12/08/2004 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Planning & Zoning Board November 10, 2004 Page 9 Chair Rafferty stated several valid concerns have been raised by adjacent property owners that should be addressed by the applicant. Rob Storberg, 6978 Lake Drive, stated he is appearing on behalf of his parents and they have expressed concerns regarding the outside lighting at the church and increased traffic. He added his parents are concerned about isolating this lot with a church when the rest of the area consists of single family homes, and asked how this lot can be zoned for a church that surrounds a residential area. He questioned the value that this type of building brings to the community. Chair Rafferty stated that the applicant desires to purchase the subject property for the purpose of developing a new worship site, and they have an opportunity to do that through a Conditional Use Permit. He indicated there are restrictions in the commercial zoning district that may not allow church activity. He stated that because several concerns have been raised, including traffic, site lighting, and signage, it will be appropriate to continue this public hearing. In addition, the comments from Anoka County will need to be reviewed and addressed. Staff confirmed a church is a conditional use allowed within the R -1 district and they are not permitted in the commercial district. Chair Rafferty invited applicant to make comment. Rodney Gordon, 3552 Brookdale Drive, Brooklyn Park, appeared representing the engineer of the project. Chair Rafferty stated that it would be advantageous to both the church and adjacent property owners if they met to discuss the concerns raised this evening and would provide the church with an opportunity to talk to the adjacent property owners about their plans for the property. Mr. Gordon agreed that such a meeting would be beneficial. He stated that they have previously built a Kingdom Hall on 694 and Silver Lake Road in New Brighton and the neighbors were happy to see the church come into their neighborhood. He indicated they plan to install a 6' fence to screen the parking lot area. Mr. Gordon stated the church will typically hold meetings two nights per week. During the remainder of the week, people will be coming into and leaving the church at different times. He stated the parking lot will rarely be full. He added the services on Sundays are held between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and services are finished at 12:00 noon. He stated the shoebox lights will be lit only when there is a meeting being held at the church. Chair Rafferty asked staff what the City requires for lighting at this type of facility. Mr. Studenski replied there are no specific requirements for lighting and from the City's perspective, lighting should be minimized to reduce light glare. Mr. Gordon stated their building on Silver Lake Road is similar to the proposed structure, and showed pictures of the Silver Lake Road site. He stated the signage will be brick with DRAFT MINUTES