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Mounds View Planning Commission March 20, 2002 Regular Meeting Page 7 ________________________________________________________________________ Development Director Ericson had toured an existing facility and were impressed with both the interior and exterior. Planner Atkinson indicated that the City is excited about the facility and noted that the City Council had passed a resolution in support of this facility to assist the applicant in obtaining funding. Chair Stevenson asked how many parking stalls are not designated as handicapped. Planner Atkinson indicted that there were approximately 19 non-handicapped stalls. He then explained that the reason the applicant is looking at 30 stalls rather than the 50 is from past experience and he also noted that garage space is considered a luxury and affects the funding for the project. Mr. Bjerkesette indicated the reason he is proposing this building is that he has a waiting list of 188 people for a 24-unit facility. He further explained that the majority of the people on the list are from Mounds View and that is why he is looking to build here. Chair Stevenson asked why the 30 parking spaces versus the required 50 parking spaces. Mr. Bjerkesette indicated that due to the nature of their physical disabilities, many of the residents do not drive. He commented he may have only four or five residents that drive in a 25 unit building. He then explained that his primary funding source is the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and that organization considers a garage to be a luxury. He also explained that garages are not practical because those residents that drive a van usually have a van with a higher roof and that would not fit in a garage. Also, residents need to swing their car door all the way open to be able to get their wheelchairs out and that is not possible in a garage. Mr. Bjerkesette also indicated that it is difficult for him to keep the garage area and parking lot clear of snow and ice in order to provide a clear path from a garage to the building and that makes garages impractical for the handicapped residents. Commissioner Miller indicated that some of the units are two bedroom units and asked whether one handicapped resident and one able-bodied resident could live there. Mr. Bjerkesette indicated that there were six two bedroom units so there is the potential that there could be six able-bodied residents but said it is more likely that two handicapped people would occupy the residence. Chair Stevenson expressed concern for enough parking for visiting, especially on holidays. Mr. Bjerkesette indicated some residents go elsewhere for holidays and some stay home and he does not feel there would be a lack of parking during holiday times.