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Mounds View Planning Commission September 13, 2000 Special Meeting Page 2 5. Planning Case No. VR00-007 Property Involved: 7664 Greenfield Avenue Discussion and Consideration of Resolution No. 633-00, a Resolution Approving a Parking Lot Setback Variance Applicant: Tony Mezzenga Tony Mezzenga, the applicant representing the property owner Ernest Gustafson, was present. Planner Ericson explained Tony Mezzenga is requesting approval of a variance to construct a small, split-level office building on the undeveloped lot at the southwest corner of County Road I and Greenfield Avenue. The variance is requested for reduced parking lot and building setbacks, a reduced parking ratio, reduced driveway separation and reduced parking lot width. While not legally required to do so, Staff again sent notices to the property owners within 350 feet of 7664 Greenfield Avenue regarding this meeting to ensure neighborhood awareness. This 13,068 square foot property is zoned B-3, Highway Business. The size of the lot and corner-lot setbacks present practical difficulties in terms of what can be developed, which has left the lot up to this point unimproved. This lot borders commercial property to the west (Tom Thumb and a Laundromat), high density residential to the east, and low density residential to the south and north. The proposed office use is consistent with the B-3 zoning designation and is a less intensive use that would fit well into the predominately residential surroundings. The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding this proposal at its last meeting on September 6, 2000. Numerous residents attended the meeting, some of whom expressed concern regarding the proposal and the existing condition of the vacant lot and the Tom Thumb store. In summary, the general concerns were as follows:  Cut-through pedestrian traffic  Littering and graffiti, lighting and fencing  Reduced visibility  Traffic Congestion  Inappropriate zoning designation In response to these concerns, Staff recognizes that there are issues regarding the lot in its present, undeveloped state. The property owner has indicated that people are cutting across his lot to go to the adjacent Tom Thumb store, and in so doing, have worn a deep path through the lot. There also seems to be a constant accumulation of litter on the lot that at times becomes quite unsightly. Development of this lot would greatly reduce if not eliminate both of these problems. While completely unrelated to the requested variance application, Staff has inspected the Tom Thumb store and is working with the management to address recurring graffiti problems. The problem however is not limited to Tom Thumb or this area. At this time, the building and fence is free from any graffiti and the grounds are free from litter and debris.