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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 08-30 PCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AUGUST 30, 2018 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:03 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. Commissioner Abraham Rizvi was absent and unexcused. Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh and Selina Pesta, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 3. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING AGENDA- AUGUST 30, 2018 There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve the agenda for the August 30, 2018 meeting as submitted above. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) JULY 12, 2018 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to approve the minutes of the July 12, 2018 Regular Session meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. b) JUNE 28, 2018 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2018 Regular Session meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. C) .TUNE 28, 2018 WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2018 Work Session meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. 5. CHAIR'S EXPLANATION PC Minutes 08-30-18 -1- Chair Christensen explained the Planning Commission is 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 a. Planning Commission Application No. 2018-014 (Public Hearing) Applicant: Dan Walsh Project Address: 7256 Unity Avenue North Summary: (1) Preliminary and Final Plat and (2) Site and Building Plan Approval. These requests are associated with the Applicant's plans to make improvements to the 112 -units within Unity Place, construct an approximately 55 - square foot maintenance garage, and Conduct other site -related improvements. The proposal also includes a request that would create an outlot for the floodway portion of the Subject Property and provide an overall cleanup of the existing interior lot lines. Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2018-014, consideration of a preliminary and final plat and site and building plan approval to make improvements to Unity Place, located at 7256 Unity Avenue North, to create an outlot for the floodway portion of the subject property, and to provide an overall cleanup of the existing interior lot lines. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 08-30-2018 for Application No. 2018-014.) Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh opened the planning item by explaining the building's background, and the applicant's request for site and building approval and preliminary and final plat. She stated that the goal is to simplify this process and keep the request in one City department. Ms. McIntosh proceeded to describe the existing conditions of this R3 zone site, specifically the central portion containing Lots 1 to 113 of Ponds Plat Six. She explained that the applicant is making the request due to application for HUD financing. This financing will allow for upgrade of the existing 112 townhome units, construction of the new community service building, a maintenance garage, and site improvements. Ms. McIntosh proceeded to show a map of the location, pointing out special flood hazard areas. The second part of the applicant's request is approval for construction of an approximately 2,600 square -foot maintenance garage. Ms. McIntosh confirmed that there are no plans to alter the existing Ponds Drive or Unity Avenue North, but there is a proposal to install seven new parking spaces, including one ADA space. She described the lighting on the property and the applicant's proposal to add 12 new light fixtures. Ms. McIntosh also described the current arrangement for trash on the property and the applicant's plan to make sure a trash enclosure is up to par. Ms. McIntosh noted the variety of questions that were brought to her regarding the 7256 Unity Avenue North project, including residents dumping trash on the site. The applicant, Dan Walsh, addressed the question, stating he will come up with a plan that instructs residents on how to properly dispose of garbage. PC Minutes 08-30-18 -2- Ms. McIntosh proceeded to explain the properties landscape, and the minimum of 1,167 points that are required for the 16.45 -acre site that is assumed as "Multi -Family Residential" use. Ms. McIntosh noted the staff reviews and their comments and conditions written in memorandum that must comply with the Assistant City Engineer, also noting the requirements from the City's Fire Inspector. Ms. McIntosh stated staff recommends the Planning Commission make recommendations and City approval for the final plat. Chair Christensen stated the Commission would hold questions until after the public hearing. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2018-014 There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2018-014. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter and called for comments from the public. Mary Lahai, of 5116 72nd Circle, asked if the proposed new lighting will reflect into homes. Ms. Lahai also addressed trash dumping and if would be possible for maintenance to clean up. Ms. McIntosh stated the new light fixtures will be centralized near the park and will not influence townhome units. Mr. Walsh noted that he will work with City Staff to ensure trash is no longer dumped along the townhome units or the pond and will establish a plan for when dumping does occur. Ms. Lahai had one additional question, asking if the building on the corner of the property is owned by the City. Ms. McIntosh addressed this by stating the building is owned by Brooklyn Park. Ms. McIntosh noted she had previously received a phone call from Penny Lane at 72nd Circle. Ms. Lane wanted to ensure the commission reviews this application with full diligence and she had specific concerns regarding HUD financing. Mr. Walsh stated there are three reasons he is financing with HUD: L HUD finances for alternative first-time mortgages. 2. HUD loan has the lowest interest rate. 3. The Government makes money through HUD financing, and money is through a private bank. At this time, Ms. Lahai asked who owns the Unity Place property. Ms. McIntosh stated that it is not owned by the City, but by a company called Community Housing, Mr. Walsh addressed this further, describing Community Housing and its background. Community Housing took ownership of Unity Place in the mid -1990's and owns 43 other properties in the Midwest. PC Minutes 08-30-18 -3- Chair Christensen asked if there were additional comments from the public. There were no other individuals in attendance who wished to make comments at this time. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner MacMillan, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2018-014. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen called for questions and comments from staff and the Commission. Commissioner MacMillan asked about parking and stated that current parking on the property is less than sufficient. Ms. McIntosh mentioned the staff report and how parking has been deficient since 1978. She stated in 2013, public works addressed the safety concerns along Unity Avenue North by putting parking on one side of the street to allow for easier access and to help with snow removal. Nikia Roper, Community Housing, also addressed Commissioner MacMillan's comment. Ms. Roper stated that each resident has one parking permit to provide adequate parking, visiting parking is available, and the company has a contract with a nearby towing company that monitors the lots. Ms. Roper also noted that when sending out notices to residents, for example, snow removal or pot hole repair, it is advised to residents to be aware of cautions on Unity Avenue. Ms. McIntosh gave reference to a map of access and parking on the site. Chair Christensen stated that while he values parking, there still needs to be extra space for adequate snow storage. Commissioner Schonning asked if garages are considered parking space. Ms. McIntosh stated that garage space is considered parking and with adding the applicant's requested maintenance building, there will be 5 additional garage spaces added for residents. Commissioner Koenig asked if the maintenance building is serviced. Mr. Walsh stated the management offices are one side, with a community room, half kitchen and fitness room on the other side. Chair Christensen asked if there is a meeting room on site, and if the applicant would be willing to work with Mallard Creek and Mallard Pond associations to hold their meetings there as well. Mr. Walsh stated that the meeting room is secure, and this is an option he would consider. Commissioner Tade followed up, asking if residents must pay extra for parking garages. Ms. Roper stated that residents do have to pay additional and there is a large waiting list for these garages. Ms. Roper also noted that parking garages are not allowed for storage and the association does regular inspections. PC Minutes 08-30-18 -4- Chair Christensen asked what the original plat, was originally platted for. Ms. McIntosh referenced a map, explaining how each unit was its own lot, as if a resident would buy an actual unit, but that units have always been rental. Chair Christensen asked if the units were originally platted as rent to own, or association. Ms. McIntosh confirmed that she did not find any information on that while looking at previous records. Mr. Walsh also noted that since 1978, all 112 units have been part of a program that is based off resident's income. Commissioner Tade asked what the application process is for this program. Ms. Roper stated there is a waiting list, which is currently closed. Residents are fully screened, interviewed so all residents meet the same criteria. Commissioner Tade asked about turnover. Ms. Roper explained there has been 12 residents this year that have moved out, due to various reasons. Chair Christensen asked if there were further questions from staff or the applicant. Ms. McIntosh stated the City Engineer should address any unrecorded easements that will need to be recorded with the County. She also noted an updated certified title needs to be given to City Engineer and City Attorney, which is standard in this process. There were no further questions or comments from staff or the applicant at this time. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2018-14 AND RESOLUTION NO. 2018-?? REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2018-014 SUBMITTED BY DAN WALSH There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve Planning Commission RESOLUTION NO. 2018-14 Approving the Preliminary and Final Plat as submitted. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners, Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney, and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve Planning Commission RESOLUTION NO. 2018-?? Approving the Site and Building Plan as submitted. PC Minutes 08-30-18 -5- Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners, Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney, and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None The motion passed unanimously. The Council will consider these applications at its September _, 2018 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 7a) CITY COUNCIL MEETING PLANNING COMMISSION ITEM UPDATE (JULY 23, 2018) Ms. McIntosh gave update on the T21 ordnance for tobacco and that it was up for review for the City Council Work Session. The City will be speaking with tobacco shop owners, analyzing the possibility of changing the age to buy tobacco products to 21 years of age, and restricting the sale of certain tobacco items. On September 13, 2018, the Planning Commission will be reviewing an application for reconstruction to the Earl Brown Elementary and the parking plan for Earl Brown Terrace. 7b) JOINT CITY COUNCIL — PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE UPDATE (AUGUST 16, 2018) Ms. McIntosh has pulled the Joint City Council - Planning Commission meeting minutes fiom the Commission to go to City Council for approval. Ms. McIntosh noted she will present final version to the Commission. 7c) URBAN LAND INSTITUTE — REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS WEBINAR Ms. McIntosh explained the Urban Land Institute Real Estate Development Process webinar and that this will only be available for a limited number of days. Ms. McIntosh will send the link to the Commission. 7d) URBAN LAND INSTITUE — NAVIGATING YOUR COMPETITIVE FUTURE WORKSHOP Ms. McIntosh informed the Commission that this event will take place on September 24, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., RSVP's are directed to Community Development Director Meg Beekman. Ms. McIntosh gave other details about the event including who will be speaking regarding Brooklyn Center and the City's potential. PC Minutes 08-30-18 -6- 8. OTHER BUSINESS It was determined there is no Planning Commission meeting on September 27, 2018. Ms. McIntosh confirmed she will be absent during the Planning Commission meeting of October 11, 2018. Ms. Beekman may be present in Ms. McIntosh's absence. Commissioner Schonning asked about the opening date of TopGolf. Ms. McIntosh stated September 17, 2018 is the anticipated date, however; the business still needs additional employees. 9. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Ginny McIntosh, Secretary PC Minutes 08-30-18 -7- Randy Christensen, Chair