Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View Planning Commission July 7, 1999 <br /> Regular Meeting Page 4 <br /> Ericson stated that Section 1125.01 of the City Code, relating to adverse effects resulting from the <br /> proposed use, provides criteria which are present for any conditional use. He listed the criteria, and <br /> stated that all of these have been addressed and met. <br /> Ericson stated that there has been a longstanding automotive use at this location, and in staff's <br /> opinion, other types of use of the property would not be appropriate. He added that its location at <br /> the intersection of Spring Lake Road and Highway 10 makes it undesirable for a residential use. He <br /> noted, however, that the Comprehensive Plan designates this parcel as low density residential, and <br /> that one means of addressing this would be during the Comprehensive Plan updating process, where <br /> it could be changed so as not to conflict with the zoning and the use. He stated that this could also <br /> be addressed separately, and the Commission could determine whether or not it would be appropriate <br /> to consider it at this time, or within the context of the Comprehensive Plan Update. <br /> Ericson stated that, in addition to the Conditional Use Permit conditions and the adverse affects <br /> requirements, the Code also requires that certain findings of fact be addressed in the granting of any <br /> conditional use permit, as indicated in Section 1125.01, Subdivision 3b of the City Code. He stated <br /> that these criteria would be addressed in conjunction with the drafting of a resolution recommending <br /> Sapproval or denial of the proposal. <br /> Ericson stated that staffs recommendation was to allow the proposal at this location, but that staff <br /> believed further discussion was necessary regarding the acceptability of this use and any additional <br /> conditions which should be placed upon the operation, prior to drafting a resolution. He noted that <br /> this could be a potentially intensive use for this corner location, and added that there was sufficient <br /> time for further discussion and preparation of a resolution prior to the next meeting of the Planning <br /> Commission. <br /> Mike Winslow, the applicant representing Thrifty Car Rental, stated that their business has been in <br /> operation at the Montgomery Wards store location in Blaine for eight years. He explained that, in <br /> light of the recent closings of many of the Montgomery Wards stores, they were searching for a new <br /> location in which to conduct their business. He stated that the balance of their intent was not to open <br /> an automobile sales lot, noting that seventy percent of their fleet of automobiles is leased and that <br /> these cars are returned to the manufacturer for auction. He stated that their fleet was comprised of <br /> thirty-percent ownership of those automobiles. He explained the process of the automobile sales <br /> aspect of their business, noting that generally, a customer would inquire about a specific automobile <br /> that is for sale, at which time the vehicle is brought to the location for viewing purposes. <br /> Mr. Winslow stated that on the Fourth of July weekend, typically their busiest weekend of the year, <br /> they had 35 rentals, with three or four cars remaining on the lot. He stated that the rental cars are <br /> brought up from the main location in Bloomington by reservation, adding that this is generally <br /> S accomplished within a one hour turnover window, to minimize the number of cars on the lot at any <br /> given time <br />