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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 11-16 PCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 16, 2017 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:02 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, Susan Tade, and Abraham Rizvi were present. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, and Interim Community Development Director Michael Ericson, were also present. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA -NOVEMBER 16, 2017 There was a motion by Commissioner Rizvi, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to approve the agenda for the November 16, 2017, meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 26,2017 There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Rizvi, to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2017, meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 5. CHAIRPERSON'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 6a) Update on Preliminary Plat of Twin Lakes Condo -App No. 2017-009 Property Address: 4747 and 4749 Twin Lake Avenue North PUBLIC HEARING Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh stated the Applicant, Joseph Cheney, is requesting that Planning Application No. 2017-009, which requests approval of a Preliminary Plat, be withdrawn. Ms. McIntosh referred the Commissioners to an email dated November 15, 2017, in which the Applicant (Joseph Cheney) noted that he would be pursuing the establishment of a condominium through the County, rather than the initially proposed subdivision of the PC Minutes 11-16-17 -1- Subject Property into two (2) lots and two dwelling units. This is following conversations held between staff, the Applicant, and the Applicant's engineer, Paul Otto. Chair Christensen inquired as to whether the Subject Property would return to the Planning Commission following establishment of the condominium. Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel clarified that, as it is understood, it would not return to the Planning Commission for review. The process would take place through the County, rather than through the City. As the Subject Property is located within the R2 (Two Family Dwelling) District, the establishment of a condominium formalizes the division of the building into two dwelling units. Ms. McIntosh noted that the condominium process would divide the existing home into two separate units; however, the land would remain intact as common area, rather than subdividing it into two lots. She further explained that the City would have been unable to approve the preliminary plat request without addressing a number of nonconformities on the Subject Property. To address these, the Applicant would likely have needed to apply for a Planned Unit Development, given the number of variance requests that would have been required. As the Applicant is already renovating the interior of the Subject property, this would have delayed the process for approval, were it to be approved. In reviewing the Subject Propeliy, staff identified the existence of a condominium property to the south of the Subject Propeliy. This propeIiy contains two buildings on one lot with two units per building, and is zoned the same as the Subject Property (R2 District). Following a review of this property, and a discussion with the City Attorney, it was determined that the establishment of a condominium would be the best course of action for the Applicant. Chair Christensen inquired as to whether anything would need to be done to formally close the public hearing for Planning Application No. 2017-009. Mr. Eitel stated that it was to his understanding that nothing additional would need to be done given the email received from the Applicant, Joseph Cheney, requesting the application be withdrawn. If the City Attorney decided a formal resolution was needed, the Planning Commission would need to reopen the public hearing, close the public hearing, and adopt a resolution memorializing the formal withdrawal of the application. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7a) Review of the 2010 Planning Issues Map and Identification of 2020Planning Issues In order to provide the Planning Commission with some context as to current developments taking place in the City, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel referenced the 2017 Current Development Activities map, which was provided to the Commissioners and on display during the meeting. PC Minutes 11-16-17 -2- This map identifies the section of Brooklyn Boulevard, running from 44h Avenue North to Bass Lake Road, as under construction during 2018. Mr. Eitel continued that gaps were identified within the existing trail system in the Development Activities map that should be addressed in the 2020 Planning Issues map update. In looking at Sears, there is another trail component between Xerxes Avenue and the Shingle Creek Regional Trail Bridge that is currently missing. The disconnection of this trail should also be addressed as part of the Planning Issues map update. The trail improvements along 5?lh Avenue, which were identified in the 2010 Planning Issues map, have since been addressed, and can therefore be removed in the update. In looking at the Regional Trail System, there is another gap just north of Interstate 694 along the Mississippi River to the 66th Avenue intersection. However, once you cross 66th Avenue, there is a trail that runs north along TH 252. A connection between these two sections should be addressed as part of the 2020 Planning Issues map update. As part of the comprehensive plan update, which is currently underway, the City should work with the Three Rivers Park District and City of Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Commission to identify remaining trail gaps. As part of the 2020 Planning Issues map and comprehensive plan update, Mr. Eitel stressed that the City, including the Planning Commission, should focus on the major items, and pay attention to the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including plans for future road reconstruction, and sewer, water, and storm sewer upgrades and replacements, in relation to the comprehensive plan. Mr. Eitel noted that, if more attention had been paid to the CIP in the early 2000s, there might not be the gaps in amenities that exist today. For instance, TH 252 underwent improvements in the 2000s; however, the gap in trail was not factored into that improvement. In the case of 63`d Avenue NoIih, west of Brooklyn Boulevard, City Council fought the battle to ensure a trail was installed. This trail connection will now be extremely valuable to residents as it will serve as a connection to the proposed Bottineau Boulevard/Crystal train station. In summary, the value of looking at the existing issues map and seeing how it relates to implementation over the next 10 years can help develop a better guide book moving forward by creating windows of opportunity to implement improvements. Mr. Eitel continued that, in the case of the former Broolcdale Mall site, there are approximately 108,000 -square feet worth of building left to be constructed within the Shingle Creels Crossing Planned Unit Development. Mr. Eitel informed the Commission that, as part of working towards completion of the Shingle Creek Crossing development, the City is working with the property owner (Gatlin Development Company) to implement a streetscape improvement project next to Sears/former Broolcdale Mall food court and Xerxes Avenue. This project will provide a lighted and landscaped extension to the existing sidewalk treatment that will hopefully address safety concerns for pedestrians, and channelize vehicular traffic towards Xerxes Avenue, rather than allowing cars to meander the parking lot. It will also hopefully create more of a challenge for semi -trucks to utilize the parking lot as an overnight rest stop location. As an update to the 32 -acre Opportunity Site, Mr. Eitel informed the Commission that the City has been in discussion with two developers through the City's financial consultant, Ehlers. One of the developers is Doran Companies, who worked on the 610 West apartment building in Brooklyn Park and the Moline in Hopkins; the second developer is Inland Development Partners, PC Minutes 11-16-17 -3- who developed the Hyvee in Robbinsdale, and has individuals on staff with experience on the Excelsior & Grand project in Saint Louis Parle Staff met with the developers and anticipates that City staff will have information to relay back to the Planning Commission in the near future. The major challenge with the site is that it is a long-term project. Kelly Doran, of Doran Companies, noted that the project could take upwards of 10 years to complete with the assumed challenge of the market. Mr. Eitel also noted that there have been recent discussions surrounding the former K -Mart site, and there are plans to redevelop the northern portion of the 5?1 h and Logan Site (EDA parcel) as an indoor storage facility. There is also an individual interested in opening a grocery store on the southern half of the 5?1 ri and Logan site, however, no additional information has been received at this time. As for the former Office Max site, the owner of the property has a purchase agreement from a group who is looking to open a cultural center or business incubator, similar to one in Saint Paul. Mr. Harshal Patel, who received approval for construction of a Fairfield Inn and Suites near the Earle Brown Conference Center and Embassy Suites, will be having a grand opening ceremony for his new boutique hotel in downtown Minneapolis. As Mr. Patel had stated the delay in the construction start for the Fairfield Inn and Suites was to finalize construction of the Minneapolis hotel in time for the Super Bowl, Mr. Eitel relayed that Mr. Patel was committed to commencing construction on the Fairfield Inn and Suites yet this year. The former Earle Brown Bowl was sold on September 17, 2017, and staff met with an architect who is working for the new owner. The new property owner is proposing to remodel the existing building into an event center, which would feature three banquet rooms. The major concern, particularly in installing removable panel doors, is that the building could be utilized as a nightclub or live entertainment venue, given the amount of square footage and flexibility of the space. The property owner has also expressed interest in having a restaurant and bar. Staff anticipates that plans would likely come in at the beginning of 2018. 7b) Review of the Schedule and Preparation of 2040 Comprehensive Plan Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh walked the Commissioners through the draft work program that was prepared by the City's comprehensive plan consultant, Jennifer Haskamp (Swanson Haskamp Consulting). She noted that staff will be following up with the consultant to obtain better clarity as to the intended schedule. The City will be operating under a tight deadline to complete the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, and is intending to submit a draft to the Metropolitan Council by early summer 2018, as adoption of the final document is required by the end of 2018. As public engagement is required as part of the comprehensive planning process, the City consultant indicated that Holly Sunday, which is run by Community Activities, Recreation & Services (CARS), might be an opportune time to kick off the engagement process and introduce the event to the Brooklyn Center community. As Holly Sunday takes place Sunday, December 3rd, staff will work with the City consultant and CARS to determine the appropriateness of the event and prepare as needed. PC Minutes 11-16-17 -4- Ms. McIntosh also noted that, due to the deadlines, the City consultant determined that the Planning Commission would be the identified work group for this process. Although other organizations, committees/commissions, and departments will be involved, the Planning Commission will serve as the main point of contact for the purposes of reviewing data and draft content. It is anticipated that the official comprehensive plan kickoff with the Planning Commission will occur sometime in December or January. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Sa) Update on Amending the Liquor Ordinance Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel presented the proposed changes to the City's Municipal Liquor Ordinance, noting that the City Council will be conducting a public hearing on December 11, 2017, to consider revisions to Chapter 11 of the City Code of Ordinances and Charter regarding Liquor Licenses that would alter the following thresholds: 1. Reduce the minimum seating requirement from 150 seats to 30 seats; 2. Remove the minimum dining floor area of 1,800 -square feet; and 3. Remove the existing four tier license classifications and food and liquor ratios and fees: a. Class A- 80% ratio / $8,000 fee b. Class B- 50-79% ratio/ $11,000 fee c. Class C- 40-49% ratio/ $14,000 fee d. Class D- all new license applicants with no established ratio / $6,500 fee The four tier classifications would be replaced with a single restaurant and liquor license fee of $6,500. Additionally, the revised liquor ordinance proposes to include the following establishments: 1. On -sale Brewer Taproom 2. On -sale Brew Pub (that serves liquor only in conjunction with the service of food) 3. Off -sale Brew Pub 4. Off -sale Small Brewer 5. Off -sale Microdistillery 6. On -sale Microdistillery Mr. Eitel continued that an on -sale wine license's minimum seating requirement would be reduced from 75 guests to 25 guests, and the special liquor license for a 2 a.m. closing would be removed. Finally, restaurants possessing both a 3.2 beer license ($500) and wine license ($2,000) would be pelmitted by the State of Minnesota to sell beer with an Alcohol by Volume (ABV) greater than 3.2 percent. Sb) Planning Commission Membership/Renewal of Terms Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh informed the Commission that there are three Planning Commissioners who have terms that will expire at the end of 2017: Commissioner PC Minutes 11-16-17 -5- Rizvi, Commissioner Sweeney, and Commissioner Koenig. All three Planning Commissioners contacted Ms. McIntosh to express their desire to continue on with the Planning Commission. Ms. McIntosh forwarded this information on to Sharon Knutson, City Clerk, to confirm their request to be reappointed. As Planning Commission attendance sheets are due Friday, November 17, Ms. McIntosh will be finalizing the spreadsheet for submittal. 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Ginny McIntosh, Secretary PC Minutes 11-16-17 -6- Randall Christensen, Chair