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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10-15 PCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA OCTOBER 15, 15 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:01 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randy Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), John MacMillan, Carlos Morgan (arrived at 7:33 p.m.), Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. 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 Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the agenda for the October 15, 2015 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—OCTOBER 15,2015 There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the October 15, 2015 meeting as amended by staff. The motion passed unanimously. 5. 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. 6. PLANNING ITEMS 6.a.) CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION CONCERNING CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROPOSALS OFTHE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER PC Minutes 10-15-15 Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti provided a. map depicting the new TIF District #6 and explained the development concept, which proposes a senior housing and assisted living area called The Sanctuary of Brooklyn Center, which would contain 164 units. He stated that part of the TIF process is that the Planning Commission determine whether or not the proposed development plan associated with the new TIF District is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that because the property is a PUD C2 District, nursing care homes and other similar uses are permitted. Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel stated that. the PUD will be amended and will include the City Council's finding that the senior housing project is similar in nature to a nursing home. He provided information and history regarding the TIF districts, agreements and process. Chair Christensen invited the developer's representative to come forward to address the Commission. Melodic Bridgeman, Consultant with HM Collaborative, the proposed developer, stated that they are working on a similar design in West St. Paul and they are excited about the partnership with the City. They believe there is a great market and need for affordable assisted living housing and they hope to be back in front of the Commission with their plans in December. Chair Christensen opened the discussion for Commissioners and stated that he had met earlier with Mr. Eitel who answered his questions regarding TIF districts, which included the location of the City's TIF Districts; the creation of TIF boundaries; and spending of the TIF dollars within a district. He asked if the resolution is conforming to the Minnesota state statutes providing for the creation of a TIF District. Mr. Eitel replied that the resolution was prepared by the City's attorney and the Planning Commission administers the Comprehensive Plan. Chair Christensen asked if a special use permit will be applied for. Mr. Eitel replied that he believed that going forward there will be an amendment to the PUD site plan with a special use permit for senior housing. Chair Christensen asked how this impacts the properties the City does not own. Mr. Eitel replied that TIF dollars can be used to purchase the properties. He stated that the City has reserved the 6107 site pending confirmation that there is sufficient parking and that ultimately the City will make the decision on how the 61st Avenue entrance to the neighborhood will best serve the City because the City owns the property. He stated that land use on the properties the City owns will be looked at in the next Comprehensive Plan process. Chair Christensen asked if the PUD C2 zoning encompasses the entire TIF District. Mr. Eitel explained the zoning within the TIF District. He stated that when the site plan and zoning is developed for this project, the Commission will be asked for its opinion about future use of the property on the 61 st Avenue. The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the resolution. PC Minutes 10-15-15 -2- ACTION TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO, 2015-09 CONCERNING CERTAIN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PROPOSALS OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN AND FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to Adopt the Proposed RESOLUTION NO. 2015-09 Concerning Certain Redevelopment Project Areas and Tax Increment Financing Proposals of the City of Brooklyn Center and. the Economic Development Authority In and For the City Of Brooklyn Center Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Morgan, Schonning, Sweeney, and Tade And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The City Council will consider the resolution and will hold a public hearing at its October 26, 2015 meeting. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7.a.) CONTINUATION F PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT LANGUAGE REGARDING REDUCED SETBACKS FOR PORCHES AN DECKS IN SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES Mr. Benetti stated that he is presenting background on the ordinance amendment for the new commissioners for their information and to get their feedback. He stated that staff received a request by a Councilmember to allow for an open porch in a front yard. The current setback is 30-35 feet and they have had cases where residents want to put porches on but they can't because of the setback. He stated that the Planning Commission has identified deck parameters and established a new definition for an enclosed porch. He showed a diagram of an allowable encroachment and stated that the Commission has allowed for screening on the porch but no windows because the point is to allow for people to have an open deck or covered porch. He showed the Commission various examples of existing open decks and porches. He stated that the ordinance amendment will be brought back before the Planning Commission and the goal is to have something in place by the end of the year. Commissioner MacMillan asked if a patio is allowed. Mr. Benetti replied affirmatively. Commissioner MacMillan asked about a pergola. Mr. Benetti stated that a pergola is exempt from the setback standards. Commissioner Morgan stated that he understood concerns that the porches would not be utilized properly, but he feels that people that are investing in the structures are going to do them well to attempt to increase the value of their home. PC Minutes 10-15-15 -3- Mr. Benetti talked about the history of the City's setback ordinances and stated that the City is trying to encourage the active living concept. Commissioner Morgan asked about what has happened in the past when someone wanted to encroach upon the setback. Mr. Benetti replied that residents would have to go through a variance process. He stated that historically the City Council has felt that the setback is sufficient and most residents dont pursue a variance. He stated that he has allowed for people to rebuild their stoop and has allowed for front steps and landings as an allowable encroachment. He stated that b by 4 feet is a typical landing and is ADA compliant. Commissioner Morgan confirmed that a patio becomes something different when windows and posts are added. Mr. Benetti replied affirmatively and stated that a roofline extension with supporting posts is considered an extension of the home and needs to meet a setback. Commissioner Morgan asked how some homes in the City came to have a different setback. Mr. Benetti replied that it was the preference of the builder and the goal is to keep a good measure of setback. Chair Christensen stated that he was confused about why the words "or unattached" were deleted in the second draft of the "PORCH, UNENCLOSED" paragraph of the ordinance amendment. Mr. Benetti stated that a deck closer than six feet to the dwelling is considered attached by building code definitions and the setback rules are applicable to porches that are attached to the dwelling. Chair Christensen confirmed that the ordinance amendment is addressing decks on the front of the home where there is main access to the home. Mr. Benetti replied affirmatively and that the point is to give an additional allowance in the front yard. Commissioner Tade asked how residents would be informed of the change. Mr. Benetti replied that the revised ordinance will be put in the newspaper and the City's newsletter. Commissioner MacMillan asked if the Commission could vote on the ordinance amendment tonight. Mr. Benetti explained the ordinance amendment process. 7.b.} REVIEW THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AN PROJECTS MAP FOR 2015 Mr. Eitel stated that his goal was to provide Commission members with information in the next few meetings about past, current and future community development activities. Chair Christensen suggested using a small lot that seems somewhat unusable on the upper NE corner of the Opportunity Site for a brewpub. He suggested possibly working out a shared parking lot with the Minnesota School of Business. Chair Christensen also stated he has reservations about the density of apartments on the Opportunity Site and cited apartments on PC Minutes 10-15-15 -4- Zane Avenue in Brooklyn Park as a basis for his concern. Mr. Eitel assured Chair Christensen that staff would assuage his concerns as the project moves forward. Commissioner MacMillan asked who was responsible for implementing a 2016 map. Mr. Eitel replied that staff puts it together and discussion took place regarding the benefit of the map. 8. OTHER BUSINESS None at this time. 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m. STATE OF MINNESOTA ) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER ) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and assigned Secretary to the Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Regular Session of the Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center held on October 15, 2015. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the Planning Commission approved said minutes at its October 29 2015 regular meeting. Tim Benetti, Secretary Randall Christensen, Chair PC Minutes 10-15-15 -5-