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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 02-27 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 REGULAR SESSION FEBRUAR 27, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Burfeind at 7:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Carlos Morgan, and Stephen Schonning were present. Also present were Council Member Carol Kleven, Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development, Gary Eitel, and Planning Commission Recording Secretary Rebecca Crass. Benjamin Freedman was absent and excused. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION Chair Rahn 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —JANUARY 30, 2014 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Christensen to approve the minutes of the January 30, 2014 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Morgan arrived at 7:10 p.m. DISCUSSION ITEM — CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE OPPORTUNITY SITE (BROOKDALE FORD & BROOKDALE SQUARE MALL SITES) WITH THE HOUSING COMMISSION Mr. Benetti explained the Housing Commission was invited to attend the meeting due to the level of high-end or market rate housing being proposed for the Opportunity Site. He also stated no members of the Housing Commission were in attendance at the meeting. Mr. Benetti provided a brief background regarding the site and some minor changes discussed. Commissioner Morgan stated he was curious about the water table in Brooklyn Center and asked what level would constitute underground parking in the area. Mr. Eitel replied on the west side of the site is Shingle Creek with surface water and the ground water on the site is about 10 ft. below ground. He added at that level you will find water when digging underground. He also stated this project is going to be financially challenged in order to recoup construction costs from the rent collected and he doesn't feel the added cost of underground parking would benefit the proj ect. Page 1 2-27-2014 There was further discussion regarding conceptual uses and various layouts for the site. Chair Burfeind stated he would like to see the Opportunity Site and 57th and Logan tied in with the Shingle Creek Crossing development. Chair Burfeind asked if it is the intent of the City for the properties to be city owned and operated with city streets. Mr. Eitel replied it is hoped that it will be purchased and developed as private property that is market driven. Chair Burfeind stated overall he likes the proposal but he is hesitant with the idea of all the office space since the City currently has so many vacant properties. He is opposed to moving existing businesses/uses to this new site when it creates other vacancies in existing buildings. Commissioner Christensen stated he has some apprehension about the housing element since it is a hard market for new housing right now. DISCUSSION ITEM — UPDATE ON THE CITY'S 2014 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES &PROJECT MAP North Industrial Park/Palmer Lake Plaza Mr. Benetti explained the site was bought by Sign Zone, Inc. and they will combine all facilities into one location to occupy the building. The Brooklyn Center Alternative School will remain as a tenant but many other tenants will be leaving. He added this will allow Sign Zone to occupy their building with about 200 employees. Mr. Benetti stated staff is working with Sign Zone to secure a grant to provide funds to complete renovations to the building which will bring the building back to a use that it was intended for. Mr. Benetti further explained the proposed use of the building is allowed in the zoning district and no approval by the Planning Commission is required. Humboldt Avenue Corridor Mr. Benetti stated the City is looking at improvements to the area. The Humboldt Condos on 69th and Humboldt Ave has been a problem area with mismanagement of the rental properties. He stated the condos were purchased and the new owner is proposing to convert them back to apartments he will manage. He further explained the Humboldt corridor is being considered for improvements. Shingle Creek Crossing Building's B D and the Food Court Mr. Benetti stated the Food Court is slated for demolition soon. He also stated the developer has asked for an access point from Xerxes Avenue into the main loading areas of the new proposed building which would also shift buildings R and T. He added staff feels this would allow the area to remain pedestrian friendly with less truck traffic. Mr. Benetti discussed changes to Building B that includes a smaller building to house a potential tenant with a drive thru. He added if Building B is used for a convenience food restaurant, Page 2 2-27-2014 Building R would be required to be a full sit down restaurant. He further described other alterations to the approved plans. Chair Burfeind stated he is frustrated with what he hears when the plans constantly keep changing. He understands they are having a hard time with development but he feels we should also consider pedestrian traffic and safety along Xerxes by providing another access point. He is anxious to buildings go up and the development complete. He is frustrated with the look of the site with the broken down chain link fence and so much unfinished development. Mr. Eitel replied that Xerxes Avenue is `fast food lane' and as long as Sears is the anchor and there are numerous tire stores on Xerxes, it is challenging to redevelop. Chair Burfeind stated he wonders if we are `hand cuffing' ourselves by allowing some of these alterations to the site that won't allow for some of the tenants that we expected. Commissioner Schonning stated he feels some of these issues could be related to the closing of the Kohl's store. Commissioner Christensen asked if the city can encourage the developer to fill up their signs to show what tenants are in the development other than Walmart. He added this would indicate movement and the businesses are open in the buildings. There were no other discussion items. OTHER BUSINESS There was no other business. 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 8:50 p.m. Chair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 3 2-27-2014