus of the Commission that all areas not paved or built upon should be sodded and pro- vided with underground irrigation with the ex- ception of that area to the east of the building designated as future parking (but not including the Lee Avenue boulevard or 15 foot required set- back area) , and the area to the south designated as future parking provided a minimum 10 foot green area be landscaped and sprinklered from the proposed curb line. In further discussion the Director of Public • Works discussed the elevation of the proposed berms and noted that they should be in relation to the elevation of the street and not to the existing grade of the site. He commented as to various adjustments in the proposed elevations and stated that these could be resolved with the applicant when final plans were submitted for -4- 10/17/74 permits . He noted that additional berming was recommended for the area northerly of the building for purposes of providing site screen- ing to the parking area. Additional discussion endued relative to the need for a properly designed concrete de- lineator at the north end of the easterly row of parking so to prevent traffic from entering the one-way Lee Avenue ingress , He stated the precise design could be worked out with the applicant as construction drawings were developed. The Secretary commented that additional plant- ings besides sodding was recommended along the west side of the building for purposes of accenting the uniform decor of the building. A brief discussion ensued and it was determined that flowering crab trees should be provided at a minimum 24 foot interval along the west side of the building. Mr. Henslin briefly reviewed the remainder of the proposed landscaping to be provided and noted the variety of existing and proposed plantings. In further discussion regarding the proposed building Commissioner Pierce inquired as to the exterior finish and Mr. Henslin presented several samples of the proposed materials which would be used. Mr. Henslin also reiterated the applicant ' s concern for a highly attractive site and the intent to make effective use of the existing landscaping. In further discussion Commissioner Horan in- quired whether the recommendation of the staff was that berming should be provided at this time along Lee Avenue North, and the pirector of Public Works responded that such berming was de- sirable to provide effective screening as a visual break from parking lots. He stated that in effect, at this time, berming was an option for the developer, since the existing landscap- ing and trees provided a substantial screen to the proposed parking lot. He commented that thor—e was little question that when the parking facilities were expanded berming would be necessary. Chairman Gross, commented, as to provision for irrigation along the Lee Avenue greenstrip, that it would be possible to in- stall it now, without future interference from berming in that area. Commissioner Foreman reiterated his concerns as to provision for sodding rather than the pro- posed seeding certain area, namely the green- strip along Lee Avenue and cited the ordinance requirements . He stated that while he appreciat- ed the applicant' s concerns for utilizing exist- -5- 10/17/74 ing landscaping and for deferring a certain amount of required parking and berming, it was essential that basic landscaping such as sodding and irrigation for maintenance of that landscaping be provided, particularly around the developed areas. Following further discussion there was a motion Action Recommending by Commissioner Engdahl seconded by Commissioner Approval of Application Horan to recommend approval of Planning Com- No. 74050 mission Application No. 74050 submitted by (Group Health Plan, Group Health Plan, Inc. subject to the follow- ing conditions : 1. Building plans are subject to review by the Building official with respect to applicable codes prior to the issuance of permits. 2 . Grading, drainage, berming and utility plans are subject to review by the City Engineer prior to the issuance of permits. 3. A performance agreement and financial guarantee (in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall be submitted prior to the issuance of permits to assure completion of approve site improvements. 4 . Installation of certain parking stalls , as indicated on approved site and build- ing plans, may be deferred until deemed necessary by the City Council; provided such deferred areas are improved, land- scaped, and maintained in accordance with approved plans . 5o Installation of a portion of required underground irrigation system in those areas designated as deferred parking may be deferred provided : a. The Lee Avenue boulevard and required 15 foot greenstrip adjacent thereto shall be sodded and provided with under- ground irrigation system as indicated on the approved plans ; and that similar im- provement will be provided for the northerly portion of the undeveloped and deferred parking area to the south of the proposed building as indicated on the approved plan. b. Irrigation lines shall be appro- priately extended as said deferred parking areas are developed. C. Said deferred areas shall be maintained with viable turf and other vegetation. 6. Approval is exclusive of all signery; re- quired directional signery shall be approved by the City Engineer. -6- 10/17/74 7. Outside trash disposal and rooftop mechanical equipment shall be appro- priately °screened.. 8. The property shall be replatted into a single parcel according to the require- ments of Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances . 9. Appropriat-e .adju�stments w-ill be made with respect to the height of the berms in- dicated on the -approved plans-; -the design of the concrete delineator -at the north end of the east -parking area 'and flower- ing crab trees shall, be .planted along the west side Of the building at a minimum 24 foot interval The motion passed -,.unanimou-B y Application No. 74051 The inext item .OT buss ess {was consideration of (Allstate 'Leasing Corp.) P:hanning Comm ssi:on :-Appl' cation No.. 74051 sub- mitted by Allstate -iI.jcasaag .Zcxrp.. The item was introduced by the 'Se-creta+ray .Who explained the applicant was ;seeking a :sp :6lal -apse permit for warehousing and storage in the -structure known as Speculative Building wo- ',6,, *]-acated at 6800 Shingle Creek parkway_. He stated that - he ,pe'l't ',wee *nterxded for one tenant;, -namely ?taxson -Trarmfer -and 'S'torage ;Company, -and -was regulated `by 'the recently --adopted :amendment to the I=2 <crrl nance pro- visions. He rre-ounted the -xeguirements of that provision and :cited a lett r the applicant had submitted :for the file:, b�rie`fIT, gibing the nature of the ,proposed operat7i _ Chairman _dross rreoaagn zed '.the applicant, Mr. D-on La s-on-, 'Mr.. Cy S-heehy., 'Mr.. tKike Sheehy, and Mr.. ZeEf ."Neilson. An �e eve < i=scussion en- sued as 'to-the nature Est the pr= ffoaed use and specifically as to how -much vT %the 'building would -be .-accup .ed by the warnhcxuEIng and storage uee. �Mr.. Larzan =exp7a a= ,p n:ed that at the resent t t ime, he regxzezt was � ;permit such occupancy for ~the enti=re a'i ngf, although his - :ri€tent was to lease :�prua1Ge space in the bu=ilding on :a -speculative baa:ai-s. ;die stated that initially,., =approximately two=thirds of the available floor s<pa.ce would be -devoted to this use and that yt would be fear a single client. In response to a question by Commissioner Horan, Mr. :Larson stated that the vehicles and trucks used to haul the merchandise were stored and main- tained at an existing facility in Bloomington. Mr. Larson acknowledged that he was aware of the ordinance restrictions in the 1-1 zone and that there would not be storage or maintenance of vehicles on the site. Commissioner Horan inquired as to _how many -7- 10/17/74 trucks would be parked on the site on a day-to-day basis and Mr. Larson responded that there would possibly be some trucks parked overnight', or for several days, de- pending on the nature of the shipments . He stated that generally, daily activity would be at a minimum and he noted that any truck activity, as with the other speculative build- ings, would be shielded from adjacent land uses since the loading bays were in the core area of the u-shaped building. Chairman Gross noted that a public hearing had been scheduled and he waived reading of the names of notified property owners in that none was present. Motion by Commissioner Horan seconded by Com Close Public Hearing missioner Scott to close the public hearing. The motion passed unanimously. Following further discussion there was a motion Action Recommending by Commissioner Foreman seconded by Commissioner Approval of Application Scott to recommend approval of Planning No. 74051 Commission Application No. 74051 submitted by (Allstate Leasing Corp.) Allstate Leasing Corp. subject to the following conditions : 1. The permit is for the single tenancy noted by the applicant as verified by the Building Official and is non- transferable. 2. Issuance of the permit is contingent upon review of appropriate building plans and certification of occupancy by the Building Official. 3 . The special use is subject '�o all applicable codes and ordinance re- quirements and violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation. The motion passed unanimously. In other business a brief discussion ensued Other Business : as to the concern by various Commissioners Recreation Center as to the status of the recently approved Operation at 6800 recreation center in the Humboldt Square Humboldt Avenue North Shopping Center. The Secretary explained that the subject use was under close scrutiny by the Inspection Department as well as the Police Department, and that the Commission and Council would be kept informed of particular problems which might arise on a regular basis. In other business the Secretary briefly re- Other Business : called the original approval of the site and Signery at Humboldt building plans for the Humboldt Square Square Shopping Center Shopping Center and stated that the Commission and Council had stated a concern that the signery on the front canopy be of uniform design. -8- 10/17/74 He noted that the owner of the center had been consistent with this design and he presented photographs showing the s}gnery which had been installed to date. A brief discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the Commission that the signery on the front of the canopy was representative of the intended consistent de- sign for such signery. Other Business: In other business a brief discussion ensued Meeting Dates regarding future meeting dates and Chavirman Gross asked that the Commissioners be pre- pared to discuss this at the next meeting when all Commissioners would be present. Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Engdahl seconded by Commissioner Scott to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m. Chairman -9- 10/17/74