Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10-01 PCPPLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER October 1, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Motion to Approve the Agenda for October 1, 2015 Meeting 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES • Motion to Approve the September 17, 2015 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (with addition by Secretary/City Planner) 5. 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. 6. PLANNING ITEMS a) Consideration of a new Planning and Development Application for the Opportunity Site Only, developed under the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant through Hennepin County, and as part of the City’s ongoing Active Living Program. Requested Planning Commission Action: • Direct Staff to present Application; • Discussion with city staff and Commissioners; • Provide recommendation to the City Council (scheduled to be presented at the October 12, 2015 regular meeting) 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS • Concept Plan of the proposed “The Sanctuary of Brooklyn Center” – senior assisted living and apartment facility at 6121 Brooklyn Blvd. (former Cars/w/ Heart site) • Concept Plan of a proposed new housing development by Sand Company for the Opportunity Site 8. ADJOURNMENT PC Minutes 09-17-15 -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 SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:01 p.m. 2. ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti administered the oath of office to Susan Tade. 3. ROLL CALL Chair Randy Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, John MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney and Susan Tade were present. 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. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner MacMillian to approve agenda. The motion passed. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 13, 2015 There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2015 meeting. The motion passed. 6. CHAIR’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. 7. PLANNING APPLICATION ITEMS 7a) APPLICATION NO. 2015-008; SPIRITUAL LIFE CHURCH; CONSIDERATION OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGN (DMS) WITH PC Minutes 09-17-15 -2- DRAFT A PUBLIC USE IN THE C-1 SERVICE/OFFICE DISTRICT (6865 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY) Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2015-008, consideration of a special use permit to allow the installation of a new dynamic message sign (DMS) with a public use in the C-1 service/office district, located at 6865 Shingle Creek Parkway. Mr. Benetti provided property location information and an aerial view, photos of the sign, sign dimensions, church background, sign ordinance standards and staff analysis of the special use permit. It was noted that legal notice was published in the local Sun-Post and notice letters were delivered to all neighboring properties within 350 feet of the subject site. Mr. Benetti stated Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2015-008, Special Use Permit to Allow the Installation of a New Dynamic Message Sign (DMS) with a Public Use in the C-1 Service/Office District, with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the Resolution. Chair Christensen asked about the ordinance height limits. Mr. Benetti replied that in a C-1 public use district with more than one frontage, two 36 square foot signs are allowed. The applicant chose a 72 square foot sign. He stated that the applicant is within the overall dimension limits. Chair Christensen commented that he liked the base of the sign. Pastor Judy Fornara, Pastor Joseph Fornara, and Mr. Kiril Toteu attended the meeting representing Spiritual Life Church. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS – APPLICATION NO. 2015-008 Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter. There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2015-008, at 7:14 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Pastor Judy Fornara stated that the church is willing to program the sign to display Amber Alerts. Discussion followed regarding the process for doing this. Chair Christensen called for comments from the public. There were no individuals in attendance and no comments received at that time. (Addendum Note by PC Secretary: Mr. Al Franz, Franz Engineering, 2781 Xerxes Avenue North, called the City’s Business and Development Department on September 16, 2015 to state he has no objections to the new DMS sign requested by the applicants - Spiritual Life Church.) MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) PC Minutes 09-17-15 -3- DRAFT There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillian, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2015-008. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen called for questions and comments from Commissioners. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2015-08 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2015-008 SUBMITTED BY SPIRITUAL LIFE CHURCH FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO INSTALL A NEW DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGN (DMS) WITH A PUBLIC USE IN THE C-1 SERVICE/OFFICE DISTRICT (6865 SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY) There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2015-08. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its September 28, 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. Chair Christensen asked Commissioner MacMillan about the Planning Commission seminar he recently attended. Commissioner MacMillan told the Commission that the seminar contained information regarding roles and responsibilities, comprehensive plans, and the legal aspect of serving on the Planning Commission. He stated his takeaway was that every time you have a hearing you are subject to being sued if you don’t handle it property. The Commission discussed the value of classes and seminars and Chair Christensen encouraged Commissioners to take advantage of educational opportunities. He stated that the Commission relies on staff but Commissioners should also be aware of issues. He also encouraged Commissioners to ask questions. He spoke about making the City of Brooklyn Center a better place and welcomed Commissioner Tade. Mr. Benetti also encouraged Commissioners to take advantage of the educational opportunities and noted that they are paid for by the City. PC Minutes 09-17-15 -4- DRAFT 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8a) PLANNING STAFF UPDATE ON ON-GOING OR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Commissioner MacMillan asked when the 60 day rule started. Mr. Benetti explained the rule and discussion followed regarding the rule. Mr. Benetti and Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel provided information and pictures of the following projects: The former Howe Fertilizer, and soon to be new Ferguson Plumbing Supply site, 4821 Xerxes Avenue North – Mr. Benetti showed a current photo of the site. The Amphitheater Project – Mr. Eitel explained that a paver inscription policy is currently being worked on for approval by the City Council. He stated that there will be a grand opening on October 6th at 5:30. He provided Commissioners with a flyer regarding the event. The Luther Volkswagen Site – The Commissioners discussed their approval of the displays on the site. The Opportunity Site – Mr. Eitel showed Commissioners a Maple Grove site as an example of how to tie together buildings and provide for open space; have a theme; and create space and seating capacity so people can gather for passive recreation. He suggested Commissioners visit Plymouth’s Millennium Park. He talked about wanting to tie together the seven apartment buildings and make them pedestrian friendly. He stated that Commissioners will see more information on this plan between October and December. He also showed Commissioners a Maple Grove sidewalk café example and stated that Chipotle is looking at the old Caribou Coffee location. He showed a current picture of the Opportunity Site and talked about possible row townhouses; the history of the site; and positioning the property for re-development. Mr. Eitel talked about the C Line Project (Penn Avenue Bus Rapid Transit) and making investments into transit in relation to livable communities. Brookdale Square – Mr. Eitel reported that the City Council will consider a demolition bid for the building and that will open up the site for re-development. Mr. Eitel stated that the City Council is considering a preliminary development agreement for the site. The City would work with developer who would act as the builder and manager and the City would put in the infrastructure. Mr. Eitel stated that in October, the Planning Commission will be considering a senior housing project on the old Cars for Heart site. Commissioner Koenig asked about the Kohl’s building. Mr. Eitel replied that in his last conversation with the developer he was told that the developer was working on a tenant lease PC Minutes 09-17-15 -5- DRAFT that would add 18,000 square feet on the building front so it would be a 50,000 square foot retail pad site. Discussion followed regarding the site’s potential; possible creek configurations; and renovations at Mears Park in St. Paul. There were no other discussion items. 9. OTHER BUSINESS None at this time. 10. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ________________________________ Chair 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 DATE: October 1, 2015 TO: Chair Randall Christensen and City Planning Commissioners FROM: Gary Eitel, Business and Development Director Tim Benetti, Planning & Zoning Specialist SUBJECT: Discuss Planning and Development Application for the Opportunity Site Only, (Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant - Hennepin County Background: Approximately one year ago, the City entered into a joint Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant with Hennepin County’s Active Living planning program. As part of this grant program, an executive committee was formed consisting of staff from engineering, recreation, police and planning departments; along with Hennepin County planners; a planning consultant; local residents; and a local bicycle advocacy (non-profit) group, all of whom met regularly and were tasked with creating or adopting a new policy, ordinance or program that encourages Active Living within the community. The goal of the SHIP Grant and the group was to provide a plan or policy which could be applied city-wide; or to a specialized and/or targeted area. The city engineers chose to adopt a Travel Demand Management Policy; the police department chose to incorporate a new police bike patrol unit and community outreach programming; and planning selected some type of land use control that could be applied to the Opportunity Site redevelopment area. Initially, planning staff began developing a land use policy similar the “Policy for Implementing Certain Architectural Design and Land Use Guidelines which Encourage Active Living Principles for the City of Brooklyn Center”, which was adopted by the City Council in July 2013. However, Hennepin County planners suggested the city provide a land use template or specific application that would apply specific guidelines and standards for future development within this targeted area. Based on this recommendation, the city planners developed this new draft land use application with a corresponding check-list with Active Living elements or improvements that can be applied to or measured with new development proposals inside the Opportunity Site. At the September 14th City Council Work Session meeting, planning staff presented this application and checklist to the Council for their initial thoughts and comments. Upon a brief presentation and discussion, the Council felt this application was consistent with the goals and objectives of the SHIP Grant; and directed planning staff to present this to the Planning Commission for official recommendation. Planning and Development Application for the Opportunity Site Only Page 2 of 2 ___________________________________________ 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 This recommendation will be presented back to the City Council at the October 12, 2015 regular meeting, with final consideration to be given at that meeting. Hennepin County and executive committee members have reviewed and offered suggested text revisions to the application. The committee is expected to meet for its final wrap-up meeting on October 21, 2015, with final recommendations to be made at this meeting. Recommendation: Recommended that the Planning Commission discuss and formulate an official recommendation of approval to the City Council regarding the Active Living Design Guidelines for the Opportunity Site, specifically a proposed Planning and Development Application with Checklist for the Opportunity Site Only. City of Brooklyn Center -Business and Development – 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy – Brooklyn Center MN 55430 (763) 569-3300 Planning Application – Opportunity Site Only Page 1 08/31/2015 Planning & Development Application Opportunity Site Only This application is to be used for any new development within the Opportunity Site, as identified on the attached map. This application includes s check-list of select improvements and features that support the City’s adopted “Policy for Implementing Certain Architectural Design and Land Use Guidelines which Encourage Active Living Principles”. The check-list must be completed and submitted with this application in order for it to be considered complete. A preliminary meeting with the Planning and Engineering Staff is required prior to the submission of this Planning & Development Application. No application will be accepted prior to such meeting. City Staff shall have five (5) business days to review applications for completeness. The 60-day statutory review period does not begin until staff determines the application is complete. Application Request (Mark all that Apply) Site & Building Plan ($750) Planned Unit Development ($1,800) Subdivision Approval ($300) Rezoning ($1,050) PUD Amendment ($700) Variance ($200) Address/Location of Property: The applicant requests processing of this application and agrees to pay to the City of Brooklyn Center, within fifteen (15) days after mailing or delivery of the billing statement, the actual costs incurred by the City for Engineering, Planning and Legal expenses reasonably and necessarily required by the City for the processing of the application. Such costs will be in addition to the application fee described herein. Withdrawal of the application will not relieve the applicant of the obligation to pay costs incurred prior to withdrawal. Application Fee $__________________ Acct No. 10100-4403 Receipt No. _________________ Applicant Information: Name: Address: Phone: Cell: Email: Signature Owner Information* (if different from Applicant): Name: Address: Phone: Cell: Email: Signature * * The fee title owner of the property must sign this Application to make it official City Use Only Date Received: Date Application Complete: Letter of Completeness: Application No. City of Brooklyn Center -Business and Development – 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy – Brooklyn Center MN 55430 (763) 569-3300 Planning Application – Opportunity Site Only Page 2 08/31/2015 Please provide a general description of your Application Request: Legal Description of Property: ACTIVE LIVING DESIGN for OPPORTUNITY SITE DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION More and more metropolitan communities are beginning to plan better ways for their residents and visitors to rely less on the automobile, and encourage healthier and safer alternatives in reaching various destinations throughout the city. This is known as Active Living - a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines through activities such as biking, walking and/or taking transit. In accordance with the city’s “Policy for Implementing Certain Architectural Design and Land Use Guidelines, which Encourage Active Living Principles (adopted 07/22/2013, the “Complete Streets Policy” (adopted 06/24/2013), and “Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan (adopted 03/24/2014), the City of Brooklyn Center hereby recognizes that the location and design of buildings, roadways and public spaces all influence Active Living. The city hereby further recognizes that planning throughout the city and for dedicated redevelopment areas should adhere to certain fundamental principles, which include the following and related active living principles: 1. The planning, design and redevelopment of tracts within the city’s Opportunity Site should be in the form of complete and integrated communities, which may contain a mix of new housing, shops, work places, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily life of the residents. 2. New plans and developments within the city’s Opportunity Site size should be designed so that housing, jobs, daily needs and other activities are within easy walking and bicycling distance of each other. 3. New development should contain as many active living elements and improvements as possible, especially new trails, bike lanes and sidewalks, which are interconnected and located within easy walking distance of transit stops and trails connecting to major metropolitan destinations. City of Brooklyn Center expanded on these principles by requesting the following of developers: A. Locate a mix of uses in close proximity to encourage fewer automobile trips; B. Build the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that accommodates these forms of transportation; and C. Assure that residents have access to recreational areas and mass transit. The following guidelines and checklist will be used by the City of Brooklyn Center to help identify specific elements and achievable alternatives for incorporating active living design and improvements within the Opportunity Site area of the city. These guidelines and check-list are intended to be flexible, but will be analyzed and measured according to a points system, which will be used to determine the functionality, sustainability and suitability of any new development site(s) within this dedicated Opportunity Site area. Ideally, the proposed development should seek and attain a perfect score of 85 points. However, a number of 50 or higher is acceptable and will be given consideration to certain design standards as needed. Based on the total number indicated on this checklist, the City will consider and support an adjustment to the required parking standards or required number of vehicle spaces if a development demonstrates or provides on-site bicycle parking elements and improvements. City of Brooklyn Center -Business and Development – 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy – Brooklyn Center MN 55430 (763) 569-3300 Planning Application – Opportunity Site Only Page 3 08/31/2015 ACTIVE LIVING DESIGN for OPPORTUNITY SITE DEVELOPMENT CHECK-LIST BUILDING DESIGN Buildings should be oriented and designed at an appropriate scale to frame and enclose the adjacent streets or right-of- ways, provide opportunities for pedestrians to enter and access buildings; with ideal access to pedestrian level infrastructure and elements. 1. Proposed Buildings are being built near the front street (ROW) line wherever possible, with entrances situated or located along this front edge. 5 2. Proposed Buildings are sited in ways to make the entries or intended uses clear to and convenient for pedestrians. 5 3. Proposed Buildings are connected to public streets via sidewalks that are part of the development. 5 4. Pedestrian level building windows front the street and entrances are well-lit for user security. 5 5. Proposed parking lots are encouraged to be underground, in parking structures or located behind buildings if possible; and designed to be facilitate shared parking between uses. 5 6. Proposed building locations and site connectivity decisions are made using CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles, including connection to well-lit sidewalks that are buffered by street trees or other amenities. 5 Sub-Total Points (A): PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS 1. Parking facilities are designed to accommodate safe pedestrian and bicycle access to the buildings. 5 2. Building site has sidewalks and crosswalks to connect parking to building entrances, and to allow for safe pedestrian movement through the parking lot. 5 3. Pedestrian connectivity is incorporated to link buildings within the site. 5 4. Pedestrian connections should be made to the existing public sidewalk system. 5 5. Benches or seating is being provided for residents, visitors, and/or pedestrians. 5 6. Striping and signage of crosswalks is being provided at all intersections. 5 7. Outdoor seating areas and outdoor sales areas should be planned or incorporated where appropriate to foster placemaking. Such areas shall utilize a unified theme and approach to the defining elements (structural elements, railings, shading, paving, lighting, landscaping) for the creation of these exterior spaces. 5 Sub-Total Points (B): BICYCLE CONNECTIONS City will consider and support an adjustment to the required parking standards or required number of vehicle spaces if a development demonstrates or provides on-site bicycle parking. Please see Hennepin County’s 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan for more information: http://www.hennepin.us/bikeplan. See Appendix F for the county’s bicycle parking guidelines on current bike rack designs, recommended bike parking locations, etc. 1. Bike parking is being provided in close proximity to primary building entrances or in prominent areas that serve multiple businesses. 5 2. Bike racks are being installed that supports the wheel and frame of the bike. 5 3. Indoor bicycle racks, controlled-access bicycle storage room, bicycle lockers, and bicycle corrals are provided as secure parking options for long term bike parking. . 5 4. Trail connections are planned and connected to the existing bicycle and trail networks. 5 Sub-Total Points (C): TOTAL POINTS: A ________ + B ________ + C ________ = City of Brooklyn Center -Business and Development – 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy – Brooklyn Center MN 55430 (763) 569-3300 Planning Application – Opportunity Site Only Page 4 08/31/2015 City Use Only City Use Only City Use Only ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Planning Commission Recommendation Dates of PC Consideration Legal Notice Published Notices Mailed Action Taken Approved Resolution No. _____Approved _____ Denied this _________ day of ____________________________ 20 _________, subject to the following conditions: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ Chairman City Council Action Dates of Council Consideration Legal Notice Published Notices Mailed Action Taken Approved Resolution No. Performance Bond Received _____ Approved _____ Denied this _________ day of _____________________________ 20 ________, with the following amendment: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Clerk/Planning Commission Secretary 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 DATE: October 1, 2015 TO: Chair Randall Christensen and City Planning Commissioners FROM: Gary Eitel, Business and Development Director Tim Benetti, Planning & Zoning Specialist SUBJECT: Concept Plan of the proposed “The Sanctuary of Brooklyn Center” – senior assisted living facility at 6121 Brooklyn Blvd. (former Cars/w/ Heart site) Background: On March 9, 2015, the City Council/EDA discussed the potential sale and redevelopment of approximately 5.5 acres of EDA owned properties, located at 6121, 6107 and 6101 Brooklyn Boulevard for an affordable assisted care senior apartment development consisting of the following: • a four story apartment building with 140, one-bedroom senior assisted care units; and • a one story building with 24 studio units offering specialized assisted care for seniors. The City Council/EDA reviewed a conceptual plan overlaid on an aerial photograph of the site and a narrative provided by SCA Properties and Evergreen Real Estate Development Corporation describing their plans to develop and operate an affordable assisted senior housing project using Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Medicaid Elderly Waiver reimbursements. The City Council/EDA determined the conceptual development illustrated by SCA Properties was consistent with the EDA’s development vision for this site, and that Staff was directed to proceed with negotiating with SCA Properties for the development of an affordable assisted care senior housing project. As part of city planning staffs’ on-going efforts with SCA/Evergreen, the City has now received an updated concept plan that we would like to present to the Commission for preliminary review and comments. There is no official planning commission application filed with the City on this concept plan or housing project; so the discussion by the Planning Commission will bear no official actions or recommendations. At the October 1st meeting, planning staff will present general specifications and details of the project, and address any questions or concerns the commissioners may have on this plan. Th e S a n c t u a r y a t B r o o k l y n C e n t e r The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center The Sanctuary at Brooklyn Center 35 Staff Stalls Deliveries 39 Guest Stalls Landscape and Walking Trails (to be designed) B R O O K L Y N B L V D 62ND AVE 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 DATE: October 1, 2015 TO: Chair Randall Christensen and City Planning Commissioners FROM: Gary Eitel, Business and Development Director Tim Benetti, Planning & Zoning Specialist SUBJECT: Concept Plan of a proposed new housing development by Sand Company for the Opportunity Site Background: On April 27, 2015, the City Council adopted the 2016 Strategic Priorities and 2016 -2018 Strategic Plan, which identified Targeted Redevelopment as one of the City’s strategic priorities. One of these priorities identified the completion of the 1st phased redevelopment of the southern portion of the Opportunity Site. This redevelopment calls for a mixed-use residential and commercial redevelopment of the former Brookdale Square and Brookdale Ford commercial properties. The strategy to achieve this priority includes the following actions initiated by the EDA: - complete the demolition of the vacant Brookdale Square buildings and the former Brookdale Ford site; - complete the master planning of all infrastructure improvements for a multi phased planned unit development; - establish a tax increment redevelopment district and financial strategies to enable the completion of all necessary infrastructure improvements; - enter into development agreements with a qualified developer for the phased development of 500-600 apartment units consistent with the City’s vision and master planning of the Opportunity Site and a qualified commercial developer for the development of approximately 5 acres of complimentary retail businesses & services. A target within the 2016-2018 Strategic Plan is that the first phase development of approximately 120-150 market rate apartment units will commence. At this time, the city has entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement, whereby the city will serve as the Master Developer of the Opportunity Site, and Sand Development LLC will serve as the redeveloper, builder and manager of the residential component of this development. The agreement identifies additional and certain roles and responsibilities of each party. Meanwhile, it is anticipated the City/EDA will undertake or provide the following: Page 2 of 2 ___________________________________________ 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 (a) develop preliminary Site design schemes for the public improvements including streets and street scape, parks and trails and utilities including water, sewer and storm water (retention and treatment); (b) develop preliminary total development cost budgets for the public improvements for the Site and financing options; (c) conduct traffic studies related to the Site and Improvements; and (d) develop preliminary design schemes for the commercial redevelopment. The preparation of a Development Agreement in February-March of 2016 would enable a 1st phase construction schedule to occur next year. The City has also identified the use of Tax Increment Financing to undertake the infrastructure improvements in order to provide a source of revenue that should enable an investment into the vision and preferred direction of the City and its redevelopment goals for the Opportunity Site. The attached sketch conceptually illustrates how 600 apartment units within 7 apartment buildings having a parking ratio of 1 underground and 1 surface parking stall per unit could be laid out on the EDA’s 32 acres. At the October 1st meeting, planning staff will present general specifications and details of the project, and address any questions or concerns the commissioners may have on this plan.