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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 02-13 PCP PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER February 13, 2020 1.Call to Order: 7:00 PM 2.Roll Call of the Year 2019 Planning Commission 3. Approval of Agenda Motion to Approve Planning Commission Meeting Agenda for February 13, 2020 4. Approval of Minutes Motion to Approve the December 12, 2019, Meeting Minutes 5. Official Adjournment of the 2019 Planning Commission Motion to Officially Adjourn the 2019 Planning Commission 6. Roll Call of the 2020 Planning Commission 7. Election of Planning Commission Chairperson for Year 2020 -Motion/Second to Nominate a Commissioner(s) to serve as Chairperson; -Motion/Second to close all nominations; -Conduct election; and -Motion/Second to Accept the Results and Election of Chair for Year 2020 8. Appointment of 2020 Vice-Chair by Chairperson 9. Chairperson's Explanation 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. 10.Planning Items a. Planning Commission Application No. 2020-001 (Public Hearing) Applicant: Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center Project Address: 4900 France Avenue North Summary: The Applicant is requesting review and consideration for the issuance of a Special Use Permit and parking variance to operate a mosque and community center at 4900 France Avenue North. 11.Discussion Items a)Presentation and Discussion of City’s Public Art Master Plan (Jack Becker, Forecast Public Art) 12.Other Business None 13.Adjournment PC Minutes 12-12-19 -1- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA DECEMBER 12, 2019 1. CALL TO ORDER The Planning Commission meeting was called to order by Chair Christensen at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Chair Randall Christensen, Commissioners Alexander Koenig, Jack MacMillan, Stephen Schonning, Rochelle Sweeney, and Susan Tade were present. City Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh and Mary Mullen of TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. were also present. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – DECEMBER 12, 2019 There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Koenig, to approve the agenda for the December 12, 2019 meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NOVEMBER 14, 2019 There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve the minutes of the November 14, 2019 meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 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. 2019-018 (Public Hearing) Applicant: Tashitaa Tufaa and Mike Brady Summary: The Applicants are requesting review and consideration for the renewal of a Special Use Permit that was initially approved under City Council Resolution No. 2018-064 on March 26, 2018, and subsequently expired on March 26, 2019. Approval of the request would allow for the development of an event center with ancillary restaurant PC Minutes 12-12-19 -2- DRAFT and bar, and other associated exterior improvements, as approved under City Council Resolution No. 2018-064, in an existing 35,462-square foot building. City Planner Ginny McIntosh reviewed a request for re-issuance of a Special Use Permit, for which a public hearing is required. The property at 6440 James Circle North had long operated under a Special Use Permit as a bowling alley and live entertainment establishment before closing in April 2015. The building was constructed in 1978 and was purchased in 2017 by Tashitaa Tufaa. Ms. McIntosh stated Mr. Tufaa obtained site and building plan approval in 2018, and was issued a Special Use Permit to operate an event center with ancillary restaurant and bar. As work did not commence within one years’ time, the Special Use Permit expired, and the Applicants are required to obtain a new Special Use Permit before proceeding with the redevelopment of the Subject Property. Ms. McIntosh noted eating establishments with live entertainment require a Special Use Permit in the C-2 District. Ms. McIntosh stated there are no plans under this application to make any changes to the previously approved site and building plans; therefore, no new site and building plan approval is required. She noted the public hearing was published in the City newspaper and notices were sent to nearby property owners. Ms. McIntosh stated City Staff recommends Planning Commission recommend City Council approval of Planning Commission Application No. 2019-018 for re-issuance of a Special Use Permit at 6440 James Circle North. OPEN TO PUBLIC COMMENTS – APPLICATION NO. 2019-018 There was a motion by Commissioner Sweeney, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to open the public hearing on Application No. 2019-018. The motion passed unanimously. Mike Brady expressed his support of Tashitaa Tufaa, the property owner, who also owns a successful bus company. Mr. Brady stated he was awarded development rights for the nearby EDA property at 1601 James Circle North, and he met Mr. Tufaa through his interactions with the City. He added he is partnering with Mr. Tufaa on the redevelopment project at 6440 James Circle North, along with architect Peter Hill and general contractor Branko Tambah, and has been in regular communication with Housing and Code Enforcement Inspector Dan Jerzak regarding the building and site. Tashitaa Tufaa thanked the Planning Commission for their consideration of his request for re- issuance of the Special Use Permit. MOTION TO CLOSE PUBLIC COMMENTS (HEARING) PC Minutes 12-12-19 -3-DRAFT There was a motion by Commissioner Schonning, seconded by Commissioner Tade, to close the public hearing on Application No. 2019-018. The motion passed unanimously. Chair Christensen asked whether there is a timeline for the development of the property. Mr. Brady stated that development will hopefully begin in the next few months. He added the building is not good for the community in its current state. He noted the financial portion of the project is being coordinated with Sunrise Bank. Commissioner Tade expressed her support of the project. Commissioner Koenig agreed, adding it seems like a wonderful project with close proximity to other local businesses. Commissioner Schonning asked how Mr. Tufaa’s business will tie in with the EDA site that is being developed by Mr. Brady. Mr. Brady stated the proposed Brooklyns building will have meeting rooms in the atrium for small groups, but space will be available at Mr. Tufaa’s establishment for larger meetings and conferences. He added a shared parking agreement is proposed between the two properties. Mr. Brady stated the proposed Brooklyns building will be a business hub focusing on local immigrant businesses and is currently 30-percent filled. He added Odam International Travel Clinic will be renting space, as well as Brooklyn Mix, and a co-working incubator accelerator that will take up one-third of the main floor. He noted the development office will be located on the third floor. Mr. Brady stated the goal for the Brooklyns building is to place property ownership into the hands of the tenants. He added Tenants who pay their rent faithfully will have the opportunity to purchase their property at a reduced cost. He noted the goal for this development is to make it possible for tenants to get equity when there might otherwise be barriers. Chair Christensen thanked Mr. Brady and expressed his support of the development concept. He thanked the applicants for their presentation. ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2019-016 REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 2019-018 SUBMITTED BY TASHITAA TUFAA AND MIKE BRADY There was a motion by Commissioner Koenig, seconded by Commissioner Sweeney, to approve Planning Commission RESOLUTION NO. 2019-016 Regarding the Recommended Disposition of Planning Application No. 2019-018 Submitted by Tashitaa Tufaa and Mike Brady. Voting in favor: Chair Christensen, Commissioners, Koenig, MacMillan, Schonning, Sweeney, and Tade. And the following voted against the same: None PC Minutes 12-12-19 -4- DRAFT The motion passed unanimously. Ms. McIntosh stated this application will be reviewed by the City Council at their January 13, 2020 meeting. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7a) UPCOMING EDAM PRESS HOUSE APARTMENTS TOUR – (DECEMBER 19, 2019) Ms. McIntosh stated the Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) is hosting a tour of Real Estate Equities’ Press House apartment development in downtown St. Paul. She added Press House, which was previously home to the Pioneer Press, has been converted into affordable housing units. She noted she sent out an email inviting the Commissioners and has had responses from Commissioners Koenig and MacMillan. Ms. McIntosh stated the tour is scheduled on a weekday and City Staff is hoping to schedule an additional tour on a more convenient date, possibly an evening in January 2020. She requested that Commissioners contact her by December 10, 2019 to reserve a spot on the tour. 7b) PLANNING COMMISSION TERM EXPIRATIONS/RENEWAL i. Rochelle Sweeney (Submitted for Term Renewal on November 12, 2019) ii. Alex Koenig Ms. McIntosh stated two Planning Commission terms are up for renewal at the end of 2019. She added Commissioner Sweeney has submitted an application, and Commissioner Koenig has indicated that he intends to re-apply for an additional term. She requested that he submit an application as soon as possible. Chair Christensen stated the Commissioners have not had to re-apply for additional terms in the past. Ms. McIntosh stated she would confirm with the City Clerk whether it is necessary for the Commissioners to re-apply, and report back to the Planning Commission. Ms. McIntosh stated the City Clerk has been including Planning Commission applications in the City Council’s weekly report for their review. She added City Staff has not had a response from the City Council on this issue. Chair Christensen stressed the importance of having a full complement of Planning Commissioners in 2020. 7c) 2020 PLANNING COMMISSION SCHEDULE PC Minutes 12-12-19 -5- DRAFT Ms. McIntosh stated the Mayor has requested an additional day to review City Council packets. She added this will affect the deadline for submitting Planning Commission items for inclusion in the City Council packets. She requested that the Planning Commission consider changing the meeting schedule to accommodate this issue. Ms. McIntosh stated she discussed this issue with Community Development Director Meg Beekman, who recommended holding Planning Commission meetings on the literal 2nd Thursday of every month, rather than the Thursday following the City Council’s 2nd Monday meetings. She added the Planning Commission meeting would always be held on the 2nd Thursday of the month, and the first meeting of this new schedule would be January 9, 2020. There was a majority Consensus of the Planning Commission to hold Planning Commission meetings on the 2nd Thursday of every month, beginning on January 9, 2020. 7d) JANUARY 2020 MEETING: UPDATES ON OPPORTUNITY SITE AND PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN (GUEST PRESENTER JACK BECKER, FORECAST PUBLIC ART) Ms. McIntosh stated the Planning Commission’s January 9, 2020 meeting would include an update on the Opportunity Site, as well as an informational presentation from Jack Becker, the City’s public art consultant, regarding the City’s public art master plan. She added Mr. Becker, founder of Forecast Public Art, has been working on a public art plan for the Real Estate Equities development to be located on the former Jerry’s Food site at 5801 Xerxes Avenue North. 7e) CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE Ms. McIntosh stated the 2020 Budget was approved by the City Council at a December 2, 2019 Special Budget meeting. She added the approved budget includes Housing Inspector and Associate Planner positions. Ms. McIntosh stated City Staff is working on filling the Business & Workforce Development Specialist position as Brett Angell has accepted a position for the City of Maple Grove. Ms. McIntosh stated the second Zoning Code Task Force meeting was held recently. The Task Force discussed accessory dwelling units and residential additions, as well as fencing, playgrounds, pools and other aesthetic features. She noted there will be follow-up discussions regarding mixed-use zoning and Transit-Oriented Development at the next Zoning Code Task Force meeting. 8. OTHER BUSINESS Ms. McIntosh stated the City recently purchased the 9-acre Target site to ensure its inclusion in development of the Opportunity Site. She added the strip mall attached to Target, as well as a PC Minutes 12-12-19 -6- DRAFT small strip mall in the parking lot, are not included in this agreement. She noted the City owns most of the parking lot, although the parking is shared through cross-access agreements in place. 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 7:45 p.m. _______________________________ _______________________________ Ginny McIntosh, Secretary Randall Christensen, Chair App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 1 Planning Commission Report Meeting Date: February 13, 2020 Application No. 2020-001 Applicant: Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center Request: Special Use Permit for a Religious Institution and Community Center in the I-2 (General Industry) District REQUESTED ACTION Imam Dukuly, on behalf of Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center (“the Applicant”), is requesting review and consideration for the issuance of a Special Use Permit to operate a mosque and community center at 4900 France Avenue North (“the Subject Property”). A public hearing notice was published in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post on January 30, 2020 (Exhibit A). Notices were also mailed to surrounding property owners per City Code requirements. BACKGROUND The Applicant initially approached the City of Brooklyn Center in July 2019, as they were required to relocate from space previously leased in an office building located at 5637 Brooklyn Boulevard following a change in building ownership. The C1 (Service/Office) District, where the property is located, allows religious institutions as a permitted use by right. The Applicant emphasized a desire to remain in Brooklyn Center as their community is largely based within the Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park areas; however they noted issues in locating adequate accommodations to move their mosque and community center to. It was around this time they came upon 4900 France Avenue North, which is an I-2 (General Industry) District property located at the southern terminus of France Avenue North. At the time of the Applicant’s initial discussions with the City, assembly-type uses, including but not limited to churches, mosques, synagogues, movie theaters, event centers and the like, were not an allowed use in the I-2 District given that this is the City’s most intense industrial district; however, the City ultimately brought forward a request to amend the I-2 District to allow for religious uses on a case- by-case basis through issuance of a Special Use Permit (SUP). The request to amend the Zoning Code was ultimately adopted on October 28, 2019 and went into effect on November 23, 2019 under Ordinance No. 2019-12. The Applicant, Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center, is now seeking approval of a Special Use Permit to open a mosque and community center at 4900 France Avenue North. The uses identified for the Subject Property include worship space, gathering and event space (e.g. small wedding or “Nikkah” ceremonies, board meetings), and office space. The Applicant has also stressed that Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center is committed to the engagement of youth through a variety of educational, social, and recreational activities, and would therefore require classroom space. The Subject Property has been for sale or lease for at least two years, but was previously used as a pet • Application Filed: 01/14/2020 • Review Period (60-day) Deadline: 03/14/2020 • Extension Declared: N/A • Extended Review Period Deadline: N/A App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 2 groomer and veterinary clinic, which are permitted uses in the I-2 District. This particular I-2 District property is unique in its vacancy, in part due to the age and nature of the structures on site, which are not typical of surrounding industrial uses. The Subject Property is comprised of two structures: a newer, split level office building, and a second circular shaped structure. Each structure is approximately 4,000- square feet in size. The Applicant believes that the property would meet their needs and is interested in purchasing it to convert for their use. As part of their due diligence, the group met with City staff on multiple occasions to inquire as to the process necessary to allow for use of the Subject Property as a place of worship and community center and to obtain clarification on the health, life, and safety improvements that would need to be in place prior to occupying the building(s). Places of worship generally fall into a category of uses considered “assembly.” These are uses where there are generally large numbers of people that may congregate or assemble at one time. Other similar uses might include theaters, auditoriums, mortuaries, dance halls, arenas, or certain places of entertainment. Federal law protects religious land uses in that it requires cities to regulate them the same way in which it regulates other similar uses, and to treat them equally and fairly when making land use regulations as well as land use decisions regarding them. Example: a city would need to provide a fact-based reason that it might allow a movie theater in a particular zoning district, but not a religious use since the land uses are similar. Site Data 2040 Land Use Plan: Industrial/Utility Neighborhood: Twin Lake Current Zoning: I-2 (General Industry) District Site Area: 0.73 Acres Surrounding Area Direction 2040 Land Use Plan Zoning North Industrial/Utility (Horizon Roofing) I-2 (General Industry) District South RR ROW (Railroad Right-of- Way) East (Highway 100) West Business-Mixed Use (Xcel Energy Substation) I-2 (General Industry) District Existing Site and Area Conditions As mentioned previously, the Subject Property is comprised of two approximately 4,000-square foot buildings, along with a parking lot and outdoor trash enclosure. The main building, known as 4900 France Avenue North, previously functioned as a pet grooming business. The second, circular building, known as 4902 France Avenue North, previously functioned as an animal hospital, and is the original building, having been constructed in 1963. App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 3 Image 1. 4900 France Avenue North (left) and 4902 France Avenue North (right). Image 2. Extent of Parking Lot—Taken from Southeast Edge of Parking Lot Adjacent to Trash Enclosure. Image 3. In Parking Lot—Facing Southwest Towards Caribou Coffee Headquarters and Adjacent Railroad Tracks. App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 4 Image 4. Facing North on France Avenue North Cul-de-Sac—In Entrance to Driveway Access for Subject Property. SPECIAL USE PERMIT Proposed Operation The Applicant provided a narrative regarding the intended operation of the mosque and community center (Exhibit B). As proposed, the mosque and community center would be open seven days per week. As indicated by the Applicant, the highest use is intended to occur on Fridays between the hours of noon and 2 p.m., during which two separate 30-minute prayer services would take place. Currently, the mosque meets at the Brooklyn Center Community Center for one Friday prayer service and typically sees between 120 and 150 attendees total. The intent is to split the 120 to 150 person membership into two Friday prayer services. The Applicant notes the following proposed hours of operation for the mosque and community center: The Applicant has indicated plans to eventually utilize both buildings on the Subject Property, but would initially locate into the office building (4900 France Avenue North). As of the date of this staff report, the office building (4900 France Avenue North) has been declared unfit and hazardous due to water damage and would require repairs to be made and all minimum necessary Building Code and ADA improvements implemented before a new Certificate of Occupancy could be issued. The circular building (4902 France Avenue North) could not be occupied until all minimum necessary Building Code and ADA improvements are implemented (e.g. installation of a fire sprinkler system). App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 5 Parking and Access Demands Assembly uses, such as religious institutions, tend to have higher parking demands than other types of uses due to the nature of their visitors. Industrial uses by contrast tend to have low parking demands relative to their square footage because these uses generally have lower employment densities. For example, religious and other “places of public assembly” uses, such as theatres, auditoriums (other than school auditoriums), mortuaries, stadiums, arenas, and dance halls, require one parking space for every three seats, or attendees in this case, per Section 35-704.4.a of the City’s Zoning Code. To give perspective, “Industry and Wholesale” type uses require one space for every two employees based upon maximum planned employment during any work period or one space for each 800 square feet of gross floor area (whichever is greater) is required. In the event the latter requirement is greater, adequate land area shall be provided for the required off-street parking area, but improved spaces need only be provided according to the employee ratio. In cases where there is an office component to an industrially-zoned building, minimum on-site parking requirements are based on the total gross floor area utilized for the use. City staff requested that the Applicant have a traffic study and parking demand management plan prepared as part of their submittal packet given that this is the first religious use seeking to relocate into the City’s heavy industrial district, and to address parking and traffic concerns relating to their request for issuance of Special Use Permit. The provided traffic and parking study was prepared by Alliant Engineering and is based off the assumption that 32 on-site parking spaces would be available on the Subject Property. It should be noted that the current parking lot’s striping is degraded and, assuming the parking lot was constructed in accordance with the approved plans, would have 27 parking spaces at best as the previously approved site plan from 1998 indicated a “proof” of a five (5) additional parking spaces. In order to achieve 32 on-site parking spaces, the parking lot would need to be expanded, and the existing accessible route (sidewalk) to 4902 France Avenue North and existing trash enclosure would need to be relocated/re-constructed (Exhibit C). The Applicant did not submit their own site plan drawings but indicated plans to follow the previously approved 1998 site plan. The provided traffic and parking study outlines trip generation data based off the current assumed attendance at the one Friday prayer service, which is currently held at the Brooklyn Center Community Center. Although the Applicant indicated a higher than typical attendance, Alliant Engineering utilized this data for the purposes of calculating trip generation. Alliant Engineering identified the presence of 70 vehicles in the parking lot during their period of review that could be “attributed to members of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center.” Although one prayer service is currently held on Fridays at the Community Center, the intent is to hold two prayer services between the hours of noon and 2 p.m. Assuming the attendance at each prayer service is equally distributed and no one prayer service is more popular than the other, there could potentially be 75 attendees at each service. Section 3.3 of the provided study (Exhibit B) indicated the potential for 70 vehicles to be on-site during the overlap in services (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.), which could result in a 40-parking space deficit. Assuming three people were in each vehicle and each prayer service had no more than 75 attendees, each car held three (3) people, and all vehicles left immediately following the first service, a minimum of App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 6 25 on-site parking spaces would need to be provided for each service per the City Zoning Code requirement. Assuming the 70-vehicle figure identified in the study, a minimum of 35 on-site parking spaces would be required if Friday prayers were split into two services. The aforementioned minimum parking requirements assume: (1) perfect conditions in which mingling does not occur after the first 30- minute prayer service, and (2) no plans for future growth in membership at the mosque and community center. It should be noted that the narrative provided by the Applicant (Exhibit B) states that the mosque and community center began in 2015 with a few people and has since “grown exponentially into a community into a significant size.” Following discussions regarding the provided traffic and parking study, Imam Dukuly, representing Applicant Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center, clarified that each prayer service lasts no longer than 30 minutes and indicated there would be a 30-minute gap between Friday prayer services. The traffic and parking study proposes the following alternatives as a means to address on-site parking deficiencies within the provided Parking Management Plan (Section 3.3.1 of Exhibit B): 1. Provide greater separation between the two Friday prayer services to allow greater time to clear the parking lot. Response: City staff discussed this option with Imam Dukuly who noted that the prayer services could not be separated any further; therefore, this is not an option. 2. Utilize a shuttle van service, comprised of four minivans (maximum total seating of 6 persons per minivan or 24 attendees total), which would pick up from the K&G Fashion Superstore located at 5425 Xerxes Avenue North in Brooklyn Center and be located a 5 minutes’ drive (1.1 miles) from the Subject Property. Response: As of the date of this report, City staff has not received any formal documentation representing a formal agreement for use of K&G’s parking lot by the Applicant. Additionally, no formal plan was provided outlining how the shuttle service would operate. 3. With the exception of the required ADA parking stalls, sign the majority of Subject Property parking lot to allow for “carpool” only. Response: The Applicant has not provided a plan for how this would be enforced other than utilization of a designated parking lot attendant and the study provided only notes that single occupant drivers should be encouraged to use the shuttle service. Considering the intended prayer times of noon to 2 p.m. it can be assumed by City staff that some attendees will be utilizing their lunch hour to attend prayer and the necessity of a shuttle van may not be attractive or feasible for some. 4. Allow on-street parking along the west 210 feet of France Avenue North, south of 50th Avenue North, as it appears vehicles already illegally park there, and utilize on-street parking within the surrounding two to three block radius. Response: City staff held conversations with the Public Works Department regarding the current parking restrictions along the cul-de-sac portion of France Avenue North. The existing road with is 30 feet wide per as-builts on file with Public Works. Assuming a 9 foot wide parallel parking space along France Avenue North, the remaining roadway would be 21 feet in width. App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 7 For perspective, the typical width of a two-way parking lot is 24 feet wide and Fire Code requires a minimum of 20 feet in width for a fire access road. In addition, the adjacent property to the north requires use of heavy truck equipment, including semi-trucks and boom trucks as they are a roofing company; therefore, the minimum required turn radius to exit their property (4912 France Avenue North) is wider than your average passenger vehicle. Public Works would not allow for the parking restrictions to be removed. The Applicant cannot rely on-street parking to address their parking deficiencies. Other Considerations There are certain barriers that need to be considered in retrofitting industrial or office type buildings for “assembly” type uses as they require higher fire suppression standards than other types of uses due to the congregation of people that occurs within buildings. The Applicant met with City staff in advance of amending the Zoning Code to discuss the full implications of what would be required to acquire and/or convert an industrial or office use type building. Building and Fire Review Conversion of the buildings located on the Subject Property would constitute a change of use from the perspective of the Building and Fire Code, and thus would trigger the installation or expansion of a Fire suppression and alarm system if not present. Per discussions with City staff, the office building appears to possess a suppression system, but the circular building does not. Additionally, the following requirements may be triggered: a. Installation of ADA requirements (e.g. parking lot striping and signage, ingress/egress, bathrooms, installation of elevator/lift); b. Sewer Accessibility Charge (Met Council) determination for change in use and associated fee; and c. Any other Fire and Building Code requirements. The Applicant indicated in person and in writing their plans to remodel the interior of the two buildings and remove walls in the main level of the office building to allow for prayer services, however; no updated interior plans were submitted. As City staff was in possession of the 1998 interior plans for the office building (4900 France Avenue North), the Building Official provided a rough breakdown of potential maximum occupancy load of the 4900 building assuming an assembly use on the main level and the potential use of the basement for office, educational/classroom, or assembly uses. Please note that the following estimate occupant loads are contingent on a number on a number of other factors, including stair and exit door widths, number of exits and travel distance, installation of an elevator/lift, etc. The following estimate numbers were calculated: Main Level Maximum Occupancy of 4900 France Avenue North—Assembly Use (5 SF per person- standing): Approximately 346 occupants (Note: Maximum occupancy numbers noted above would be slightly less as separate area for shoes is required so as to not cause tripping hazards or block path of exit) Lower Level Maximum Occupancy of 4900 France Avenue North—Office, Education, or Assembly Use: Office Use (100 SF per person): Approximately 16 occupants App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 8 Education Use (20 SF per person): Approximately 80 occupants Assembly Use (5 SF per person-standing, or 7 SF per person-chairs): Approximately 321 or 229 occupants As the City does not have copies of the interior for the 4902 France Avenue North (circular building) on file, the Building Official provided a breakdown of potential maximum occupancy for the building assuming the same uses in the 4900 France Avenue North building and square footage as noted on the approved 1998 site plans. Main Level Maximum Occupancy of 4902 France Avenue North—Assembly Use (5 SF per person- standing, or 7 SF per person-chairs): Approximately 475 or 339 occupants Lower Level Maximum Occupancy of 4902 France Avenue North—Office, Education, or Assembly Use: Office Use (100 SF per person): Approximately 23 occupants Education Use (20 SF per person): Approximately 118 occupants Assembly Use (5 SF per person-standing, or 7 SF per person-chairs): Approximately 475 or 339 occupants The Applicant has expressed eventually utilizing both buildings with the issuance of a Special Use Permit; however, the Applicant has also noted that despite using both buildings, the occupancy between across both buildings would never exceed 150 members. Engineering Review Assistant City Engineer Andrew Hogg noted in his memorandum dated February 10, 2020 (Exhibit D) that the Applicant would need to re-stripe and conduct alterations to the Subject Property in order to achieve the 32 on-site parking spaces as outlined in the provided traffic and parking study from Alliant Engineering. Additionally, he indicates that the study doesn’t provide a clear understanding of the parking needs for the site. The report provides only an estimate of service attendees at each service. Staff estimates of occupancy loads of the building after the remodeling exceeds the number provided in the draft traffic plan—refer to the calculations above. He further notes that, “In discussions with the applicant, it was implied that after the completion of each service the parking lot will empty entirely, providing a clean slate for the next service. With the nature of the site and the indication that the site is planned to function as community center it seems unreasonable to expect that this will occur. If the occupancy loads match the estimation within the traffic study, only under ideal conditions will the site be able to meet the required number of parking stalls and the site will be under-parked. If those numbers are greater, then parking and traffic could have major impacts on the neighborhood.” The memorandum further details that Public Works would not be in a position to remove on-street parking restrictions in the immediate area to allow overflow parking for the Applicant’s use of the Subject Property and emphasizes the need to address the potential for attendees to park on adjacent private property. It is summarized that Public Works is therefore unable to offer a recommendation in support of the submitted traffic study as submitted. Site Plan Review As the Applicant has indicated plans to adhere to the previously approved 1998 site plan for the Subject App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 9 Property, the parking lot and identified five (5) spaces of proof of parking will need to be constructed as outlined in the plans dated February 5, 1998. The existing outdoor trash enclosure will need to be relocated, likely just north of the existing turnaround west of the office building (4900 France Avenue North). The Applicant will need to comply with City Code requirements by constructing an enclosure that fully screens any dumpsters and recycling bins with opaque fencing or other materials that are complementary to the buildings on site. As a landscape plan was approved as part of the 1998 approvals, the Applicant will need to bring the landscaping back into compliance by removing any overgrown vegetation and replacing any missing plantings. Should the Applicant desire installation of a different species of planting, all requests will need to be documented and approved by the City Planner. Finally, City staff is concerned about the immediate access to the railroad tracks, which are located just feet from the southern perimeter of the Subject Property parking lot. The Applicant will need to address with City staff how a buffer can be created between the Subject Property and railroad tracks, particularly given the Applicant’s intent to provide youth engagement on site. The Applicant may need to contact ownership of the tracks to identify any requirements or restrictions for fencing. Special uses are those in which may be required for the public welfare in a given district but which are, in some respects, incompatible with the permitted uses in the district. Before a building or premises is devoted to any use classified as a special use, a Special Use Permit would need to be granted by City Council. In reviewing Special Use Permits, an Applicant would need to demonstrate the following (staff responses italicized): a. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the special use will promote or enhance the general public welfare and will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, morals or comfort. The Subject Property has been vacant and on the market for lease or sale for at least two years; therefore, re-occupancy of the buildings located on the Subject Property is desired. Re-occupancy of the buildings on-site would result in additional eyes on the neighborhood given their intent to utilize the buildings at varying hours seven days per week. The Subject Property is adjacent to Highway 100, a railroad, and an Xcel Energy substation, with the only immediate neighbors being a roofing company located immediately to the north. City staff expressed concerns of having so many individuals and particularly youth in proximity to an active rail line. There is no fencing or barrier on-site to prohibit individuals from accessing the rail line, which lies just feet from the parking lot. Given the layout of the Subject Property driveway and a gravel roadway that spurs off from the driveway and runs parallel to the rail line, City staff is unable to determine how a safe perimeter could be established as it is assumed access to the gravel roadway must be maintained. The Subject Property driveway is in immediate proximity to an electrical tower, which is not fenced, and an Xcel Energy substation, which was fully enclosed in fencing a couple years ago. A fence currently runs along the eastern perimeter of the Subject Property and Highway 100, which is located below the Subject Property. b. The special use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. Religious uses were recently added to the list of uses permitted through issuance of a Special Use App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 10 Permit in the I-2 (General Industry) District; however, City staff has concerns relating to the limitations of the Subject Property including the lack of on-site parking, constrained access, and adjacent existing uses, of which include unrestricted access to the railroad tracks along the south portion of the Subject Property, an Xcel Energy substation located just off property, and the industrial uses, including a roofing company located just to the north. Despite the low levels of traffic presented in the study, City staff is aware of parking issues for the adjacent industrial properties located along the France Avenue cul-de-sac and along the south side of 50th Avenue North as the building structures in this area comprise the majority of each site and therefore result in limited on-site parking options. c. The establishment of the special use will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district. The immediate area is currently developed with a mix of older 1950s era industrial development along the east side of the France Avenue North cul-de-sac and south side of 50th Avenue North; small 1950s and 1960s era apartment buildings; a large 1960s era industrial building; an Xcel Energy substation; and a mix of townhomes and single family homes on the north side of 50th Avenue North. The major concern of the proposed Special Use is that the parking demands for the mosque and community center may restrict the ability for the neighboring industrial uses to come and go from their respective sites during their respective business weeks. There are additional concerns that attendees may utilize the neighboring parking lots (e.g. Xcel Energy substation lot, 3800 50th Avenue North) or property (e.g. gravel road running parallel to rail line) for off-site parking needs if on-street parking isn’t an option and to avoid having to shuttle to the Subject Property. Despite the Applicant offering to assign a parking attendant to address the limited on-site parking, there is still the issue of the Subject Property being located on a dead end cul-de-sac, which would require drivers to back up and/or turn around. Drivers may also decide drop off attendees at the Subject Property before leaving to find parking elsewhere, or they may choose to queue up along France Avenue North for when an on-site space opens on the Subject Property between services. All of the aforementioned possibilities could have direct implications on the normal and orderly development and operation of the surrounding businesses and homes. d. Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress, egress and parking so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets. While numerous conversations were held with the Applicant regarding the intended operation of the use on the Subject Property, the provided traffic and parking study indicate that while the surrounding streets will likely maintain their levels of service, there is a potentially large deficiency in on-site parking. While the Applicant and Alliant Engineering, who prepared the traffic and parking study, outline a series of potential options for addressing parking congestion, the reality is that the Subject Property is located on a dead-end cul-de-sac and has notable limitations for ingress, egress, and parking. Although religious uses are now permitted in the I-2 District through issuance of a Special Use Permit and are not required to be located on an arterial or collector street, it should be noted that religious uses elsewhere in the City require the main entrance to be served by a collector or arterial street—the France Avenue cul-de-sac is not, which limits ingress, egress, and overall flow to and from the Subject Property. App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 11 Despite the Applicant suggesting a shuttle service to address the parking issues, no paperwork has been provided as of the date of the staff report to detail the agreement between K&G Fashion Superstore and the Applicant, and no additional information has been provided as to how the shuttle service would operate (e.g. call for pickup, scheduled pick up and drop off times). In reviewing the current operation and parking accommodations for the Friday prayer service at the Brooklyn Center Community Center, City staff noted that multiple cars had more than one occupant per vehicle. It is to staff’s assumption that, rather than driving five minutes each way to the K&G Fashion Superstore, many of the attendees will likely drop off their occupants and park in the adjacent neighborhood given the identified shuttle service consists of four minivans with seating only for 6 individuals each. Additional concerns were raised regarding the timing of the prayer services (noon to 2 p.m.) and the anticipated number of attendees who might be utilizing their Friday lunch hour to make the drive to and from prayer service. FINDINGS City staff understands the desire to have the Applicant (Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center) remain in the community given that a majority of their attendees are residents from the Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park areas; however, City staff has significant concerns regarding the intended use at this particular location in consideration of the site’s limitations and substantial upgrades that would need to take place before the buildings could be occupied. Although City staff is unable to specifically determine the scope of the traffic issues that may result from the identified parking deficiency at the site, the concerns associated with the lack of parking and the resulting negative impacts raise serious questions about the appropriateness of the use on this site. While the two buildings on the Subject Property offer a combined total of approximately 8,000-square feet, the maximum occupancy would be capped to no more than 150 individuals at any one time and as proposed would likely not exceed 75 people at any one time (as proposed for the Friday prayer service), which would effectively result in a major underutilization of the buildings. The primary reason for the Community Center, as expressed in the Applicant’s narrative is to, “use the center to build valuable and stronger relationship between all humankind. We reach out and present Islam through educational and cultural activities. We believe that this holistic cultural and inter-faith presence is consistent with the teachings and principles of Islam. Our center also serves as a springboard for religious dialogues and a home for the needy.” The Applicant acknowledges in their provided narrative that since the inception of Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center, they have seen “exponential growth.” By issuing a Special Use Permit for the Subject Property, the Applicant would be placed in a situation where they would have no room to grow assuming a cap of 150 members for the use on the Subject Property. Prohibiting further growth of the Masjid Al-Ansar Community Center at this location would appear to only be making the best out of a bad situation and City staff is unsure as to how long the mosque and community center could function at this location before they would need to look elsewhere. Regarding the parking needs, the City has historically only issued allowances (variances) for lesser parking in instances where the Applicant has been able to (1) provide a traffic and parking study outlining the actual needs, (2) provide data from other apartment buildings under the same ownership by an Applicant outlining unit counts and parking calculations during different times and days, or (3) shown a “proof of parking” that proves that, should the parking needs be greater than anticipated, the App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 12 parking lot can be expanded on-site to address those needs. The Subject Property was approved in 1998 with a “proof of parking;” however, only five additional spaces were provided for and the constraints of the Subject Property, barring the demolition of one of the buildings, could not offer any more than is currently on site. It should also be recognized that by granting a variance in parking for the proposed use, this would set a precedent for allowing on-site parking deficiencies to occur for any similar proposals that might come forward in the future. Finally, as the Applicant is requesting issuance of a Special Use Permit, Section 35-220 (Special Use Permits) of the City’s Zoning Code requires that any approved special use shall, “expire without further action by the Planning Commission or the City Council unless the Applicant or his assignee or successor commences work upon the Subject Property within one year of the date of special use permit is granted, or unless before the expiration of the one year period the applicant shall apply for an extension.” It should be noted that the building the Applicant intends to move into has been declared “unfit” and will require a new Certificate of Occupancy and any identified Building and Fire Code requirements will need to be implemented before a new Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for the 4900 France Avenue building given the current unfit conditions and change in use. RECOMMENDATION City staff is unable to provide a recommendation requesting that a motion be made to either approve or deny the issuance of a Special Use Permit to operate Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center at the Subject Property location at 4900 France Avenue North. Therefore, the Planning Commission and City Council will need to make a determination as to whether a: 1) Motion to approve a Resolution denying that the City Council issue a Special Use Permit for the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center for the operation of a mosque and community center at the Subject Property and a parking variance for the intended use, based on the above outlined findings of fact, be recommended; or 2) Motion to approve a Resolution that the City Council issue a Special Use Permit for the Masjid Al- Ansar Islamic Community Center for the operation of a mosque and community center at the Subject Property and approval of a parking variance for the intended use, based on the above outlined findings of fact, be recommended. Should a recommendation be made to approve the issuance of a Special Use Permit, a parking variance would need to be granted as the Applicant and Alliant Engineering, who prepared the traffic and parking study, note that the parking needs for the use will not be met through on-site parking. In addition, City staff is recommending the following additional conditions be attached to any favorable approval of the requested Special Use Permit: Site and Building 1. Any major changes or modifications made to the Subject Property and previously approved plans can only be made either through the City’s Building Permit process or through formal Site and Building Plan review by the City. 2. The Applicant shall not occupy either building located on the Subject Property until: a. A new Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the City Building Official for the unfit App. No. 2020-001 PC 02/13/2020 Page 13 building (4900 France Avenue North); and b. The Applicant obtains City permits and completes all minimum required interior and site improvements for the proposed use as per the City Building Official, Fire Inspector, and City Planner. 3. The Applicant shall bring the Subject Property into conformance with the approved site plan prepared by Blumentals Architecture and dated February 5, 1998, including, but not limited to the following improvements: a. Re-striping and expansion of Subject Property parking lot to provide minimum of 32 on- site parking spaces; b. Relocation and/or reconstruction of outdoor trash enclosure per City Code requirements, and as approved by City Planner; and c. Relocation of existing accessible route for second building on Subject Property (4902 France Avenue North). 4. The approved Landscape Plan identified on the site plan prepared by Blumentals Architecture and dated February 5, 1998 shall be brought back into compliance and any overgrown vegetation removed. Any requests for alternate plantings shall be reviewed by the City Planner. 5. The Applicant shall install a fence along the south perimeter of the Subject Property to create barrier between the parking lot and active rail line. The Applicant shall work with the ownership of the abutting railroad to determine allowances for fencing. The Applicant shall forward plans for fencing to the City Planner and Building Official and a Building Permit submitted for review and approval, if required. 6. The Applicant shall comply with all comments outlined in the memorandum prepared by Assistant City Engineer Andrew Hogg on February 10, 2020. 7. The Applicant/Property Owner shall ensure the fire sprinkler system is maintained and monitored. Agreements 8. The Applicant shall furnish a copy of an agreement to the City Planner for the off-site shuttle lot, to be located at the K&G Fashion Superstore property (5425 Xerxes Avenue North) with a proposed method of operation for the shuttle, or for any other lots proposed. Operations and Parking 9. The Applicant shall ensure a parking lot attendant is in place between Friday prayer services and any other events generating parking needs beyond the amount available on-site of the Subject Property. The attendant shall be located on the Subject Property and shall not direct traffic from City Right-of-Way or adjacent private property. 10. The majority of the parking lot shall be signed for “carpool use” only. 11. Attendees shall not utilize private property or areas designated as “no parking” (e.g. France Avenue North cul-de-sac) for their parking needs. ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A— Public Hearing Notice, published in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post, dated January 30, 2020. Exhibit B— Planning Commission Application No. 2020-001 Submittal Packet dated January 14, 2020, and Traffic and Parking Study, prepared by Alliant Engineering and dated January 9, 2020. Exhibit C— Previously Approved Site Plan with Landscaping and Preliminary Grading and Utility Plan, prepared by Blumentals Architecture, and dated February 5, 1998. Exhibit D— Memorandum prepared by Assistant City Engineer Andrew Hogg, dated February 10, 2020. Exhibit A Scanned with CamScanner Exhibit B 1/14/2020 1/31/2020 2020-001 Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Scanned with CamScanner Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center, MN Prepared For: Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center Prepared By: Jordan Schwarze, PE Hannah Johnson Alliant Engineering, Inc. 733 Marquette Avenue, Suite 700 Saint Paul, MN 55402 January 9, 2020 DRAFT Report Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 i January 9, 2020 Table of Contents List of Figures ................................................................................................................................. i List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. i 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................1 2.0 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................1 2.1 STUDY AREA INTERSECTIONS .......................................................................................... 1 2.2 DATA COLLECTION .......................................................................................................... 1 2.2.1 Traffic Volumes ...................................................................................................................................... 1 2.2.2 Roadway/Intersection Characteristics ................................................................................................... 1 2.2.3 Parking Observations ............................................................................................................................. 4 2.3 INTERSECTION OPERATIONS ANALYSIS ........................................................................... 6 2.3.1 Level of Service and Queuing ................................................................................................................. 6 3.0 Future Conditions ..............................................................................................................7 3.1 PROPOSED MOSQUE ......................................................................................................... 7 3.2 INTERSECTION OPERATIONS ANALYSIS ........................................................................... 7 3.2.1 Background Growth ............................................................................................................................... 7 3.2.2 Trip Generation ...................................................................................................................................... 7 3.2.3 Directional Distribution and Trip Assignment ........................................................................................ 7 3.2.4 Level of Service and Queuing ............................................................................................................... 10 3.3 PARKING MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 10 3.3.1 Parking Management Plan .................................................................................................................. 11 3.3.2 Parking Layout ..................................................................................................................................... 11 4.0 Conclusions/Recommendations ......................................................................................13 Appendix A – Detailed Operations and Queueing Analysis ..................................................... A List of Figures Figure 1. Project Location............................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2. Existing Conditions ......................................................................................................... 3 Figure 3. Existing Parking Observations ........................................................................................ 5 Figure 4. Directional Distribution ................................................................................................... 8 Figure 5. Future Conditions ............................................................................................................ 9 Figure 6. Recommended Parking Layout ..................................................................................... 12 List of Tables Table 1. Level of Service Criteria ................................................................................................... 6 Table 2. Existing Intersection Operations Analysis ........................................................................ 6 Table 3. Intersection Operations Analysis Comparison ............................................................... 10 Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 1 January 9, 2020 1.0 Introduction Alliant Engineering has completed a traffic and parking study for a proposed mosque to be located at 4900 France Avenue N in Brooklyn Center, MN. The currently unoccupied subject property is zoned I2 – General Industrial but would be rezoned for the purpose of the mosque (see Figure 1: Project Location). The objectives of this study are to evaluate existing traffic and parking characteristics within the area, document the anticipated impacts related to the proposed lane use change, and recommend mitigation measures to address potential impacts. The following provides the assumptions, analysis, and conclusions/recommendations offered for consideration. 2.0 Existing Conditions The existing conditions were reviewed to establish a baseline to identify any future impacts associated with the proposed mosque. The evaluation of existing conditions includes turning movement counts, parking observations, and an intersection operations analysis. 2.1 Study Area Intersections The following intersections were evaluated for the study: • Lakebreeze Avenue & Azelia Avenue • France Avenue & 50th Avenue • France Avenue & 53rd Avenue • 53rd Avenue & Drew Avenue 2.2 Data Collection 2.2.1 Traffic Volumes To document existing conditions, intersection turning movement counts were collected by Alliant Engineering on Friday, December 20, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It should be noted that the traditional Friday prayer service, the most significant regularly occurring traffic generator for the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center, takes place within this timeframe. 2.2.2 Roadway/Intersection Characteristics Roadway/intersection characteristics within the study area (i.e. lane geometry and traffic controls/volumes) were observed and are shown in Figure 2: Existing Conditions. While the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center currently holds a single Friday prayer service from 1:00-2:00 p.m., two Friday services are planned at the proposed mosque: 12:00-1:00 p.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m. Therefore, the 12:30-1:30 p.m. timeframe was analyzed to ensure overlapping traffic from each service was covered. Project Location Figure 1Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study ALLIANT 53rd Ave F r a n c e A v e F r a n c e A v e Bass Lake Rd Lakebreeze Ave B otti n e a u Bl v d B r o o k l y n B l v d Mosque Proposed at K&G Park and Ride Proposed MINNESO 1 00 AT Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study ALLIANT All-Way Stop Existing Conditions Figure 2 L 17 T 5 R 11 L 1 3 T 1 2 R 0 2 4 R 1 9 T 1 L 6 R 5 T 0 L 2 1 R 2 L 4 R 44 T 1 R 15 T 38 L L 1 T 11 R 1 L 0 T 3 R 2 7 0 R 32 T 6 L 1 R 0 T 0 L L 6 3 T 0 R 4 A z e l i a A v e L 0 T 37 R 88 0 R 5 T 5 L L 7 T 39 Mosque Proposed Lakebreeze Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 51st Ave 50th Ave 52nd Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 53rd Ave Through/Stop LEGEND XX (12:30-1:30 PM) Friday Traffic Volume Lane Geometry Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave 53rd Ave & Drew Ave 53rd Ave & France Ave 50th Ave & France Ave MINNESO AT 100 Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 4 January 9, 2020 2.2.3 Parking Observations A review of existing parking restrictions and demand/capacity (Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) near the proposed mosque site was completed to understand potential impacts to the adjacent on-street parking network. A summary of study area parking observations is documented in Figure 3: Existing Parking Observations. The parking observations reveal that no parking is allowed on France Avenue south of 50th Avenue (the block adjacent to the proposed mosque site), though a number of vehicles were viewed to be parked illegally on this block. A small supply of on-street parking was available one block from the proposed mosque site along the south side of 50th Avenue east of France Avenue. During the four hours of Friday observations, approximately 10-18 on-street parking spaces were available along this segment of 50th Avenue. However, it should be noted that no pedestrian facilities exist between 50th Avenue and the proposed mosque site. In the residential neighborhood further north, abundant on-street parking was available on France Avenue, Ewing Avenue, and Drew Avenue. In addition to existing parking observations near the proposed mosque site, parking demand was observed at the Brooklyn Center Community Center where the Friday prayer service of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center is currently held. A parking lot count was collected both during the Friday prayer service and approximately one hour after conclusion of the service. The post-service count revealed 72 fewer vehicles in the Community Center parking lot as compared to the count during the service. Given limited observed use of other meeting space, exercise, and pool facilities within the Brooklyn Center Community Center both during and after the Friday prayer service, the majority of the 72-vehicle difference can be attributed to members of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center. With an observed service attendance of approximately 150 people, a rate of 2.1 people/vehicle can be derived. Discussions with leaders of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center indicate that service attendance is typically lower and that normal vehicle occupancy is likely closer to 3.0 people/vehicle. Mosque leaders cite college-age members being back from winter break during the Friday, December 20, 2019 observations as the probable cause for the atypical numbers. However, the observed numbers were carried forward in the analysis to conservatively estimate a worst-case scenario for future conditions. Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study ALLIANT 50th Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e Existing Parking Observations Figure 3 50th Ave 51st Ave 51st Ave F r a n c e A v e LEGEND Parking Allowed No Parking MINNESOTA 100 Mosque Proposed Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 6 January 9, 2020 2.3 Intersection Operations Analysis An existing intersection operations analysis was completed using Synchro/SimTraffic software to establish a baseline condition to which future traffic operations could be compared. 2.3.1 Level of Service and Queuing Operations analysis results identify a Level of Service (LOS), which indicates the quality of traffic flow through an intersection. Intersections are given a ranking from LOS A to F. The LOS results are based on average delay per vehicle, which correspond to the delay threshold values shown in Table 1. LOS A indicates the best traffic operation, with vehicles experiencing minimal delays. LOS F indicates an intersection where demand exceeds capacity, or a breakdown of traffic flow. Table 1. Level of Service Criteria Results of the existing intersection operations analysis shown in Table 2 indicate that all study intersections currently operate at overall LOS A during the Friday analysis hour. In addition, no significant side-street delay or queuing issues were observed in the field or traffic simulation. Detailed operations and queuing analysis results are presented in Appendix A. Table 2. Existing Intersection Operations Analysis Description Signalized Intersection Unsignalized Intersection A Free Flow: Low volumes and no delays.0 - 10 0 - 10 B Stable Flow: Speeds restricted by travel conditions, minor delays.> 10 - 20 > 10 - 15 C Stable Flow: Speeds and maneuverability closely controlled due to higher volumes.> 20 - 35 > 15 - 25 D Stable Flow: Speeds considerably affected by change in operating conditions. High density traffic restricts maneuverability, volume near capacity.> 35 - 55 > 25 - 35 E Unstable Flow: Low speeds, considerable delay, volume at or slightly over capacity.> 55 - 80 > 35 - 50 F Forced Flow: Very low speeds, volume exceed capacity, long delays with stop and go traffic.> 80 > 50 Source: Highway Capacity Manual, 2010 Edition, Transportation Research Board, Exhibits 18-4 & 19-1. Delay per Vehicle (seconds) Level of Service Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave A /A 1.5 /4.5 France Ave & 50th Ave A /A 4.4 /5.6 France Ave & 53rd Ave A /A 4.0 /5.0 53rd Ave & Drew Ave A /A 1.0 /2.7 Overall Intersection LOS / Worst Approach LOS Overall Intersection Delay / Worst Approach Delay Intersection Existing LOS Delay (s) Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 7 January 9, 2020 3.0 Future Conditions To determine potential impacts, a traffic operations analysis was completed for future conditions. 3.1 Proposed Mosque The Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center is expected to repurpose existing building structures (approximately 2,400 and 2,800 square feet each) at the 4900 France Avenue N site. The existing site access at the southern end of a cul-de-sac on France Avenue south of 50th Avenue is expected to be reutilized. The existing parking lot at the proposed mosque site, which is anticipated to be restriped, is expected to provide a maximum of 32 parking stalls of typical width (8.5 feet). It should be noted that the size of the existing building structures may limit the potential attendance of any particular prayer service; however, the worst-case scenario in which all members are onsite at one time was conservatively analyzed. 3.2 Intersection Operations Analysis A future conditions intersection operations analysis was completed using Synchro/SimTraffic software to estimate the traffic impacts of the proposed mosque. 3.2.1 Background Growth Significant background traffic volume growth at the study intersections is not expected in the near future, as the study area is fully developed with limited potential for redevelopment that would produce significantly increased traffic volumes. 3.2.2 Trip Generation The ITE Trip Generation Manual, 10th Edition was referenced to estimate the trip generation potential of the proposed mosque. However, very limited data related to a mosque is available. Therefore, a trip generation based on existing Friday prayer service observations was utilized to provide a more reliable analysis. As noted previously, approximately 70 vehicles at the current Friday prayer service site could be attributed to members of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center. Consequently, approximately 70 trips both to and from the proposed mosque could be expected. While the proposed mosque is expected to offer two back-to-back prayer services between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the potential exists for one of the services to be more popular than the other. Therefore, to provide a worst-case estimate of future conditions, all 70 potential trips were assumed to exit the proposed mosque site within the Friday analysis hour. 3.2.3 Directional Distribution and Trip Assignment The distribution of site-generated trips was estimated based on existing traffic volumes/patterns and engineering judgement. The resultant directional distribution, shown in Figure 4: Directional Distribution, was applied to estimated site-generated trips. The resultant forecast of future conditions, in which all 70 potential site-generated trips exit the proposed mosque within the Friday analysis hour, is shown in Figure 5: Future Conditions. 40% 1 5 % 45% Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study ALLIANT A z e l i a A v e Mosque Proposed Lakebreeze Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 51st Ave 50th Ave 52nd Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 53rd Ave LEGEND Directional Distribution Figure 4 Distribution Direction Distribution Percentage ##% MINNESO AT 100 Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study ALLIANT All-Way Stop L 17 T 5 R 11 L 1 3 T 1 2 R 0 3 8 R 2 9 T 1 L 6 R 5 T 0 L 3 5 R 2 L 4 R 58 T 1 R 15 T 38 L L 1 T 11 R 1 L 0 T 3 R 2 7 0 R 32 T 6 L 1 R 0 T 0 L L 9 5 T 0 R 4 A z e l i a A v e L 0 T 37 R 88 L 7 T 39 Mosque Proposed Lakebreeze Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 51st Ave 50th Ave 52nd Ave F r a n c e A v e E w i n g A v e D r e w A v e 53rd Ave Through/Stop LEGEND XX Lane Geometry Future Conditions Figure 5 1 4 R 2 9 T 3 7 L (Mosque Peak Hour) Friday Traffic Volume Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave 53rd Ave & Drew Ave 53rd Ave & France Ave 50th Ave & France Ave MINNESO AT 100 Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 10 January 9, 2020 3.2.4 Level of Service and Queuing Results of the future intersection operations analysis, shown in Table 3, indicate that all study intersections are expected to continue operating at overall LOS A during the Friday analysis hour. In addition, no significant side-street delay or queuing issues were observed in the traffic simulation. Therefore, no issues related to the proposed mosque are anticipated from a traffic operations perspective. Detailed operations and queuing analysis results are presented in Appendix A. Table 3. Intersection Operations Analysis Comparison 3.3 Parking Management Despite anticipated back-to-back prayer services between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the potential still exists for approximately 70 vehicles to be onsite during the overlap between services in the 12:30-1:30 p.m. timeframe. Considering an estimated maximum of 32 parking stalls onsite, the potential exists for a parking deficit of nearly 40 stalls. Therefore, the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center is planning to provide four shuttle vans (7-passengers each) to move members between the proposed mosque site and an offsite park and ride location. It should be noted that the study area was observed to have sufficient on-street parking capacity within two to three blocks of the proposed mosque to accommodate the entire membership. However, a significant portion of this available on-street parking capacity lies in the residential neighborhood north of 50th Avenue. The combination of the existing parking lot, available on-street parking, and the planned shuttle service has the potential to effectively manage the anticipated parking demand of the proposed mosque. For the offsite park and ride location, an arrangement has been made with K&G Fashion Superstore (located approximately one mile northeast of the proposed mosque at 5425 Xerxes Avenue N and shown previously in Figure 1) to provide parking in the underutilized back parking lot of the store. The back parking lot at K&G has a capacity of more than 100 parking stalls with little associated demand based on a review of satellite imagery over the past 10 years. With shuttle vans running continuously before and after services, the potential exists for the shuttle service to significantly reduce parking demand on and near the site of the proposed mosque. Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave A /A 1.5 /4.5 A /A 1.9 /4.7 France Ave & 50th Ave A /A 4.4 /5.6 A /A 4.8 /5.5 France Ave & 53rd Ave A /A 4.0 /5.0 A /A 4.5 /5.2 53rd Ave & Drew Ave A /A 1.0 /2.7 A /A 1.1 /2.7 Overall Intersection LOS / Worst Approach LOS Overall Intersection Delay / Worst Approach Delay Intersection Existing Future LOS Delay (s)LOS Delay (s) Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 11 January 9, 2020 3.3.1 Parking Management Plan The potential exists for parking demand to significantly exceed the anticipated parking supply on the site of the proposed mosque at 4900 France Avenue N in Brooklyn Center. Therefore, the following measures are recommended to minimize the potential for parking demand associated with the proposed mosque to overrun the parking supply onsite and spill onto adjacent streets and into the residential neighborhood north of 50th Avenue: •If possible, separate the two anticipated prayer services by at least one hour to limit the potential for the entire membership to be onsite during the overlap between services. •Actively promote the use of the planned shuttle service among members of the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center. o The shuttle service is expected to offer an abundance of parking at a location only a 5-minute drive from the proposed mosque site (K&G Fashion Superstore). ▪In one trip, the four shuttle van fleet could transport up to 24 people excluding van drivers (equivalent to 11 parked vehicles at the observed rate of 2.1 people/vehicle). ▪Stagger shuttle van departures to minimize the potential for more than one van loading/unloading passengers simultaneously on the proposed mosque site. •Excluding the required number of designated stalls for handicap accessible, mosque leadership, and shuttle parking, sign the majority of the remaining parking lot stalls as carpool only. o Encourage single occupancy drivers to utilize the planned shuttle service. ▪Designate the single parking stall immediately adjacent to the west building entrance for shuttle van loading/unloading. This location will help minimize the potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflicts within the parking lot and allow shuttle vans the space needed to perform a backing maneuver. o Designate a parking lot monitor to actively enforce carpool rules and post a sign at the site access when the parking lot is full. These actions will maintain an orderly parking lot and help minimize the potential for vehicle/vehicle and vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. •Given that vehicles were already observed to park illegally along France Avenue south of 50th Avenue and minimal heavy truck activity, the City of Brooklyn Center could consider allowing on-street parking along the west side of this one-block segment. Approximately 210 feet of uninterrupted curb is available along the west side of France Avenue, south of 50th Avenue and north of the cul-de-sac which provides access to the proposed mosque. This length of uninterrupted curb has the potential to provide approximately 10 on-street spaces that could be utilized for short-term parking. 3.3.2 Parking Layout To minimize the potential for vehicle/vehicle and vehicle/pedestrian conflicts onsite, the parking layout shown in Figure 6 is recommended. It should be specifically noted that removing overgrown vegetation near the site access is recommended to improve sight distance/safety. Brooklyn Center Mosque Traffic & Parking Study Recommended Parking Layout Figure 6 ALLIANT F r a n c e A v e P a r k i n g L o t A i s l e 9 0 - d e g r e e P a r k i n g S t a ll s 9 0 - d e g r e e P a r k i n g S t a ll s Loading/Unloading Designated Shuttle vehilce backing maneuvers trash removal and Maintain open space for safety at the site access improve sight distance/ Remove vegetation to Mosque Proposed GoogleC Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 13 January 9, 2020 4.0 Conclusions/Recommendations The following study conclusions/recommendations are offered for consideration: •Results of the existing intersection operations analysis indicate that all study intersections currently operate at overall LOS A during the Friday analysis hour. In addition, no significant side-street delay or queuing issues were observed in the field or traffic simulation. After the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center occupies the existing building structures at 4900 France Avenue N in Brooklyn Center, all study intersections are expected to continue operating at overall LOS A during the Friday analysis hour. Additionally, no significant side-street delay or queuing issues are anticipated under the future conditions. Therefore, no issues related to the proposed mosque are anticipated from a traffic operations perspective. •Despite anticipated back-to-back prayer services between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., the potential still exists for approximately 70 vehicles to be onsite during the overlap between services in the 12:30-1:30 p.m. timeframe. Considering an estimated maximum of 32 parking stalls onsite, the potential exists for a parking deficit of nearly 40 stalls. Therefore, the Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Community Center is planning to provide four shuttle vans (7-passengers each) to move members between the proposed mosque site and an offsite park and ride location only a 5-minute drive away. o It should be noted that the study area was observed to have sufficient on-street parking capacity within two to three blocks of the proposed mosque to accommodate the entire membership. However, a significant portion of this available on-street parking capacity lies in the residential neighborhood north of 50th Avenue. The combination of the existing parking lot, available on-street parking, and the planned shuttle service has the potential to effectively manage the anticipated parking demand of the proposed mosque. •To minimize the potential for parking demand associated with the proposed mosque to overrun the parking supply onsite and spill onto adjacent streets and into the residential neighb orhood north of 50th Avenue, the actions presented in Section 3.3.1: Parking Management Plan are recommended. Traffic & Parking Study Brooklyn Center Mosque Alliant No. 219-0226.0 A1 Appendix A – Detailed Operations and Queueing Analysis Existing Conditions EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 2.4 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.8 4.7 0.3 2.2 1.5 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 10 45 15 15 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 4.2 5.7 1.9 3.2 6.2 1.4 4.2 5.7 0.0 0.0 3.7 3.7 4.4 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 37 37 37 22 22 22 30 30 0 18 18 46 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 0.0 5.9 2.7 4.6 1.7 2.6 4.2 5.5 3.7 4.2 5.8 0.0 4.0 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 33 33 33 43 43 43 49 49 49 43 43 43 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 0.0 0.6 0.4 2.0 0.1 0.0 3.9 0.0 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 0 0 0 5 5 0 13 0 39 0 0 0 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave 0.5 0.2 A A Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach Intersection Total 4.5 Westbound Approach Northbound Approach A A 2.8 Southbound Approach Intersection Total Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach 5.0 3.7 Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach France Ave & 50th Ave 4.5 5.6 AAAA Intersection Total France Ave & 53rd Ave 3.9 3.0 4.5 5.0 A A A A Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach Intersection TotalIntersectionMOEEastbound Approach 2.7 0.0 A A A A 53rd Ave & Drew Ave 0.6 0.4 Future Conditions EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 2.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.8 0.1 2.6 1.9 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 8 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 4 48 14 14 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 4.3 5.6 1.5 4.1 5.9 1.8 5.0 6.5 3.1 0.0 3.3 3.9 4.8 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 39 39 39 23 23 23 54 54 36 19 19 45 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 0.0 5.9 2.3 4.5 1.7 2.5 4.2 6.6 4.3 4.6 5.7 0.0 4.5 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 29 29 29 43 43 43 53 53 53 43 43 43 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS EBL EBT EBR WBL WBT WBR NBL NBT NBR SBL SBT SBR Movement Delay (sec/veh) 0.0 0.5 0.5 2.1 0.1 0.0 4.8 0.0 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.1 Movement LOS A A A A A A A A A A A A A Movement 95th Queue (ft) 0 0 0 10 10 0 11 0 44 0 0 0 Approach Delay (sec/veh) Approach LOS Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach Intersection Total Lakebreeze Ave & Azelia Ave 0.5 0.2 0.0 Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Westbound Approach 4.7 A A A A France Ave & 53rd Ave 3.7 A 0.0 A A A A 2.7 Intersection Total Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach Intersection Total 3.0 5.2 5.2 A A A Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach 53rd Ave & Drew Ave 0.5 0.5 France Ave & 50th Ave 4.6 5.5 5.2 3.8 A A A A Intersection MOE Eastbound Approach Westbound Approach Northbound Approach Southbound Approach Intersection Total Ex h i b i t C M E M O R A N D U M DATE: Feb 10, 2020 TO: Ginny McIntosh, City Planner/Zoning Administrator FROM: Andrew Hogg, Assistant City Engineer SUBJECT: Site Plan Review – 4900 France Public Works Department staff reviewed the following documents submitted for review on Jan 20, 2020 for 4900 France Ave N: Planning Commission Submittal Packet dated Jan 20, 2020 Subject to final staff Site Plan approval, the referenced plans must be revised in accordance with the following comments/revisions and approved prior to issuance of land alteration permit: Site Plan 1.The traffic study and parking demand management plan and Applicant note an intent to re-stripe the parking lot and relocate the existing outdoor trash enclosure so as to meet the previously approved site plan prepared by Blumentals Architecture and last revised February 5, 1998. The Applicant did not provide an updated site plan. The location of the trash enclosure shown on the approved site plan is different the than the existing trash enclosure’s current location and would need to be relocated in order to allow for installation of additional parking. The applicant shall restripe the parking to match the previously approved site plan and will need to accommodate for minimum ADA parking requirements. 2.The applicant shall remove the overgrown vegetation at the entrance to improve sight lines when entering and exiting the site. 3.Site accessibility shall comply with ADA standards. Miscellaneous 4.The applicant is not proposing to disturb the site above the threshold for review; no project review is required for the West Mississippi Watershed Commission and an NPDES permit is not required. 5.The City has received a draft traffic study, dated January 9, 2020. The study doesn’t provide a clear understanding of the parking needs for the site. The report provides only an estimate of service attendees to each service. Staff estimates of occupancy loads of the building after the remodeling exceeds the number provided in the draft traffic plan. In discussions with the applicant, it was implied that after the completion of each service the parking lot will empty entirely, providing a clean slate for the next service. With the nature of the site and the indication that the site is planned to function as community center it seems unreasonable to expect that this will occur. If the occupancy loads match the estimation within the traffic study, only under ideal conditions will the site be able to meet the required number of parking stalls and the site will be under-parked. If those numbers are greater, then parking Exhibit D 4900 France Ave Site Plan Review Memo, February 10, 2020 Page 2 of 2 and traffic could have major impacts on the neighborhood. The Public Works department will not recommend changing any of the city on-street parking regulations for the local city streets to accommodate on-street parking for the site, which is suggested in the provided traffic study and parking demand management plan. The cul-de-sac portion of France Avenue North shall not be used for on-street parking as street dimensions do not allow for the movement of industrial traffic and vehicles in conjunction with on-street parking. The traffic study discusses the use of a staff member directing traffic, preventing vehicles from entering the site once the on-site parking is full, however, the study doesn’t discuss how the traffic will be directed to prevent on-street parking in the neighborhood or what steps will be taken to prevent queuing in the streets as cars wait for parking. The applicant shall take steps to prevent parking on private property, unless the applicant can provide an agreement with a private property owner for the purposes of additional parking. In addition, the study refers to an agreement with the K&G property at 5425 Xerxes Ave N as a location for additional parking with a shuttle service (i.e. 4 minivans). The study doesn’t detail how the shuttle service will work, nor does the PC submittal packet include an agreement with K&G for use of their property. City staff has not received enough information nor does the traffic report lend clarity to the parking issues and concerns. In regards to the traffic study, Public Works is unable to provide a recommendation in support of the traffic study as proposed. Anticipated Permitting: 6.Other permits not listed may be required and is the responsibility of the developer to obtain and warranted. 7. Copies of all required permits must be provided to the City prior to issuance of applicable building and land disturbance permits. The aforementioned comments are provided based on the information submitted by the applicant at the time of this review. Other guarantees and site development conditions may be further prescribed throughout the project as warranted and determined by the City. 1 City of Brooklyn Center Beautification & Public Art Plan 2020-2025 UPDATED DRAFT 2/6/20 Prepared by Forecast Public Art Intro and Overview City of Brooklyn Center hired Forecast to develop a Beautification & Public Art Master Plan Why a Plan? •Re-create a sense of identity, enhance community image, grow civic pride •Establish policies, procedures, governance systems, management and administrative systems and sustainable funding mechanisms Coordinate public and private beautification efforts •Guide efforts to enhance public improvements and private development efforts •Advance resident economic stability •Engage residents and businesses throughout the City in meaningful ways •Interests and priorities change over time Why Public Art? Public art is vital to building a dynamic and equitable city for everyone; it encourages dialogues across difference, inspires viewers and participants to engage more fully in their communities and fosters civic pride and stewardship. What does Public Art and Beautification in Brooklyn Center look like in Five Years? The range of public art resulting from the city’s program will likely be as varied and diverse as the Brooklyn Center community; the city’s multicultural residents will be able to see themselves represented in public spaces. There are many ways public art can happen in the future, including: •Commissioned art as part of a public improvement project, such as a streetscape, a new playground, renovation of a public building, etc. •Private developers commission art to incorporate into their housing, retail or commercial developments. •Residents, community groups and businesses develop art projects in public-facing spaces, independently or with start-up support from the City through a micro-grant program. •All types of artists living in Brooklyn Center will be offered information and training opportunities to learn how to engage with neighbors in creating meaningful projects. •Artists are embedded in the Parks Department’s Rec on the Go program, in the Rec Center, in schools (engaging youth), in new housing developments, at the library, etc. •Community members are invited to plan and participate in cultural events and festivals. •Artists and residents build functional amenities, such as benches, shade structures, trash can holders, etc. in neighborhoods and along walking trails to increase physical activity of residents. A Shared Vision for Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Center is where diverse community members can see themselves in the art that’s part of their daily lives, in their city; where residents and businesses thrive, are actively engaged in cultural activities and enjoy their quality of life. Brooklyn Center is known for its inclusive, equitable, people-powered beautification program focused on improving health, wellbeing and place stamp here place stamp here place stamp here place stamp here Name Address City, State, Zip Apt/Unit Name Address City, State, Zip Apt/Unit Name Address City, State, Zip Apt/Unit Name Address City, State, Zip Apt/Unit BROOKLYNCENTER PLANNING FOR PUBLIC ART BROOKLYNCENTER PLANNING FOR PUBLIC ART BROOKLYNCENTER PLANNING FOR PUBLIC ART BROOKLYNCENTER PLANNING FOR PUBLIC ART BROOKLYNCENTER PLANNING FOR PUBLIC ART Facilitated byForecast Public Art a MN-based Non-Profit Facilitated byForecast Public Art a MN-based Non-Profit Facilitated byForecast Public Art a MN-based Non-Profit Facilitated byForecast Public Art a MN-based Non-Profit Discussion Item 11.a 2 thoughtful design serving the entire city. Effectively governed, adequately funded and professionally managed, Brooklyn Center’s forward-thinking public art initiatives are recognized nationally as high quality, meaningful and impactful. Process Steps and Key Preliminary Findings • Discovery, Listening and Community Engagement Phase o Touring and Viewing, Mapping Exercises, Community Engagement Workshops o Three Task Force groups: Community, City Team and City Council o Surveys (online and on-site), focus groups, interviews and meetings (in person and via telephone) § Note: A concerted effort to seek and obtain diverse perspectives and input throughout the planning process was critical to the plan’s efficacy. o Demonstration project (230 street banners featuring youth, adults and elders) • Preliminary Findings o Mapping exercises helped identify areas of concern or needing attention, such as the Transit Center, vacant lots, empty buildings, etc. as well as places of value, including the library, parks, trails, Centennial Park, etc. o Overall, the response from participants engaged in the planning process regarding the plan’s goals and the concept of the City developing a program has been very positive. o Establishing a new program within the City will be a challenge, since it involves taking some risks and it requires an investment of time, people and money. o There are not been many artists or arts organizations in the city—no galleries, theaters, or cultural centers (except the Brookdale Library). It is critical to identify and grow a base of local talent able to actively and professionally participate in public art, community engagement and beautification; it is likewise critical to grow the number of arts and cultural facilities, venues, work spaces, etc. o A majority of local residents and workers in the city are unaware of contemporary public art; community-wide education and awareness-building is needed to grow awareness, understanding, appreciation and support. o There are numerous efforts underway or planned throughout the city that offer excellent opportunities for incorporating public art and beautification projects, including in schools, parks, new developments, transit improvements and more. • Drafting of the full plan document, including overlay maps focused on corridors and key areas of the city, will be followed by an online vetting process inviting review and input from the broader community, leading to review and acceptance by the City Council. About Public Art & Healthy City Strategies • The Plan will include an overview of the public art field, including examples, recent trends and critical issues. o There are many types of public art, and many different functions it can serve. o There’s a wide range of possible outcomes, including temporary/fixed, visual/performance, social engagement, cultural festival, community meals and more. o There are many ways public art can address individual, community and social health objectives. o Beyond placing art in public places; public art is increasingly about the process of meaningful engagement experiences, efforts that bridge difference, build social cohesion and promote cross-sector collaborations. o Growing evidence points to benefits derived from engaging citizens in creating the physical and social ecology they desire; allowing disenfranchised residents to see themselves in the art they experience in their daily lives. 3 Challenges • City has made limited investments in arts and culture; it’s a new thing that’s untested; the street banner project offers a valuable demonstration that can help inform future efforts. • City’s efforts with community engagement have left some interviewees wanting more bottom- up strategies; not simply responding to City-generated ideas. • There are several blighted or abandoned areas, and evidence of undesirable behaviors. • It’s difficult keeping trashed areas clean; businesses don’t always cooperate. • City’s staff capacity is strained, limiting what’s possible in terms of staff time. • City staff are fairly risk averse and somewhat conservative. • City has limited resources and there are many competing priorities. Opportunities • City has numerous assets upon which to build a meaningful, impactful program: o Partnerships (County, Metro Transit, Brooklyn Youth Alliance, Three Rivers Parks, Schools, Earl Brown Heritage Center, Brookdale Library, developers and others). o Programs that have made an impact in terms of community engagement (including Rec on the Go, Saturday Market, Centennial Park and stage, parks and trails, and others). o Street banner demonstration project provides a good example of community-engaged public art that builds civic pride; creating and sharing this story can raise awareness. o Future public improvements and private developments can host public art projects. • Positioning program around theme of “Healthy City” with deep, authentic community engagement, combined with city’s noteworthy demographics could attract funding/investment. • Program aligns with key goals and values of City. • Program is new and not confined; starting from a “blank slate” offers numerous options. Program Guiding Principles • Places of beauty and places that encourage positive social interactions contribute to our health. • Engaging diverse cultural communities in co-creating the built and social environments in which they can thrive contributes to civic pride and stewardship of public spaces. • To ensure new City program is successful, it should start small, build on the assets and partnerships already in place, and grow from there. • Art and artists play an important role in developing and revitalizing cities, promoting economic development, generating pride, and building community. • Cultural development is as important as economic development; this initiative should be viewed as part of a larger arts and cultural program long-term, helping the City reduce disparities and advance its equity, diversity and inclusion goals. • Beautification can elevate property values and attract businesses, artists and creative industries. • People enjoy living in a community where they make new friends and learn new things. • It’s critical to incorporate maintenance and conservation funding into all capital projects. Long-Term Goals • Foster civic pride and community health by: o Creating and activating meaningful public gathering places o Enhancing connective trails and parks, and increasing usage by all o Nurturing a vibrant cultural life that encourages cross pollination and community building o Offering family-oriented arts and entertainment and high quality public art experiences • Grow number of residents who become active stewards of Brooklyn Center, and feel inclined to care for the city’s public spaces. 4 • Increase number of volunteer community members who seek out fun and impactful beautification projects. For example: o Painting safety crosswalks, creating neighborhood-themed benches, planting roadside flowerbeds, clean-up projects that result in found-object sculptures, etc. • Grow number of residents desiring engagement in public art activities that enhance their quality of life, especially immigrant communities, those living in multi-family dwellings and youth. • Increase participation and leadership by locally based artists, residents and businesses. • Attract outside grants and partnership support to warrant expansion of program. • Grow program long-term to support cultural development (cultural center, studio space, etc.). Short-Term Strategic Operations Work Plan (2020+2021) • Build program intentionally, and iteratively over time with informed decision-making, taking into account the following strategies: a) Pop up opportunities (treatment of eyesores, surprise interventions, etc.). b) Leverage current projects (public improvements, private developments, etc.). c) Demonstration projects (street banners, light projections, temporary murals, etc.). d) Strategic, long-range efforts (4-5 years out, with time to generate larger sums of funding, etc.). e) Encourage businesses, schools, community groups, developers and others to initiate independent or partnership public art and beautification projects. • Consider range of funding mechanisms, such as percent-for-art out of CIP and general fund. o (List of various funding mechanisms to be provided). • Reference Overlay Maps to consider corridor development and identify areas of opportunity. • Take advantage of efforts the city—and others—are doing or plan to do, such as Transit Center remodeling by Metro Transit, Hennepin County Public Health’s effort with Hmong community, and others. • Establish an Arts and Culture Commission to guide further planning, advise City on investments, opportunities, demonstration projects, etc. • Involve community members to help develop and adopt an “evaluation scorecard” to measure impacts of projects and build a system for decision-making and record-keeping. • Maintain City Team as a resource to assist with program incubation and development with representatives from City department offering support, ideas and coordination. • Consider a micro-grants strategy to support artists partnering with community members to generate bottom-up ideas and projects with technical assistance from City staff. • Host educational events, training sessions and social activities for local talent and help them learn about program and how they can participate. • Identify locally-embedded cultural liaisons who can assist with community engagement efforts. • Develop community education strategies to broaden awareness, understanding and appreciation of contemporary public art and beautification efforts, especially ones that enhance livability; start by telling story of the Street Banner Project, with quotes from participants and observers, followed by a story about how and why the city is working to develop a program to build on such efforts. Recommendations to Actualize Plan In summary, the City should start small and grow its beautification and public art program iteratively over time as the program takes root and becomes embedded into the culture of City government. Program Funding • Determine priority options to establish sustainable funding mechanisms to support program annually. 5 o Percent of annual budget—for engagement, programs and events; and CIP budget—for capital projects. • Identify resources needed to help city staff take advantage of opportunities (cash and in-kind). o Project coordinators, artists, local cultural liaisons o Production expenses o Public relations and communications o Documentation and evaluation o Continuing education and professional development o Leverage private investment (fundraising, sponsorship procurement, etc.) Governance • Establish a Brooklyn Center Arts and Culture Commission with a council member liaison. • Maintain City Team as a group to help guide and nurture program, increase connection and collaboration amongst departments. Management • Overseen by Deputy City Manager with help from key staff members, until contracted project management support and eventually staff manager is available. o Implement, wherever practical, modestly-scaled projects and measure outcomes. o Establish communications protocols—internal and external—to build awareness and generate support for future efforts. Project possibilities include, but are not limited to: § Temporary murals wrapping around and re-envisioning City Hall entrance. § Visual and performing arts enhancements to the Saturday Market (street painting, interactive projects, colorful banners, live performances, etc.). § Changing art along trails that run through neighborhoods, inspiring repeat visits. § Artists engaging community members to inform enhancements to new playgrounds. § Art incorporated into public improvements and private developments, and artists-in-residence in new housing developments and apartment buildings. § Artist embedded in Rec on the Go program. § Artist-in-residence in schools, library and community garden projects. § Micro-grants offered to artists partnering with residents/businesses and cultural liaisons from local cultural communities and neighborhood groups. § Community-driven Cultural Festival featuring diverse youth talent (using multiple venues, such as Earle Brown Heritage Center, Centennial Park, Brookdale Library, etc.). § Rethink interim uses for vacant buildings (consider a Festival of Nations-type venue, a co-working studio, cultural showcase, event space, etc.). § Showcase local culture at Transit Center (using video monitor and sound system for music, etc.). § Explore with Hennepin County facilities expanding Brookdale Library’s function as a cultural center.