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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMin_85Jun17i~ MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 17, 1985 • The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Chairman Al Stefanson. Stefanson, Finegan, Black, Grittner, Mead and Wallin. Also present was Council Liaison Hard. Olson, Northrop and Trent-Sullivan. Councilmember Hard presented an update on the Lido expansion (which is similar to the original Scheme E). He stated the major problems that exist are: 1) parking on the Buck's property (absentee owners), 2) condemnation of the private alley (Hermes), and 3) Larpenteur Avenue median extension. Most important issue to the neighborhood is that the Croft house remains in tact with only a portion of the lot used for employee parking. Traffic counts on Fry, St. Mary's and Garden were discussed as well as who the users were and if additional traffic will be generated on Fry. The issue will again be discussed at the continuation of the public hearing on Wednesday, June 19. Stefanson and Grittner went on record as being in favor of the present proposal. Councilmember Hard would appreciate Planning Commission members input at the Wednesday meeting either in person or by letter. Frank Kubitschek and John Klick, developers of a proposed office condominium park, reviewed their plans for development on the remainder of the Hawkins property and the Mrder property. They have built similar office condominium parks in Plymouth and St. Louis Park, which have been very successful. Mr. Klick advised that the project must be on a scale that an individual buyer can have a personal relationship with. The purchaser wants to be able to identify his individual building, building must be constructed with quality materials, and building must be designed so that it is flexible for a variety of purchasers. Parking is located on the perimeter of the office buildings offering easy access to employees and clients. The building structures them- selves will be of brick construction and be heavily landscaped with a park like setting with a central ponding area. The ponding area will be maintained and have fountains in two areas with a bridge crossing from one set of buildings to the other. Sidewalks with circle the office building perimeter. The developers felt they would need two variances: 1) setback variance on the eastern property line to two feet but increase the amount of plantings, and 2) parking variance if the total maximum square footage of 51,750 feet is purchased. Buildings will have vaulted ceilings which could be purchased and used as conference rooms, overflow working areas, libraries, etc. They have provided for 250 parking spaces on the site. Lighting will be similar to that used at the Falcon Heights Community building. PRESENT ABSENT LIDO EXPANSION UPDATE PROPOSED OFFICE CONDO PARK (HAWKINS/ MODER PROPERTY) Mr. Kubitschek advised that the users of the condo office park will be day • users, no retail. It will be residential in character, should have low traffic counts, and be a very professional asset to the community. He advised that three buildings would be presold before actual construction commenced. MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 17, 1985 PAGE 2 Tax Increment Financing and Industrial Revenue Bonds will be applied for. • John Uban, City Planner, reviewed points raised in his June 14, 1985 letter. He suggested the two variances could be worked around by shifting the construction closer to the lot line of the University of Minnesota property (five feet) which would allow more green space on the Prior Avenue side of the property and be more in conformance with the green space on the other side of the street (property owned by Hewlift Packard). In the development agreement, it could be worded that the developers have presented proof of parking and a trade-off for landscaped islands would be a decrease in the extra nine parking spaces required by City zoning ordinance. After further discussion, the developers will rework the square footage required to be included in the development of the parking spaces required if the total square footage were developed, and if not developed the variance would not be needed. Bob Schunicht, City Engineer, should be requested to review the plan and well as the City Fire Department. Mr. Uban felt the project was a good use of the land and a good project. JOHN UBAN, CITY PLANNER Discussion ensued on the present and future condition of the holding/ponding HOLDING/ area and whether residents want it maintained in landscaped condition or in PONDING the wild. The question needs to be resolved so that it is maintained in a AREA consistent manner by the Falcon Woods No. 3 addition neighbors and the new CONDITION developers in the future. Grittner moved, seconded by Mead, approval of the office park condominium APPROVAL concept with no variances. Motion carried unanimously. OF OFFICE CONDO Wallin moved, seconded by Grittner, approval of the May 6, 1985 Minutes as CONCEPT presented. Motion carried unanimously. MAY 6, 198, Planning Commission noted the Minutes of the Southeast Corner Development MINUTES Committee. APPROVED Next meeting will be held on August 5, 1985 unless otherwise notified. Wallin moved, seconded by Finegan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 P.M. ADJOURNMEN' Motion carried unanimously. G~~~ y 1 in, Secretary •