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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 07-09 CCM Joint Work Session with the Planning CommissionMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT WORK SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION JULY 9, 2018 CITY HALL - COUNCIL/COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM 1.CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Joint Work Session with the Planning Commission and the session was called to order by Mayor Tim Willson at 5:00 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Mayor Tim Willson and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, April Graves, Kris Lawrence- Anderson (arrived at 5:32 p.m.), and Dan Ryan. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Deputy City Manager Reggie Edwards, Community Development Director Meg Beekman, Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, and Carla Wirth, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. Others present were Planning Commission Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. Planning Commissioner Abraham Rizvi was absent. 3. JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DISCUSSION Mayor Willson thanked the Planning Commission for their work on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Director Meg Beekman summarized the presentation that will be made tonight including a compressed presentation followed by rapid fire questions and answers with a follow up at a future Work Session meeting during which more information will be received. Jennifer Haskamp, AICP, Owner and Principal Planner with Swanson Haskamp Consulting + Planning (SHC), LLC, introduced herself and recognized the Planning Commission for their work on this document. She reviewed the topics to be covered tonight, noting anything missed will be discussed and covered at the next Work Session. Ms. Haskamp described the purpose of a Comp Plan to establish goals, strategies, and a long-range plan for the City. Comp Plans are required by the Metropolitan Council along with a 20-point checklist that must be followed. She explained their intent to address the checklist items while assuring a balance the City feels good about and wants to use to do a better job. Ms. Haskamp explained the checklist and draft Comp Plan get submitted to adjacent jurisdictions for a six-month review. Following that, the draft Comp Plan is submitted to the Met Council for 07/09/18 -1- review. She stated the 2015 System Statement from the Met Council identifies forecasts for housing and employment by 2040. The Comp Plan needs to be drafted to meet that 2040 estimate. Jay Demma, AICP with Perkins + Will, highlighted key facts, forecasts, and finding contained in the Background Report that shows a current snapshot and what the Comp Plan is being built from. He reviewed the population growth rates from 1970-2040, showing most growth by Baby Boomers in the 1960s. He noted there is an expectation of consistent population growth, similar to Hennepin County until 2040 at which time the City exceeds it. This is, in part, cyclical because aging populations are replaced by younger populations with families. Mayor Willson noted an increase in population can also occur due to higher vertical density. Mr. Demma presented the 2016 age distribution of population, household, and family types showing an increase in those with children. He next reviewed community diversity showing racial and ethnic groups that are well represented in Brooklyn Center when compared to the rest of the metro area. This may show potential challenges and barriers for them to integrate into the community if language is a barrier. However, since 2010 the number of those who do not speak- English well or at all has decreased. Mr. Demma reviewed median incomes and poverty levels, noting peak incomes occur when resident's age hits 45-64 and then income declines through retirement years. He explained the overall poverty increase can also be a reflection of the fact the City has a younger population and not yet in the life cycle of higher incomes. Councilmember Graves suggested that diversity also plays a part in that. Mr. Demma agreed that can be the case. He then displayed a map depicting areas of income categories, noting it does not show pockets of affluence. Ms. Haskamp called attention that when looking at block group levels and looking for patterns, such as poverty thresholds, it groups more than by block group, creating and including large swaths of area. Because of that, it does not tell the full story of what is going on in the neighborhoods but it does tell the relationship between transit market areas because they are not as heavily funded or served by the Met Council. Mr. Demma stated the data includes number of cars per household and how transit dependent those residents are. He explained that transit investments should be concentrated in areas of transit dependency. Councilmember Ryan stated having done an extensive and broad-based survey of the City, he has seen in driveways of single-family homes and multi-family parking lots repeated examples of cars sitting with expired tabs, some being inoperative vehicles. He stated residents hold them because they cannot afford to repair or replace them at this time, which anecdotally correlates to that last point. He noted the absence of mass transit to serve that population is acutely apparent. Mayor Willson stated they also cannot afford to get rid of those vehicles. 07/09/18 -2- Ms. Haskamp stated the graphic depicting households with no vehicles and pockets of higher poverty all have vehicles because they need one since there is not frequent transit choices. She explained this shows a relationship between what you intuitively think should be happening and what is not. Mr. Demma stated another consideration is the high cost to own a car when your income is low to begin with. Ms. Haskamp used a map to point out the alignment of the new transit line and existing transit lines, noting they do not show the frequency at which they run. She stated the northeast area does not receive as frequent of service as other areas, which can be patterned depending on how fast, frequent, and reliable the transit is. Ms. Haskamp noted with the first piece in the discussion guide outline, they have identified there would be up to 2,216 new households between now and 2040. For Brooklyn Center, that is a big number and needs to be discussed in how that works in relationship with the market. Mr. Demma stated going out to 2040, that is 100 households per year, a sizeable apartment building or 10 blocks of new single-family units. City Manager Curt Boganey asked for elaboration on the underlying assumptions indicating that household growth. Mr. Demma explained the Met Council looks at historic trends throughout the metro area, which overtime has experienced steady growth, so they feel confident looking at historic trends. Going out 20 years, the Met Council looks where in the region that housing is expected to occur. One thing is shifting household types from aging population into maintenance free housing, the cultural dynamic of younger persons with digital focus and preference to live in areas closer to transit, mix of uses to walk to job and entertainment, and the dynamic behind housing costs. Also, because of the severe housing bust, and that younger populations are more reluctant to purchase a house. Brooklyn Center is centralized in the region and with an employment community, they will experience more housing growth. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson arrived at 5:32 p.m. Mr. Demma next addressed market considerations, noting across the country the rental market is extremely tight today so rents are rising rapidly, typically up to 10% year after year. This makes it difficult for folks to stay in their housing over time. So, within the region, development of new rental housing has focused in the central city and select neighborhoods but is now moving to suburban areas as that market is reaching saturation in core cities. In addition, strong job growth fuels rental demand. Mr. Demma noted the for-sale housing market has recovered from the bust that occurred 10 years ago but there is still a low supply of homes for sale and in particular with the entry housing market so prices are bit up and affordability is lower. Mr. Demma stated when first looked at, the Brooklyn Center prices were still below the pre-bust peak but those prices have increased in the last year and are now above the 2006 peak. Single 07/09/18 -3- family construction has lagged but is now starting to pick up and condominiums/townhomes are well behind the pre-bust pace. Mr. Demma reviewed market trends with retail, noting that industry is currently undergoing major changes due to the slow growth amongst major retailers and the greater emphasis of selling an experience as compared to selling a good. He also reviewed office market trends that show fewer square feet needed per worker so less demand for space with a greater emphasis on locations near transit and neighborhood amenities, less emphasis on campuses or districts, and increase in telecommuting. Ms. Haskamp explained the process used by the Planning Commission to derive the goals and strategies by review of the Background Report, market considerations, and development of a framework to start with. Then an analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) was added to the structure to determine priority. Topics and themes then emerged such as community image, land use and redevelopment components, the housing component, which rose to the top due to Met Council projections and interest in the condition of the current housing stock and neighborhoods. The Planning Commission created a 15-page list of items that were then prioritized. Ms. Haskamp used the idea of Brooklyn Center being centrally located and accessible by car due to freeways and major thoroughfares. That idea turned discussion to consider how that shapes the community, especially since it is known that younger populations want to live by mass transit. Ms. Haskamp stated another idea is that if everyone is always going out because of the freeways and major thoroughfares, the question is how to get people to come and stay in Brooklyn Center. Another discussion was on the diversity of the community and the significant change that occurred in how your neighbors look, how to use it to promote the City as an interesting place to be, how to embrace that and make housing stock more accessible and livable, and how that marries into business. The issue of business incubators, how to create it, and where it goes was another big discussion by the Planning Commission. Chair Christensen stated they used to have Brookdale, which was the destination draw, but now the City is trying to figure out destination with the projected growth and how to attract and set up the businesses. He stated the St. Louis Park West End has commercial up front and the parking ramp in the back, getting people in and out, which was also a big discussion. Councilmember Graves stated she has talked about business incubators since before she served on the City Council so she is happy it is being discussed. Ms. Haskamp stated she attended Holly Sunday and Earle Brown Days and a number of people communicated the desire to have small businesses, local restaurants, and a place for local entrepreneurs and Artisans to do their craft so there is a clear desire to provide that type of space. Mr. Demma described the creative adaptation of existing buildings, such as a lumber company, and how it can work really well for a market environment. Mayor Willson stated Boston also has a lot of incubator business spaces. He stated the City 07/09/18 -4- Council hosted a Pop Up Saturday and is looking for space in The Crossings to find a more permanent location for entrepreneurs starting out. Mr. Boganey asked what is driving this interest in small incubator shops and to what extent the critical mass is population around those spaces for the economic success of an incubator. He also asked what income levels play into that success. Mr. Demma stated he is not an expert in creating that type of business plan but traditionally, with retail space, inevitably the owner is looking for credit worthy tenants. That, by in large, is a national retailer who comes to the table with deep pockets and amazing credit resources so they are able to sign a ten-year lease. However, in this internet age, the credit worthy retailer model is shifting to on-line sales. Where the innovation happens is small entrepreneurial, family-owned businesses that know the local market but the barrier to entry is an issue. Mr. Demma explained that finding how to lower that barrier can include temporary spaces, supportive subsidized spaces, or working with non-profits, but they all take a lot of effort. Mayor Willson stated in New York, when Bloomberg was the Mayor, they looked at their small businesses, incubator spaces, and laid out blocks for small businesses with few employees. At that time, it was indicated that 60% of growth in jobs and new jobs was coming from new businesses. Councilmember Ryan commented on why areas with an overabundance of obsolete but salvageable structures should not be over looked. He noted Northeast Minneapolis had substandard housing and there was critical mass of young people who wanted to do those things who were also involved in the arts. It worked in Northeast Minneapolis because Minneapolis-St. Paul has long had a recognizable music scene, theater, and plastic arts. In addition, it has long been recognized that an old industrial building can be leased cheaply and then you can undertake art production. This has exploded in Northeast Minneapolis as seen at the Art Crawl. Councilmember Ryan noted if those elements are on the ground and present, it can occur. But to start business incubators in Brooklyn Center, there would need to be initial funding to start them. Mayor Willson described the French Quarter in Quebec that has old houses with commercial businesses on the first floor, noting Boston has similar areas. He agreed that Brooklyn Center does not have that type of old structure buildings so the City would have to go from the ground up. Councilmember Ryan noted the storefronts behind the Target strip mall could perhaps be considered, Mayor Willson stated that mall has been looked at by several groups. Mr. Boganey asked whether folks are asking for more accessible businesses, different kinds of retail opportunities, jobs, or the opportunity to build a business, noting depending on the issue an incubator business may or may not be the answer. He stated the City has strict regulations for home businesses and while that is the most economical way for that to happen, it changes neighborhoods. Ms. Haskamp stated from an anecdotal perspective, what makes some incubator spaces work is the identification of gap in a small geographic area that a resident thinks they can fill. It may not be the need for formal space but being able to work from home, if there are structures large enough to accommodate that such as an attached/detached garage space. 07/09/18 -5- Ms. Haskamp explained the goals and strategies indicate the answer is not fully known at this point. She stated if retail has changed significantly, then what is Brooklyn Center if not Brookdale. Ms. Haskamp stated when asked, that is when ideas come forward about the type of incubator space, neighborhood nodes, or converting houses along a street for retail use. Councilmember Graves stated she has an intuitive connection and agrees a move towards creating an experience over selling a good is a consideration. She stated people want a space where they can work with another and help someone fill a gap. She stated she has defended when residents defined as 'black-owned food trucks' and wants to assure it calls out people to support those vendors. Ms. Haskamp stated people prefer to go to a locally-owned restaurant over a national chain, even if the food is not that great, because they want to support local people. Ms. Haskamp stated part of the strategies identified need to talk about maybe not having the answer so a strategy is needed to figure it out. She asked how it is learned what the community really wants, needs, a community gathering space, during what season, and what type of facility they need for their business. Ms. Haskamp explained the Comp Plan can lay out those strategies, perhaps establishing a task force to engage entrepreneurs and find out what they need and want and how it can be supported through policies and zoning, which is part 2 in the process. Ms. Haskamp presented the goal statement action words, noting each is ranked in one of three categories: no commitment of financial investment, may include financial investment, or commitment to financial investment, if needed. Financial investment can also include staff resources and policy directives. As a homework assignment, she asked those present to focus on the action words and determine whether they are correctly ranked. She also asked them to determine whether something is missing. Ms. Beekman stated the City Council will receive an electronic version of this information along with instructions on items to review before the next Work Session. Mayor Willson agreed with the importance of refining the Comp Plan language before the City Council commits additional resources. Councilmember Graves asked what was discussed around youth, the City's biggest population. Ms. Haskamp stated nothing targets kids, but in her opinion, kids are little people and covered in many goals and strategies when you think about setting aspirations. She stated they are part of the City's fabric, noting the Plan language also does not separate out seniors. Councilmember Graves stated she would like to address growth of young people into 2040 as it relates to economics, access to jobs, and skills. Mayor Willson reviewed a meeting he attended with other community representatives where they discussed how to work more cooperatively with schools to assure youth have life skills as well. Councilmember Graves stated the City has made some steps and she wants to assure that is 07/09/18 -6- supported and expanded to meet the City's needs. Commissioner Sweeny asked Ms. Haskamp to talk about the input she received from kids during Heritage Days. Ms. Haskamp stated the best feedback she receives is from kids because they are willing to say things their parents won't say and 75% of Heritage Days and Holly Sunday responses were from kids. At Heritage Days, people were asked to write on flags what they hope for or want for the community in 2040 and housing was one of the topics. One kid said his mom can't find a place to rent that has enough bedrooms so if there were places with more bedrooms and they wouldn't have to share a bedroom, it would be cool. Ms. Haskamp asked whether the City's housing stock matches the resident's needs. Another fellow, when asked about housing, took a flag, sketched a bungalow, and wrote 'bungalow' on it. When asked how a 10-year old knew what that was, he said he had watched a design show and they seemed like nice houses so the City should have more of them. Ms. Haskamp noted kids' responses are reflected in this language. Mayor Willson stated they are very bright and already thinking about their future. Ms. Haskamp stated the last and important piece is identifying areas for redevelopment and mixed- use designations. Mayor Willson commented on the City's Overlay District, which has been a strategic piece for a number of years and agreed it should be looked at to determine whether it should be changed or things done differently. Ms. Haskamp used a map to point out the overlay corridor that will have a land use to regulate/guide and be an added layer of refinement. She asked if areas not directly on Brooklyn Boulevard should be included, noting that adds the issue of penetrating into residential neighborhoods. It is currently depicted at 500 feet in width so that takes in the full block. This overlay would not obligate taking in all of that land but allows consideration of it with performance and design standards included that have to be addressed to protect single-family residences. If considered, she suggested the corridor be wide enough to be successful. Mayor Willson asked if it should be wide enough to provide a buffer between uses. Ms. Haskamp stated she is buffer averse and prefers to address that concern through design guidelines and uses. Chair Christensen stated Ms. Haskamp has done a good job of including the 2030 Comp Plan pieces and urged reading that information to create context. Ms. Beckman stated staff will send out an electronic draft this week as well as the questions to be raised this evening for a more robust discussion at the next Work Session. Mayor Willson suggested the City Council attend an upcoming Planning Commission meeting so there is enough time for discussion. Ms. Haskamp thanked those present for taking time for this presentation and review. 07/09/18 -7- 4. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Willson adjourned the Joint Work Session at 6:33 p.m. 07/09/18 STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1.That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of the City Council from the City of Brooklyn Center Joint Work Session with Planning Commission held on July 9, 2018. 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 City Council adopted said minutes at its July 23, 2018, Regular Session. &WL1!U City Clerk Mayor 07/09/18 -9-