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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-04-1998 MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION • MARCH 4, 1998 7:00 P.M. REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items Not on the Agenda CITIZENS: BEFORE SPEAKING,PLEASE COME TO THE PO)rum, AND GIVE YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE MINUTES 4. Planning Case No. 513-98 Property Involved: 8265 Spring Lake Road Consideration of Resolution No. 532-98, Approving a Seven Foot Variance to the Required 30-foot Front-Yard Setback. Applicant: Preferred Builders, Inc. • 5. Planning Case No. 507-97 Property Involved: 2625 Highway 10, 7715 -7761 Eastwood Road Discussion Regarding Walgreens Development Request Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning Applicant: Told Development Company 6. Staff Reports/Information Items a. Recap of 2/26/98 Highway 10 Design Theme Workshop (verbal report) . 7. Chairperson and Planning Commissioners Reports 8. Adjournment to Agenda Meeting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * APPLICANTS: YOUR ATTENDANCE AT THIS MEETING IS REQUESTED. PLEASE NOTIFY CITY HALL AT 717-4000 IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND. THANK YOU. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * • MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION March 4, 1998 1111 (Immediately Following Regular Meeting) AGENDA MEETING AGENDA 1. Review of Minutes: a. February 4, 1998 b. February 18, 1998 2. Meeting Adjournment i • r PLANNING COMMISSION MEMO To: Mounds View Planning Commission From: Steve Dorgan, Housing Inspector Subject: Planning Case No. 513-98: Variance for Preferred Builders Date: February 27, 1998 At the Planning Commission meeting on February 18, 1998,the commission tabled the variance request by Preferred Builders until the March 4th regular meeting. The commission requested the city attorney make an interpretation regarding the language of the Purchase Agreement between the EDA and Preferred Builders pertaining to the minimum site requirements for the subject site. Specifically, whether the city is obligated to approve a variance based on the site requirements of the Agreement. Attached is a letter from the city attorney providing an interpretation of the Purchase Agreement language. Also enclosed is a copy of the staff report,proposed "as built" survey of the proposed lot and Planning Commission Resolution#532-98. M1 Steve Dorgan Housing Inspector 717-4023 Attachments: 1) Letter from City Attorney 2) Planning Commission Report 3) Proposed "as-built" Survey- 8265 Spring Lake Road 4) Planning Commission Resolution#532-98 N:\DATA\GROUPS\COMDEV\DEVCASES\513-98\PC-3 4.MEM • Feb-27-98 01:09om From-KENNEDY & GRAVEN 6123379310 T-825 P.02/03 F-090 470 Pillsbury Center Kennedy 200 South Sixth Street DflWi Minneapolis MN 55402 (( � (612) 337-9300 cdcphunc FEB7ID l:f riven (612) 337-9310 fax 2 1998 e h A RTER EP e-mail.attysQkcnnedy-gravcn.com By SCOTT J. RIGGS Atwmey of Law Diract Dial(612)337-9260 annul:ang kmaady-gtuvcn.mu February 27, 1998 VIA FACSIMILE AND REGULAR MAIL Mr. Steve Dorgan City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10 Muuncib View, MN 55112 RE: Review of EDA/Preferred Builders Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement Dear Steve: Per your request, I have reviewed the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement as to the • Minimum Improvements required to be constructed pursuant to the Agreement. The pertinent sections provide as follows: 1. The fourth "Whereas"clause in the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement states that "the Developer proposes to construct on the Property a 1900 sq. ft. three bedroom modified two story single family residential home, including two full bathrooms and a three car garage, with an estimated market value of$145,000." (Emphasis added). 2. The definition section of the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement states that "'Minimum Improvements' means the construction of a 1900 sq. ft. three bedroom modified two story single family residential home, including two full bathrooms and a three car Rarage, with an estimated market value of$145,000." Section 1.0(k) (emphasis added). 3. Exhibit C to Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement -- Housing Development and Site Criteria notes at Paragraph 2.d. that "1 al two-car attached garage is required." (Emphasis added). As discussed, throughout the Agreement reference is made to construction of the Minimum Improvements on the Property. A review of the above provisions leads to the conclusion that they are somewhat inconsistent as to the Minimum It nprovements to be constructed pursuant to • the Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement. Based on the above, you asked: Is the City obligated to provide a variance for the Developer SJR.390s x725-5 Feb-2T-98 01:09pm From-KENNEDY & GRAVEN 6123379310 T-825 P.03/03 F-090 • February 27, 1998 Page 2 to build the Minimum Improvements it desires to construct? The basic answer is no, since ce the EDA cannot generally obligate the City to grant a va'iance. Additionally, it appears from my understanding of discussion concerning this matter that the Developer can construct a three car garage on the property without the granting of a variance by the City. Likewise, pursuant to the Agreement, if a variance is necessary, it is the Developer's obligation to obtain all necessary permits, etc. for the construction of the Minimum Improvements. If the Developer can show some type of hardship (whatever that may be), a variance may then be applied for at the request of the Developer, but the Agreement itself does not require the granting of the variance. Such variance request would be independent of the Agreement and, pursuant to City Code, the burden of sustaining such request would be that of the Developer. I hope the above adequately addresses the issues you had raised. If you should have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please cio not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, . .e5eel_ ' • ,'. Scott J. Rig . SJR:s cc: Mr. Chuck Whiting Mr. Bob Long III 33R139024 NUM-5 REQUEST FOR PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION • 1 Meeting Date: February 18, 1998 Staff Report by: Steve Dorgan, Housing Inspector • Planning Case No.: 513-98 Applicant: Preferred Builders, Inc. Request: The applicant is requesting a 7 foot Variance to the required 30 foot building setback from a public right-of-way along Ardan Avenue for the construction of a new single-family home at 8265 Spring Lake Road. Location: 8265 Spring Lake Road PIN No. 06-30-23-23-0003 Zoning/Land Use: R-1- Single Family Residential LD -Low Density Residential Attachments: Planning Application • Location Map Hardship Statement • Encroachment Map Building Plan Lot Survey of Previous Home Planning Commission Resolution# 532-98 Applicable Regulations: Section 1104.01, Subd. 3., requires a 30 foot building setback when abutting a public street. Section 1125.02, Subd. 2 outlines the criteria to be used by the Planning Commission in its review of variances. The following criteria are individually addressed in Planning Commission Resolution 532-98: a. Exceptional or extraordinary circumstances apply to the properties which do not apply generally to other properties in the same zone or vicinity and result from lot size or shape,topography or other circumstances over which the owners of the property since the effective date hereof have had no control. b. The literal interpretation of the provisions of this Title would deprive the applicant of • rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of this Title. Planning Case No. 513-98 8265 Spring Lake Road • February 18, 1998 Page 2 c. That the special conditions or circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant. d. That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Title to owners or other lands, structures or buildings in the same district. e. That the variance requested is the minimum variance which would alleviate the hardship. Economic conditions alone shall not be considered a hardship. f. The variance would not be materially detrimental to the purpose of this Title or to other property in the same zone. g. The proposed variance will not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property or substantially increase the congestion of the public streets or increase the danger of fire or endanger the public safety or substantially diminish or impair property values within the neighborhood. The Board of Adjustment and Appeals may impose such restrictions and conditions upon the premises benefited by a variance as may be necessary to comply with the standards established by this Title or to reduce or minimize • the effect of such variance upon other properties in the neighborhood and to better carry out the intent of the variance. Background: • In 1996, the Economic Development Authority(EDA) acquired the proposed lot through the Housing Replacement Program(HRP). The existing building was then razed and the lot cleared. The property is located on a corner having dimensions of 80'x 218'. According to City Code, a 100' frontage is required for a corner lot in the R-1 Zoning District. In September of 1996, at the time the lot was owned by the EDA,the Planning Commission granted a 20 foot variance to the 100 foot lot width requirement for a corner lot to recognize the existing 80 foot lot width. On January 30, 1998, the EDA sold the proposed lot to Preferred Builders, Inc. As part of the purchase agreement, Preferred Builders is required to build a minimum of a 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a two car garage. The home the applicant is proposing meets all site criteria as outlined in the purchase agreement with the EDA. However, the home is 7 feet wider than the maximum building width allowed by City Code for the proposed lot. Hardship: The applicant indicates that a hardship exists because a standard corner lot would be at least 100 feet in width and would accommodate the proposed home. The proposed home is 52 feet wide with a three car garage. The applicant claims that the current market demands homes with a three car garage. Because the lot is only 80 feet in width and located on a corner with 30 foot • setbacks along each public road, the proposed home would need to encroach approximately 7 feet into the building setback of the road right-of-way along Ardan Avenue. Planning Case No. 513-98 8265 Spring Lake Road • February 18, 1998 Page 3 Analysis: According to City Code Section 1104.01, Subd. 3., a 30 foot building setback is required along all public streets for lots located in the R-1 zoning districts of the city. The applicant is requesting an additional 7 feet to build the proposed home. The lot is 80 feet in width and is located on a corner which creates some site constraints. The home previously located on the lot was 19.4 feet from the public road right-of-way along Ardan Avenue (see attached lot survey). The proposed home would be 23.1 feet from Ardan Avenue. Orienting the home to Ardan Avenue would not alleviate the variance request for the proposed home and would most likely require an additional variance. An orientation of the home to Spring Lake Road would allow for a home with a maximum width of 45 feet. Therefore, the construction of a single family home with a two car garage would be accommodated on the proposed lot without the need for a variance. The proposed variance fails to meet hardship criteria for granting a variance as outlined in Section 1125.02, Subd. 2 of the City Code. The proposed lot will support the construction of a 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home with a 2 car garage as required in the EDA's Housing Replacement Program site criteria. The specified site criteria is a minimum requirement of the purchase agreement the applicant has with the EDA for the proposed property. ID Recommendation: Approve Planning Commission Resolution No. 532-98 denying a variance request by Preferred Builders, Inc. to allow a 7 foot variance from the required 30 foot building setback from a public right-of-way along Ardan Avenue for the property located at 8265 Spring Lake Road. 1 Steve I or Housing Inspector 717-4023 N:\DATA\GROUPS\COMDEV\DEVCASES\513-98\513-98PC.RPT • * * 2422 Enterprise Drive * Mendota Heights, MN 55120 I PIONEER LAND SURVEYORS - GIME ENGINEERS (612) 681-1914 FAX 681-9488 * eni neer r1 -'LAND PLANNERS'.tANDSCAPE RCHITECTS , 625 Highwo 10 N.E. • Blaine, MN 55434 , * ** (612) 783-1880 FAX:783-188.3 Certificate of Survey for: PREFERRED BUILDERS House Address: 8265 Spring Lake Road I (80.00 plat) • FNO ,P 80.37 measured ,pi 11TIOVill--N FEB 051998 `vo L. a vCI 0 0 34 ° . a g g a 35 0E Eooi co PI 6 NIn CDN W (21.....•ci N 5.00 , 23.12 1 44,00 o PROPOSED HOUSE r N 12 CRS. 1394T. N $ 7.33 0 12.67 (30) '? 1 O" _L— ---\="- - w 23.1 -sm.4 N 8 GARAGE . NN 11.00 O 21.60 -- --- � .�. 5.00 23.D4 DRIVEWAY a 40 2 R1 n *POSED BUILDING OVATIONS Lowest Floor Elevation: --s Top of Block Elevation: FN0 IP 80.00 1 Garage Slab Elevation: SPRING LAKE ROAD sow) Denotes Exfstino Elevation MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 532-98 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION DENYING A 7 FOOT VARIANCE TO THE REQUIRED 30 FOOT BUILDING SETBACK FROM A PUBLIC ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY ALONG ARDAN AVENUE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOME AT 8265 SPRING LAKE ROAD; PLANNING CASE NO. 513-98 WHEREAS, the Mounds View Planning Commission has reviewed the request of Preferred Builders, Inc. to allow a 7 foot variance to the required 30 foot building setback from a public road right-of-way for the construction of a single family home at 8265 Spring Lake Road; and, WHEREAS, this property is zoned R-1, Single Family Residential District and is legally described as: The North 53 feet of the West 218 feet of Lot 34, and the South 27 feet of the West 218 feet of Lot 35, all in Auditors Subdivision No. 89,Ramsey County WHEREAS,the Planning Commission has reviewed the following documents associated with this request: 1. Planning Application 2. Location Map 3. Building Front Elevation 4. Letter from the Applicant 5. Encroachment Map 6. Survey of Previous Home WHEREAS,the applicant requests a 7 foot variance to the required 30 foot building setback from a public road as required in Section 1104.01, Subd. 3, of the Mounds View Municipal Code; and, WHEREAS, the applicant presented a hardship statement to the Planning Commission stating that the lot dimensions were substandard for a corner lot and that the proposed home cannot meet the setback requirements without a variance; and, WHEREAS, there are no extraordinary or exceptional circumstances that apply to this • property that would justify the granting of this variance request; and, Planning Commission Resolution No. 513-98 • February 18, 1998 Page 2 WHEREAS, the literal interpretation of the provisions of the City Code does not deprive the applicants of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district; and WHEREAS, the conditions which necessitate the variance request were known by the applicant prior to purchasing the property in that the applicant is not required to build a home at the proposed size; and WHEREAS, granting this variance requested will confer on the applicants a special privilege that is denied by this Title to owners of other lands, structures or buildings in the same district in that building setbacks from a public street require a 30 foot setback in the R-1 zoning district; and, WHEREAS, the variance would be materially detrimental to the purpose of this Title and to other properties in the same zone in that the building setback would be 7 feet less than what is allowed by Code. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mounds View Planning Commission acting as the Board of Adjustment and Appeals denies the variance request of Preferred Builders, Inc. for a reduction in the building setback requirement to a public right-of-way from 30 feet to 23 feet for the construction of a single-family home at 8265 Spring Lake Road. Adopted this 18th day of February, 1998 ATTEST Rick Jopke, Community Development Director SEAL • N:\DATA\GROUPS\COMDEV\DEVCASES\513-981532-2-98.RES • Planning Commission Memo TO: Planning Commissioners FROM: Jim Ericson, Planning Associate SUBJECT: Walgreens Development Proposal DATE: March 4, 1998 At your last meeting on February 18, 1998, the issue of whether or not it would be appropriate to rezone residential properties and amend the comprehensive plan to allow for the development of a Walgreens store at the northeast corner of Highway 10 and County Road I was discussed. The Commission made it clear that a decision regarding the applicant's requests would not be forthcoming until some point after the next Comprehensive Plan Community Forum meeting, set for March 11, 1998. It was mentioned, however, that the Commission would like to be kept 41) apprised of any new information as it becomes available. The applicant has been in contact with the adjoining property owners and would like to report on . this aspect of the process. I have been in contact with both MnDOT and Ramsey County traffic engineers, both of whom expressed some level of concern regarding the proposal. Their comments, while not available the day this memo was drafted, will be presented and discussed at your meeting. We have also received copies of the accident data for Highway 10 and the streets intersecting Highway 10. This has not been included with this memo as it is not in a readable format. Hopefully I will have this data translated by the night of the meeting. For the Commission's information, the 60-day date for the rezoning and comp plan amendment falls on March 30, 1998. I have notified the applicant that the City would be exercising its right for an additional 60 days, bringing the date by which a final decision is to be reached to May 29, 1998. N:\DATA\GROUPS\COIvDEV\DEVCASES\507-97\507-97.PC3 • Date: FDa Jim 0 Feb 1998 16:10:32 -0500 From: Ericson<moundsview@freenet.ms Subject: Chris Richardson .mn.us> Re: Commercial mmercial encroachment Dear Jim Ericson i Any time that an external obsolescence, even just a large buildinge, noise, traffic most evident when the hthat blocks sunlight, ' Parking lot rentals. gh , there is some loss of value tod resider You areas kin homes are single family aloe residential pro' maybe developers m g the effect of one�o perhaps lessY are may perceive about o but the when the Pent properly values. opportunity public multifamily ' ty to create a trend, a neighborhood may perceive a trend,with Downward due to adverse ghborhood in transition economic life the individual neighborhood c with changing commercial structures, vidual buildings due to the°editions and a ov l shortened remaining The reality lectures' and this can brie hood ofremov ti is usually much less dramatic,g with its valuesl and replacement ilinr with store will be the Peculation that land McDonalds fought but in especially where the will increase sharply. ght forp four Some cases the residents have iS opposition. 1 changes fromYears before being convinced that this their usual s grantedpermissionstrong d andtthe tIno W changes tetyle, using instead antiquenotoweringild Warner NH denied twice fighting with the town °f store front the site • and now headed for court,Hopkinton , no plan involved In both of these �for the right to Sign' Rite-Aid cases it was notjust in a town with a build, impacted and would s the immediate strong presencewhof impossible to suffer a loss inneighbors but the antique Colonial ho buildingprove for but theappeal' The case of whole town very felt it wasohomes. I tank a good case could the immediate neighbors, a loss in value would be ve evidenced in longerghbors, but for those in �'hard if not in low market t' be made for loss _ lower time is Imes, smaller of value, much sight of the new co Now, as to money, but generally Pool ofpotential buyers through ift omarkdidn'ti meal how much?? there is evidence of lowered offer What I could and even the offers didn't oma your community pull out of ty and certainly would havemy files amounts o well. and he could cite a few examples no direct Wight not be what and if appraisere has keptam les basedappear neighborhoods,iYou should contact a old see in bean a fide of P on similar g next s a Paired sales he rrua lOSSlocal in the r commercialle ofdistrictre might be able toPrice r range of 5% or and several bloc state what l pro of value °f hetero the amount of screening, but probably � back. You could alUe was be sound, 10% ut pr y not a whole lot higher. Probabl between and the presence especially adverse coedit conditions Could blocAdditional variables y eXpe something so an increase in traffic lights and deaden would include with the neighborhood aenc wouadvt reallythat were include hhborhood could comment be noticed. already the there such Pretty rongly that homes in o These cot sort cot • i being on a busy road close n, but absent f so hangs that someone familial Sony I can't be proximity would suffer commercial conditions I feel have more questionsY more specific, but I hopesome loss. Regards, this has been some help. Get back to Chris Richardson Date: Frig 20 Feb 1998 16:10:32 -0500 • To: Jim Ericson<moundsview@freenet.msp.mn.us> From: Chris Richardson Subject: Re: Commercial encroachment Dear Jim Ericson Any time that an external obsolescence, noise, traffic, parking lot and advertising lights, maybe even just a large building that blocks sunlight, there is some loss of value to residential property, most evident when the homes are single family and perhaps less when they are multifamily rentals. You are asking about the effect of one store but the public may perceive a trend, or developers may perceive an opportunity to create a trend, a neighborhood in transition with changing property values. Downward due to adverse neighborhood conditions and a shortened remaining economic life of the individual buildings due to the liklihood of removal and replacement with commercial structures, and this can bring with it speculation that land values will increase sharply. The reality is usually much less dramatic, especially where the public is convinced that this store will be the exception, but in some cases the residents have strong opposition. In Warner NH McDonalds fought for four years before being granted permission to build and the site plan involved changes from their usual style, using instead antique store front, no towering sign. Rite-Aid pharmacy is fighting with the town of Hopkinton NH for the right to build, denied twice and now headed for court, in a town with a strong presence of antique colonial homes. • In both of these cases it was not just the immediate neighbors but the whole town that felt it was impacted and would suffer a loss in appeal. The case of a loss in value would be very hard if not impossible to prove for all but the immediate neighbors, but for those in sight of the new commercial building I think a good case could be made for loss of value, much through loss of marketability evidenced in longer market times, smaller pool of potential buyers and even if the offers didn't come in lower time is money, but generally there is evidence of lowered offer amounts as well. Now, as to how much?? What I could pull out of my files might not be what you would see in your community and certainly would have no direct applicability. You should contact a local appraiser and he could cite a few examples based on similar neighborhoods, price range of homes, and if he has kept a file of paired sales he might be able to state what a loss of value was between being next to a commercial district and several blocks hack You could probably expect somethin in the range of 5% or 10%but probably not a whole lot higher. Additional variables would include the amount of screening, especially trees which could block lights and deaden sound, and the presence of adverse conditions that were already there such as being on a busy road so an increase in traffic wouldn't really be noticed. These are the sort of things that someone familiar with the neighborhood could comment on, but absent any commercial conditions I feel pretty strongly that homes in close proximity would suffer some loss. Sony I can't be any more specific, but I hope this has been some help. Get back to me if you have more questions. Regards, • Chris Richardson 10. At 12:43 PM 2/20/98 -0800, I wrote: • , `Lam the Planner for a small suburb of St. Paul/Mpls, and we have been approached by Walgreens, who would like to build a store in an area that is currently residential. The residents that would then be adjacent to the store are concerned that their property values will decrease as a result. Are there any studies that you know of that would support this(or reports, articles, etc.)?" • • 03/04/98 WED 17:47 FAX 6124825232 RAMSEY CO PUBLIC WORKS 10002 , I Department of Public Works Paul L'.Kirkwold,P.E.,Director and County Engineer ENGINEERING/OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATION/LAND SURVEY 3377 N.Rice Street Shoreview,MN 55126 50 West Kellogg Blvd.,Suite 910 RAMSEY�� St.Paul, MN 55102• (612)266-2600•Fax 266-2615 (612)484.9104•Fax 482-5232 4 March 4, 1998 Mr. Jim Ericson City of Mounds View 2401 Highway 10 Mounds View, Minnesota 55112 Dear Mr. Ericson: The Ramsey County Public Works Department has reviewed the plans for the Walgreens Development proposed along County Road I east of TH 10 . The plan shows removal of the Eastwood Road city street access onto County Road I and the construction of one full • access point onto County Road I at the east end of the property The County has reviewed the development plans and the traffic study prepared for this development. The County would like to make the following comments regarding the proposed access onto County Road I. 1 . The County supports the closure of Eastwood Road onto County Road I. This city street is located very close to Highway 10 and poses operational problems at the intersection. 2 , The traffic study concludes that the access from Walgreens a ic. e eastbound left turn into and out of the site will operate at an acceptable level of service. The County has reviewed this and concurs that the median will not have to be extended along County Road I past this driveway, The projected number of left turns is low and should not result in backing up of eastbound vehicles . 3 . The report states that a queuing analysis indicates that westbound traffic will "hardly ever back up" past the driveway if constructed 175 feet from Highway 10 . This does not agree with information provided by HDR in a Minnesota Department of Transportation Study. The Mn/DOT • study concludes that the westbound queue will be 310 feet in the am peak and 314 feet in the pm peak by the year 2005 with the existing geometrics. This will result in a back up past the proposed entrance during both peak hours . • Mimesota's First Home Role Cnnnty 03/04/98 WED 17:48 FAX 6124825232 RAMSEY CO PUBLIC WORKS el003 • The Mn/DOT study identifies construction of a westbound right turn lane on County Road I at Highway 10 as part of the geometric improvements to the Highway 10 corridor. Ramsey County recommends that the construction of this i right turn lane be part of the Walgreens development . The City of Mounds View should require the developer to construct this turn lane as a condition of the City' s approval. 4 . The report states that the construction of the TH 118/610 connector will divert significant traffic away from Highway 10 . This is expected with the initial opening of the connector; however, Highway 10 is also expected to return to its original level in the future . 5 . The developer will be required to obtain access permits from Ramsey County for access and construction on County Road I. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to give me a call at 482-5209. • Sincerely, Daniel E. Soler, P.E. Traffic Engineer • PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION • CITY OF MOUNDS 'VIEW RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA Regular Meeting February 4, 1998 Mounds*v City Hall 2410 Highway 10, Naunds 'Iew, MN 55112 " A. • .')4'4 '''''';'',%,"^ •eY''' • -,x3r34 (,:-,Z.;•09",.. ...'<':tel,'•••', 1 Call To Order ,•A,,f, ,:f/ -TA..,..- .. ...A4 The meeting was called to order by Chairperson *,,,,er,4:eat 7:00 p.m., Feb o .iKVA, 1998. '..ay-: •‘:',.:'4z,,,.„ 'TV.!,•e" 2. • Roll Call 4''4`,NAart nav,040, Members present: Chairperson Peterson, Co 4. sioners 3650;04ohnston, Miller, Obert, and Stevenson. -ip• -.",.."4(,.,14...' Members absent; Commissioner Elr aemle pl,xcus',4-14-04, 1;11 414,11DW „:•• ;',,,,,i:...-- • Also present: Community D . dpmentrector Jd e, Planning Associate Ericson, and Recorder Dave Hix. Counadison I2opmeinec as absent(Excused). Sr --m- Index to mutts ,..,- .,.- 4 <•• .•:w.,• ,;,-.. . •--..:: ,..:•:- -f••:.,' Page Plamiin:7. 4.. % 12-9:'-' 91. way 10; D evelopment Review, • 2 -. ..,7-.,<..- ;.,.. ' ' :.•••:"..PP•ie.,i 7 - Saturn Dev,.04 go- 4 -•,./.7,,,t. ',.....M ,,$,...,,, ;;,..;* •4..4,..„5.,,,,,4.4..- ' .•,..:e.erp••.,. .,...,AVAX-V,..-..t.., PlanningCase:OPZeT,HighwOrCounty Road I and Eastwood Road; 4 ••;-4,',...,...,,,.., V' Compreynswe Pl. e-• - 4 of -nt and Rezoning, TOLD Development Company •p.*K.,,...„,,,, "a • .ens -,4- ..., eaV . 1 = Approval of Minutes , gi!, ':i:;•.:,4,:',, Afex-: ....: .' Recember 17, 1997 '''''•::: ',1°;7::::',•: ,. uary 7, 1998 Chairperson Peterson asked for comments, questions or changes to the listed minutes. There were no comments, questions or changes. • Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 2 • Motion/Second: Stevenson/Brooks to approve the listed minutes as submitted. Ayes - 6 Nays - 0 Motion carried. . ,.. 4: : 4. Citizen Requests and Comments on Items Not a s "the Agen i ;: No citizen requests and comments on items Not o f he age a a were coni.i �. ,00 aF z.. a# aM :s Planning Case No. 512-97 "' - s 2375 Highway 10 1, Applicant: Saturn Development '' ; > Development Review ` The applicant, Saturn Develo;Ment, rept .ented byle e. Price, was present. III „,z, Associate Ericson told tit's.:' ommisst that S• fi.,..,:.;:, . n n Development is asking the City to renis- an expansion .fan :ff•t was a _ " 9 1'-0_ _ e City in 1996. The originally approved se ...ys and p, :acility t I'fled and relocated per the new plan. Saturn ryas .,,s.'... o the r aprt al to put t e car wash on the west side of the building and ads'' ecbays t Mg ea 4: 'de of the building. This addition would create additional show tioo spa for new' r:: s that will be introduced in the near future. Adreti'�rv6 a:..Y .' The .04014571::::' mpervio S are not expected to change as a result of this project. Green s p ace will remaint110;; The parking and outdoor storage areas will be reduced .,.'1?-slightly. :_.ghtly. The Cit ,eg es 22 customer parking spaces and 27 employee parking spaces, "_ for a total of 49 s .ces. Saturn is proposing 55 spaces distributed in a slightly different y ` count. The Ci asking Saturn to redistribute their parking plan to meet the City meg, standards. ^' ,, }w'o.er .. ..„,- r . 4 ;99 CUP requirements (conditional use requirements) are met with one exception, . being: A minimum of 10 percent of the property, excluding setback requirements, is required for landscaped green space. When the original CUP was approved by the City it was determined that the 10 percent green space could be included in the setback area. The other issue with the project is the concern about water drainage. The Rice Creek III Watershed District has been contacted regarding the proposed project. The may require r Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 • Regular Meeting Page 3 that Saturn provide on-site-storm-water ponding or receive a variance. No variance application has been submitted by Saturn to rectify this issue. Associate Ericson told the Commission that the City staff is recon mendi _ that the following additional information be supplied by the apelicant: #s .; 1. More detailed information regarding the dra .ge for then "$ ;' <,y ` 2. Revised photometric analysis showing fo0-Candle read gs to n Wines ho adjoining streets and luminaire specificat., ,;,rte ,f t, 3. Documentation from Ramsey County ind 3 .4 '.t the three lots "., $ "n combined. ''4':;;;; ,-4r,:64, 4. Indication from Rice Creek Watershed D' :-'r... a - , = or not on-site ponding will 0.be required. If so, the applicant shall revs.a the std=,m; * show how on-site ponding will be provided. s ? In addition, the following stipulations "ere r q b '4 � G` '• " pry,. 1. Add notation to plans tha..:, ustomer_nampl nd ern**,a ;;asking will be clearly marked • and kept free of invenro, ve'. Shoe locatio of handicapped stalls. 2. Provide detail on pl <:- to ho 7 ash encl%e re will be constructed. Show concrete pad. Ass to Ericso, at $ at meet ;Q IM ed requirements would make it possible for ti, { Y - • to brin : •- :d a reso u ion for this proposal. H i em; Jim Priv g ,,a- aturn'eV opm t, told the Commission that Saturn should do whateve nectes; to meetAhe requirements of the Rice Creek Watershed District. He adder at theamo of asphalt area on the site is being decreased so there probably Wuid be no ne o oiii ''te ponding. The lighting issue is being addressed and copies of the requested spoati ons will be submitted to the City as requested. 1 : : Commissioner °tevenson told the Commission that one of his concerns now, as it was at the time of ap val of the original development, is the Highway 10 right-of-way, and that remaia�:r able for bike paths and trails. xY .? S ' 'ce told the Commission that combining the lots, as requested, would take from six weeks to two months. This process is currently underway with Ramsey County. Associate Ericson told the Commission that there are no proposals to amend the existing • CUP and there will be no impact to the CUP as it has been approved. He added that there • Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 4 • will be landscaping along County Road H2 to provide some screening. The City Forester has reviewed that plans and given his approval. K -0 Commissioner Johnston suggested that all of the surrounding neighbor made aware of the project. This would give them a chance to voice their oho;.' ' en" the Plan comes back for approval. • R • Associate Ericson said the Development would b' . ni put on th ', Bend , R an :. Commission meeting scheduled for February 18- , 8. 4.1ded the su• ',fig neighborhood would be made aware of the meets _.. would have a c .,$ "' ‘o attend and voice their opinions. f 6. :r ` 'cjI;, , Planning Case No. 507-97 Highway 10, County Road I &Eastwood Raft® Applicant: TOLD Development Compan :' Valgree. Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rem ing ‘.!.44-00' ;. < _ 6 The applicant, TOLD De::'': �pment,_Fe presen Associate Ericso 4 .4 Commissioa� ° .roposed rezoning on the property is from r $en a . limite=t $. ;es A comprehensive plan amendment from high density and low-. l= , esidenti neii borhood commercial will also be required. In addition t:ill ez•ning and omprehensive Plan Amendment, other actions that will be. -red •. $ -,,,,o.•sal to move forward are as follows: . Major subdivision of the property, reorganizing the five parcels and vacated Eastw000ad into one lot. 71' 2. A develpment review. . 3, Appr:.eng the vacation of Eastwood Road. is ricson defined the Comprehensive Plan process for the benefit of the "` iiaw ad > nce. He added that changing the Comprehensive plan is not a simple process because it changes the face of the City, and the appropriateness of any change needs to be questioned extensively. The zoning of a property has to match the Comprehensive Plan and they cannot be in . conflict with each other. The Comprehensive plan takes precedence over zoning issues. , February 4, 1998 • Mounds View Planning Commission Page 5 Regular Meeting This is the reason that the Comprehensive Plan would have to be amended for the Walgreen Development. ., The Comprehensive Plan issues are: ry :, rov 6 x, A y h = -/, 1 What kind of buffer is the developerP , 3.� 2. Traffic impact, a 40 percent increase • in tr. ; ,. , y r , s. 3 Suitability for residential development. � , tax base. r 4. The impac on the City's � � 5 Green space '.£7,0,1;;T,i . The rezoning issues are: -`.,o N to the ComprehensivBlan f;,,. l, The relationship ,��; ..��� w; developments, what a":;�:':: ,' 2.3 Surrounding P .a'i .. ; opmen . 4;, 3, Demonstrated need for the de III 4.5. Grading issues •x tel Traffic impact, closing of, " astwoo, Road ;y 3 Lyf 6. Crime impact X H , � there was any verification to back up Commissioner Johnsto �;`' ed Mr ngh . z e ffi would fall in value by 15 percent if the the st.tement made �:.�a �,; en tha , .�.(,r a� au gham declined to comment. Wady-+' project � � � .,..: y.F � n r 7730 ,.,,, ;Qp4 drive, stated that she had a realtor appraise her property. They : § ; s. Ke - ' �$,property would decrease in value by 10 - 15 percent if The reams � y {�: : g went`thi g . the Walg �$ ' asked the Commission who would be ;•. amen Johnsn=��.;: � � eenwood Drive, if the Walgreen project is approved.T< >:. "�� esponsible for th".:.`- .,ease in value of his property of answer He asked the Commission to research this question and have some type available at then ext meeting that involved the project. r Obert suggested that the City use an independent real estate appraiser to • � <.omm�s��dn k,.Cproperties in question. ,•=. appraiser was available for the City's use Associate Ericson stated that an independent it that the and the City Attorney could be called in to answer questions of valuation imp • Walgreen project might have. Mounds View Planning Commission • February 4, 1998 410 Regular Meeting Page 6 Mr. Johnson added he is also concerned how the Walgreen project will affect the time it takes for a person to sell his home if he decides that he can't live in the neighborhood once the project is given the go ahead. Mary Polachek-King, 7751 Greenwood Drive, statedshe hascoda: '°<about how traffic would affect the residents' ability to safely use Hillvi. :, I ark. `S :;:;;,a td ••that the Walgreen project would also bring with it more rets propertie p'4: S over- y saturated rental property climate in Mounds Vie ;'''''''' ,f ,Y ,• Bob Cunningham, with TOLD Development, '::' f-,4,, project develop '''Cd it is the developer's desire to cooperate with the City an9 :, " :g""- .• bors. This could include implementing traffic-slow-down designs into thele' "_> ,, . re-engineering existing drainage problems to alleviate flooding in the prapertie )a:Io< :.0 -r on the development site. , : ,, yeyt Mr. Cunningham stated that the b - .',o` C ,,"tio is ` .ercent; typically a retail development lot-size-to- ratio is 20 ��� - _ 4 P building,, �" P �_ �:"tided that the average number of cars entering into the;. algreen •ctlity woF $ :.s= six cars an hour at normal times, with the number of carsmcreasin'a nine c �.er hour during peak-use periods. A. y, ;3nA Mr. Cunnignham told t.`,.;Commis rf that t .<roject would generate 35-45 jobs. Appr ximately 15 2 ti jobs w.,Trak,� "'me with the balance being full-time, and of. es there wo Yy execute -WAt4 a ns including manager, assistant manager, and 13*,' �$aeis''. "'; f vm€ Mr Jo nsa rr ed he '4,C-',1'- = the City on numerous occasions to close off Greenwood Drive tolo • eltm ate som' a tl a •accidents that occur because of the high traffic flow on tha,, eet arras:g-.-7..told 6 the City that Greenwood Drive cannot be closed off .be44- cause of Fire 0 : .$ 'erg, Police Department, and school bus use. However, now the City is saying tha ` q ay to close off Edgewood Drive. Mr. Johnson said if Eastwood ir can be closed offr tax-base reason, then Greenwood should be able to be closed off for the safety conceafs of the residents. k ,r , ommissitt er Obert suggested that all the facts, traffic counts, accident reports, etc., be ect . o the discussions that are taking place can be based on fact and not on ..t ojjecture. Chairperson Peterson recommended that a broader traffic analysis be done because the current traffic study addresses only the areas north of Long Lake Road and County Road I. 111 Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 • Regular Meeting Page 7 Michael Chen, representing Benshoof& Associates, traffic consultants, addressed the Commission and stated that the study area and scope of the traffic study were determined by the areas that would be affected by closing off Eastwood Drive at Coun •,oad I. Areas south of this would not be affected. ;:, gig", :;ror4'• Mr. Chen stated the studyshows that closingoff <::;'::�od air,,:: ' n_'>: e Walgreen - ;.,, ,,,t,',, -, project, 18 cars an hour would be added to the tr. (I/ ' flow on Gr ehwQ0 a. a 've. X ,,4; •,,',.t-4,;,f,";' R Y , Ms. Polachek-King stated the study time was t4 4$hort to et a good a _��• {, Ms. Keyes stated the traffic on Greenwood is muc :_1- 'n the summer because of the ' he didn't think the traffic recreation that is taking place in Hillview Park. S 4..' ; :�:� - $s count was accurate. -;w :,<.-- Mr. Chen stated the Walgreen project w ate. a -° d e an ad56 cars that would enter into the Highway 10 County R�a 'linteG ring tm. peak hour. This is 1.2 percent of the total traffic that. =y n this intersCo ,,,a 4, given day. John Wiens, 7760 Greenwo # '4 rive, •u tioned ` Chen's figures and stated his Ak concerns about the accurae, e s $' 1. Mr. ::hen stated wR 40 t+ 610-11:� ' � �T completed, in 1999, there will be a si• $' �-z7t decre. -�� con Hi , ` > : This will make Highway 10 a safer road to y Y Chairpiexso;l°eterson saioicw4.9,very disappointed when the pedestrian bridge over Highwa 9 ca eled ssioner Obert agreed. Chen told i,_ . dE _ sion at 714 cars per day, Greenwood Drive is well within the Metropolitan Co s efinition of maximum traffic for a residential street's traffic count for any given da Ms. Keyes sate she would like to know the increased cost for the City to maintain the ads th.attlire affected by the increased traffic. She asked if this information could be F d br iii;the next meeting that was held in regards to the Walgreen project. Mr. Johnson asked if it would be possible to put funds in escrow to protect the residents from water damage caused by unforeseeable flooding of the Walgreen property and its effect on the adjoining residential properties. • Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 Regular Meeting Page 8IP Mr. Cunningham told the owners of the adjoining properties that TOLD would be willing to re-engineer the site so that all storm water run-off was stored on Walgreen property, including that of the adjoining properties. / Joan Colleen, 2617 County Road I, said her concern were, ligen c, and the easements that are involved. She asked who would; ponsi` ,taxes that would be paid on the 45 feet of property that the 6,,,!would:,... report: , eviy!` ! :ae given toj adjoining neighbors. Would this be considered nic easerd.- or . 7 ca a ease trent, she asked. ,, � ' 4 % -, Associate Ericson stated the property would be o,,_ 3a�a . e developer and the developer would be paying taxes on that prope ., _lf,;; • w%j_ 'yam, ,,> Ms. Keyes said she is not interested in the last ecause she�woii h•ve to maintain it. / o.yl Ms. Colleen said she is concerned the w atet *�a ded, -gards to the proposed development, will in fact, happen a is agr- o Associate Ericson assured . ,;°olleen t once th W resolution is established, and there is i• a developers agreement, th a emend t: 1 be thea w. If the developer does not follow through with the terms o77,5 e agree a there = 1r•e a performance bond to make sure that the project will ' «;=pleted • � <' a. '`? s: z sus y�d s ?,s s =n Pet M X40 a audience the Comprehensive Plan review that includes the `$ � land - 'dressed on February 11, 1998. He invited all interested citizen et, rsaa<. F a- 7. Sta K 1 epo .s h 0: tion I ems irector Jopke t .4..,- Commission the first meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Update, ` area No. 1, will b, at the cafeteria of the Pinewood School on February 11, 1998. I :''-,,-s..‘„1'; Chairpersontand Planning Commissioners Reports f nun oner Miller told the Commissioners she would be absent from the Planning °f , . , Mission meeting.to be held on the 18th of February due to medical reasons. 9. Adjournment • Mounds View Planning Commission February 4, 1998 • Regular Meeting Page 9 There being no further business before the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Chairperson Peterson adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. {ry , Respectfully submitted, y'COYf, q�„„ ,,,,,,i,,,,;;- if--,"41) ,,,,,:;'3,SY(, yam. •” y fi: // Yi� � �fN/ Rick Jopke r '=f'/%„%i x Community Development Director %; ';;1„ijy� x, - -.:n dun;u 4 • xasi ill 4,....„4” x: :... a•' ..! , ..ga r.y .t/:: X`54,/` u- -4 • $,q , • mac.. : ' •a5 ''as�Yl� ir7 ic:: 1 a.: £� , ay x�a a : • III PROCEEDINGS OF THE MOUNDS VIEW PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW • RAMSEY COUNTY,MINNESOTA Special Meeting February 18, 1998 Mounds View City Hall 2410 Highway 10,Mounds View,MN 55112 1. Call To Order The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Peterson at 7:00 p.m., February 18, 1998. 2. Roll Call Members present: Chairperson Peterson, Commissioners Brasaemle,Brooks(departed at 9:15 p.m.), Johnston, and Obert. Members absent: Commissioners Mlller(excused), and Stevenson(excused). Also present: Community Development Director Jopke, Planning Associate Ericson, Council Liaison Koopmeiners(departed at 9:20 p.m.), and Recorder Dave Hix. • Index to Minutes Page g Planning Case No. 512-98, 2375 and 2395 Highway 10, Consideration of 6 Resolution No. 535-98, Regarding Development Review, Saturn Development. Planning Case No. 507-97, 2625 Highway 10, 7715-7761 Eastwood Road, 8 Discussion Regarding Waigreen's Development Request, Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning, TOLD Development Company Planning Case No. 513-98, 8265 Spring Lake Road, Consideration of Resolution 4 No. 532-98, Approving a 7-Foot Variance to the Required 30-Foot Front-Yard Setback, Preferred Builders, Inc. 3. Citizens Requests and Comments on Items not on the Agenda No citizens requests or comments for items not on the were considered. • Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 2 • 4. Presentation: North Metro I-35 Corridor Coalition.University of Minnesota Design Team Director Jopke gave the Commission and citizens in attendance a brief introduction to and background on the University of Minnesota Design Center for American Urban Landscape(Design Center) and the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition(Coalition). The seven communities of Arden Hills, Blaine, Circle Pines, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, and Shoreview make up the Coalition. Their vision statement was stated as follows: "The Coalition will jointly and cooperatively plan for and maximize the opportunities for regional community development, quality growth and diversification in the North Metro through a system of collaboration." Mayors and city administrators/managers comprise the governing board. The first year's, 1997, accomplishments include: 1. securing outside sources of funding 2. laying the foundation for a common Geographic Information System(GIS) 3. building relationships within the Coalition as well as other governmental entities such as Anoka County, Ramsey County, school districts, state agencies, and the • Metropolitan Council. The Coalition's second year goal is to develop a subregional planning framework to shape • and direct future work. The Coalition has contracted with the Design Center to assist in opening up this framework development for community input. Jopke told the Commission it is fundamental that community development committees, council members, appointed commissions, and interested citizens participate in the process. Future Coalition events will include a Coalition-wide working session for councils and commissions to be held in March or early April, and a Coalition Summit to be held in early May. William Morrish, Director of the Design Center, told the Commissioners and citizens in attendance if the seven city coalition was combined into one city, this city would be the third largest community in Minnesota. In the next ten years this second-tier-urban area, as it is labeled by the Metropolitan Council, will have over 660,000 people living and working in it. Because this area is considered fully developed, in terms of open space, the question becomes: What do we do next? This is the question that the Design Center will assist the Coalition in answering. Mr. Morrish told the Commission that the Coalition is one of the first groups in the • metropolitan area to address the growth and change issues. He said the State Legislature is very interested in the I-35W Corridor Coalition because of this fact. The process is an Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 3 • aggregated grass roots type of project, and this is what is spurring the interest of the P g Legislature. Partnerships are important, if only from the standpoint that no one city has a tax base that would allow them to address the problems that need to be solved. Mr. Morrish complimented the Coalition on standardizing the Comprehensive Plan Language. By doing this, it will make it possible for one city to talk to another city in the same language. Each city would be able to react to another city's development that is going to affect their borders. Mr. Morrish stated the GIS system is going to make traffic analyses much easier for the Coalition area. It will also help assess housing issues that depend on location based criteria. Mr. Morrish's third point of discussion addressed "standards". How are we going to accommodate change but also maintain the quality of life in the communities? This, he said, would be the most difficult of tasks because of the interrelation of community boarders. Chairperson Peterson returned the floor to the Commission for questions and comments. • Commissioner Johnston stated the GIS maps would be a great help in locating problem areas and approaching design issues on a geographical basis. Commissioner Brooks commented on the fact that the joint effort of the Coalition would • take the element of surprise out of the surrounding communities developments. All the cities would know what developments were taking place in each other communities. Commissioner Brasaemle stated the Coalition is the ideal forum to address the issue of public transportation. He added that a trails system should also receive top priority in the design process. Brasaemle told the Design Center the citizens of Mounds View have expressed the desire to have a "little narrower streets." Mounds View city redevelopment was also a point of discussion with the Commissioner. Commissioner Obert commented on the compatibility of all seven cities with the Met Council. He asked if the Met Council would treat this coalition similarly as they have other city groups. Obert specifically stated that Blaine had problems working with the Met Council. Mr. Morrish told Obert the Met Council was very interested in this Coalition because of its advanced development and organization. He added currently there is a bill in the Legislature as the first to recognize the I-35W Coalition. MnDOT is also interested and • has supplied some funding for the development of coalition groups. Chairperson Peterson asked if there is a unified front on the Anoka County Airport Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 4 110 Development. Mr. Morrish said there would be problems, this being one of the major ones for this Coalition Group. It is the challenge to the group to solve the problem so that all participants can get some benefit from the development. Commissioner Obert stated the Coalition would be a good opportunity for the communities to apply some needed pressure on the Met Council as a way to get the ball rolling on some projects. Warren Johnson, 7710 Greenwood, asked who chose Mounds View as a pilot area for the Coalition program. Mr. Morrish told Johnson the Mayor and city administrators were already working together, and the Mayors Association had been formative in getting the City of Mounds View involved in the process. 5. • Planning Case No. 513-98 8265 Spring Lake Road • Applicant: Preferred Builders, Inc. Consideration of Resolution No. 532-98, Approving a 7-Foot Variance to the Required 30-Foot Front-Yard Setback. • The applicant, Darryl Westerlund was present. Steve Dorgan,Mounds View Housing Inspector, gave the Commission a brief background on the proposed development: In 1996 the Mounds View EDA acquired a lot at the above address through the Housing Replacement Program. At that time a 20-foot variance was applied for and granted to deal with the property's 80-foot width and the City's 100-foot-frontage requirement. On January 30, 1998, the EDA sold the property to Preferred Builders. As part of the purchase agreement Preferred Builders was required to build a minimum three bedroom, two bathroom home with an attached two car garage. The home proposed by Preferred Builders meets all of the City's requirements with the exception that the house is 7 feet wider than the code allows. This width difference is due to the house having a three car attached garage instead of a two car attached garage. The owner is asking for a 7-foot variance to resolve the problem. • Staff is recommending approval of Planning Commission Resolution No. 532-98 denying a Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 5 • variance request by Preferred Builders, Inc., to allow a 7-foot variance from the required 30-foot building setback from a public right-of-way along Ardan Avenue for the property located at 8265 Spring Lake Road. Chairperson Peterson returned the floor to the Commission for questions and comments. Commissioner Brasaemle asked the Builder what rationale was used to select the submitted home design for this property. He stated that a different home plan may have worked better on this piece of property. Darryl Westerland, representative for Preferred Builders, told the Commission the chosen home is the company's most popular design. He continued saying that the company has no home in their design file that would work on the property. Mr. Westerland stated all communication that was held with the City specified this home plan, including the three car garage. He referred to Ms. Bennett as the City's representative on communication matters for the proposed project. Westerland reminded the Commission there is a signed purchase agreement with the City that stipulates the house design as submitted. Westerland offered, as an attempt to settle the issue, to accept a four-foot variance. He stated the garage could be modified to accommodate this solution. • Chairperson Peterson stated that market conditions are such that a three car garage is standard. Commissioner Johnston stated the Builder did not meet the criteria for hardship, • although, he would like to see the project approved. Commissioner Brasaemle told the Builder that it was unfair for him to blame the City staff; Ms. Bennett, for the error. He said it is the Builder's responsibility to make sure that al 1 of the City's dimensional requirements, codes, and specifications are met. Mr. Westerland said he did not intend to place blame on any one individual, but again reminded the Commission that he had a signed document that approved the plan as submitted. The Commission reviewed the documents and it was noted that there was conflicting information within the document that would need to be resolved by the City Attorney. It was proposed that the Variance request be tabled to another meeting. This would give the staff the time it would need to resolve the conflicting information issues with the City Attorney. Motion/Second: Brasaemle/Peterson to table Planning Case No. 513-98, Consideration of • Resolution No. 532-98, approving a 7-Foot Variance to the Required 30-Foot Front-Yard Setback to a later meeting, thus giving the staff the time that is required to resolve legal issues with the City Attorney. Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 6 Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 6. Planning Case No. 512-98 2375 and 2395 Highway 10 Applicant: Saturn Development Consideration of Resolution No. 535-98 regarding Development Review The applicant, Saturn Development, represented by Jim Price, was present. Associate Ericson gave the Commission a brief review of the Development background. On February 4, 1998 the Planning Commission held a Development review of the proposed Saturn Project. At this meeting it was decided that the neighbors within a 350 feet of the proposed project would be notified and given a chance to meet with Planning Commission to discuss the Development. The original site plan, which had been approved in 1996 is being modified so that the new • plans will include added showroom space, service bays and a car wash. All work in the new development will be to the east of the existing building, with the exception of the car wash. The Primary issues with this development are availability of parking, site lighting and the possibility, combining of the parcels for tax purposes, and the Rice Creek Watershed District(RCWD) might require on-site stormwater storage. The revised site plan dated February 12, 1998, shows all of the requested changes have been made with regard to the parking counts, handicapped stalls, garbage dumpster enclosure details and the change to the sign fronting Highway 10. Saturn Development is in the process of working with Ramsey County to resolve the issue of combining the three lots into one for tax purposes. A February 25, 1998 meeting with the RCWD is scheduled to resolve the stormwater drainage details. All conditions of the CUP have been met, with the exception of the 10 percent of the property, excluding setback requirements. The Planning Commission indicated the property already had an extraordinary amount of setback from Eghway 10 and the greenspace therein could apply toward the 10 percent, thereby fulfilling the requirement. Associate Ericson indicated it is staffs recommendation to Approve Resolution 535-98 • recommending approval of the development review request made by Saturn Development Company, with the following stipulations: Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 • Special Meeting Page 7 1. Prior to the City Council's review, show RCWD stormwater drainage requirements if they exist. 2. Prior to the issuance of any City permits, the applicant shall accomplish the following: a. Obtain access and grading permits from MnDOT and Ramsey County, if required, and provide proof of such permit or permission to the City. b. Obtain a RCWD permit c. Remove the two incidental directional signs from the County Road H-2 right of way. d. Enter into a development agreement with the City. Chairperson Peterson stated there was a miscalculation on the percentage of impervious surface area. He suggested correcting this number before the plan is approved. Darwin Lindahl, Saturn Development's representative, told the Commission the issue of • conforming to the RCWD requirements is being resolved. He added the total amount of impervious surface is the same or may be even less than the existing development. Taking this into account, there might not be a need for on-site stormwater retention. Chairperson Peterson opened the floor to the public for question regarding the Saturn Development. No questions or comments were considered from the public. Motion/Second; Brasaemle/Brooks, to recommend approval of Resolution 535-98, recommending approval of the development review request made by Saturn Development Company, with the stipulations as stated. Ayes - 5 Nays - 0 Motion carried. 7. Planning Case No. 507-97 2625 Highway 10, 7715-7761 Eastwood Road • Applicant: TOLD Development, for Walgreen's Discussion Regarding Walgreen's Development Request, Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning. Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 8 • Associate Ericson addressed the Commission and citizens stating the Planning Commission is charged with the task of deciding whether or not it would be appropriate to rezone residential properties and amend the comprehensive plan to allow for the development of a Walgreen's store at the northeast corner of Highway 10 and County Road I. He added, the staff is seeking direction from the Planning Commission with regard to drafting a resolution recommending either approval or denial of the rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment request. Associate Ericson gave a background review of the proposal as follows: TOLD Development has purchase agreements in force for the properties located at 2625 highway 10, and 7715-7761 Eastwood Road. The property fronting highway 10 at this location is owned by the City while the four single-family properties along Eastwood road are under separate ownership. The applicant is requesting a comprehensive plan amendment, rezoning, major subdivision and development review for the stated properties. In addition, the applicant requests the street bisecting these parcels(Eastwood Road) be vacated and replace with a cul-de-sac. The current zoning is split with the City-owned parcel zoned R-3, Medium Density Residential and the parcels on Eastwood Road being zoned R-1, Single Family Residential. The proposed zoning is B-2,Neighborhood Commercial, which would allow the Walgreen use or similar uses such as financial institutions, office building, floral shop, hardware store or off-sale liquor sales. It is staffs recommendation to continue the open discussion process to a future meeting or meetings. The Planning Commission is being asked to provide direction to staff and the developer if additional information is needed. Commissioner Obert observed the absence of comments that address the citizen's concerns in regards to property values. A second issue, as discussed in an earlier Planning Commission meeting, was researching the City's police reports in order to get some kind of factual basis for assessing the traffic accident occurrences in the area of the development. Obert added, as did the other Commissioners, that no matter which way the decision goes on the development, the City would not be able to please all of the residents affected by this project. It is very critical to the success of the project that the discussions that take place in regard to the Walgreen project be based on fact and not emotion, Obert said. • Associate Ericson responded by saying the accident information requested is being obtained from the State. Bob Cunningham, TOLD Development, addressed the property value issue. He told the Commission he is willing to sit down with the affected property owners on an individual t basis to work out their specific issues whether those issues be landscaping, drainage or compensation amounts. Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 • Special Meeting Page 9 Commissioner Obert re-emphasized the need for an independent unbiased real estate appraiser. Gayla Keyes, 7730 Greenwood Drive, told the Commission that she has hired an independent real estate agent to assess her property. This person told her that her property would decrease in value. Cecelia Brownell, 7730 Greenwood Drive, told the Commission that the real estate agent had indicated the property would drop in value between$4,000-$14,000 dollars. She added she does not want the development in the neighborhood. Terry Moses asked if the appraisal was done by a certified appraiser, and continued by telling the Commission that there is a difference between a real estate agent and an MAI appraiser. He said real estate agents are held to lower standards that an MAI appraiser. He suggested hiring an MAI appraiser to do the work instead of a real estate agent. Director Jopke reminded the Commission and the meeting attendees that it is very important to keep in mind what the "big picture" is. He asked, "How can the staff provide the Commission, Developer and citizens with the type of information that is being requested?" He agreed with Mr. Cunningham's statement that it is very hard to quantify the effect that a development of the type will have on the surrounding neighborhood. Jopke stated the staff would make every attempt to locate information that is relevant to the situation and in turn forward that information to the appropriate people. Chairperson Peterson asked Benshoof and Associate's representative, Michael Chen to comment on the report that SEH had made regarding the traffic study. Michael Chen stated if you asked five different engineers the same question, most likely you'd get five different answers because of the way the information is collected. Benshoof and Associates gathered their information from different sources than SEH. He added that the differences in the two firm's figures were very minute. Mr. Cunningham added, Walgreen's is a neighborhood retailer, and draws its clientele from the immediate surrounding areas. The majority of the customers are live within 1.5 mile radius of the store. Chairperson Peterson asked Chen to summarize what the traffic study was indicating. Mr. Chen told the Commission the traffic study indicated the overall impact of the Walgreen's Development is not expected to have a significant negative impact on traffic to the affected neighborhood with the closing of Eastwood Drive. • Mr. Johnson stated he has lived in the neighborhood for 29 years, before the shopping center was developed, before any of the commercial developments on this section of Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 10 • Highway 10 came into being. He suggested dividing County Road I so that traffic could enter the Walgreen facility from the left only. This would prevent cars coming down Eastwood from turning into the facility and causing a traffic bottleneck in this area. Associate Ericson told Johnson Ramsey County had received a copy of the development plan for informational purposes. The City is looking for some type of input from the County for the Walgreen development. Mr. Cunningham told the Commission as the developer he would be reluctant to accept the development condition that there be a right-in right-out turn scenario established for County Road I. Associate Ericson told the Commission it might not be the City's choice because of the fact that County Road I is a county road. He added the City would not force this type of a condition on the developer or the site plan. Mr. Chen added the spacing between Walgreen's main access, the Mounds View Center access, and the Highway 10 intersection all conform to the spacing specifications that have been established by MnDOT. Chairperson Peterson commented the light timing cycle on Highway 10's traffic signals • should be modified to improve the traffic flow through Mounds View. Chairperson Peterson suggested the discussion get back to the subject of the "big picture," this being commercial development versus residential on the corner properties that are being considered for the Walgreen development. He added there are some early leanings that have surfaced in the community meetings. It seems like the citizens want any commercial developments to take place on the Highway 10 corridor and any residential developments to take place off of the Highway 10 corridor. The City needs to improve its tax base. Commissioner Obert, again, emphasized the importance of addressing the question of decreasing property values and addressing the traffic safety issues within the City. Commissioner Brasaemle readdressed the question: "Is this the appropriate piece of property for his development?" He said he did not have a good answer for this question and probably wouldn't have one until after the next Comprehensive Plan Update meeting, where this particular piece of property was going to be discussed in regards to its fit in the overall Comprehensive Plan. Chairperson Peterson told the Commission one of the comments the citizens have been making at the community meetings concerning the Comprehensive Plan Update is they 411 have no interest in having any more commercial businesses along County Road I. The citizens are saying that nobody should be forced out of their homes on Highway 10 to Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 11 accommodate more commercial business. The question was posed to each of the Commissioner: Do you have any strong feelings one way or the other in regards to the Walgreen Development location? Commissioner Obert sad that the development would be in the Highway 10 corridor, as the citizens have requested, and he tended to be in favor of the location. Commissioner Johnston agreed and added that making Eastwood a cul-de-sac would improve the traffic conditions of the area. Commissioner Brasaemle told the Commission at this time he does not have strong feelings about the issue. He said he needed more time and more information in order to form a sound opinion. Director Jopke asked the Commission if there is some information that the staff could provide to make the issue more clear. Commissioner Brasaemle requested the County's traffic information on County Road I. • Commissioner Obert agreed and added there is a need for the proper real estate appraisal of the affected properties. Associate Ericson reminded the Commission the next Comprehensive Plan Update meeting is scheduled for March 11, 1998, to be held at the Edgewood School. The focus will be on District No. 2. Chairperson Peterson stated three agenda items for the next Planning Commission meeting: 1. Property value appraisal 2. Traffic issues 3. livability of the development area 8. Staff Reports/Information a. Planning Commissioner Journal Publication • The Commissioners acknowledged receipt of same. b. Recap of February 11, 1998 Community Forum Meeting Mounds View Planning Commission February 18, 1998 Special Meeting Page 12 111 Director Jopke requested that the team leaders of the round table discussions turn in the responses to the discussion agendas so the final report can be put together. Commissioner Brasaemle stated a list of discussion generating questions would have helped his group focus on specific issues relating to the Comprehensive Plan Update. Several of the Commissioner stated that they enjoyed the open form platform because it gave their group fewer boundaries for discussion. 9. Chairperson and Planning Commissioners Reports No Chairperson or Planning Commissioners Reports were considered. 10. Adjournment to Agenda Meeting There being no further business before the Special meeting of the Planning Commission Chairperson Peterson adjourned the meeting at 10:38 p.m. Respectfully submitted, • Rick Jopke Recording Secretary •