HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 09-13 PCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan (arrived at 7:05
p.m.), Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. Commissioner
Abraham Rizvi was absent and unexcused. Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh,
Development Director Meg Beekman, and Selina Pesta, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve
the agenda for the September 13, 2018 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - AUGUST 30, 2018
There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve
the minutes for the August 30, 2018 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner MacMillan arrived at 7:05 p.m.
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
6a) Planning Commission Application No. 2018-015
Applicant: Von Peterson of TSP, Inc. (on behalf of Brooklyn Center
Schools)
Property Address: 1500 59th Avenue North
Summary: The Applicant is requesting site and building plan approval
for the construction of a new, secured front entry addition,
a second story addition to the easternmost building wing,
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and select renovations to the existing 139,357 -SF school
building and grounds. This request is associated with
requests by Brooklyn Center Schools to approve school
operating and construction funding requests as part of a
referendum vote that passed in November 2017.
Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2018-015, consideration of a renovation, located
at 1500 59th Avenue North. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 08-16-2018 for
Application No. 2018-015.)
Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh introduced the item, reviewed the
background, and presented the request of increasing safety and security and adding interior
renovations. Ms. McIntosh went into greater detail explaining the interior renovations, including
two new STEAM classrooms, an additional art room, two flexible classrooms, and a multi-
purpose room, along with new stairs and a storage/mechanical space in new in the new second
story addition. Other areas being updated are the family resources area, administration area, and
the special education area to be reconfigured. Ms. McIntosh presented and explained a photo of
second story addition to easternmost wing.
Ms. McIntosh explained there is no established parking formula for schools under the City
Zoning Ordinance and the applicant did not propose a plan for parking. Ms. McIntosh proceeded
to describe the applicant's lighting and landscape proposals. It was also noted that the applicant
had no formal request for signage. Ms. McIntosh noted several staff reviews including the
assistant City Engineer memorandum dated August 24, 2018, and additional locations for
landscaping including the westernmost parking lot identified as Lot 2.
Ms. McIntosh stated Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a
recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2018-015, 1500 59th
Avenue North., with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar in the
Resolution.
ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION
NO. 2018-016 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING
COMMISSION APPLICATION NO 2018-015 SUBMITTED BY VON PETERSON OF TSP
INC.
There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve
Planning Commission RESOLUTION NO. 2018-016.
Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners, Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney,
and Tade.
And the following voted against the same: None
The motion passed unanimously.
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The Council will consider the application 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.
6a) Planning Commission Application No. 2018-016
Applicant: Lux Apartments, LLC
Property Address: 6100 Summit Drive North
Summary: The Applicant is proposing to convert the former Earle
Brown Terrace senior living facility into market rate
apartments. City Council approved requests to amend the
exiting 1992 PUD documents and allowances for future
parking, wall signage, and additional dwelling units at their
meeting on July 9, 2018. PC Application No. 2018-16
outlines follow-up requests to amend the 1992 PUD and
final plans for off-street parking (assuming an
approximately 1.7 parking ratio) and site improvements.
Chair Christensen introduced Application No. 2018-016, consideration of market rate
apartments, located at 6100 Summit Drive North. (See Planning Commission Reports dated 09-
13-2018 for Application No. 2018-016.)
Ms. McIntosh introduced the item, reviewed the background, and presented the request. She
explained that the applicant is proposing to update PUD amendment to the existing 1992 plans
and documents, as well as site improvements to the subject property to allow for conversion of
the former senior living facility to market rate apartments. Ms. McIntosh noted that the applicant
first appeared before the Planning Commission and City Council in June and July of 2018. Ms.
McIntosh explained the updated parking plan, showing the existing and proposed parking plan.
Ms. McIntosh noted where the additional 67 parking stalls will be located on site and the
applicant's plan of providing bicycle storage.
Ms. McIntosh proceeded to explain the applicant's request for lighting, trash and screening, and
landscaping, which meets all requirements. Ms. McIntosh noted staff reviews, the assistant City
Engineer's memorandum and the Fire Inspector's requirement of painting the FDC connection
red.
Ms. McIntosh stated Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission provide a
recommendation to the City Council to approve Planning Application No. 2018-016, submitted
by Lux Apartments, LLC, with the conditions noted in the Planning Staff report and also similar
in the Resolution.
OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS — APPLICATION NO. 2018-016
Chair Christensen recognized residents in the audience who wished to speak on this matter, and
called for comments from the public.
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There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to open
the public hearing on Application No. 2018-016, at 7:33 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
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 Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to close
the public hearing on Application No. 2018-016. The motion passed unanimously.
Chair Christensen called for questions and comments from Commissioners.
Chair Christensen asked the applicant if there is a plan for snow removal on site. He also asked
about another property similar to parking ratio and where this site is located.
Jim Soderberg, Granite City Apartments, addressed Chair Christensen's questions stating there is
a snow removal plan in place using existing space available on the lot. Mr. Soderberg stated the
other property is located in St. Louis Park, which has two-bedroom units compared to the one -
bedroom units in the proposed plan.
Chair Christensen also asked where the applicant plans for residents to store bicycles. Mr.
Soderberg made note that bicycles will be stored in the garage or the basement of tower building.
There were no further comments or questions from the Commission.
The Commissioners interposed no objections to approval of the Application.
ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION
NO. 2018-017 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING
COMMISSION APPLICATION NO 2018-016 SUBMITTED BY LUX APARTMENTS LLC.
There was a motion by Commissioner MacMillan, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to
approve Planning Commission RESOLUTION NO. 2018-017.
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 the application 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.
6e) DRAFT 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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Development Director Meg Beekman addressed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, explaining why
it is still in draft form and what it will look like when it is completed. She stated that she and
Jennifer Haskamp, Swanson Haskamp Consultants, would like to receive the input of the
Planning Commission. Ms. Beekman stated there are chapters in the plan that are incomplete and
staff would like to have a joint session with the Planning Commission and City Council to
discuss implementation. Ms. Beekman introduced Ms. Haskamp, who began explaining Chapter
1 of the Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Haskamp addressed pages eight and nine in the draft, explaining the checklist items fiom the
Metropolitan Council. Ms. Haskamp stated that this chapter is introducing the community and
planning context and asked the Commission if they had questions.
Chair Christensen noted the third paragraph of the introduction, stating he would like to see the
word "Walmart" removed.
The Commission, except Commissioner Koenig, agreed that this word should be left out of the
Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Haskamp informed the Commission that it will not be a problem to
remove the word throughout the draft.
Chair Christensen also noted that there is an error on page 3, stating Highway 101 should be
changed to Highway 100.
Ms. Haskamp made note of these changes and proceeded to explain Chapter 2 which states the
vision, goals and strategies of the plan. Ms. Haskamp noted there are not many changes since the
Planning Commission last viewed the draft.
Ms. Haskamp explained the Land Use and Redevelopment on Chapter 3, stating this was a large
change compared to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and most of the items are required by the
Metropolitan Council. Ms. Haskamp spoke about the idea of generalizing land use and keeping it
at a "25,000 -foot level." Ms. Haskamp pointed out that the City Engineer caught some data that
will need to be changed on page 13 regarding parcel acreage.
Commissioner Tade asked when the plan is approved, will the City be modifying the zoning
ordinance. Ms. Beekman stated this will probably go up for RFP to identify a consultant to help
with the zoning code after the Comprehensive Plan is completed. Ms. Beekman informed the
Commission that the current zoning code has not been updated since it was written and there are
multiple items that are outdated. Ms. Beekman noted that it is intended to re -write the zoning
ordinance by 2019 and during this process, the City will look at what parcels should be rezoned.
Ms. Haskamp noted that State statues say there is a nine-month time frame after the council acts
to update.
Ms. Haskamp proceeded to explain Chapter 4, Housing, which is meant to support the Land Use
and Redevelopment Chapter. Ms. Haskamp read Chapter 4's main points, explaining that
residents see housing as an important characteristic of the community. Ms. Haskamp listed
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housing concerns that are stated in the chapter, including how to diversify the higher end stock of
homes. She addressed table 4.4 on the draft, showing housing resources, strategies and tools and
the requirement checklist from the Metropolitan Council. Ms. Haskamp noted that table 4.3 will
need to be updated with the proper acreage.
At this time, Ms. Haskamp opened for comments from the Commission.
Chair Christensen asked about the 2040 Housing Goals and how the City can recognize ways to
match Brooklyn Center's housing with the City's changing demographics.
Commissioner Tade stated how the chaining demographics are larger family sizes. Ms. Haskamp
also made note that the changing demographics include senior citizens relocating within the City.
Ms. Beekman noted the City can recognize the changing demographics by stating how it could
maintain the existing housing stock in single-family homes through appropriate incentive
programs.
Chair Christensen noted that he would like to see the term "Shingle Creek Crossing" rather than
"Brookdale".
Commissioner Koenig addressed the term "Shingle Creels Crossing" and how he feels many
residents do not know where this is located.
Ms. Haskamp shared Chapter 5, showing maps and pictures but also noting she will still need
pictures from the Park Director.
Chair Christensen noted that soccer is currently more popular than baseball and he would like to
see more soccer pictures. Ms. Beekman stated they are still waiting on pictures from the
community.
Ms. Haskamp addressed the gapped Chapters, 6 and 7, regarding Transportation and Sanitary
Systems. The Transportation chapter will have information on transit and trails within the
community. Ms. Haskamp also noted the Sanitary Systems chapter will show the regional
systems with adjacent jurisdictions, and the water supply permit with the Department of Natural
Resources. Ms. Haskamp informed the Commission that she will make these chapters available
to them once completed.
At this time, Ms. Haskamp, addressed Chapter 8, Implementation. Ms. Haskamp explained
different strategies on how to implement each chapter. She encouraged the Planning Commission
to look at other points they would like to see implemented in the Land Use Plan, and brought up
the possibility of a Work Session meeting with City Council. Ms. Haskamp addressed the new
land use designation and how this should coordinate with the new zoning districts. The City will
need to make appropriate adjustments coordinating with new zoning.
Ms. Haskamp explained Appendix A: Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Plan, showing
maps and what was added since the Commission last viewed the draft.
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Ms. Haskamp noted there will be two surveys for the community, one for the MRCCA plan and
one for the overall 2040 Comprehensive Plan to get the community's opinions. Ms. Beekman
stated this will be on the City's website and will be in the next newsletter, informing community
residents on how to access the survey.
ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DRAFT
There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Schonning, to approve
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft as presented.
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 this recommendation at its September _ 2018 meeting.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
7a) CITY COUNCIL MEETING — PLANNING COMMISSION ITEM
UPDATES (SEPTEMBER 10, 2018)
Ms. McIntosh stated that the Unity Place project and proposal went up for review to the City
Council, who approved. The applicant, Dan Walsh, will need to follow up with the City
regarding housing bonds and will be submitting for building permits within the new few months.
Ms. Beekman gave an update from the City Council stating there was a review for a new chicken
ordinance, which will allow for up to six backyard chicken hens. The Council directed Staff to
make a couple of revisions and bring back to the next City Council meeting.
Ms. Beekman also updated the Commission about changes with those who hold a Type 4 rental
license. Those individuals will no longer need to attend monthly meetings or complete monthly
reports if their properties are in compliance.
Ms. Beekman stated the City will be adopting a snow emergency ordinance, which allows for
City residents to be ticketed for leaving their vehicle parked on City streets with 2.5 inches or
more of snow on the ground.
Ms. Beekman gave an update that the T21 ordinance passed, which prohibits the sale of tobacco
to anyone under 21 years of age, prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco and limit the sales on e -
cigarettes.
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7b) URBAN LAND INSTITUTE — NAVIGATING YOUR COMPETITIVE
FUTURE WORKSHOP (SEPTEMBER 24, 2018)
Ms. Beekman invited the Commission to join the Urban Land Institute's Navigating your
Competitive Future Workshop held on September 24, 2018, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the
Commission conference room at City Hall. Ms. Beekman explained the workshop and who will
be attending.
7c) SEPTEMBER 27, 2018, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
(CANCELLED)
7d) URBAN LAND INSTITUE — REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
WEBINAR
Ms. McIntosh updated the Commission that the first webinar will be expiring within the next 30
days, she can provide the information to access the webinars.
8. OTHER BUSINESS
There were no Other Business items.
9. ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Tade, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to adjourn the
Planning Commission meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at
9:39 p.m.
Ginny McIntosh, Secretary
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Randall Christensen, Chair