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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 07-16 PCPPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER July 16, 2015 1. Call to Order: 7:00 PM 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda • Motion to Approve the Agenda for July 16, 2015 4. Chairperson's Explanation The Planning Commission is 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. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Motion to Approve the June 24, 2015 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 6. PLANNING ITEMS a) Jorri Carter Planning App. No. 2015-006 Property Address: 2914 – 53rd Avenue North PUBLIC HEARING – Consideration of a Special Use Permit for Special Home Occupation allowing a Recording Studio in residential dwelling in the R-1 One Family Residence District. Requested Planning Commission Action: • Motion to open Public Hearing; take public input; • Motion to close Public Hearing; • Commission Discussion on the Requested Item • Motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2015-06 b) CS Property NMA, LLC Planning Application 2015-004 (New Millennium Academy) Property Addresses: 5120 Lilac Drive North Evaluate and Discuss Recommendation Items from June 11, 2015 Meeting: i) Architectural (materials and features) of the proposed new school building; ii) Screening and buffering plans for neighboring residents; and iii) Traffic Study Findings and Recommendations (ingress and egress). PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER July 16, 2015 Requested Planning Commission Action: • Commission provide a companion recommendation (amended recommendation of approval from the June 11, 2015 action on this PUD item) – scheduled to be presented at the June 27, 2015 City Council meeting. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS a) City of Brooklyn Center/Hennepin County’s Active Living Demonstration Project b) Commissioner Morgan’s personal request to address Planning Commissioners 8. Adjournment PC Minutes 06-24-15 -1- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JUNE 24, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randy Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Stephen Schonning, and Rochelle Sweeney were present. Commissioners Benjamin Freedman and Jack MacMillan were absent and excused. Commissioner Carlos Morgan was absent and unexcused. Also present were Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Denise Bosch, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the June 24, 2015 meeting agenda. Motion passed unanimously. 4. CHAIRPERSON’S EXPLANATION Chair Christensen 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. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 11, 2015 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2015 meeting. Motion passed unanimously. 6. PLANNING APPLICATION ITEMS 6a) THE LUTHER COMPANY, LLLP; PLANNING APP. NO. 2015- 005; PROPERTY ADDRESS: 6801 BROOKLYN BOULEVARD Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2015-005, consideration of a Site Plan Amendment to the original 2013 Luther Brookdale Volkswagen Site Plan (approved under PC Minutes 06-24-15 -2- DRAFT Planning App. No. 2013-008) to allow the integration of the adjacent commercial site and expansion of new vehicle display area. Mr. Benetti stated that on July 23, 2013 the City Council approved a site building plan for this property. This is a Site Plan Amendment to the soon to be completed Luther Brookdale Volkswagen dealership site. He stated that the Luther Company, LLLP acquired the adjacent Shell Express Gas Station site. He also stated that this site item does not require a public hearing, but can be considered under a standard public meeting review. It was noted that notice letters were delivered to all neighboring properties within 350 feet of the subject site. He displayed the site plan layout and pointed out the access points; the number of parking spaces; the trails and sidewalks (removal of any walk way would need to be replaced in kind); the drainage utility plan; the lighting plan and the landscaping plan. Mr. Benetti stated Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application 2015-005, the Site Plan Amendment to the original 2013 Luther Brookdale Volkswagen Site Plan, subject to the same conditions and allowances as specified in the 2013 review and approvals, with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the Resolution. Seeing no other persons in the audience except for the developer, no public hearing was held. Chair Christensen asked if the Applicant wished to step forward and make a statement or add anything to the staff presentation. Sean Murphy, EIT with Landform Professional Services, speaking on behalf of the Applicant (Luther Company) stated that they were excited about the project and thanked Mr. Benetti for his presentation. Linda McGinty of Luther Company was also present and available for any questions. Chair Christensen asked about plans for the current retaining wall. Mr. Murphy stated that the retaining wall will be removed resulting in a cleaner corner. They will be dropping the grade and pulling back the curb for a gentler transition. Chair Christensen expressed concern that people will sit on the cars instead of the retaining wall while waiting for the bus on Brooklyn Boulevard. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel stated his belief that a bench and/or shelter would be put in if there is a need based on ridership. Chair Christensen stated that he does not see a shelter going in there, but was commenting on what he sees when he goes to work each day. Mr. Murphy stated that the Luther Company does do extensive monitoring of their sites. If this becomes a problem, they can come to the city at a later date and work something out. PC Minutes 06-24-15 -3- DRAFT Chair Christensen stated he assumed that the display area will look like the other ones. Mr. Murphy responded affirmatively. Commissioner Shonning asked if the water retention area was just for this part of the property. Mr. Murphy stated that there was one for original development and one for this development. Chair Christensen commented on the Hennepin County’s offer to issue a permit for the removal of the driveway at no cost to the developer. Commissioner Koenig stated he felt it was a well-developed plan. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2015-05 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2015-005 SUBMITTED BY THE LUTHER COMPANY. There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2015-005. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its July 13, 2015 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. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7a) NEW MILLENIUM ACADEMY ARCHITECTURE Mr. Benetti stated that Staff is working with the designers and are hoping to bring the architectural elements for the Academy to the Commission on July 16th. He presented architectural examples of what could be used on the Academy’s exterior that included rake and smooth finishes and confirmed Commissioner Schonning’s dislike for the rake finish. He presented an example of a building exterior consisting of tip up panels embossed with a brick- like appearance. He stated that this exterior is consistent with class one and class two materials. He stated that the rake panel is cheaper and could be on the backside of the building. The City would encourage a more expensive exterior on the more visible side of the school site. Commissioner Sweeney stated that the variation in color is nice. Chair Christensen spoke about the number of other options besides a basic stucco-like panel that would increase the cost but not substantially. He also spoke about the visibility of the property. PC Minutes 06-24-15 -4- DRAFT Commissioner Sweeney spoke about the developer’s desire to make a children’s school look friendly. Chair Christensen mentioned the soccer field proposal in the adjacent park (Happy Hollow Park), which was discussed or presented at an earlier meeting, and his desire to making sure that any new field or improvement will not only be pleasing, but acceptable to the near-by residents.. Commissioner Schonning stated that he rode his bike through the area recently and thought it was a tight fit, which emphasized the need for a building that looks decent. Commissioner Sweeney talked about the change in the area with a three-story building. Mr. Benetti spoke about other multi-story buildings that surround the site and that it will look different from Malmborgs. He stated that he is meeting with Mr. Vang, Development Manager with CS Property New Millennium Academy, LLC by the end of the week. He is also working with property owners but is having a hard time reaching them. He stated that the City wants to work with property owners on screens and buffers and to be transparent in the process. Chair Christensen asked if there would be anymore advertising. Mr. Benetti stated that the City will be re-notifying the property owners. By the July 16 Planning Commission meeting, Staff hopes to have a follow-up or addendum recommendation for Commissioners to move on to the City Council. Commissioner Koenig asked about the current and future population of the neighborhood and if it could sustain the school. Commissioner Sweeney stated that most of the residents had grown children, but Mr. Vang had stated that 40% of the students come from the City of Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Koenig asked if the neighborhood had turned over. Mr. Benetti stated that the City doesn’t track that information. He spoke about a new school providing more opportunities for families with young children and that most parents would want to walk children to school. He spoke about the City’s diversity and stated he doesn’t know of anything that would take away the value of neighboring homes. Mr. Eitel stated that a past attempt to put in a community garden at the Happy Hollow Park in conjunction with Malmborgs upset the neighborhood. Commissioner Sweeney asked why the neighborhood was upset. Mr. Eitel stated that it was because someone from outside the neighborhood was coming in. He stated that the City’s Park and Recreation Board monitored the use of the park and there was not a lot of play because residents in the area have grown children. He agreed with Mr. Benetti that people would target that area as a good place to live because of the school. PC Minutes 06-24-15 -5- DRAFT Commissioner Koenig stated he agreed with the City’s desire to make the building as aesthetically pleasing as possible since it is located at an entrance to the City. Mr. Eitel stated that the school will look great at that location and that the lighting will be similar to the Northwest Family Service Center building. He spoke about more positive changes to the area with the road and changes to the Brookdale Covenant Church parsonage. Commissioner Koenig stated that the site will be more appealing than it is now. Mr. Eitel stated that Staff plans on having answers to issues before it is brought before the City Council for a public hearing. He talked about the height of the trees as compared to the height of the buildings in the area and the City’s desire to present a really well thought out design. Commissioner Sweeney commented on how the developer has taken practically every suggestion and integrated it into their plan. Mr. Eitel stated that when the City’s suggestions make common sense, most people cooperate with sound logic. Commissioner Sweeney asked if developers usually take the City’s advice. Mr. Eitel stated that the developer is on a tight timeline and doesn’t have time to involve attorneys. Commissioner Schonning stated that it sometimes surprises him when you get a good reaction from a developer. Chair Christensen stated that you can’t get what you don’t ask for. Commissioner Schonning asked about the status of the Sears building. Mr. Benetti stated that the columns had just been painted. He stated that they still have not screened the upper mechanical unit and this needs to be followed up on because it is required by code. The Commissioners discussed issues with the Sears site; a Costco or Sam’s Club in the City; a Bass Pro Shop in the City; landscaping on the boulevard across from Walmart; and an upcoming neighborhood meeting at Bellvue Park. 8. OTHER BUSINESS None at this time. 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. ________________________________ Chair ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 1 Planning Commission Report Meeting Date: July 16, 2015 Application No. 2015-006 Applicant: Jorri Carter Location: 2914 – 53rd Avenue N. Request: Special Use Permit for Special Home Occupation INTRODUCTION Mr. Jorri Carter is requesting special use permit approval to operate a personal music recording studio in the upstairs portion of his residence, located at 2914 – 53rd Avenue North. The special home occupation will involve periodic customer or clientele traffic to the home, involves equipment not customarily found or used in typical residential dwellings, and includes one outside employee not living at the residence. These factors (and others noted herein) require the granting of a special use permit by the City Council, following review and recommendation by the Planning Commission under official public hearing process. Written notices of this public hearing were mailed to all residential property owners within 150- feet of the subject site. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND ZONING STANDARDS Land Use Plan: Single-Family Current Zoning: R-1 One Family Residence Surrounding Zoning: North: R1 One Family Residence East: R1 One Family Residence South: (Single Family – City of Minneapolis) West: R1 One Family Residence Neighborhood: Lions Site Area: 10,015 sf. Conformity to: Land Use Plan: Yes Zoning Ord.: Yes Subdivision Ord.: N/A Sign Ord.: Unknown or not under consideration at this time. Variance Needed for Request: No • Application Filed: 06/17/15 • Review Period (60-day) Deadline: 08/16/15 • Extension Declared: N/A • Extended Review Period Deadline: N/A ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 2 BACKGROUND Pursuant to City Code Section 35-310 R1 One Family Residence District standards, Special Home Occupations as defined in Section 35-900 are allowed in sided district by means of a special use permit. City Code Section 35-900, a Special Home Occupation is defined as follows: Home Occupation, Special – Subject to the further limitations of Section 35-406 hereof, and subject to approval by the City Council, a special home occupation is any gainful occupation or profession carried on within a dwelling unit or any permitted accessory buildings or installations on a lot, by a family member residing within the dwelling unit, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling unit, the accessory structures, and the lot upon which it is constructed, including, without limitation, barber and beauty services, shoe repair, photography studios, group lessons, saw sharpening, motor driven appliances and small engine repair, and similar activities. Per Code Section 35-406, the following are additional requirements for special home occupations: 1. All special home occupations shall require approval of a special use permit pursuant to Section 35-220 of the Brooklyn Center Zoning Ordinance. 2. No special home occupation shall use more than one accessory structure or installation and such structure or installation must be a permitted use under Section 35-310 and Section 35-311 of the Brooklyn Center Zoning Ordinance. 3. A special home occupation may use equipment not customarily found in a residential dwelling unit. 4. No special home occupation shall employ, at any one time, more than one person who is not a member of the family occupying the dwelling unit. 5. No special home occupation may include the teaching of more than ten (10) students at one time who are not members of the family occupying the dwelling unit. 6. No special home occupation shall cause traffic congestion on the lot containing the special home occupation or on the streets adjacent thereto. 7. No automobile parking related to the special home occupation shall be permitted on the street provided, however, that upon a finding that the special home occupation is not feasible without on street parking, the City Council may authorize parking on the street based upon a consideration of Section 35-220.2 and of the following: ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 3 a. The amount of the applicant's street frontage. b. The rights of adjacent residents to park on the street. c. Preservation of the residential character of the neighborhood. 8. No special home occupation shall produce light, glare, noise, odor or vibration perceptible beyond the boundaries of the lot. 9. No special home occupation shall include the retail sale of merchandise produced off the lot. DETAILS of HOME OCCUPATION Mr. Carter stated in his application’s narrative the following information as it relates to his music recording studio operations:  I would like to be able to record music in my home. To be more specific, I would like to record musicians singing into a microphone. This process usually takes anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours for 1 person.  I expect up to 10 cars per day(excluding non-business related such as people who live here) from literally all hours of the day and night.  The noise level is expected to be as loud as someone yelling from within their own home.  I would like to point out that I was previously doing this and none of the neighbors complained to me. I went door to door to see if I was disturbing anybody and they said they hadn't even noticed.  The cars did not interfere with traffic, the nighttime sessions were held quieter and we are usually louder when we play our music than when we recorded someone. Mr. Carter followed up this narrative with clarifying statement and additional information related to his request:  I will limit the hours of operation to: 9-AM to 11-PM.  I cannot hear recording, yelling or anything else outside of my home unless I'm playing my stereo or my dog is outside. Maybe it's the sound absorption foam, thick walls, or the fact that the highway is in my backyard, but my next door neighbors said they have not heard anything from us except my dog. ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 4  The location is the west half of the upstairs room.  There are 3 parking spaces, not counting how many cars I can fit in my driveway(8).  There are 0 non-resident employees.  I keep tightly bolted railings on the sides of all stairways, a fire extinguisher and pop-out screens on all windows except the kitchen.  We do not plan on using any signs for the property. Mr. Jorri indicated to city staff he is the owner and resident of the 2914 - 53rd Avenue residence, and is part owner of this recording business. Mr. Jorri is part of a three-man legal partnership, whereby he serves as the business manager/legal consultant, and 2nd business partner Derrick Branch serves as the studio board operator or mixer. A third partner is a promoter/marketer who does not live at this site, and occasionally stops by the house to conduct business whenever necessary. Although Mr. Jorri indicated above “there or 0 non-resident employees”; the city will consider this third partner as an employee of the studio business. Special Home Occupations may have up to one (1) non-resident employee involved in the home business; with no other non- resident employees allowed. Mr. Jorri stated they only use the one-half section of the upper room in this Cape Cod style dwelling for the studio area, noted in the out-lined section below. ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 5 The control room is used to mix, master and listen to the music being recorded. There appears to be no isolation booth or separate room/space for the artist/musician while recording. The studio appears to be equipped with a few acoustical foam panels randomly (or strategically) attached to the walls and ceiling areas, which are meant to act as sound absorbers to reduce reverberation and echoes, and help eliminate ambient noises from the outside. The Applicant indicated that almost all artists utilizing this recording service do it without the need of music or any backing tracks or vocals. Most of the recording is done with spoken vocals or rapping lyrics. People utilizing the studio will be on appointment basis. It is recommended that all appointments are only at a time when the applicant is present. ANALYSIS - SPECIAL USE Pursuant to City Code Section 35-220; Subpart 2. Standards for Special Use Permits, a special use permit may be granted by the City Council after demonstration by evidence that certain standards used to measure or allow a special use have been or will be met as part of any approvals. The following section highlights these standards (italic text), with city planning staff responses to each standard afterwards: a. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the special use will promote and enhance the general public welfare and will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals or comfort. As stated earlier, the Applicant indicated that most recordings are without music or any backing tracks or vocals; much of the recording is spoken vocals or rapping lyrics. The Applicant indicated in his narrative: “…the noise level is expected to be as loud as someone yelling from within their own home...” Staff indicated our concerns of noises reaching “…yelling inside a home…” levels, as this may pose a disturbance to the neighboring residents. When questioned on this statement, Staff requested the Applicant re-address this issue and how they intend to minimize or mitigate noise levels from this service. Mr. Jorri indicated that they will control these vocal noise levels by the acoustic foam panels inside the upper room studio, along with the thick, insulted walls of the home should help dampen all sounds in this studio area. The studio/room has a window on the side-wall of the house, and we would require that this window be closed during recording sessions. Although this recording studio use (special use) does not necessarily “promote or enhance” the general public welfare, except in cases limited to those musicians or recording artists wishing to record at this site, Staff does not believe this use will be detrimental or endanger the public health, safety, morals or comfort of the neighborhood or adjacent residents, provided the Applicant continues to use noise attenuation methods, and minimize all noise and vibration levels produced from this recording business. ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 6 b. The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. The Applicant indicated in his narratives that the neighbors were not bothered by the studio business or voiced any complaints of noises while the studio was operational. By accepting these statements, and barring any comments or registered complaints from the neighbors, city staff will assume that this special use will not be injurious or take away any enjoyment of the surrounding properties due to this use. Should this studio activity become an issue or because noise disturbances, vibrations or levels of activity not normally experienced inside a residential dwelling, the city can take action to have the special use permit rescinded and have the studio business cease operations. c. The establishment of the special use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district. The Applicant indicated hours of operations of the studio will be 9:00 am to 11:00 pm., which we assume is every day of the week. In order to maintain the orderly development of surrounding uses in this area (i.e. typical single family residential dwellings), city staff would recommend the Applicant be limited to only 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; and that Sundays not be allowed for any studio services. d. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress, egress and parking so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets. The Applicant indicated he has plenty of off-street parking, which we agree. The residence contains a two car detached garage, with a 50+ ft. long driveway that could accommodate 6-8 additional vehicles, if necessary. On-street parking is also available along 53rd Avenue, but we would encourage the Applicant to direct or provide open parking on the driveway for clients visiting this site. The Applicant also indicated the studio operations are based on appointment only, which should keep the amount of traffic associated with the home occupation down. The suggested hours of operation from 9:00 to 9:00 pm. Monday through Saturday will also reduce the overall number of trips to the property. e. The special use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located. The residential dwelling appears to conform and meets all applicable regulations of the R1 One Family residential district. The allowance of this recording studio use should not impact or create any unsafe or non-conforming situations that would deem the property unusable or dangerous to continue this studio activity. Staff assumes or hopes the equipment used in this studio is safe and operates in a normal manner (for high end electronic equipment of this nature); and that all sound-proofing material used is fire retardant and designed to not burst into flames. The Applicant notes smoke detectors, ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 7 fire extinguishers, and CO detectors are in place and operational. An inspection of the premises by the Building Official is recommended regarding fire safety and exiting; and this item should be a condition of any approval of the special use permit. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution No. 2015-06, which comprehends approval of Planning Application No. 2015-006, a Special Use Permit for the Special Home Occupation of a Recording Studio in residential dwelling located at 2914 – 53rd Avenue North, subject to the following conditions: 1. The special use permit is granted for a recording studio use in the upper one-half level of the home at 2914 – 53rd Avenue North. Said home occupation shall be limited to no more than ten (10) customers or clientele traffic to and from the home, and the involvement of only one (1) non-resident employee in the conduct of the home occupation (studio business). 2. The hours of operation shall be between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and the studio will be closed on Sunday. Customers may utilize the recording studio on an appointment only basis and only at a time when the Applicant and/or partner/employee are present. 3. The studio shall be limited to no more than two (2) recording artists at one time, with no live music or instruments allowed. All music or tracks of music must be played through head phones worn by the recording artists and technicians; or played at normal, orderly levels that do not cause any disturbances to neighboring residents or exceed lawful decibel levels prescribed by City Code. 4. The Applicant shall agree to eliminate or mitigate all noise and personally address any complaints from neighboring residents, should they occur as a direct result of these recording studio operations. The windows in the upstairs room studio shall be closed while recording sessions are in progress. Failure to address or mitigate any noise from this studio shall result in the revocation of this special use permit by the City, and a further order from the City to cease and desist any future recording operations from this dwelling. 5. This home occupation may not be altered or expanded in any way not comprehended by this application without first securing an amendment to the special use permit. 6. The special use permit is subject to applicable codes, ordinance and regulations. Any violation thereof may be grounds for revocation. 7. All parking associated with this home occupation shall be off-street on improved space provided by the Applicant. There shall be no on-street parking associated with this home occupation and all vehicle parking on the property shall be in ________________ App. No. 2015-006 PC 07/16/2015 Page 8 compliance with Section 19-103, Subdivision 12 of the City Ordinances. 8. The Applicant shall comply with all recommendations of the Building Official with respect to safety related matters regarding the location and operation of this home occupation. 9. The Applicant shall provide appropriate fire extinguishers and other safety materials in the area of the home occupation per the recommendation of the Building Official. Commissioner introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2015-06 RESOLUTION REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2015-006 SUBMITTED BY JORRI CARTER FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL HOME OCCUPATION ALLOWING A RECORDING STUDIO INSIDE A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING IN THE R1 ONE FAMILY RESIDENCE DISTRICT (2914 – 53RD AVENUE NORTH) WHEREAS, Planning Commission Application No. 2015-006 submitted by Jorri Carter (“Applicant”) requesting a Special Use Permit of a Special Home Occupation allowing a recording studio inside a residential dwelling located at 2914 – 53rd Avenue North (“Subject Property”); and WHEREAS, the Subject Property is situated in the R-1 One Family Residence District, and pursuant to City Code Section 35-310, Subd. 2. Special Uses, “Special home occupation as defined in Section 35-900” are allowed in the R1 District by means of special use permit approved by the City Council, and the Applicant has submitted such application to the City of Brooklyn Center for official consideration under Planning Application No. 2015-006; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and called public hearing on July 16, 2015, whereby a planning staff report was presented, and public testimony regarding the special use permit were received and noted for the record; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the Special Use Permit request in light of all testimony received, the guidelines and standards for evaluating this special use permit contained in Section 35-220 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and found the request complies with the general goals and objectives of the City’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Advisory Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center to recommend to the City Council that Planning Application No. 2015-006 submitted by Jorri Carter be approved based upon the following considerations: a) The establishment, maintenance, or operation of the special use will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals, or comfort. b) The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. c) The establishment of the special use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district. PC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-06 Page 2 of 3 d) Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress, egress and parking so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets. e) The special use shall, in all other respects, conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Planning Advisory Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center to recommend to the City Council that Planning Application No. 2015-006 be approved subject to the following conditions and considerations: 1. The special use permit is granted for a recording studio use in the upper one-half level of the home at 2914 – 53rd Avenue North. Said home occupation shall be limited to no more than ten (10) customers or clientele traffic to and from the home, and the involvement of only one (1) non-resident employee in the conduct of the home occupation (studio business). 2. The hours of operation shall be between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and the studio will be closed on Sunday. Customers may utilize the recording studio on an appointment only basis and only at a time when the Applicant and/or partner/employee are present. 3. The studio shall be limited to no more than two (2) recording artists at one time, with no live music or instruments allowed. All music or tracks of music must be played through head phones worn by the recording artists and technicians; or played at normal, orderly levels that do not cause any disturbances to neighboring residents or exceed lawful decibel levels prescribed by City Code. 4. The Applicant shall agree to eliminate or mitigate all noise and personally address any complaints from neighboring residents, should they occur as a direct result of these recording studio operations. The windows in the upstairs room studio shall be closed while recording sessions are in progress. Failure to address or mitigate any noise from this studio shall result in the revocation of this special use permit by the City, and a further order from the City to cease and desist any future recording operations from this dwelling. 5. This home occupation may not be altered or expanded in any way not comprehended by this application without first securing an amendment to the special use permit. 6. The special use permit is subject to applicable codes, ordinance and regulations. Any violation thereof may be grounds for revocation. PC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-06 Page 3 of 3 7. All parking associated with this home occupation shall be off-street on improved space provided by the Applicant. There shall be no on-street parking associated with this home occupation and all vehicle parking on the property shall be in compliance with Section 19-103, Subdivision 12 of the City Ordinances. 8. The Applicant shall comply with all recommendations of the Building Official with respect to safety related matters regarding the location and operation of this home occupation. 9. The Applicant shall provide appropriate fire extinguishers and other safety materials in the area of the home occupation per the recommendation of the Building Official. July 16, 2015 Date Chair ATTEST: Secretary The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Commissioner and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Chair , Commissioners , , , , , and ; and the following voted against the same: None; whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. 2914 – 53rd Avenue North City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853 763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717 Planning Commission (763) 569-3335 TO: Chairman Christensen and Planning Commission FROM: Gary Eitel, Director of Business and Development Tim Benetti, Planning & Zoning Specialist/Planning Commission Secretary DATE: July 10, 2015 RE: Agenda Item No. 6.b - New Millennium Academy Charter School Project Planning Application No. 2015-004 (5120 Lilac Drive North) Evaluate and Discuss Recommendation Items from June 11, 2015 Meeting At the June 11, 2015 meeting, the Planning Commission adopted PC Resolution No. 20015-04, which provided a favorable recommendation to the City Council to accept the Development and Site Plan for the New Millennium Academy charter school site, which includes the rezoning of the site from R-3 Multiple Family to PUD-Mixed R2/R3. As part of this recommendation, the Planning Commission added a condition that stated:  The Developer shall provide the Planning Commission an opportunity to approve the final architectural treatments, finishes and materials prior to building permit submittals; and satisfactorily address the screening issues between the neighboring residents and project site. Traffic & Parking Study Staff had also stated that with the late submittal of the traffic study on this site, that we would also bring back for your review this report and discuss its findings and recommendations, and provide you with an update and suggested recommendation back to City Council as necessary. At the June 11th presentation, it was noted that the main access in and out of this site would be on to Brooklyn Boulevard, where the current frontage road access that serves Malmborg’s and the church property to the north. Hennepin County and City staff have recognized this existing frontage road access on to Brooklyn Blvd., along with the misalignment of 51st Avenue across the street, that this entrance/exit point into the school site may pose some challenges. This intersection has been identified as being replaced in the future (moved northward from its current location), with a new fully signalized intersection near the Hwy 100 off-ramp and Brooklyn Boulevard intersection. On June 25th, New Millennium Academy’s (NMA) traffic consultants with SRF Engineering submitted the Traffic and Parking Study for this project site. To summarize this report, it was found that the exiting (today’s) Brooklyn Blvd./51st Avenue intersection functions at an A/C level of service for AM (morning) peak hours, with 23 second delays; while dropping down to A/F levels and 73 second delays in peak PM (afternoon) hours. The proposed development was estimated to generated approximately 350 trips per day. Based on this impact, the level of service in the AM dropped to an A/D level of service with 26 sec. delays; and A/F City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853 763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717 Planning Commission (763) 569-3335 levels in the PM, with delays up to 3 minutes or more. This PM levels and delays created a lot of concern with city staff. The report went on to suggest that “In order to alleviate the significant delay occurred at the Brooklyn Blvd./51st Avenue intersection, school related traffic should be directed to use either 50th Avenue or 49th Avenue. Both of these intersections would be able to accommodate the school traffic with minor delays while alleviating the 51st Avenue intersection.” When presented with this recommendation, city staff voiced our concerns of funneling traffic through this neighborhood, and we asked that the Developer and his consultants re-study or provide other alternatives. In the meantime, city staff met with Hennepin County traffic Engineering officials to discuss this access on to their county roadway. The delays at this access intersection can be attributed to the buses and vehicles that wish to turn north onto Brooklyn Blvd. from this site. A number of alternatives were discussed, including: • Temporary traffic signal at Brooklyn Blvd. and 51st Ave.; • Lane conversion inside Brooklyn Blvd. (northbound) used to as a holding lane for northbound vehicles; • Temporary (built) Connection at the Hwy. 100 Ramp/Brooklyn Blvd. future intersection (north of church); • Traffic cops to direct vehicles during peak hours; and • Right-in/Right-Out only for all traffic, The temporary traffic signal was rejected due to un-met warrants and other reasons. The lane conversion was also rejected due to possible confusion of traffic trying to enter northbound and those already northbound, especially at this high level intersection. Traffic control by police officers was rejected by our Police Department due to limitation of staff and use of city (police) vehicles. At this time, the logical solution is that NMA will require all buses to exit the site southbound for both AM and PM peak hours, and those that need to travel northbound will need to travel down to 49th Avenue signalized intersection, turn left (east) towards Humboldt Avenue; turn north towards 57th Avenue, then back west onto Brooklyn Boulevard. Although this right-in/right-out turning alternative seems very challenging to “police” or ensure in the next few years, staff remains hopeful that the NMA officials will make every efforts to ensure that Happy Hollow neighborhood does not become a travel through for buses and visitor/parent traffic. The ultimate goal of this interim traffic pattern is that it will be for approximately 2-3 years, until such time the City and Hennepin County being the road improvements on Brooklyn Boulevard, including this new and important signalized intersection at Hwy 100 off-ramp and Brooklyn Blvd. area, which we anticipate will eliminate this added traffic pattern and alleviate most if not all traffic impacts to the Happy Hollow and surrounding neighborhoods. NMA is also changing its school start times to off-set as much as possible the normal (regular) AM and PM peak hours, so that their trip generations from this site will be lessened or after the Peak hours as indicated in the report. NMA has directed their consultants at SRF to revise the study, which we hope to have more information for the Planning Commission at the Thursday night meeting. City Hall Community Center Police & Fire Departments 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway 6645 Humboldt Avenue North Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1853 763.569.3300 Fax: 763.569.3494 763.569.3400 Fax: 763.569.3434 763.569.3333 Fax: 763.561.0717 Planning Commission (763) 569-3335 Architecture As part of the comments made at the June 11th meeting, and the desire to change the “raked” or ribbed concrete panels as indicated on the NMA architectural plans, the applicant has provide for the Commissioners review new plates or shop drawings showing this new materials and color schemes. The panels will contain a brick embossed on the lower panels; with differing colored horizontal bandings, and exposed aggregate materials on the upper portion of the panels. Although these upper panels appear “gray” in color, Mr. Vang of NMA stated that they will be an slight earth tone color, which will be tinted and mixed into the concrete during production. Screening The City has determined that the driveway and loading area along the southwest corner to be finished at 861.3 to 861.5 feet. The new grades leading out from this driveway drop from 862 to 859, which ties into the Tapelt/Balibrera residence of 5042 Lilac Drive. Planning Staff will ensure that at least an 8-foot high, double sided fence will be installed along this shared lot line (shown in red), which will provide a minimum 6-foot high screening along this location. Planning staff requests the Planning Commission carefully review and consider this information attached to this memo, and further requests the Commission provide a companion (amended) recommendations to the June 11th action. These recommendations will be presented to the City Council at the July 27th public hearing on this rezoning element of this PUD. DRAFT Memorandum ONE CARLSON PARKWAY, SUITE 150 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55447 | 763.475.0010 | WWW.SRFCONSULTING.COM SRF No. 0158926 To: J. Kou Vang JB Realty Company From: Leif Garnass, PE, PTOE, Senior Associate Tom Sachi, EIT Date: June 25, 2015 Subject: New Millennium Academy Traffic and Parking Study Introduction SRF has completed a traffic and parking study for the proposed New Millennium Academy located in the northwest quadrant of the Brooklyn Boulevard (CSAH 152)/51st Avenue intersection in the City of Brooklyn Center (see Figure 1: Project Location). The proposed New Millennium Academy will be located within the current location of the Malmborg’s Garden Center. The main objectives of this study are to review existing operations within the study area, evaluate the traffic impacts to the adjacent roadway network, evaluate the parking demand/supply, review the site plan/access, recommend travel demand management (TDM) strategies, and recommend any necessary improvements to accommodate the proposed development. The following sections provide the assumptions, analysis, and study conclusions/recommendations offered for consideration. Existing Conditions The existing conditions were reviewed to establish a baseline in order to identify any future impacts associated with the proposed development. The evaluation of existing conditions includes peak period intersection turning movement counts, field observations, and an intersection capacity analysis. Data Collection Peak period turning movement and pedestrian counts were collected during the week of February 10, 2014 by Hennepin County at the Brooklyn Boulevard and 51st Avenue/Lilac Drive intersection. Previous historical counts for the Brooklyn Boulevard/50th Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard/49th Avenue intersection were utilized to establish side-street traffic patterns and adjusted to establish an existing year 2015 baseline condition. Historical annual average daily traffic (AADT) volumes within the study area, provided by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), were used to establish the adjustment.                                 ROAD COUNTY               ! " #   $    "     " % & " '  (   " '  (   ) #   $          *    100     +      #$   J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 3 In addition to the intersection turning movement counts, observations were completed to identify roadway characteristics within the study area (i.e. roadway geometry, posted speed limits, and intersection traffic controls). Currently, Brooklyn Boulevard is a four-lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph). All remaining study roadways are two-lane roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 mph. The Brooklyn Boulevard/49th Avenue North intersection is currently controlled by a traffic signal. All remaining intersections within the study area are side-street stop controlled. Brooklyn Boulevard is functionally classified as a minor arterial, while 51st Avenue and 49th Avenue are functionally classified as major collectors. 50th Avenue is functionally classified as a local street. Existing intersection geometrics, traffic controls and volumes within the study area are shown in Figure 2. Existing Intersection Capacity Analysis An existing intersection capacity analysis was completed using Synchro/SimTraffic software (V8.0) to establish a baseline condition to which future traffic operations could be compared. Capacity analysis results identify a Level of Service (LOS) which indicates how well an intersection is operating. Intersections are ranked from LOS A through LOS F. The LOS results are based on average delay per vehicle, which correspond to the delay threshold values shown in Table 1. LOS A indicates the best traffic operation, while LOS F indicates an intersection where demand exceeds capacity. Overall intersection LOS A though LOS D is generally considered acceptable in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Table 1.Level of Service Criteria for Signalized and Unsignalized Intersections LOS Designation Signalized Intersection Average Delay/Vehicle (seconds) Unsignalized Intersection Average Delay/Vehicle (seconds) A ” 10 ” 10 B > 10 - 20 > 10 - 15 C > 20 - 35 > 15 - 25 D > 35 - 55 > 25 - 35 E > 55 - 80 > 35 - 50 F > 80 > 50 For side-street stop and yield controlled intersections, special emphasis is given to providing an estimate for the level of service of the minor side-street approaches. Traffic operations at an unsignalized intersection with side-street stop or yield control can be described in two ways. First, consideration is given to the overall intersection level of service. This takes into account the total number of vehicles entering the intersection and the capability of the intersection to support these volumes. Second, it is important to consider the delay on the minor approach. Since the mainline does not have to stop, the majority of delay is attributed to the minor side-street approaches. It is typical of intersections with higher mainline traffic volumes to experience high levels of delay (i.e. poor levels of service) on the minor approaches, but an acceptable overall intersection level of service during peak hour conditions.                                ROAD COUNTY               ! " #   $    "     " % & " '  (   " '  (   ) *+    ( ,        -    100     .      /  0  /1 1  0    /  0         /   0   /    0  /    0    /0  /0  /0  1 /0  /0  /0    /2 0  /1 1  0           /   0 2  /    0    /0  /20 2 /  0  / 1  0 2 2  / 1 0 2         /   0 21  /    0  /   0    /0  /0  /0   /0 2 /0  /0      !""# $  ""# $  %& !'( $     )   ( *     J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 5 Results of the existing intersection capacity analysis for the peak hours shown in Table 2 indicates that all study intersections operate at an acceptable overall LOS A during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. However, significant side-street delays greater than one minute in the eastbound direction along 51st Avenue were observed during the p.m. peak hour. These long delays are a result of a lack of acceptable gaps for left-turning vehicles. However, it should be noted that the volume along the eastbound approach of 51st Avenue is less than 15 vehicles, so while the delay is significant, it is not experienced by a significant number of motorists. Table 2.Existing Intersection Capacity Analysis Intersection A.M. Peak P.M. Peak LOS Delay LOS Delay Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue(1) A/C 23 sec. A/FF 773 sec. Brooklyn Boulevard/50th Avenue(1) A/B 13 sec. A/C 18 sec. Brooklyn Boulevard/49th Avenue A 5 sec. A 4 sec. (1)Indicates an unsignalized intersection with side-street stop control, where the overall LOS is shown followed by the worst approach LOS. The delay shown represents the worst side-street approach delay. Proposed Development The proposed New Millennium Academy development is located in the northwest quadrant of the Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue intersection (see Figure 3: Site Plan) in the City of Brooklyn Center. The New Millennium Academy will be located on the current site of Malmborg’s Garden Center. The school is expected to begin with approximately 500 students and 60 staff in year 2017, and expand to approximately 750 students and 85 staff by year 2021. Access to the proposed development is planned in multiple locations. The parent pick-up and drop- off area will be accessed along Lilac Drive on the west side of the campus. Additionally, the bus entrance will be located along Lilac Drive on the west side of campus. An additional access along Lilac Drive on the east side of the campus is provided for staff. The multiple accesses are shown in Figure 3. Construction is expected to be complete before the school year 2017.                    !"#                                                  J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 7 Future Build Conditions To help determine impacts associated with the proposed development, traffic forecasts were developed for year 2017 conditions (i.e. one year after anticipated completion) and year 2021 conditions (full enrollment expected). Both year 2017 and year 2021 conditions take into account general area background growth and traffic generated by the proposed development. The existing trips generated by the garden center were deemed to be negligible since the counts occurred in February during the winter and therefore no trips were removed from the existing conditions. The evaluation of year 2017 and year 2021 conditions includes details on the traffic forecasts and an intersection capacity analysis. It should be noted that by year 2021 it is assumed that Brooklyn Boulevard will be reconstructed, as detailed later in this section. General Background Growth To account for general background growth in the area, an annual growth rate of one and half percent was applied to the existing peak hour traffic volumes to develop year 2017 and year 2021 background traffic forecasts. This growth rate is consistent with forecasts developed as part of the Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Study completed by SRF in 2013. Proposed Development To account for traffic impacts associated with the proposed development, a trip generation estimate for the proposed land use was developed for the a.m. and p.m. peak hours as well as for on a daily basis. It should be noted that since the school hours are expected to be between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., an additional afternoon school peak hour analysis was not necessary. These estimates, shown in Table 3, were developed using data for a similar type school in Minneapolis from a previous study completed by SRF in 2014 and these estimates were approved by the City. Based on comments from the developer, the majority of students are expected to arrive via bus, with minimal parent pick-up and drop-off . Therefore a trip generation from the ITE Trip Generation Manual, Ninth Edition was not utilized because the school data provided by ITE is not expected to be similar to patterns generated by the New Millennium Academy. Table 3.Trip Generation Estimates Land Use Type Size A.M. Peak Hour Trips P.M. Peak Hour Trips Daily Trips In Out In Out Proposed Land Use New Millennium Academy (2017) 500 Students 105 48 38 53 350(1) New Millennium Academy (2021) 750 Students 152 71 56 78 525(1) (1)Estimated Daily Trips J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 8 The proposed development is expected to generate approximately 153 a.m. peak hour, 91 p.m. peak hour and 350 daily trips in year 2017 and 223 a.m. peak hour, 134 p.m. peak hour and 525 daily trips in year 2021. These trips were distributed throughout the study area based on the directional distribution shown in Figure 4, which was developed based on comments from the developer, existing area travel patterns and engineering judgment. The resultant year 2017 conditions, including general area background growth, and traffic generated by the proposed development, are shown in Figure 5 for year 2017 and Figure 6 for year 2021. Year 2017 Intersection Capacity Analysis To determine how the adjacent roadway network will accommodate year 2017 traffic forecasts, an intersection capacity analysis was completed using Synchro/SimTraffic software. It should be noted that school busses are expected to use 49th Avenue because of the traffic signal. Results of the year 2017 build intersection capacity analysis shown in Table 4 indicate that all study intersections are expected to operate at an acceptable overall LOS A during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. However, significant side-street delays in the eastbound direction along 51st Avenue are expected to occur during the p.m. peak hour. These long delays are a result of a lack of acceptable gaps for left-turning vehicles observed during the existing analysis and compounded with the addition of the school traffic. It should be noted that the majority of the motorists experiencing this significant delay would be school users, not neighborhood trips. The remaining study intersections are expected have no significant queuing or delay issues. Table 4.Year 2017 Build Intersection Capacity Analysis Intersection A.M. Peak P.M. Peak LOS Delay LOS Delay Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue(1) A/D 26 sec. A/FF ~~3 min. Brooklyn Boulevard/50th Avenue(1) A/B 13 sec. A/C 16 sec. Brooklyn Boulevard/49th Avenue A 5 sec. A 5 sec. (1)Indicates an unsignalized intersection with side-street stop control, where the overall LOS is shown followed by the worst approach LOS. The delay shown represents the worst side-street approach delay. In order to help alleviate the significant delay occurred at the Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue intersection, school related traffic could be directed to use either 50th Avenue or 49th Avenue. Both of these intersections would be able to accommodate the school traffic with minor delays while alleviating the 51st Avenue intersection. If school related traffic was diverted to 50th Avenue the resulting eastbound delay would increase approximately three (3) seconds in the a.m. peak and seven (7) seconds in the p.m. peak. If school related traffic was diverted to 49th Avenue, the overall delay is expected to remain the same as the traffic signal has additional capacity to accommodate these trips without a degradation to delays. However, one drawback to directing school traffic to either 50th Avenue or 49th Avenue would be that motorists would be directed through the neighborhood.                               ROAD COUNTY                       ! " #   $    "     " % & " '  (   " '  (   )                *    +  100     ,                                     ROAD COUNTY               ! " #   $    "     " % & " '  (   " '  (   )    *     +       ,  100     -     . /   .*  /    . /        * .0 /   .  /  .  /    ./ 0 ./  ./   ./  ./  ./    . /   .  /           . /   .  /    ./  ./  . /   .*  / 0 . /          . /   .  /  . /    ./  ./  ./   ./  ./  ./       !""# $  ""# $  %& !'( $     )   ( *                                   ROAD COUNTY               ! " #   $    "     " % & " '  (   " '  (   )         *       +  100     ,     -  .    - .         - .   -/. 0 -0.    -.   -.    - .   -  .  0        - . 0 -  .    -.  -.  - .   -0  .    - .          - .   -  .  - .    -.  -.  -.  0 -.  -.  -. 100        - .   -0  . 0 - .    !" -. / -.  -.   -. / -.  -. - . / -0  .    -  .            !""# $  ""# $  %& !'( $     )   ( *   J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 12 Brooklyn Boulevard Reconstruction Based on the corridor study completed by SRF in 2013, Brooklyn Boulevard is scheduled for reconstruction prior to year 2021. This reconstruction includes constructing an eastbound approach to the Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps intersection, constructing a traffic signal at the Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps intersection, restricting left-turns from 51st Avenue and northbound Brooklyn Boulevard onto 51st Avenue, and restriping Brooklyn Boulevard from 49th Avenue to 50th Avenue as a three-lane section with a continuous center left-turn lane. Year 2021 Intersection Capacity Analysis To determine how the adjacent roadway network with the planned Brooklyn Boulevard improvements will accommodate year 2021 traffic forecasts, an intersection capacity analysis was completed using Synchro/SimTraffic software. This analysis accounts for the change in traffic patterns following the Brooklyn Boulevard roadway improvements. Additionally, the Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps intersection was included as this intersection will account for the majority of school related trips in future year 2021 conditions. Results of the year 2021 build intersection capacity analysis shown in Table 5 indicate that all study intersections are expected to operate at an acceptable overall LOS B or better during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. The significant delays along eastbound 51st Avenue are expected to be alleviated as this intersection only allows eastbound right-turns after the planned roadway improvements. Table 5.Year 2021 Build Intersection Capacity Analysis Intersection A.M. Peak P.M. Peak LOS Delay LOS Delay Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps – Lilac Drive A 6 sec. B 13 sec.. Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue(1) A/C 15 sec. A/D 26 sec. Brooklyn Boulevard/50th Avenue(1) A/C 16 sec. A/D 25 sec. Brooklyn Boulevard/49th Avenue A 6 sec. A 7 sec. (1)Indicates an unsignalized intersection with side-street stop control, where the overall LOS is shown followed by the worst approach LOS. The delay shown represents the worst side-street approach delay. Although the side-street delay at 50th Avenue did increase compared to existing and year 2017 analysis, this is due to a reduction of the mainline from four lanes to three lanes. This reduction will reduce available gaps for side-street turning vehicles, but improve mainline operations and safety. Additionally, while the delays did increase, they are still well within an acceptable range of LOS. Parking Analysis To estimate a parking demand, rates from both the previous school study completed by SRF and from the ITE Parking Generation Manual, 4th Edition were analyzed and the results are shown in Table 6. This comparison was necessary in order to determine if the planned parking supply provide by the developer will be sufficient. Based on the current site plan provided by the developer, there is expected to be 134 parking stalls provided. Since this school is an elementary school and a middle J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 13 school, both rates are shown for those school types. Additionally, an assumed rate for City standards was included. While the City code does not have a mandatory parking space requirement for a school, it was assumed that a rate of one space per full time employee would be necessary. Table 6.Parking Analysis School Type Parking Demand 500 Students (60 staff) 750 Students (85 staff) Similar Type School 0.15 veh/student(1) 75 112 Elementary School (ITE) 0.20 veh/student(2) 100 150 Middle School (ITE) 0.10 veh/student(2) 50 75 City Code 1 veh/employee 60 85 (1)The demand shown indicates the peak parking demand collected by SRF at the similar school in 2014. (2)The demand shown indicates the 85th percentile, which is commonly accepted to determine peak parking demand. From the parking demand estimates, it is seen that there is a variation in the parking demand numbers depending on which school the New Millennium Academy identifies with. Since the similar type school was used for the trip generation, it can be assumed for the parking demand as well. This would result in a surplus of 22 parking spaces, based on the 134 parking spaces provided. This estimate is conservative as there are only expected to be 85 staff members, which would leave 49 parking spaces for visitors/guests. From the parking analysis, it was deemed that the planned parking supply is sufficient for a normal school day. Special Event Parking Parking demand during after-school activities (i.e. athletics, performance arts, etc.) or special events (graduations) may exceed the planned 134 parking stalls provided. In order to accommodate a larger number of vehicles, a shared parking agreement could be developed with the adjacent Brookdale Covenant Church when church events are not occurring. Since church activities commonly take place on weekends and later in the evening, there is an opportunity for shared parking in this area. Site Plan/Access Review A review of the proposed site plans was completed to identify any issues and recommend potential improvements with regard to site access, traffic control, and circulation. Based on this review, the following issues were identified that should be discussed further and/or incorporated: 1)Internal traffic controls were not identified. However, traffic controls, signing, and striping should be incorporated based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). In particular, it is important to identify traffic controls at intersections between internal roadways/driveways to minimize vehicular conflicts and driver confusion. 2)Since this school is planned for elementary students it is expected that young children may be using the crosswalks. Ensure crosswalks are properly marked and adequate signage is posted to ease pedestrian crossing concerns. J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 14 3)Proper signage and a potential for school patrols will be necessary to prevent parent drop-off/pick-up motorists from cutting through the school parking lot bus staging area. This should be done to ensure safety of students around the busses which are difficult to see around. 4)If the school and City decide to direct motorists to 49th Avenue and 50th Avenue instead of 51st Avenue as an interim measure until the Brooklyn Boulevard reconstruction project, proper signage should be installed on site to direct motorists. Travel Demand Management Plan (TDM) The Travel Demand Management (TDM) Plan for the New Millennium Academy was established to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips to the property. New Millennium Academy also desires to reduce the demand for parking at its property to accommodate special events and after school activities. New Millennium Academy will use a variety of travel demand management strategies to achieve these goals. Since the majority of students will be utilizing a school bus for transportation to and from the school, the majority of these strategies will be applicable to school staff. TDM strategies enhance the existing regional transportation infrastructure to provide more convenient opportunities for employees to utilize sustainable forms of transportation rather than single occupant vehicle trips. TDM includes a mix of strategies, as further described in this plan, to encourage transit use, carpooling, bicycle commuting, and walking. Program elements are to be designed and administered in a manner that emphasizes commitment to achieving the plan goals: 1)Education and Awareness x Inform and educate all employees at New Millennium Academy about the availability of alternatives to commuting by single occupant vehicle. Inform employees about the resources and incentives available to alternative mode users. 2)Create a Sustainable Commute Program x Significantly increase the convenience, availability and attractiveness of alternatives to single occupant vehicle commuting and provide for reductions in single occupant vehicle trips through programs that support transit, carpooling, bicycling, and walking. 3)Community Impact x Mitigate negative impacts of employee generated vehicle trips on the surrounding community, including traffic congestion and parking spillover into adjacent areas and on adjacent community features. J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 15 4)Evaluate performance on an ongoing basis. Strategies for Achieving the TDM Plan Goals Upon completion of construction, there will be various TDM elements available to employees, including, but not limited, to the following strategies: General/Education Basic x A Transportation Coordinator (a single point of contact to coordinate commute programs) x Provide commuter multilingual brochures to employees/parents x Commute Information Dissemination (at the time of hire and in employee benefits summary, messaging to employees about the commute programs and incentives) x Brown Bag Lunches – Construction Projects, vanpooling, overview of commuting options/resources x Regular commuting articles in staff related handouts and emails x Promotion and Special Prizes for Commuter Campaigns (Commuter Challenge, Bike to Work Week, Carpool to Work Month) x Website x Transit App x Schedule after school activities and special events in coordination with the neighboring church to ensure availability of shared parking, should a shared parking agreement exist. x Schedule after school events after staff and faculty have left for the day to minimize parking conflicts between event attendees and staff. Carpools and Vanpools x Preferential Carpool Parking Spaces for Carpoolers (signed spaces closest to main entrances) x Promote the Guaranteed Ride Home Program x Financial Incentive/Subsidy for Carpoolers or Vanpoolers x Participation in the regional Metro Vanpool Program sponsored by Metropolitan Council x Promote carpooling among parents who drop off children Biking x Provide bike rack and/or lockers x Annual bike to work clinic x Promote the Guaranteed Ride Home program x Map to bicycle facilities and regional trails x Provide shower facilities x Although the proposed development is not located along a bike route, provide directions along bicycle friendly city streets to destinations (i.e. bike trails, park and rides, shopping centers) J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 16 Transit x Display a transit map or transit route brochures in a prominent location such as the teacher lounge. This should include information regarding the transit routes along 51st Avenue and Brooklyn Boulevard, including the stop at the 51st Avenue/Brooklyn Boulevard intersection. x Promote the Guaranteed Ride Home program x Work with Metro Transit to provide a concrete pad, bench and or shelter at the nearby transit stop x Offer Employees Free or Pre-Tax Discounted Transit Passes (Metropass, Go To Cards) The success of each of the TDM strategies can be measured by conducting an annual commuter mode use survey with employees, including one at the time of the school opening to create a baseline. This should be done within the first few months of the school opening and repeated every year to identify TDM effectiveness and to determine if TDM goals are achieved. Since parking is not expected to be an issue within the site, there is no specific TDM mode split percentage; however, the use of TDM strategies is encouraged to reduce congestion and limit the impact on the environment. As noted previously, the majority of students will be using busses for transportation to school. Busses that are coming from the south along Brooklyn Boulevard should be encouraged to use the 49th Avenue intersection during the interim condition. This will reduce congestion along Brooklyn Boulevard as busses require significantly larger gaps for performing left-turns. In addition to minimizing congestion impacts, encouraging busses to use the traffic signal at 49th Avenue will improve safety. Summary and Conclusions The following study conclusions and recommendations are offered for consideration: x Results of the existing intersection capacity analysis for the peak indicates that all study intersections operate at an acceptable overall LOS A during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. o However, significant side-street delays greater than one minute in the eastbound direction along 51st Avenue were observed during the p.m. peak hour. o These long delays are a result of a lack of acceptable gaps for left-turning vehicles. x The proposed New Millennium Academy development is located in the northwest quadrant of the Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue intersection in the City of Brooklyn Center. o The proposed school is expected to begin with approximately 500 students and 60 staff in year 2017, and expand to approximately 750 students and 85 staff by year 2021. x Access to the proposed development is planned in multiple locations. o The parent pick-up and drop-off area will be accessed along Lilac Drive on the west side of the campus. J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 17 o The bus entrance will be located along Lilac Drive on the west side of campus. o An additional access along Lilac Drive on the east side of the campus is provided for staff. x To account for general background growth in the area, an annual growth rate of one and a half percent was applied to the existing peak hour traffic volumes to develop year 2017 (i.e. one year after construction) and year 2021 (full school enrollment) background traffic forecasts. x The proposed development is expected to generate approximately 153 a.m. peak hour, 91 p.m. peak hour and 350 daily trips in year 2017. x The proposed development is expected to generate approximately 223 a.m. peak hour, 134 p.m. peak hour and 525 daily trips in year 2021. x Results of the year 2017 build intersection capacity analysis shown indicate that all study intersections are expected to operate at an acceptable overall LOS A during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. o However, significant side-street delays in the eastbound direction along 51st Avenue are expected to occur during the p.m. peak hour. These long delays are a result of a lack of acceptable gaps for left-turning vehicles observed during the existing analysis and compounded with the addition of the school traffic. x In order to help alleviate the significant delay occurred at the Brooklyn Boulevard/51st Avenue intersection, school related traffic could be directed to use either 50th Avenue or 49th Avenue. o Both of these intersections would be able to accommodate the school traffic with minor delays while alleviating the 51st Avenue intersection x Brooklyn Boulevard is scheduled for reconstruction prior to year 2021. This reconstruction includes constructing an eastbound approach to the Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps intersection, constructing a traffic signal at the Brooklyn Boulevard/TH 100 South Ramps intersection, restricting left-turns from 51st Avenue and northbound Brooklyn Boulevard onto 51st Avenue, and restriping Brooklyn Boulevard from 49th Avenue to 50th Avenue as a three- lane section with a continuous center left-turn lane. x Results of the year 2021 build intersection capacity analysis indicate that all study intersections are expected to operate at an acceptable overall LOS B or better during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours. o The significant delays along eastbound 51st Avenue are expected to be alleviated as this intersection only allows eastbound right-turns after the planned roadway improvements x From the parking analysis, it was deemed that the planned parking supply is sufficient for a normal school day. o Since the similar type school was used for the trip generation, it can be assumed for the parking demand as well. This would result in a surplus of 22 parking spaces, based on 134 parking spaces provided. This estimate is conservative as there are only expected to be 85 staff members, which would leave 49 parking spaces for visitors/guests. o A shared parking agreement could be developed with the adjacent Brookdale Covenant Church when church events are not occurring to accommodate special events and after- school activities. J. Kou Vang June 25, 2015 JB Realty Company Page 18  Traffic controls, signing, and striping should be incorporated into the site plan based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  Ensure crosswalks are properly marked and adequate signage is posted to ease pedestrian crossing concerns.  Proper signage and a potential for school patrols will be necessary to prevent parent drop-off/pick-up motorists from cutting through the school parking lot bus staging area.  If the school and City decide to direct motorists to 49th Avenue and 50th Avenue instead of 51st Avenue, proper signage should be installed on site to direct motorists.  TDM strategies provided should be encouraged in order to reduce congestion and limit environmental impacts. These strategies should continually be evaluated. H:\Projects\8926\TS\Report\8926_NewMillennium_TS_150625.docx