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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 05-16 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 May 16, 2013 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Burfeind at 7:04 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Assistant City Engineer Steve Jankowski, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Commissioner Michael Parks was absent and excused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—April 25, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Christensen,to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2013 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Burfeind explained the Planning Commission's role as 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 in these matters. DISCUSSION ITEMS REVIEW OF A DRAFT COMPLETE STREET POLICY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER Mr. Benetti explained that staff is requesting a review by the Planning Commission on the Complete Streets Policy in order to provide a recommendation to the City Council. He introduced Steve Jankowski, Assistant City Engineer to the Commission, who provided a presentation on a draft Complete Street Policy. Mr. Jankowski stated he is excited to meet with the Planning Commission and explained the Complete Street Policy commits the City to work closely with Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County to recognize the connection between various transportation modes and providers to provide safety in transit whether by vehicle or by pedestrian. He pointed out 40%of Minnesotans do not drive. Mr. Jankowski added Complete Streets is a term used to describe transportation planning and design policies that emphasize safety and accessibility needs for all users. Complete Street policies provide transportation alternatives, integrate physical activity into daily routines and promote improved health, reduced transportation costs and pollution, improve air quality and Page 1 5-16-13 encourage safe and strong communities. He added establishing a Complete Street Policy creates walkable neighborhoods which are desirable to homeowners and connects residents to local destinations. Mr. Jankowski pointed out some design options including sidewalks, narrower traffic lanes, curb extensions and bump outs, median islands, roundabouts and traffic calming improvements. He added lower cost options could include bike lanes, special bus lanes, comfortable public transportation stops, accessible pedestrian signals, street furniture, landscaping,public art and way finding signage. He stated the policy also acknowledges that resources will be required for successful implementation of the policy. He added there would be requirements to train staff, adopting design guidelines, update city codes and comprehensive plan, evaluate performance, coordinate with other districts, apply for grants and incorporate into the City's capital improvement plan. Commissioner Freedman stated the bicycle lanes seem popular and asked if the city has heard about requests for bike accessibility. Mr. Eitel responded that according to the city survey, one of the positive amenities is the regional corridor trail-way and residents take advantage of the existing trails. Mr. Jankowski added that the demographics of the city appear to be that of a younger population and they are more active and will use bike paths. Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:22 p.m. Commissioner Christensen stated he would like to see an access added along 69th from Brooklyn Boulevard to take people to the Palmer Lake area. Mr. Jankowski stated the city is conducting a pedestrian bike way study that will focus on where bike and pedestrian trails could be located. He added this document is more of a policy document to establish guidelines. Commissioner Schonning stated he was biking along Brooklyn Boulevard near the Freeway at 6:00 a.m. and it was very difficult to maneuver on a bike. He added the sidewalks could use some improvements and possibly adding bike lanes would help. Mr. Jankowski stated studies show it would be difficult to add bike lanes on Brooklyn Boulevard because of the volume and speed of traffic along the Boulevard. Commissioner Christensen asked about any concerns with cross jurisdiction issues. Mr. Jankowski stated planning issues and costs are generally worked out between cities so that all parties involved will benefit. Chair Burfeind stated it would be good to establish which streets will be implemented in the policy to determine what areas would benefit most from additional pedestrian paths and bike Page 2 5-16-13 paths. He added he feels the area around County Road 10 and Xerxes Avenue would be a good area to identify to incorporate access and make it more of a destination. Mr. Jankowski replied some of the things that would benefit the community beyond bike paths include trees and other things that make it a more comfortable area to travel. He added the Policy is meant to develop a complete street type philosophy and establish guidelines. Chair Burfeind noted there are several studies available Mr. Jankowski stated he appreciated the Commission comments and this will go to the City Council at an upcoming work sessions for their review. HENNEPIN COUNTY'S ACTIVE LIVING PROGRAM — DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GENERAL LAND USE POLICY AND REVIEW OF THE GENERAL LAND USE POLICY FOR REDEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES AND PEDESTRIAN PLANS Mr. Benetti explained the Active Living program developed by Hennepin County and is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines through things such as biking, walking and taking transit. He added the main goal is to engage cities in a more active lifestyle through the development of programs and policies to assist with implementing and sustaining active living principles and concepts. Mr. Benetti further explained that Staff met with Hennepin County and they were provided with a copy of standards that could be incorporated into new policies. He stated Staff would like the Planning Commission to review and consider guidelines to establish architectural guidelines and pedestrian plans. Mr. Benetti next reviewed a Policy for Implementing Architectural Design Guidelines for the City of Brooklyn Center and explained the architectural design guidelines are provided to encourage a high standard of design of buildings proposed for new commercial, office, multi- family residential, civic and industrial development. Mr. Benetti reviewed the following items: • Building Orientation • Building Mass • Fagade Design • Building Materials • Doors and Windows • Screening • Franchise Design • Landscape and Site Treatment • Lighting • Pedestrian Connections • Bicycle Connections Page 3 5-16-13 Commissioner Freedman asked for clarification on the words that say "encouraged" in the policy. Mr. Benetti replied these standards are part of a policy which encourages a developer to do something and is different from an ordinance which can be enforced. He added in most cases a developer wants to work with a city to meet established guidelines. Mr. Benetti pointed out a staff's suggestion regarding bicycle parking requirements and asked the Commission for their comments. Commissioner Freedman asked if some of these requirements can be met especially regarding building setbacks. Mr. Eitel replied that in some cases where redevelopment occurs it may be a challenge to locate a building frontage with a zero lot line setback. Chair Burfeind asked if the building setback suggested is in conflict with the current city code. Mr. Bennetti replied that the setback in some areas is 35 ft. and would be in conflict with this policy which could create a challenge with having a building so close and still have room for pedestrian walkways. He added if placing a building at a zero setback makes the building look out of place, a developer would be encouraged to set the building back farther. Commissioner Christensen asked if these standards have been applied anywhere in the city so the Commission could take a look at how it looks to have a lesser building setback. Mr. Eitel affirmed it is important to understand how the code and guidelines will be applied. Commissioner Christensen asked how this policy relates to the Brooklyn Boulevard Amenities study. Mr. Benetti added the goal is once the infrastructure of the roadways is taken care of and residential properties eliminated along Brooklyn Boulevard, the city would hope to implement the same theme moving along the Brooklyn Boulevard corridor as well. ONGOING AND FUTURE PROJECTS UPDATED Mr. Benetti stated the meeting on May 30th will be a busy agenda and will include: • Public Hearing for a PUD amendment for the Howe Fertilizer site to expand the building size. • Panda Express at Shingle Creek Crossing Site. • Conceptual plan for the new Volkswagen dealership on Brooklyn Boulevard and an expansion of the Honda site. • Special Use Permit for Surly Brewing Tap Room. • Sign Ordinance will be returning to the Planning Commission for additional review at the City's Council request. There was further discussion by the Commission regarding the proposed ordinance amendment to Chapter 34 regarding Sins and what proposed changes will be presented to the Planning Commission at the May 30t meeting. Staff stated that City Council was complimentary of the Planning Commissions time and efforts to review and discuss this issue. Page 4 5-16-13 BASICS OF PLANNING AND ZONING SEMINAR UPDATE Chair Burfeind stated he and Commissioner Christensen attended the Basics of Planning and Zoning seminar with Gary Eitel. Chair Burfeind stated he felt the seminar was very beneficial and he appreciates the opportunity to attend and be informed. There were no other discussion items. SELECTION OF NEW VICE-CHAIRPERSON FOR 2013 Chair Burfeind stated that he would like to appoint Commissioner Christensen as Vice Chair of the 2013 Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning,to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. hair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 5 5-16-13