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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPL MINUTES 07201999 Meeting Sheet IIIIII VIII VIII VIII VIII VIII IIII IIII 100790 Box: 19 Folder: PL MINUTES AND AGENDAS 1999 Document: PL MINUTES 07201999 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 3 JULY 20, 1999 4 I. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. 5 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by 6 Commissioner Horst. 7 II. ROLL CALL. 8 Commissioners present: Commissioners Horst, Hanson, Melsha, Hatch, and Tillman. 9 Commissioners absent: Chair Bergstrom, Stille 10 Also present: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant. i i III. APPROVAL OF JULY 20, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA. 12 Motion by Commissioner Melsha, second by Commissioner Hatch to approve the July 20, 1999 13 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda with the.following addition: 14 Item VII. Concept Review, B. Proposed redevelopment of Town& Country site. 15 16 Motion carried unanimously. 17 IV. APPROVAL OF JUNE 15, 1999 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES. Motion by Commissioner Tillmann, second by Commissioner Hanson to approve the June 15, 1999 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes as presented. 20 Motion carried unanimously. 21 V. DESIGNATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE CITY 22 COUNCIL. 23 Hanson agreed to attend the July 27, 1999 City Council meeting. 24 VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS. 25 A. Proposed Redevelopment Plan for St. Anthony Shopping Center. 26 Horst opened the public hearing at 7:09 PM. 27 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that late in 1998,the City Council decided to hire a planning consultant 28 to assist Council and Staff in determining a redevelopment plan for the St. Anthony Shopping 29 Center. This action was precipitated by the concern that the area, which contains two gateway 30 entries into the City, was becoming blighted. Staff.put out a.Request for Proposals,to which 31 several firms responded. Richard Krier, RLK Kuusisto, Ltd., was selected. 32 Mr. Krier will be presenting a report on redevelopment possibilities for the St. Anthony 33 Shopping Center and his resultant plan. This plan is the culmination of meetings he has had with the area residents and merchants since November 1998, who have expressed their ideas, opinions, suggestions and concerns. Mr. Krier has also drawn two site plans that encapsulate 36 many of the ideas and suggestions for the Shopping Center as collected from the community. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 2 1 Horst welcomed Mr. Krier and invited him to address the Council. Mr. Krier reviewed a 2 proposed redevelopment plan for the shopping center which includes a community vision 3 developed through meetings with area residents and shopping center merchants. He stated the 4 vision calls for a village-like community center with gathering spaces which is pedestrian 5 oriented and appealing to all members of the community. 6 Mr. Krier stated the redevelopment of the shopping center is necessary for the revitalization of 7 the area. He added that 2 possible land use plans were discussed at a recent Commission 8 meeting. He presented a depiction of the resulting land use plan which he discussed with the 9 new shopping center owners and the possible future owner of the Town& Country site at a 10 recent meeting. He noted this proposal calls for a village green space with trail connectors, 11 additional retail space along Kenzie Terrace, and office and retail space at the south end of the 12 center. 13 Mr. Krier stated it is his recommendation that the Commission review this plan for presentation 14 to and approval by the City Council. 15 Tillmann noted the green space as depicted on the proposal seems small. Mr. Krier stated the i6 proposed green space is approximately 7,000 square feet. He added that while the green space is central to the land use plan, a balance must be maintained between available green space and 18 necessary parking spaces. 19 Tillmann noted that access to the center from Highway 88 to the north is inconvenient to 20 pedestrians and may cause possible safety issues. Mr. Krier stated the shop owners at the center 21 have indicated that they prefer this access method. He added he agrees with Tillmann's 22 statement, but merchants and shop owners must be consulted in this.process. 23 Tillmann asked whether a"park&ride" will be included in the land use plan. Horst stated that 24 people use the shopping center as a "park& ride" although it is not an official MTC transit 25 location. Mr. Krier stated retail areas make good transfer points,but they also take up parking 26 spaces which are vital to the success of the center. He added it is not the intent of the land use 27 plan to eliminate a bus stop. 28 Hanson asked whether there would be a thoroughfare between the village green space and 29 Highway 88. Mr. Krier stated the land use plan provides a circular traffic pattern, and there will 30 be access from the south to the shopping center. 31 Tillman asked what kind of trail would be included in the plan. Mr. Krier stated he recommends 32 a sidewalk with lighting and landscaping connecting the central green area to retail spaces. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 3 1 Hatch asked whether an interior gathering space had been included in the plan as discussed at the 2 Commission's last meeting. Mr. Krier stated such an area was not included in the land use plan 3 as shop owners indicated that would not be acceptable. 4 Horst stated he attended a recent meeting with the shopping center's new owners, adding it 5 seems obvious they are committed to working with the City on its redevelopment plans. He 6 noted the Commission should approve or amend the land use plan for presentation to the City 7 Council by Mr. Krier at their July 27, 1999 meeting. 8 Horst closed the public hearing at 7:31 PM. 9. Tillmann expressed concern that the green space seems to be situated at some distance from the 10 retail areas. Horst noted the inclusion of green space is critical to the plan, but parking is also 11 important. He added the Commission's recommendation of the plan indicates concept approval, 12 and not the final draft version. 13 Motion by Horst, second by Melsha to recommend approval of the Redevelopment Site Plan for 14 the St. Anthony Shopping Center to the City Council, as presented by Mr.Richard Krier, RLK i5 Kuusisto, Ltd., with the following recommendations: 16 The Commission recommends 1) an interior gathering space; 2)better access to the green space; 17 3) a larger green space; and 4) awareness of transit access. 18 Motion carried unanimously. 19 VII. CONCEPT REVIEW. 20 A. 99-XX Mendota Homes, Inc. -Twin Home Project, Conditional Use Permit, Preliminary 21 Plat, Final Plat. 22 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that in December 1997, Erin Mathern of Mendota Homes presented a 23 request to the Planning Commission to rezone a vacant property located at 3621 Old Highway 8 24 from Industrial to R-4 in order to complete a multi-family housing project that is on adjacent 25 property in Roseville. This project has been approved by the City of Roseville at the time of the 26 rezoning request. 27 Ms. Mathern recently called to inform Staff that the scope of the project had changed; that as the 28 result of a feasibility study that Mendota Homes had done, it was decided to construct single- 29 level twin homes rather than a senior apartment complex that was originally planned. As a result 30 of this change, it is being proposed to build one twin home building on the St. Anthony site that 31 was originally planned as parking and open space. Staff informed Ms. Mathern that in order to 32 do this project, she would need to obtain a conditional use permit as an R-2 use is a permitted conditional use in an R-4 zoning district and that she would also need to replat the lot to 4 accommodate a twin home building. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 4 1 Ms. Mathem, as a representative for Mendota Homes, was in attendance at the meeting for a 2 concept review of their proposed project. She has also been to the City of Roseville and has 3 received approval for this project as proposed for the Roseville property. 4 5 Horst welcomed Erin Mathern and invited her to address the Commission. Ms. Mathern 6 presented a proposed site plan for the twin home development, noting the site sits on property 7 located in both Roseville and St. Anthony. She noted the site had recently been re-evaluated by 8 Mendota Homes and it was decided that the townhome concept was more appropriate for the area 9 than a senior apartment complex. 10 Ms. Mathern stated that Mendota Homes will be requesting a conditional use permit to 11 accommodate the rezoning of this property, as well as some variances. She added that concept 12 and plat approval was obtained by the City of Roseville for the units in Roseville. 13 Melsha asked for clarification with regard to the variances which may be necessary. Ms. 14 Mathern stated the rear yard setback may be a problem as the requirement is 25 feet and there are 15 only 3 feet from the proposed units to the Roseville border. She noted the large variance would 16 be requested with the understanding that the rear yard actually extends into Roseville. SHanson noted the presence of a single family home in the vicinity. Ms. Mathern stated that 18 Mendota Homes is aware of this home which will remain in its current state. 19 Horst stated the plan seems ambitious as it involves the same project requirements in two 20 different cities. Ms. Mathern stated the price of the townhomes will increase if less units are 21 built, so the property in St. Anthony is important. 22 Horst stated that a hardship must be demonstrated for a variance to be granted, and the hardship 23 must be unique to the land parcel in question. He added these must be outlined in the final 24 proposal for Council approval. Melsha stated in this case the landowner is creating the hardship. 25 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated that City staff has agreed the conditional use permit is more appropriate 26 than rezoning in this case. Melsha stated the City statute specifies which uses are permitted as 27 conditional uses in zoning districts R-4 and R-2, and he questioned the conditional uses in this 28 case. He added he does not see this as a permitted conditional use under the current zoning 29 ordinance. He suggested the City Attorney might be called upon to review this matter. 30 Hanson stated he would recommend that Mendota Homes contact the owners of the single family 31 home near the site to receive their comments. Ms. Mathern stated a neighborhood meeting was 32 held Monday, July 12, 1999 in the community center, and all residents within 350 feet were 33 notified. She added that 9 people attended the meeting. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 5 1 Ms. Mathern asked whether re-zoning might be a better option. Horst stated the issue is whether 2 the proposal is the best use for the property. He added the City wishes to improve its housing 3 stock and the proposal is a good one. He recommended that Ms. Mathern incorporate this into 4 her proposal to the Council. 5 Ms. Mathern asked whether the construction of 1 home instead of a twinhome would be a 6 permitted conditional R-4 use. Horst stated the issue in question is the granting of a variance 7 which would still require a conditional use permit. 8 9 B. Proposed Redevelopment of Town& Country Site. 10 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the prospective future owners of the Town&Country site wished to 11 present a proposal for a recreational vehicle business which would require a conditional use 12 permit as the building would be used for repair as well as motorcycle sales. She added that 13 several exterior signs for the building will be required of the prospective owner by the various 14 vendors of products he stocks and sells. Horst welcomed Jim Kellison, representative of the prospective buyer, and invited him to address 16 the Commission. Mr. Kellison stated the prospective buyer of the site wishes to remain 17 anonymous. He presented a site plan of the proposed structure which includes a major 18 renovation of the current building to include cutting in windows and display windows, a service 19 entrance, and canopied loading area. 20 Mr. Kellison stated the prospective owner is required to provide specific signage for the products 21 he sells. He added the prospective owner currently has 3 successful stores within the 22 metropolitan area. 23 Mr. Kellison stated the renovation of the 31,000 square foot building will be extensive., He 24 added the prospective owner will sell motor sports vehicles on site, as well as garments and 25 accessories related to these sports, and provides a repair service. 26 Hatch stated the concept for this business seems to be very different from the concept proposed 27 for the overall shopping center area. Mr. Kellison stated the prospective owner proposes an 28 excellent use for the property which would blend with the vision for this area. He added the 29 prospective owner is anxious to create synergy for the entire center to include landscaping, 30 lighting and flow of traffic. 31 Hatch asked whether there would be an exterior use of the products sold on site. Mr. Kellison 32 stated the site would not be equipped for exterior demonstrations. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 6 1 Horst stated the required exterior signage might be an issue. Hanson asked whether the signs 2 would be attached to the building. Mr. Kellison stated the signs are attached and homogenous 3 with individual identical channel letters utilizing the manufacturer's font and color but no logos. 4 He added they are not neon signs, but internally illuminated. 5 Horst noted the difficulty of conducting this type of business without exterior product signage. 6 Mr. Kellison stated the prospective owner proposes to utilize less than 200 square feet of signage 7 which is within the 800 square feet allowable by the City's sign ordinance. 8 Ms. Moore-Sykes suggested the prospective owner might put together a comprehensive sign 9 concept plan for the building with square footages. Mr. Kellison stated that color renderings will 10 be presented at the public hearing. 11 Horst stated the Town& Country site is not part of the shopping center, and the prospective 12 owner has agreed to keep plans harmonious with those of the new owners of the shopping center. 13 Hanson asked whether the exterior walls of the building would be changed. Mr. Kellison stated a 14 canopy will be added, but the front of the building will be in the same plane. is VII. OTHER BUSINESS. 16 A. Discussion of Cijy Manager's Memo Re: Salvation Army Property. 17 Horst stated the City Manager has requested the Commission's discussion and recommendations 18 for proposed uses for the Salvation Army property for presentation to the City Council. 19 Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the Planning Commission's consideration of possible land use is 20 requested with the possibility in mind that the property might become available. She added that 21 residential development is not supported by the School Board. 22 Melsha stated he would wish to see the land utilized as a regional park with beaches, picnic areas 23 and trails. Horst noted the discussion should include possible funding sources. 24 Hanson asked how the new park dedication ordinance recently approved by the Council will 25 affect this property. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated the ordinance would take effect if a new developer 26 replaced the Heart of the Earth School and if the proposed development is residential. 27 Horst asked whether the Commission would consider a worksession in August to discuss this 28 issue due to time constraints. It was agreed the Commission would discuss the issue at its 29 August meeting for presentation to the Council at its August 24, 1999 meeting. 30 B. Ci 's Policy on Reimbursement of Expenses. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated a copy of the City's reimbursement policy was being provided to 2 Commission members for their information. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes July 20, 1999 • Page 7 1 VIII. COMMENTS. 2 Horst stated the VillageFest Planning Committee has invited the Planning Commission to 3 participate in the VillageFest parade to be held August 7, 1999 commencing at 11:00 AM. He 4 welcomed the Commission's comments. 5 Melsha stated the Commission's participation would be a good idea to build community 6 awareness. Hanson suggested an informational tent might be more appropriate which would be 7 staffed by Councilmembers as well as Commissioners. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated a tent would not 8 be a good idea as 3-Councilmembers are up for re-election this year. 9 It was agreed the Commission would participate in the VillageFest parade and smart casual 10 would be the appropriate attire. Horst stated that the parade staging area is located near the Stone 11 House. 12 Tillmann thanked Ms. Moore-Sykes for providing a Commission contact list. She added that she 13 wished to add her work number. Ms. Moore-Sykes requested any changes be given to her for 14 addition to the list. Hanson asked for clarification with regard to the conditional use permit for the Town& Country 16 site. Horst stated the Commission is allowed to set conditions for lighting, signage, noise and 17 other variables. He noted, as an example, the Exhaust Pro site which operates as a repair facility 18 and has restricted hours as well as restriction of vehicles parked outside. He added a conditional 19 use for the Town& Country site might be a restriction of outdoor storage of goods. 20 Hatched asked whether the sale of the Town& Country was finalized. Horst stated a purchase 21 agreement has been signed. 22 Horst stated he met recently with Mr. Kellison and the new owner of the shopping center. He 23 added he was surprised to learn the shopping center's owners do not have a site plan, but are 24 amenable to green space. He noted the City has offered financial help, although TIF financing is 25 no longer available. 26 Horst stated a third party has proposed the potential purchase of the corner site in which the City 27 is very interested. He added there is great potential for retail in that area. 28 IX. ADJOURNMENT. 29 Motion by Commissioner Melsha, second by Commissioner Hanson to adjourn the meeting at 30 9:05 P.M. 31 Respectfully submitted, 0 Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.