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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 05-26 PCM104 KINW119TIM, 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:00 p.m. Chair Randy Christensen, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, and Rochelle Sweeney were present. Commissioner Alexander Koenig (arrived 7:02 p.m.) and Commissioner Carlos Morgan (arrived 7:22 p.m.). Commissioner Susan Tade was absent and excused. Also present were the Secretary to the Planning Commission Tim Benetti, Director of Business & Development Gary Eitel, and Michaela Kujawa-Daniels, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to approve the agenda for the May 26, 2016 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MAY 12, 2016 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2016 meeting as submitted. 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 APPLICATION ITEMS 119H WINIM-21I' 1' 3 • Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2016-003, Consideration of a Site and Building Plan for a 34 -Unit Senior Independent Living Facility — part of Phase II of the 2012 Maranatha PC Minutes 05-26-16 -1- Homes Planned Unit Development. (See Planning Commission Report dated 05-26-2016 for Application No. 2016-003.) 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. Secretary to the Planning Commission Benetti provided a presentation, with project layout, highlights and brief analysis of the new development comprehended under Planning Application No. 2016-003 for the Commission. Mr. Benetti noted staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2016-003, Site and Building Plan for a 34 -Unit Senior Independent Living Facility — part of Phase II of the 2012 Maranatha Homes Planned Unit Development, with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the Resolution. Mr. Benetti stated Mr. John Mehrkens with Senior Housing Partners and Presbyterian Homes is present and has his own PowerPoint presentation to show. Mr. Benetti asked Chair Christensen if he would like to have that shown prior to or after the open forum. Chair Christensen replied he would like to see the presentation first and invited the Applicant forward. Mr. John Mehrkens with Senior Housing Partners, the developing arm for Presbyterian Homes, gave a presentation outlining their vision, values and status on the proposed project. He stated they provide care to just over 37,599 older adults each year within the community, with the majority of their residents being low income. He stated they are looking forward to being able to provide services to more community members. He also noted the architect for the project, Mr. Greg Woollums (with Pope Architects) is present to take any questions or comments as well. Chair Christensen stated he wanted to open the public forum next and would ask questions upon hearing their statements and input. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2016-003 Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter; and called for comments from the public. There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2016-003, at 7:25 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Arvid "Bud" Sorenson, 6901 Toledo Avenue North, Brooklyn Center - stated he has lived across street from the Maranatha Home for 44 years. He stated he has many issues and concerns with the proposed project. He stated the location isn't large enough to accommodate the plan; parking is not adequate as it is currently, and the traffic coming from the location is already an issue and this will exacerbate the problem. He provided pictures of overflow cars that have parked along the streets surrounding the location due to lack of parking spaces devoted to the building. He stated the high traffic coming from the parking lot at the location has caused a lot of safety concerns regarding school aged children going to and from school in the area. He noted people often are seen passing a car on the shoulder to avoid waiting to get through the intersection, PC Minutes 05-26-16 -2- which is a big safety concern. He stated his last issue is that he had trees in the past providing screening his view of the street and buildings surrounding his home and now he only has a sea of cars as his view. He would like to see more screening in place to give the homeowners the privacy and views they should have. Ray Christiansen, 6803 Toledo Avenue North, Brooklyn Center, — stated the most disturbing issue regarding this project is that what they have proposed for the build and what has been done so far do not compare, he stated he feels they have misrepresented the project entirely. He stated he has concerns about the parking accommodations as well. He stated even adding the parking spots proposed for the project, it still won't be adequate. He stated there is not enough land there to accommodate the size building and parking they propose and need. Commissioner MacMillan asked Mr. Mehrkens how many more employees they plan to hire with this expansion. Mr. Mehrkens replied they only anticipate hiring about 3 additional staff members. Commissioner MacMillan stated he is a volunteer at Augustana Care Facility in downtown and noted parking is an issue there as well. He asked if they will have volunteers as well. Mr. Mehrkens replied he believes so, but the needs are yet to be seen. He also stated they plan to change the facility into a long term care facility down the line and anticipate parking will not be an issue in the future. Chair Christensen asked why the parking in the northwest corner of the parking lot is being eliminated. Mr. Mehrkens stated parking along the curved line was not preferred by city engineers and architects; and if additional parking was need, it would be added by the pond (along the south edge). Mr. Benetti stated that in 2012 when this project was presented to the city, the city engineers and planners were not supportive of having or allowing parking along a curved drive lane, especially for vehicles backing out from the stalls. He stated that parking in this northwest area should be considered a "last-ditch" effort if more parking is needed down the line. He noted with the underground parking they are adding and with what is being proposed to add for above ground parking, City Staff all feel it should be adequate this expanded site. Chair Christensen stated he respectfully disagrees with that assessment; and believes the parking proposed will not be adequate. He stated he does understand there are challenges they face like shift -change times when employees are coming and going at the same time in the parking lot; however, he would like the parking issue to be looked at in depth. He stated he believes they owe it to the home owners who live around the building so they are not looking out their windows at a sea of cars. He stated he would like to see Maranatha to find alternatives that would move the parking closer to the existing multi-level buildings to the west instead of the single level homes to the east. Mr. Benetti asked Chair Christensen if he is asking the engineers to reconsider the parking around the curved line. Chair Christensen replied that is correct. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -3- Commissioner Koenig stated he does not see the traffic issue being alleviated in the near future so he agrees that it is a great idea to find a better solution to this situation now instead of waiting for it to be a bigger problem down the line. Commissioner MacMillan asked how many spots they are talking about adding along the curved driveway area. Mr. Benetti stated they could add 14 parking spots. Chair Christensen inquired if the setback requirements have changed. Mr. Benetti replied this site was approved as a PUD -Mixed R -5/R-6 (Planned Unit Development/Multiple Family Residence) in 2012. Structure setbacks for R-5 zones are 35 ft. front, 40 -ft. rear, and 15 ft. sides; while R-6 zone is 50 -ft. front, 40 ft. rear, and 20 -ft. sides. However, where any multi -family zoned development abuts an R-1 or R-2 (single-family or two-family) district, the structure must meet a setback equal to twice the height of the building. Mr. Benetti stated the approved 2012 Maranatha PUD Master Plan illustrated a 100 -foot setback for the 38 -unit (now 34 -unit) senior apartment building. The new building measures between 39'-10' to 48' in overall height. The setback remains at 100 -feet on the updated Master Plan, which meets the required twice -height standards under this PUD. Mr. Benetti further stated this additional setback provides a nice separation and landscaping strip for added buffering between the adjacent neighbors. Chair Christensen stated that leads to his other concern which is screening. He stated he would like to see additional screening considered for the residents to the north (opposite side of 69th Avenue North) as well. Mr. Benetti used an aerial overhead to point out some areas that might accommodate added plantings or screening shrubs. Chair Christensen stated by adding some shrubs or new landscaping along the 69th Avenue right-of-way would be sufficient. Mr. Mehrkens from SHP replied they will accept a condition to add screening and landscaping as the space allows for it. Commissioner Koenig stated he feels the landscaping and screening would not only be beneficial for residents living outside the building, but it will add to the curb appeal value and provide a nice campus feeling to the development. Commissioner Schonning stated his feeling about the parking is that it is mainly the business of the development and as long as it stays out of the neighborhood and confined to the property, it remains their business. He stated he believes the issue they may face is that it will be an issue for the staffing and residents there. He stated he encourages them to put as much parking as they can wedge into the space for the employees and resident's sake. He noted he thinks the place is great and a beautiful space, but would be concerned about their employee satisfaction should they not remedy the parking issue. Chair Christensen echoed Commissioner Schonning's thoughts and added another important point is that while accommodating more parking within the location they need to make sure it does not prohibit emergency vehicle access and spaces. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -4- Mr. Mehrkens stated they acknowledge the recommendations regarding the parking and they certainly want their employees to be happy so they will look into these issues and try to find the best solutions. He noted that when the facility moves to transitional care, he believes the parking issue will be alleviated. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2016-003. The motion passed unanimously. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to approve the application with the following Amendments: 1. Reconsider adding the 14 parking spaces along the curved fire lane in the northwest corner for additional employee parking. 2. Provide screening and landscaping as space allows along 69t" Avenue North. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2016-05 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2016-003 SUBMITTED BY SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016-05 as amended. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Morgan, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its June 13, 2016 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. 1`Ib1W1 C� �1 Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2016-004, consideration of a Variance to Allow Reduced Setbacks for a new 20' x 20' Garage in the R-1 One Family Residence District, located at 5261 Twin Lake Boulevard East. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 05-26-2016 for Application No. 2016-004.) PC Minutes 05-26-16 -5- It was noted that legal notice was published in the local Sun -Post and notice letters were delivered to all neighboring properties within 150 feet of the subject site. Secretary to the Planning Commission Benetti provided a presentation, with project layout, highlights and brief analysis of the variance requested under Planning Application No. 2016-004 for the Commission. Mr. Benetti noted staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2016-004, consideration of a Variance to Allow Reduced Setbacks for a new 20' x 20' Garage in the R-1 One Family Residence District, located at 5261 Twin Lake Boulevard East., with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the Resolution. Chair Christensen asked if Commissioners have any questions for the Applicant. Commissioner Morgan asked Mr. Zdon how long he has owned the residence and asked what the total square footage will be upon completion. Mr. Zdon thanked Commissioner Morgan and replied he has been in the house for 2 years and it has been a lot of work but is a nice house. He stated upon completion it will be approximately 2,000SF. Chair Christensen asked if it will be a 2 car garage and asked if it is a 500 -year floodplain. Mr. Zdon replied it will be a 2 car garage. Mr. Benetti stated the building needs to meet the City's own floodplain ordinance, which provides specific and strict guidelines and standards for any new building in the 100 -year floodplain. Mr. Benetti stated Mr. Zdon is aware of these standards and is willing to accept these as part of any conditions of approvals for this project. Mr. Benetti further stated he has spoken with many residents in this area of Twin Lake, and they have not witnessed or experienced Twin Lake breeching the banks or any major flooding for years. He stated it is not believed to be an issue they will need to deal with. Chair Christensen asked if there will be enough room coming from the driveway to put the proposed doorway in the breezeway. Mr. Benetti replied it will depend on the permit they receive. M r. Zdon noted it is just an idea and he is open to whatever they can accommodate in that space per the permit. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2016-004 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. 2016-004, at 8:36 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen called for comments from the public. There were no individuals in attendance and no comments received at that time. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -6- MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2016-004. 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. 2016-06 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2016-004 SUBMITTED BY MATT ZDON There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016-06. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Morgan, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider the application at its June 13, 2016 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. 1 1 1 11� 1 ' Wel ' 13"R bin ' 1 1 Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2016-006, Consideration of a Special Use Permit for Special Home Occupation of a Silk Screen and Image Printing Business in the R-1 One Family Residence District, located at 5323 Dupont Avenue North. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 05-26-2016 for Application No. 2016-006.) It was noted that legal notice was published in the local Sun -Post and notice letters were delivered to all neighboring properties within 150 feet of the subject site. Secretary to the Planning Commission Benetti provided a presentation, with highlights and brief analysis of the new special use permit as comprehended under Planning Application No. 2016- 006 for the Commission. Mr. Benetti stated Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a recommendation to the City consideration of a Special Use Permit for Special Home Occupation of a Silk Screen and Image Printing Business in the R-1 One Family Residence District, located at 5323 Dupont Avenue North. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -7- Chair Christensen asked if the Applicant wished to step forward and make a statement or add anything to the staff presentation. Chair Christensen asked Mr. Nelson if he plans to expand his business and hire employees at some point. Mr. Nelson replied he has no desire at this time or in the near future to expand and hire employees. Chair Christensen replied in any case he will hope for the success of the business so he will need to hire employees at some point. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2016-006 Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter. There was a motion by Commissioner Morgan, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2016-006, at 8:44 p.m. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen called for comments from the public. There were no individuals in attendance and no comments received at that time. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2016-006. 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. 2016-08 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2016-006 SUBMITTED BY ANTHONY "RICK" NELSON There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 2016-07. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners Koenig, MacMillan, Morgan, Schonning, and Sweeney. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -8- The Council will consider the application at its June 13th, 2016 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 REVIEW 1 LIQUOR LICENSE ORDINANCE ANJI DISCUSSION POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT C INFLUENCING DECISIONS 1 RESTAURANTS 1i' // Mr. Benetti explained this item was brought up by Commissioner MacMillan at the last meeting and it is offered tonight for discussion. Commissioner MacMillan stated his concern is the cost of the liquor license fee. He stated he has gathered the fees of the neighboring cities and the average difference is $8,000 less than Brooklyn Center. He stated Fridley is $8,000, Robbinsdale is $5,500, Maple Grove is $8,000, Crystal is $6,500 and Minneapolis is $10,596. Mr. Eitel stated the problem, he believes, is that the establishments seeking a liquor license don't meet the 50150 food to liquor ratio as well as they don't meet the minimum seating capacity required for a liquor license. He stated this issue has never been challenged and the City has the authority to review these items and decide what is best for the City currently. Commissioner Schonning stated the Millennials are looking for places to go out; they want smaller intimate places that the City doesn't currently have. He stated he doesn't personally drink however; he cares about the development of the community and to provide more of what the general people within the community want, they need to give some smaller businesses the opportunities to bring in those customers. Chair Christensen stated he agrees with Commissioners MacMillan and Schonning. He stated looking at these fees and requirements and making changes as needed may be the answer to opening up more opportunities for the success of more businesses in the City. Mr. Eitel stated there are 11 pad sites in the Shingle Creek Parkway business complex to be built. He stated of those sites, 6 are restaurant sites, so there is room to potentially add more businesses like those in demand there. He noted the City Clerk informed him they have the authority to issue 18 liquor licenses and they haven't utilized them all. Commissioner MacMillan stated he would like to volunteer to assist Mr. Benetti with research or gathering data to get some information useful to these issues they want to address. Mr. Benetti stated he welcomes the assistance. None at this time. PC Minutes 05-26-16 -9- 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 9:16 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 May 26, 2016. 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 June 16, 2016 regular meeting. Y Tim Benetti, Secretary PC Minutes 05-26-16 -10- 9* Randall Christensen, Chair