06-14-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING C JUNE 14, 2007 Helrneke asked the impact of rezoning the property to PUD "A" should the Hom Furniture business vacate the property. The City Planner pointed out that the property would remain subject to the terms of the PUD "A" zoning. The Planner noted that the rezoning anticipates an anchor tenant for this property. Once the final plan for the site is developed showing the anchor tenant and the smaller tenants, that plan could be incorporated into the PUD "A" Zoning District. Knudsen agreed that the concept of a large anchor tenant should be a part of the rezoning. The Planner indicated that if not for the Hom Furniture usage of this property, the City would likely not consider this rezoning which opens the property up to more retail use. The Planner suggested that the rezoning ordinance be amended to establish a minimum percentage of the building that an anchor tenant will be required to occupy. Johansen replied that Hom would be comfortable with establishing that percentage at 40%. Dm•ay asked the Planner to provide a brief history of this project. The Planner noted that the property is zoned B-W District and had been utilized by Levitz Furniture for a number of years until that business closed about a year ago. Permitted uses under B-W zoning include office, office/showroom, and office/warehouse. Limited retail use is allowed under office/showroom. Hom Furniture has now expressed interest in this property, and the City is considering broadening the range of allowable uses so that Hom can locate in a portion of the building while leasing out the remaining spaces to businesses that would be affiliated with furniture sales. The intent is to not open the site to all ranges of retail, but lower volume users that will not overburden the property. Duray pointed out that the building is large, and difficult to own and operate by one user. Duray pointed out the need to get this building occupied and upgraded. There was no one present from the general public wishing to comment on this matter. The City Planner pointed out that Hom has not yet decided on their temporary signage plan, but will be prepared to submit it to staff in time for review prior to the June 27th Council meeting. Johansen again noted that as the building space is remodeled for the Hom operation, they plan on beginning the operation of their clearance center. That clearance center will be moved around in the building as the remodeling progresses. Therefore, the signage directing customers to the clearance center will need to be moved. Johansen indicated that they will develop this signage plan for staffls review prior to the June 27th Council meeting. 3-