HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 04-26 PCM WSMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION
APRIL 26, 2018
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:30 p.m.
Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Stephen Schonning, and Susan
Tade were present. Commissioner Jack MacMillan was absent and excused. Commissioner
Abraham Rizvi was absent and unexcused. Also present were Community Development
Director, Meg Beekman, Jennifer Haskamp of Swanson-Haskamp Consultants, and Michaela
Kujawa-Daniels of TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
3. 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS
Jennifer Haskamp of Swanson-Haskamp Consultants (SHC) provided an overview of the
information previously discussed at the last meeting on March 29, 2018. She reviewed the
tabulations of the SWOT Analysis (Strengths -Weaknesses -Opportunities -Threats) and noted the
tabulations do not include the two Commissioners who submitted their responses at a later time
due to their being absent at the first meeting; the other Commissioners have since completed the
survey.
Ms. Haskamp reviewed a map of the City with the Commissioners and asked them to mark
locations and landmarks that were familiar to them. This was to easily identify each area of the
map and orientate the Commissioners. The Commissioners marked all the roads they use
frequently as well as parks and nature trails.
Ms. Haskamp asked the Commissioners what words come to mind when they think about the
area of Brooklyn Center in which they live.
Commissioner Koenig stated the he feels pride when he thinks about Brooklyn Center.
Commissioner Schonning stated food, and a diversity of cultures, ages, and races, come to mind.
Commissioner Sweeney stated the City has a lot of access, but at the same time, all of the access
and roadways dissect the city and separate it into subsections that most people don't travel out
of.
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Ms. Haskamp stated the things the Commissioners have identified as what they feel Brooklyn
Center is to them has nothing to do with commercialization. She stated at the last meeting
Brookdale (Mall) kept coming up as something they needed to get back on some level to make
the City better, but then noted all the things they have stated tonight, that make Brooklyn Center
home for them, have nothing to do with large commercialization, as was discussed last time with
the former Brookdale Mall.
Ms. Haskamp asked what the Commissioners feel could solve some of the problems or issues
they have with the City.
Commissioner Koenig stated he thinks having more food places and putting them into different
neighborhoods in Brooklyn Center would be nice.
Chair Christensen stated it is a hassle to get from one side of the City to the other, noting
accessibility within the City is a problem. He stated he feels it may be why people sometimes
travel outside of the City to neighboring places and cities to get what they need because it is a
straight shot from point A to B, unlike in Brooklyn Center, where you have to go in roundabout
ways to get anywhere.
Discussion ensued regarding the future of the City, including neighborhood identity,
transportation modes and corridors, and areas that will likely change over time.
Ms. Haskamp lastly asked the Commissioners to circle the areas on the map in which they feel
will change the most in the next 20 years, noting those areas will be the starting point for the next
discussion at the next meeting.
4. ADJOURNMENT OF WORK SESSION
There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to
adjourn the Planning Commission Work Session meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The
meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Ginny McIn osh, Secretary
PC Minutes — Work Session
04-26-18
Randall Christensen, Chair
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