2015.01.22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Rosenquist then asked if Mr. Cox and the other owners have a joint parking agreement. Mr. Cox answered that they did not. Commissioner Arcand asked if Mr. Cox requested any variances on his project. Mr. Cox answered that they did not and they tried to meet all ordinances of the City. Don Pleau, of 15690 Foxhill Avenue, approached the podium next. He stated that he is a customer of Mr. Cox's business (Key Automotive). He asks that we not support O'Reilly and that we need this like we need a Jimmy Johns next to Subway or a CVS and a Walgreens next to each other. He asked that the Planning Commission not support O'Reilly and not grant the variances. Bill Barrett, 5673 147th street, was the next to speak at the podium. He stated that it appears that everyone needs a return on their investment. To build a bigger building to get a return on your investment is one thing, but it's like putting a quart in a pint jar. He states that it's not a good fit because the building is too large for the property. He believes it's presumptuous for a business to come to the city and ask for exceptions to compensate for their investment. Galen Carlson, 5451 140th street, and North Country Auto Body owner was the next to speak. He stated that he has a 6,000 square ft. addition and can't see, by looking at the lot, a 7,000 sq. ft. building there. He states that Hugo is in a unique position to hold onto the land we own and to use it for what is right for downtown. He understands that if someone complies, you have to move forward but that variances to the ordinance, is not compliance. He asked how wide the parking spaces would be in the O'Reilly parking lot. Planner Juba answered that they are 9 feet. Mr. Carlson asked if the ordinance allows parking spots to be smaller than 9 feet. Planner Juba answered no. Mr. Carlson said that although he is anxious to get business in Hugo, he asks this plan is looked at because he believes the building is too big. O'Reilly representative, Mark Wold, came up to speak again. He said they have met or exceeded all of the criteria for the piece of property. He said they are asking for a few variances because he believes there are some potential contradictory ordinances. He states that he believes the building is not too large for the property and that 4 parking spaces for 1,000 sq. ft. is pretty standard. Mr. Wold stated that O'Reilly is looking to put a business on this piece of property that's been on the market for 5+ years and that it's one of the nicest looking O'Reilly stores they've ever constructed. He said that they are investing a substantial amount of money to meet the Hugo requirements and asks, again, to approve this with a minimum amount of conditions. Chair Gwynn closed the Public Hearing at 8:11 p.m. Commissioner Arcand asked if the property owner on the east side had been notified. Planner Juba stated that they had been notified and that they are in the audience.