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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 03-27 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 MARCH 27, 2014 CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Burfeind at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Chair Scott Burfeind, Commissioners Randall Christensen, Benjamin Freedman, 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. 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 —FEBRUARY 27, 2014 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Christensen, to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2014 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEM —CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER'S PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 35 (ZONING) Section 35-900 (DEFINITIONS) regarding the redefinitions of"Front Yards, "Rear Yards" and "Side Yards". Mr. Benetti explained that after the Planning Commission's review of initial draft language regarding yard definitions, the language was provided to the City Attorney who resubmitted a much more comprehensive language for the three yard areas. He added the draft ordinance being presented for the Commission's review for discussion provides the new yard definitions and ties the definitions to the respective illustrations. Mr. Benetti further described the various yard layouts and how the definitions are conveyed to the general public regarding the location of front, side and rear yards in relationship to where garbage cans can be located. Commissioner Carlos Morgan arrived at 7:15 p.m. Commissioner Burfeind asked for comments from the Commissioners. Page 1 3-27-2014 There was a brief discussion by the Commission regarding the various yard definitions. There was a by motion by Commissioner Schonning and seconded by Commissioner Freedman, to recommend to staff to move forward with implementation of the language provided. Voting in favor: Chair Burfeind, Commissioners Christensen, Freedman, Morgan, and Schonning The motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION ITEM — DISCUSS AND DETERMINE ITEMS/ISSUES TO BE PRESENTED AT THE JOINT CITY COUNCIL/CITY COMMISSIONERS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2014 There was discussion by the Commissioners regarding 2013 highlights of the Planning Commission and Mr. Benetti shared the information that would be presented at the joint meeting with the other Commissions and the City Council. PLANNING STAFF UPDATE ON THE SHINGLE CREEK CROSSING PUD PROJECT — SPECIFICALLY THE FOOD COURT REMOVAL AND REDEVELOPMENT Gary Eitel stated the demolition of the Food Court building started last week. He added the Development Agreement identifies the first five buildings to be constructed that will face the center court and will need to be completed next year. The developer is looking at starting construction in May and has two major tenants lined up for occupancy in September. Mr. Eitel added there are financial incentives for the developer to complete development of the site as defined in the Development Agreement specifically development of the Food Court site. Chair Burfeind stated he is excited to see progress on the site and hopes with spring approaching, construction will start as anticipated and new businesses will locate in the area. He added the taxpayers have invested in the site and it is important to see our investment protected by seeing the development continue to take place. Commissioner Christensen stated there should still have a conversation with the developer regarding putting more of the tenants on the sign. Mr. Eitel agreed that marketing is key to success. Commissioner Freedman stated it is difficult to see what businesses are in the center when driving thru without better advertising. Commissioner Morgan asked if development along Xerxes is slow due to the location of all the fast food restaurants. Mr. Eitel responded there are a lot of shopping experiences everywhere and it is hopeful that the drive along 55th Avenue will be improved to allow better visibility onto the site. OTHER BUSINESS There was a discussion regarding changing the date of the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for April 17th. It was the consensus of the Commission to change the meeting date to April 16, 2014 due to the Holy Thursday holiday on April 17th There was no other business. Page 2 3-27-2014 ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Freedman, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. , hair Recorded and transcribed by: Rebecca Crass Page 3 3-27-2014