PL MINUTES 12021985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-8- • 1 units planned in' the new project would be geared to benefit the Kenzington resi- 2 dents. Mr. Gustafson concurred with the Manager' s assessment that the existing 3 parcel configuration should provide a legitimate hardship to justify the continua- 4 tion of the non-conforming status of the property. The developer indicated no 5 changes were intended to the back of the non-conforming structure and, therefore, 6 no further setback encroachment. 7 8 The META representatives replied to Commissioner Madden's concerns about the ability 9 of the Legion Club walls to support a third story, by telling him these pre- 10' liminary plans_ had not pro_aressed to that point, but the developers certainly '11 ,wouldn't be proceeding without first getting sound construction advice. Mr. Gus- 12 'tafson told Commissioner Wagner META did not yet have a marketing plan for the 13 new project, but, since they anticipated it was going to be very expensive to 14 build, it would be necessary to get retail and office ancillary services to the 15 Kenzington which could support the project. 16 17 The developer said he would not anticipate the proposed commercial would seriously 18 compete with the existing shopping center since the three new housing projects 19 in the area would be attracting a whole new tenant mix which would demand a 20 different type of service. Mr. Gustafson added, that he perceived anything that 2.1 could be done to upgrade the area could be nothing but a plus, which made it all 22 the more imperative that the project get underway as soon as possible to enhance 23 the sales of the Kenzington condominiums. 24 25 There was no one present to speak in opposition to the proposal and the hearing 26 was closed at 9:38 P.M. to get a sense of the Commissioners regarding the request. • 27 28 Commissioners Madden and Wagner indicated they had no problems with the concept 29 or variances. 30 31 Commissioner Bjorklund stated that he would not oppose the proposal because he 32 perceived it would conform in style and usage to the Kenzington and precedents 33 had been set many times in the past for allowing the development of similar 34 triangular shaped parcels because a real hardship for their owners would result 35 if the necessary variances were not granted. 36 37 Commissioner Hansen commented, from the perspective of a Legion Club member, that 38 "the Legion might have decided to stay if they had seen these plans" . 39 40 Chair Franzese indicated she perceived it had been fortunate to have a developer ! 41 come in and do exactly what the City would like done with his property. 42 43 Motion by Commissioner Bowerman and seconded by Commissioner Hansen to recommend 44 the Council grant the request from META Operating Limited Partnership, 7400 45 Metro Boulevard, Edina, for the following variances to the City ordinance in 46 conjunction with the remodeling and redevelopment of the American Legion and gas 47 station property at -2701-2709 Kenzie Terrace: 48 49 1 . Parking space variance for no less than 48 parking spaces, to be provided no 50 matter what future use develops on the site, in conjunction with the proposed 51 commercial property being developed to use consistent with the approved • 52 ordinance uses for commercial property; and i 53 54 2. To approve expansion of the existing non-conforming use with the setback 55 encroachment behind the gas station property, recognizing that the proposed