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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971 01-21 PCP CITY OF BROOKlYiN CENTER PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Study Meeting January 21, 1971 1. call 'toOrder: 8.-00 P.M. 2. Zoll Wit 3. hp Minutes: December 22. 1970 january 7, 1971 4. Chairman's Enlanation: The Planning Commissiol-I 'J. s an advisory body. One of the Commission' s functions is to hold Public Hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, -,-Ile Commission makes recommendations to the city Council. The city council makes all final decisions on these matters. Application No. 5. old Busineso , a. Ernst, Lane & Ernst for White Castle 70060 Rezoning Site and Buildiag Plan 10061 b. Standard Solvents Variance and site and building plan approval 70045 6. Staf f convuunications 7. Adiournment h • PUtF3.►aI G COWUSSIO INFORM- ATION SIOET Application Igo. 70060 and 70061 • Applicant: Ernst, Lane & Ernst (White Castle) Description of Request: Rezoning from R1 to C2 and site and building plan approval. BACKGROUND: The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this matter on December 30 1970. Commission disposition .of the matter at that time was to table the applications to allow further analysis and request the City Manager to initiate a traffic survey on June Avenue between 69th and 70th Avenue North to determine: 1) Existing traffic conditions in the area; 2) What effect two driveway openings would have on the character of June Avenue; and 3) if the traffic congestion caused by St. Alphonsus Church could be reduced. ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION in view of the request by the commissions a traffic study was conducted by the Engineering Department, and the following recommendations have been made: 1) That because of existing traffic conditions in the area, June Avenue should be utilized as an aid in reducing traffic congestion on Brooklyn Boulevard and 69th Avenue north. 2) That the placement of two one way driveways on June Avenue would be appropriate to relieve anticipated traffic congestion caused by the subject sate, and further, that the character of June Avenue would not be changed because its existing function is not that of a purely residential street. 3) That a traffic routing pattern is being developed for St. Alphonsus Church to relieve traffic congestion problems in the area. • i r 0 Page Applications 70060 and 70061 it would appear that in light of the City Engineer' s recommendations in regard to traffic patterns and flow, that those problems can be resolved; however, there are a number of problems yet to be resolved relative to a new site plan that has been submitted for approval. The major changes to the plan are as follows: l) Placement of driving and parking areas in front of the proposed structure at the intersection of 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard. The Commission may recall that the original proposal indicated that the area in front of the building at the intersections of 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard was to be utilized as a land- scape green strip approximately 50 feet in width. It would appear that elimination of the original green strip, would serve as a detriment to the aesthetics of the area and the development as a whole. it is suggested that the absence of a large green strip at this point • changes the character of the proposal to such an extent that it would be worthwhile to determine if the re-developmer..t of the property would be any more desirable than the existing situation. Additionally, it should be noted that the intersection of 69th: and Brooklyn Boulevard has a very minimum boulevard width (plus or minus 4 feet) . The proposal submitted by White Castle indicates that vehicles would be parked adjacent to a 15 foot green strip at the intersection, thus, the distance from the parking area to the curb line on Brooklyn Boulevard would be only 19 feet. It is suggested that a distance of 19 feet at the inter- section of 69th Avenue North and Brooklyn Boulevard is insufficient because it restricts the sight distance needed to safely traverse the intersection. M) The redwood fence as proscribed on the original site plan as been changed to one consisting of .'crick columns augmented with redwood fencing. The character of the fence is very siMilaz to the one existing at klo7.th Star Dodge and it is recommend as an acceptable substiflute. Page 3 Applications 70060 and 70061 • In summery, the staff would recommend denial of the site and building plans as presently submitted. However, if the applicant were to modify the present plan and utilize the landscape plan as originally submitted for the area at the intersection or 69th and Brooklyn Boulevard, approva . is recommended providing usual conditions and the following special conditions are adhered to: 1) That the north curb cut on June Avenue be designated as entrance only. 2) That the south curb cut on June Avenue be designated as exit only. 3) That the curb cut on Brooklyn Boulevard be designated as right turn only for exiting vehicles. 4) That final approval for lighting of the driving and parking areas be withheld until completion of construction and adjustments. • 5) That the applicant be encouraged to operate at less than a 24 hour operation. 6) That specifications for restaurant equipment be sub- mitted to the Health Sanitarian for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. • i M Spa! s. ..:... .,.. ..' ..�. .. ;..°... .:.... a .;.. .. .,..� . .. •.:._'.. /',. .. ,. .,� , ... ...," _ .. � ,-w..i.i r�.,Y�..4... ., a •: "-'. .. ..... . ... .. .,.,. ._.._. t 1 too 17 A _ PLANNING COMISSI((N INFORMATIMT SHEET Application No. 70045 Applicant: Standard Solvents 4906 France Avenue Forth Description of Request: 6ideyard setback variance BACKGRC3UM a The Planning Commission approved a "A" sideyard setback related to this Application on August 6, 1970. The City Council has subsequently tabled action or the matter and remanded it to the Commission to review setbacks as it related to this application and future applications. The applicant has submitted a letter to the Commission and Council indicating a time schedule for completion of all phases of construction for the site and further requested that their original site plan be approved. ANALYSIS AND RECOM MATION It is recognized by the staff that a precedent has been set in the 50th and prance Avenue area because of the existance of a number of minimum sideyard setbacks. However, the type of operation on this site is very hazardous because of the use of volitale liquids and given this cirmmistance, setback is of considerable importance to provide room for fire fighting purposes and separation from existing structures in the area. It is reasonable to assume that the applicant is submitting a request to satisfy an immediate need, but within 5 years (according to the time table submitted) the existing buildings will be removed and a totally new facility will have been completed. Consequently, the Commission is viewing a totally new development rather than a simple addition to be utilizer as a stop gap measure. Given this circumstance„ the Coriunission should use the same standards as if it were an undeveloped property. • Page 2 Application No. 70045 It should also be noted that there are deficiencies on the site plan as submitted in regards to delineation of par'k ,.ing stalls, surfacing of parking and driveway areas and the green strip requirement. The Zoning ordinance promulgates that no site plan shall be approved urO-ess section 35-230 (Paving and Parking Requirements) is adhered to, and further, there is a requirement for a 15 foot green strip in the I. district. Therefore, it is recommended that the side yard variance be denied because the applicant has failed to show hardship other than indicating that the situation exists with other businesses in the area; and because it will be a new development within five years and i-*#-- is, in the opinion of the staff, unwise to further extend the precedent of allowing '1011 side yard setbacks; and because of the type of operation (volitale liquids) , it would - - be unreasonable to further endanger the safety and welfare of persons and businesses in the area. It is further r eco mmerded that the site plan be denied • because it is not in conformance with the existing ordinance requirements. .. • I s PL.ANNING COMMISSION INFORKATION SIMET Application No. 70066 and 70067 amended Applicant-. Village Builders Description of Request.- Rezoning from R-1 to R-4 of the east 390 feet of Lot 21, Audito­-'s Subdivision No. 218, connaonly described as being located at the northwest corner of 53r6 and Russell Avenues North. BACKGROUND: The Planning Commission held a public hearing on January 7, 1971, to consider rezoning of Lot 21, Auditor's Sub- division No. 218, from R-1 to R-5 and site and building plan approval. it was determined at that time to defer action on the request to * allow further analysis for a decision to be reached on February 4, 1971. • Since the action of *January 7th, the applicant has amended the original proposal and is now requesting R-4 zoning for the east 390 feet of the parcel in question and site and building plan approval for a 36 unit apartment complex. ANALYSIS AND RECOUKENDATIONs. 71) ezoni.ng It appears that there are a number of fac!t(.,)rs that give merit, for the consideration of th_-Ts parcel being an R-4 multiple use. The parcel is located adjacent to R-2 zoning on 0he east, open space on the north and west in Brooklyn Center, ard Minneapolis Par,;: Board open space on the south. Tt is significant to note that the Commission and City Council has recognized R-4 multiple as both an adequate buffer and a com-pat-J.-ble use wit-h R-1 and R-2 developmerts. Specifically, those other areas arez �1) Southwest neighborhood east of Twin Lake �.'21 73rd and Lyndale Avenues North N "3) 69th and Dupont Avenues North Page 2 Application No. 70066 and 70067 Amended • Continued Otf?.er factors to be considered iri this request are building bulk, traffic, and the desire by the City to retain the parcel for open space. Building bulk in an R-4 zoning district is somewhat negligible because of the low profile (2 stories maximum) . Given this consideration and the fact that existing double bungalows in the area are of the l� and 2 story variety, it appears that the height of an R-4 development would not serve as a detriment to the neighbor_-hood . The irapact of additional traffic in the area -is a potential problem that should be considered. A 36 unit complex such as is being proposed would generate approxi.- mately 216 trips in a 24 hour period. Two hundred and sixteen trips is a very m_-Lnimum volv.me for a local residential street, and given the fact that the site is located within two blocks of 53rd and Penn, which is the beginning of a series of collector streets, it is very difficult to suggest. that -traffic flow and • distribution would be a problem with this site. Retention of this site for City open space to be cormbined with tlie existing Lion's Park is a matter that t7-ie Connission addressed itself to at the -oublic hearinS-- on Janua.ry 7th. it should be noted that the Comprehensive Plan designates this parcel as open space, but it was not rezoned to 0-1 in conjunction with rezonings resulting from the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. it appears that lack of action in regard to this site would ind)'.cate eithIP-r ,an oversight -Ir a recognition that t1here were no ir-mmediate plans to impleptent an expanded park- program in this area. The Planning Conunission requested that the Park and Recreation Commission examine this parcel and inform them of future Plans and the desirability of acquiring it and adding it to the existing Lion's paf.,r,. Aa excerpt of the Park and Recreation Commission minutes of January 1 3, 1971, indicates the followiag-. Page 3 Application Yo,, 70066 and 70067 Amended Cont,i.nkJed "It was noted that the present acreage of Lions Park is approx.imately 17 acres. It was furZ'her noted that Lions PaeK is designated as a neighborhood playground which has a recormended size of from 10 to 15 acres. X was generally agreed by the Park and Recreation COMWISSIon 4 that it v:ould be desirable to acquire the subject property to the south thereby providing additional open space and unrestricted access to both Russell Avenue on the east and 53rd P.venue on the south. The Commission recognized that the possibility of accUring the property is extremely remote in view of the cost of the land. 'rhe Commission suggests, as an alternative, that the land to the west of the property and contiguous to Shingle Creek be retained for public Park purposes., After further' discussion, a motion was made by ilenrietta .Anderson and seconded by Rilth Lind to recommend tbat appropriate action be taken for the City Co acquire X mately ISO feet of the wpsterly portiork of the f ply:OpertV fOr PUbliC pal7k Purposes. -111he mot-ion carri.Md • ti 1-1 a n-imou S IV Relat:-ve to, but not -'Zhe result- O' park and -L' ssion oction. )8 he ;�C:.�,Cr<eZjt 4on Comm it shou d lie Kicted that t* appI.icajIj-., S alterlded request prow ages t'nat -"Ane Vie-St 195 feet-, of I,ot 21,, AtAitor' s Subdivisi.Olk -,.qo. 218, is to be �fhe dedication dedzlcated t ) ti' -- CitY for park 'PurPO'Bes, I-C -1 - adjacent ell. -z..�ould consist of 1.06 ac..es , to S,,Iijig' e Cre-- '. It sbiould be recognized thait t"he app'li--ant- , s proposal. to dedicate property for park purPOS�2se Ms' considerc-,,tion is 'brought to the o" the parcel., but o the _-ezOnIr.1.9 i. - attention of -th�-_, Cortigiission because of its relationship J_ -1 as rh and Creation Commissiol Lo the desires of the Pa� k JanvlarY 13, 1971. a * suMrjIa-i,-N;,, it is recommended that the amended regaesi- -or R-4 z-.>n<_61g be approved because it is eons is`tent with past PIann_J'U,.q Commission actiOns, aonsisteat zoniag V height:, P because. bi:k'-'k and h -ig t, r d V.rFAtKIC KElow resulting from the devrelognien POuld r'O'- serve as a #:Ietr.,,yrerIt to the area. Page 4 Planning Commission Application No. 70066 and 70067 Amended Continued 2.1 Site and Building Plan Lot 21, Auditor's Subdivision No. 218, is 2. 97 acres in size which would allow a maximum density of 36 units,. Vie zoning request is for the easterly 390 feet of the parcel with the remainder (1-06 acres) to be dedicated for park purposes. Therefore, the applicant is requesting 1 density credit (12 units) for the 1.06 acres to be dedicated in accordance with Section 35-400 (1) (c) of the Zoning ordinance. Examination of the site plan, as sulmitted, indicates 4wv 18 unit buildings connected by a concourse with adequate green space. and parking facilities. In view of this circumstance, granting of the density credit in th,is Listance does not have the effect of creating an over concentration of units on the remainder of the pa?.-cel. in addition, the site has the amenity of being adjacent to open space on three sides. • Other factors to be considered in examination of the site plan are access to parking areas, character (--,f the 3 ouildings, building location, and parking lot construction. The site plan indicates two one-way driveways (Ilentrance only" on the scrath and "exit only" on the nor-t-h) . it is suggested that this concept be reversed to ent-rance only on the north and exit only on the south to eliminate a cross traffic conflict at the interseation of 53rd and Russell Avenues North. The building plan indicates that a flat roof -is to be utilized on the two 18 unit structures. it is suggested that a hip roof be utilized to con.-f-orm with the character of existing structures in the area, The site plan indicates that the southwest and northwest corner of the proposed buildings will be located within -four feet ,.,f the curb line of the driveways. T-t is suqqested that buildings be located to provide a 10 foot. separation between the driveway area and building to acconwaodate additional snow storage capacity and a wider pedestrian access to the front of the parcel. • Page 5 Application Leo. 70066 and 70067 Continued Because of the poor soil conditions, as indicated by soil borings submitted with this plan, it is suggested t:.hat, final determination for the method of construction of t?ae parking area be approved by the City Engineer. it is recommended that the site and building plans 'De approved providing usual conditions are adhered to and the aforementioned special. conditions • 7 • � Lam, • pRO.P0s to Y :+ 1.�� rr a• 3 FI a