03-17-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View Planning Commission March 17, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ built in this location. He further commented that the goal of the Church is to strengthen the community through ministry programs for all ages and he sees the strengthening of the family as a benefit to the city. Greg Soule indicated he was on a Planning Commission in another city for 10 years. He then said that he is an attorney and represents the cities of Golden Valley and Wayzata and, as a member of the church, volunteered to come and assist with communication during this process. Commissioner Johnson asked how many PUDS are left open in the City. Community Development Director Ericson indicated there are one or two that could be developed but essentially everything is developed. Commissioner Johnson indicated he has a lot of contact with the business community and has discussed this with them and not a lot of them are for it because this City only has 10% of land zoned commercial/industrial and they feel that they would rather have another business rather than a church that is only active on Sunday because business brings more business for those around it. Mr. Sentman indicated that the location of this site is in an industrial setting and the issue of traffic aiding the other industry is not as strong a demand as if it were retail to retail. He then said that the members of the church would be using the gas stations and restaurants in town on the way to and from church. Commissioner Johnson asked whether opening up this PUD for religious organizations means that the City has to allow religious institutions in other PUD’s. Director Ericson indicated the City has some leeway with PUD’s as to the allowed uses within PUDs. He then said that it would be possible for the City to deny religious institutions based on the zoning and potential impact to the neighborhood. Director Ericson indicated that any time the City denies a request there has to be justification and it has to be reasonable. He then said that if a denial is based on certain factors relating to the neighborhood there should not be an issue but an applicant always has the right to pursue the denial further. Commissioner Johnson indicated he does not want to open up the other PUDs for any religious organizations because churches do not benefit the business community during the weekdays. Chair Stevenson indicated that properties zoned PUD along Highway 10 are different due to the zoning designations. Commissioner Johnson disagreed and said that any property where a church would go would have to be rezoned.