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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 24, 2014 Page 2 1 three main access points to and from the site with an estimated 40 -60 trips per day and noted 2 that this particular use does not carry an exact designation in the ITE manual however it is 3 believed that both Kenzie and Lowry can handle the traffic volume generated by the proposed 4 use. She advised that because of the take -out and delivery nature of the business, staff is 5 leaning toward a fast food type restaurant and determined that 53 parking stalls are required. 6 She presented the site plan submitted by the applicant showing a total of 51 parking spaces 7 and noted that some areas are striped for handicapped as well as drive aisles that must be 8 maintained for access and safety and circulation on the site, so the 51 spaces has been reduced 9 by 14 for a total of 37 stalls. She reviewed the variance criteria and stated the applicant 10 proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner, allowing a restaurant is not perceived to 11 have a visual impact on the character of the neighborhood, however, depending on the 12 intensity of the use, it may have an impact in terms of the volume of traffic and parking. She 13 stated that economic considerations are not the sole basis of the practical difficulties, the 14 variance is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, and the variance is in harmony 15 with the intent of the City Code. 16 17 Commissioner Niccum asked if the parking spaces at the day care could be used by both of 18 the buildings. 19 20 City Planner Johnson replied that the hours of operation for the day care and Brand I are 21 during the weekday whereas the majority of parking associated with the restaurant use would 22 be generally in the evening with some lunch time parking as well as the weekends so parking 23 could be shared on the entire site. She added that the applicant indicated in an email that they 24 are confident given their hours of operation and peak hours between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. that 25 they have adequate parking for their business. 26 27 Vice Chairperson Heinis opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. 28 29 Ms. Gina Matterstad, 2342 Taft Street, stated their neighborhood is quiet with little traffic an 30 she was concerned about the access going into their neighborhood and asked if people would 31 be leaving through the back and entering their neighborhood. She was concerned this 32 business could affect her property value if there is a busy restaurant across the street from her 33 house and she was not happy about having a pizza delivery business at this location. 34 35 Mr. Josh Liebelt, 2341 Taft Street, stated his concern that the business would be open unri 36 1:00 a.m. and was also concerned about the driveways in the back going to Taft Street. He 37 indicated there have been four instances in the past where people took the corner too quick 38 and the City of Minneapolis has had to replace two boulevard trees and their privacy fence. 39 He stated when the business was operated as a breakfast place, they kept the back driveway 40 closed off so there were no traffic issues but now that driveway is open and there are too 41 many people cutting through there. 42 43 Commissioner Papatola stated he was sensitive to the issues in the back and agreed it is a tight 44 opening. He pointed out this site was previously a 7 -11 store as well as a video rental so there 45 has been a history of high traffic tenants at this location. 46