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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 11-14 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 NOVEMBER 14,2013 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Burfeind at 7:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Councilmember Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Michael Parks was absent and unexcused. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—OCTOBER 17, 2013 There was a motion by Commissioner Freedman, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve the minutes of the October 17, 2013 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. 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. APPLICATION NO. 2013-020 GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Chair Burfeind introduced Application No. 2013-020, consideration of a Site and Building Plan of the former Brookdale Mall Food Court area, proposing ten(10) new retail/service buildings consisting of 108,208 sq. ft. of new building area—located inside the Shingle Creek Crossing Planned Unit Development Project. (Refer to Planning Report dated 10-30-13 on Application No. 2013-020). Mr. Benetti explained the history of the site and reviewed the proposed plans provided by the applicant noting the ten proposed new retail buildings will be on the site of the former Food Court building once it is demolished. He added Buildings R and T are not included in this application. Mr. Benetti further explained the location of landscaping and berming to provide adequate screening on the back side of the building. He also discussed the effectiveness of vinyl wrapping on the back of a building to provide screening rather than just a blank wall, which has been discussed with the applicant. Commissioner Christensen stated he has a concern with how the back of buildings 8, 9 and 10 will look since they are so visible from Xerxes Avenue North and doesn't feel the screening described is adequate. He stated he also has concerns with all the truck traffic coming thru this area. Mr. Benetti replied this is a better location for truck traffic rather than down by the Sears entrance based on the layout of the roadway. He added most truck traffic occurs during off peak shopping hours and there won't be much mixing of car and truck traffic. PC Minutes 11-14-13 Page 1 Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:23 p.m. Commissioner Freedman asked if there has been any communication with Sears lately. Mr. Benetti replied there have been no comments from Sears regarding this application, however, the developer must always get Sears approval for activity on the site. Chair Burfeind asked if the parking lot is included in this plan even if Buildings R and T are not. Mr. Benetti responded that paving of the parking areas are included in this plan. He further stated he has concerns with the parking of semis on the Sears lot and does not want to see that happening on this site with truck traffic and parking. Mr. Benetti stated the west side of the site has been a challenge to develop and secure tenants. He added the developer feels that once this area starts to fill in, this will take off and create a desirable destination. Chair Burfeind added he feels a well maintained green space provides adequate screening as well as wrapping the buildings until the final buildings are complete. Mr. Eitel added even when Brookdale was hopping, Sears did not make any improvements to their property and the west side has always been challenging to bring in exciting, desirable businesses with all the fast food and tire stores along Xerxes. He further stated these new buildings including the end caps will begin to fill quickly as things progress. Commissioner Christensen stated he would like to see a plan for the berm on paper because he has a hard time believing it will work for proper screening. The Chair called for further discussion or questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to the approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2013-23 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2013-020 SUBMITTED BY GATLIN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY REQUESTING THE APPROVAL OF SITE AND BUILDING PLAN FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER BROOKDALE MALL FOOD COURT AREA, WHICH IS PART OF THE SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (1300 SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING) There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2013-23. Voting in favor: Chair Burfeind, Commissioners Christensen, Freedman, Morgan, and Schonning And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. PC Minutes 11-14-13 Page 2 The Council will consider the application at its November 25, 2013 meeting. The applicant must be present. Major changes to the application as reviewed by the Planning Commission will require that the application be returned to the Commission for reconsideration. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Benetti discussed a request from Cass Screw to construct a lean to by their loading dock areas in the front. He asked for the Commission's thoughts on whether or not this item needs official review by the Planning Commission. It was the general consensus of the Commission to allow staff to work with Cass Screw without approval or input from the Planning Commission. Chair Burfeind stated election of the Chair and Chair Pro Tern for the 2014 Planning Commission will take place at the first meeting in 2014 by nominations and written vote. Mr. Benetti informed the Commission the Avis Budget application was denied by the City Council based on concerns they had regarding how this business would impact the image of Shingle Creek Crossing. There was no other business. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Freedman, seconded by Commissioner Morgan, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:02p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass PC Minutes 11-14-13 Page 3