HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes05_0322City of Falcon Heights
Planning Commission Minutes
March 22, 2005
PRESENT: Commissioners De Leo, Harris, Heideman, Lageson, Council Liaison Lindstrom. Also present was Staff Liaison Deb Jones.
ABSENT: Ryan, Lukermann, Tracy, Ziebarth
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Commissioner Harris, in the absence of Chairman Ryan. As there was no quorum, approval of the minutes of the February 22, 2005, meeting
were tabled until next month. [Note: Upon the arrival
AGENDA: There were no agenda items.
INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Councilmember Lindstrom invited the Commission to a tour of the new multi-family building on April 21 at 5:30 p.m. Meet in the lobby. Those who wish to attend should notify staff so
the management knows how many to expect.
Lindstrom also reminded Commissioners and viewers of the second annual city wide food shelf drive that ends Saturday, April 2. He read off the list of locations where residents can
drop off food, including 10 local businesses, City Hall, the elementary school, the homes of volunteers, and several other locations. Flyers have been posted around the City. The Lions
will be picking up the donations at about mid day on April 2, so donors are encouraged to drop off donations early in the day or before Saturday.
Brian Olson, resident of 1592 Roselawn, asked for clarification on the date of the tour. It is April 21.
Staff Liaison Jones conveyed the apologies of City Administrator Worthington, who was unable to attend as planned and give the Commission an update on the progress of the Southeast Corner
redevelopment project (Falcon Heights Town Square). Jones distributed copies of Ms. Worthington’s report and gave the highlights for viewing audience. There is going to be a story
about the project in the St. Paul Pioneer Press in the near future; exact date is unknown. Sherman Associates says the senior building is about half rented at this date, in line with
expectations. They are working on getting a longer pedestrian signal for crossing Larpenteur at Arona. Plans for the townhomes have not been submitted yet; the City expects to have
them soon. Construction could begin within the next six to eight weeks, depending on weather. In the multi-family building, work is beginning on finishing the interior spaces. Staff
has been working with Pizza Hut on their permit for their interior and their signage. Two additional commercial spaces have been leased, to Williams Optical and Sports Barber; two more
are vacant. Commissioners are welcome to contact Ms. Worthington if they have questions. Commissioners had a few questions about the barber shop and other potential businesses at the
new building and gave some compliments to other businesses in the Snelling Larpenteur district.
Commissioner Lageson asked about the fence on the east side of Dino’s, noting that it has not yet been replaced. Ms. Jones said that she had not checked on this recently, but as of
November, the project was waiting on a decision by the resident on what kind of fencing he wants. She assured Commissioners that the fence will be replaced.
Commissioner Lageson asked if the drainage problem at Curtiss Field had been resolved. Jones said yes, and referred the Commissioners to the Public Works Director if they want more
information. The pond did drain before the ground froze.
Mr. Olson of 1592 Roselawn came forward again to ask if only the three named businesses had moved in to the new building. Ms. Jones responded that no businesses have moved in yet; these
are just businesses that have signed leases. Mr. Olson asked if the three are Falcon Heights businesses moving from across the street. Jones replied that the Pizza Hut is the same
Pizza Hut that previously existed on the site, reopening in the new building. The other two are not currently in Falcon Heights. Mr. Olson said he had understood from the earlier discussion
that the businesses were moving over from across the street. He also asked if the tour on April 21 is open to the public. Jones said it was only for Council and Commissioners.
[Note: Staff Liaison Jones was misinformed. The tour is open to the public, provided they call and make reservations by April 19. A correction was given at the City Council meeting
the following evening, March 23. Ms. Jones apologizes for the error.]
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:20 p.m.
Commissioners adjourned to a workshop on the zoning challenges of the B-1 property at 1871 Larpenteur, which is now on the market. No zoning or building applications are pending at
this time; the workshop was informational in anticipation of issues that a new owner will face and possibly bring before the Commission at a future time.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison