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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_81Dec7-' MINUTES --, PLANING COPIMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 7, 1981 • The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Stefanson. Other Commission Members present were Blomberg, Nilsen, Wallin, Labalestra, Olson, Waldo and Bourquin. Absent was Mead. Also in attendance was Council Liaison Sandy Larson, City Attorney John Kenefick, City Planner Carl Dale and City Engineer Brad Lemberg. The Commission first addressed the question of realtor Steve Townly. Mr. Townly had questions concerning the property at 1899 W. Larpenteur Avenue. He wanted an advisory opinion as to the chances that a 6-plex could be con- structed on the property. Stefanson opined that there was concern with access problems across the adjacent Meyer property. Stefanson also provided Mr. Townly with a copy of the "R-3" portion of the existing Zoning Ordinance. The next item of business was the request of American Shelter Corporation that the Hermes and Hawkins properties, lying north and west of Hewlett- Packard, be re-zoned PUD. Harold Westin again spoke on behalf of American Shelter Corporation and presented several sets of drawings for distribution to the Commission Members. The proposal, as depicted in the drawings, rep- resented a change from American Shelter's two previous efforts to obtain re-zoning of the Hermes and Hawkins properties to various combinations of B-lA and R-3. The drawings included a site plan and a grading plan for the development of both the Hermes and Hawkins properties as one overall project. It was reported that the same plans had been reviewed by Carl Dale, the City Attorney, and Brad Lemberg during the previous week. Attorney Kenefick re- ported that First Bank Minneapolis, Trustee for the Hawkins Estate, had com- menced cancellation proceedings to terminate the purchase agreement between American Shelter and the Estate for failure to satisfy certain conditions of the Estate. Accordingly, Kenefick advised that there were serious quest- ions as to the ownership of the property rights in the Hawkins property. It appeared that American Shelter did not have control over both the Hermes and the Hawkins properties and, therefore, if true, the application for re-zoning was not in proper form. He further advised that he understood that American Shelter had undertaken efforts to become re-instated to the purchase agree- ment. Kenefick suggested, therefore, that the Planning Commission hold an informational hearing pursuant to American Shelter's application on the con- dition that all parties having an interest in the Estate of Charles J. Hawkins become co-applicants for re-zoning in addition to American Shelter and that American Shelter do, not later than December 17, 1981, whatever was necessary to become reinstated to the purchase agreement. According to Kenefick, satis- faction of these two conditions were the minimum pre-requisites in order for- American Shelter to have a "proper application" for re-zoning on file. With the understanding that a "proper application" would be on file by close of business on December 17, 1981, the Planning Commission proceeded with the informational hearing. Traffic Consultant Jack Anderson spoke about the subject of traffic generation within the development area and its impact on the surrounding residential areas. He stated that that traffic generated would be very close to the same volumes that would be generated if the area were developed according to R-1 performance standards. According to sta- istics available to Mr. Anderson, single family units generate 10 one-way movements per day as contrasted with 3.86 trips per unit per day in town- house or condominium developments (based on 2 persons per unit). Carl Dale commented that the proposal was acceptable and that he agreed traffic generation would be comparable to wn R-1 area. He felt that the PUD approach assured the City of adequate contol over the development. He stated that the • ~2INUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING _~ DECEMBER 7, 1981 .PAGE 2 street plan, with planned access to Prior, Tatum and Larpenteur, would be better than an R-1 type street plan. .Being a good plan, consistent with the criteria of the Comprehensive Plan, it warranted a public hearing. Mr. Dale also stressed the substantial difference in tax base between American Shelter's proposal (approximately $25 million) and an R-1 development (ap- proximately $7.8 million). Bourquin stated that the Commission needed better financial data in terms of actual dollar amounts to be gained or lost depend- ing on the development alternatives. Brad Lemberg distributed his comments on the proposed .development by letter dated December 7, 1981. He recommended going to the public hearing stage. Attorney Kenefick then advised the Com- mission regarding the setting of a public hearing contingent upon having a "proper application" for re-zoning within 10 days. At this point there was a motion by Olson and a second by Wallin: If there is a "proper appli- cation" for re-zoning the Hermes and Hawkins properties to PUD zoning filed on or before December 17, 1981 then the Planning Commission will, upon due notice to the public, conduct a public hearing on the American Shelter Corporation's proposal at the Commission's next regular meeting on January 4, 1982. Labalestra, who owns property on Tatum Street, abstained from the voting. The remaining Commission Members present unanimously voted for the motion. Next a resolution to have a traffic control study for the purpose of obtain- ing a traffic light at Larpenteur and Fairview was proposed in writing by Nilsen. Bourquin offered a second to the resolution. All Commission Members present voted. unanimously for the resolution. The City Council is, there- . fore, requested to consider undertaking such a study. Upon motion duly made and seconded the meeting was adjou rned. Respectfully submitted, rr ~J.liQn Secretar ~ Y Addendum -.December 30, 1981 Prior to concluding discussion of the American Shelter Corporation proposal, Stefanson expressed concern about American Shelter's financial stability. He inquired of Mr. Kenefick as to whether or not is was .permissible to re- quest financial statements of American Sheltex be submitted to both the City Attorney and the Planning Commission. Mr. Kenefick responded affir- matively. Stefanson, therefore, made the request to Mr. Swendra that American Shelter Coroporation's financial statements be provided before any public hearing on the proposal. Mr. Swendra said American Shelter Corporation would comply with the request and provide the i(~n~f~ormation. ~ ~!~Jx~""~-, s''~~~ _~ , .: _ __ _ _ -- _ N Jc. S~'N ~~ L.~T~onl ~~ -O ~ j ~, ~ ., r ~ ~ ~~ ~~-<<<~~~ 1, ~~~~ ~ ~. <<. - ,~~ Jz ~ 81 ' ~~ :~ r Subjects Traffic flow on Larpenteur Avenue between Smelling Avenue and, Cleveland Avenue. 14r. Chairmant I move the adoption of the following resolutions Whereas heavy tra°fic movement between SnelliaTticularlVedurinonthermorning~ in both an re.aterly and Westerly direction, p 3' g and evening rush hour.e, constitutes a problem, it becomes essential that serious conaiderat:on be given to the installation of left turn lanes and `{ traffic signals at the juncture oP Fairview and Larpenteur for the following reeaona= ~ ~ t 1. The absence of left to anllanesoofLLarpenteuratparticularlypthesE st ;;: , *? oar of traffic on the medi """"'"~' bound lane because of the heavy •olume of traffic turning onto Fairview Prom the-West. 2. Traffic moves at accelerating speed on Larpenteur as it travels 1Veet from Hee traffic • Sne111ng to Cleveland and Ee~t from Cleveland to Snelling. vy movemFnt erom Fairview, particularly to the West, Plows into the traffic on a right turn basis, ;.hks providing continous movement which is dFrficp'airview, rye -Grose from the North onto the Eeat bound lanes from St. Ma e, Ys Lindig, Tatun and Prior. It is also difficult to cross Prom the South business and apartment complexe3 to the '+Veat bound lance. This difficulty is cempoundad by the Failure oP traffic to relinquish the median lanes - which effectively ~eloaea off safe movement from. those wishing to move Weat from the South or Eaot from the North. ~' Therefor, the installation of traffic eignel• at ~'eirviaw would el ow traffic 'j; without inpeding it. Under present conditions, there is heavy traffic back up ~ ~` on Larpenteur, West Prom Snelling on the East bound lanes. This is also true t' _~ #' Eait of Cleveland on the Weat bound laneo. The signals, coupled with left turn lanes et Fairview, would provide •efe movement at that intersection. The traffic aignal• would provide traffic opening havens for crossing movement. - I , f ram the North and South street ann b~urnemovementc onto Larpenteur.aaRight present burden on those making right turn on Red should not be permitted as this would result in continuous flow westward. - i T'nerefor, in view of the conpellin~ reasons cited, it is the recommerdetson li of the Planning Co®mission of Falcon Heights to the Ci :.y Council of Falcon "Heights, that it vigorously pureuBietancetafithewcotnsultingDen~neeraforficiala oP Ramiey County, and with the as Falcon Heights, realize the installation oP these facilities. • ~ ~~ dcairable for the study to include In conjunction with this, it is--frets between Fry and Cleveland. ~~~ ..:additional left turn lanes at itheF p ~ ,~+~ , Traffic chaos x111 result if there is failure to implement the recommendation ,+ particulsry if the proposed aLvLarpe'eiteurO°andhthe delay of movementghe back itp of traffic on Prior P ~R, • ~/~~ //",~Jibr,' -- ~ ~ .. ~yt /~Ji6 . J:~%~i~° Lt ',' ~.Y' s~.4'.~' /~~'.-.~ ,trj/j,~il~.t/!f • J j ~, ' There was a limited discussion with a gentlemen (whose name with the Myers property on Larpenteur. It was discussed as proposed 4-plex be constructed and some discussion ensued as etc. C ~"~,~„~I9I$~ V I didn't get) in connection to access, should the to necessary requiranents, The main portion of the meeting was spent (again) deliberating the possible construction by American Shelter Corporation, of a condo-townhouse complex on the Rose Hill Nursery site. Al Stephenson read a letter received by the City, from 1st Bank Minneapolis, regarding the default of American Shelter and spoke to the ramifications concerning this. It was decided (having spoken with Jack Kenefick previous to this time) that the Planning Commission would recommend that the Council grant a 10 day extension and should, at the end of that time, American Shelter present the proper papers necessary, a public hearing would be held the 4th of January (this was moved by Erma Olson and seconded by Jerry Wallin, and unanimously voted upon by those able to vote--with one abstention, which I shall explain a little later on). Mr. Westin and his assistant discussed the proposed site and what was expected to be built and spoke. about a traffic survey he had taken by Jack Anderson Assa~i€ates, Traffic Engineering Consultants, and Jack Anderson was present and made a presentation regarding potential for traffic and directions it might take (should certain streets be extended, i.e., Prior and a cut-through to Tatum). He then threw the meeting open to any questions on his assumptions and there were many and varied and many people were concerned that this would merely became a raceway and there was same discussion about Fairview already a raceway and Tatum was fast becoming so. He held his ground and explained his reasonings behind his figures, but the crowd (which I would estimate at near 100') were rather unwilling to .listen to his side--in my estimation. There was great concern for "our local area" and they fel additional traffic, as well as PUD zoning would change all this. One man (Mask fry Tatum - spelling approx.) felt that it would only be a matter of time if any of the units were rented, b fore it became a rental property situation where none cared for their property and none would keep it up, and the additional traffic would make it nearly impossible for children to cross Tatum. There were questions directed at Don Swendra (by Al Stephenson) as to whether he could estimate how much would be rented and his guestimate was approximately 20% msight be rented, as that was the total amount you could have leased under a financing situation. It was later requested that Don Swendra also bring forth a financial stat~nent and information as to other developments in which he has been associated, for the Planning Commission to gain better knowledge about this company, to which he agreed. Carl Dale felt the plan presented by Westin u~as the most acceptable of all so far. Generally, this type added about 12 units per acre and would add some type of traffic, but not as much as single-family dwelling units, as they would generate more traffic, and more people. He spoke about solar heating, underground parking, on-site ponding, and felt it met the criteria as set-up in the Comprehensive Plan. PLAD?NING COMMISSION MEETING--December 7, 1981 • -2- Planning Commission Meeting, 12/7/81 • There were questions from the audience, fielded by Westin, Dale and Brad L., as well as some questions from the Planning Commission members. A petition was presented by Karen Northrop, which was presented to the commission members and discussed at that time. Tom McGough asked questions regarding the necessary topography and proposed final plans and sequence of develo~nent, as had been related to him by his attorney. It was felt by Carl Dale and Jack Kenefick that all was in order and Westin had presented all the necessary documents to the Planning Commission. Jim Borquin asked questions regarding the tax base that a site such as this might provide, and I tried to give a guessestimate--approximately $100,00 condos-townhouse site, as opposed to approximately $50,000 for single family dwellings. I touched a little on fiscal disparity and how I felt we would lose some of that the 1st year and also was asked about the total budget and what effects it would feel, and I honestly could not answer some of his questions, partly because I did not know and partly because I didn't have mry budget with me(sorry, Charley, I don't carry it in mry purse). The mood of the audience was that of underlying uncertainty and unhappiness over the project totally. I don't think they want any changes in that area whatsoever, however, George Plante got up ands ke that he felt it was a good plan and didn't sign the petion (previously entered for that reason; however, they didn't receive his comments very well. Harold Nilssen entered a motion (voted on unamiously) that the Council begin to have overtures with those people from the County in regards to a semaphore at Larpenteur and Fairview and possibly one at Gortner and Carpenter or Prior (if it were cut through and Larpenteur). Al Stephenson tried to squelch this by suggesting that we wait until the area is a bit more developed or at least have an idea as to actual usage and where the City Hall would be, etc., but he would not be put off, and Al had no alternative but to have a vote taken on this. Harold said it i a shame the way traffic is bogged down (these are my words rot his) at Carpenter and~'airview and the way no one can cross there and especially at Tatum, when you can't get out onto Larpenteur and must go the other way and if they cut a street through, it will only be compounded. Jim Borquin suggested that anyone with an interestee~in this property, or who would stand to gain from the sale or development of this property, should abstain from~any decisions whatsoever in this regard. I thought that he was referring to Harold N., if his property were chosen as a cut=thru for a street; Jim Duffy suggested that I not vote on the Planning Commission, as a member of the council, as we were interested in the site for a City Hall (and I informed him--after the laughter subsided at his "joke" that I had no vote. on the Planning Commission and never did); and apparently Jim was referring to John Labalestra who owns a lot on Tatum, and he did, in fact, abstain, although he remarked that he felt it had no bearing on his property, nor the way he voted. We finally adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Sandy Larson • Metropolitan Council Mr. Charles Weaver, Chairman 300 Metro Square Building Seventh Street and Robert Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Dear Mr. Weaver, December 22, 1981 The purpose of this letter is to inform the Metropolitan Council that the Falcon Heights Planning Commission has been working diligently during 1981 on revision of the Falcon Heights Zoning Ordinance. Extra meetings, in addition to the normal scheduled meetings, have been devoted to this assignment. As a result, many person hours have been associated with-this project. We will require more time to complete this objective in a meaningful manner. Therefore, we will set our goal for completion sometime during 1982. We hope this effort has the approval of the Metropolitan Council. Sincerely, ;, rte,.- ~- Alan Stefanson Chairman, Falcon Heights Planning Commission 1810 Holton St. Falcon Heights., Mn. 55113 cc: Mr. Carl R. Dale Design Planning Associates, Inc. 7165 Windgate Road j-doodbury, Mn. 55125 ,/ Mr. Dewan B. Barnes City Administrator, Falcon Heights 1644 Larpenteur Ave. W. Falcon Heights, Mn. 55113 • FALCON HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION 1981 ANNUAL REPORT Planning Commission activities for the year began with the election of officers pursuant to Ordinance ~1~177. Al Stefanson and Erma Olson were nominated and elected to serve as Chairman and Vice Chairperson, respectively. Jerry Wallin volunteered to serve as Secretary for another year. In February work began on developing a new zoning ordinance to carry out the object- ives of the Comprehensive Plan. Language was developed using the existing Ordi- nance 464 as a pattern. Much reference was made to a copy of the Willmar, Minnesota zoning ordinance supplied by Carl Dale for guidance. The Commission drafted the language for the residential zones with the homeowner in mind by simplifying its reading. Articles which related to the residential zones but were separate under Ordinance ~~64 are now combined with language for the respective residential zone. Work on the new Ordinance continued throughout the year until October. During this period the Commission often met in the form of smaller discussion groups. The results of the group meetings were then combined at the following regular meeting. When a section of the Ordinance reached final draft form it was submitted to Carl Dale for comment. Work on the zoning ordinance was virtually halted when, at the October meeting, the initial proposal of American Shelter Corporation was presented for the purpose of developing the Hermes-Hawkins property into townhouses and condominiums. Consideration of the initial and subsequent American Shelter Corporation proposals consumed virtually 100% of all Planning Commission meetings from October through the last meeting of-the year. As the year came to a close, the American Shelter proposal came closer to one which the Commission could recommend for approval to the City Council. The final decision, however, is expected in 1982. • In addition to the foregoing major highlights, the Planning Commission took action on many variances and conditional use permit applications. Typical of-the requests were those to build private swimming pools, to build garages closer to property lines than the zoning ordinance would allow and to erect storage sheds in back- yards. The Commission also passed a resolution in July to recommend that the City Council take action to involve the City in the Federal Moderate Rehab Housing Program. It was hoped that participation in this program would result in im- proved maintenance of apartments and other residential rental space. The major Planning Commission objective for 1982 will be completion of a new zoning ordinance. Respectfully submitted, vV ~I~~J"' _. ry W in, Secretary