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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.03.24 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION March 24, 2011 Call to Order Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Gwynn, Kleissler, McRoberts, Moore, Schumann ABSENT: Rosenquist ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant Rachel Juba, Planner Approval of Minutes of February 24, 2011 McRoberts made motion, Kleissler seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of February 24, 2011. All Ayes, Motion carried. Conditional Use Permit Amendment — Randall Roatch and Donald Bairl Planner, Rachel Juba, gave the background to the Planning Commission. She explained the applicants request to amend their existing CUP to allow 5 cars to be displayed for sale. The existing CUP currently allowed for only 2 cars to be displayed. The state requirement for an dealers license requires a business to display a minimum of 5 cars. Staff recommended approval of the CUP amendment. McRoberts stated that he sees more cars than what is allowed on the aerial photo provided and questioned why there were so many. Rachel answered that there is another business that also uses the building. That business renovated vehicles and some of the vehicles seen are being serviced by that separate business. The Applicant, Randall Roatch wanted to continue the business as usual after he purchased the business from the previous owner. He explained that as he went to get his state dealers license it was denied because the existing CUP only allowed for 2 cars to be displayed, where 5 is now the minimum that the state requires. He also explained that the area in the front of the building would be cleaned and the cars for sale would be parked in the designated area shown on the plan. Schumann opened the public hearing. Troy Duncanson, 5850 159th ST N, stated that there is already a lot of traffic in that area and that he predicts that more cars would be rotated in and out, and not just 5 cars for sale on the lot. He Planning Commission Minutes — March 24, 2011 Page 2 was concerned for the safety due to the traffic issues in that area of Highway 61. Mr. Roatch explained that there would be some rotation of cars because the CUP allows for 8 vehicles but only 5 on display. The other cars would be located behind the fence on the back portion of the property. He also mentioned that the traffic issues were due to the neighboring business and not the car sales. Schumann closed the public hearing. Arcand stated that he did not see any issues and felt the request was minor in nature. Bronwen agreed and stated that it would not change the traffic patterns in the area. She expressed some concern for the number of Conditional Use Permits on the property. Gwynn motioned, Moore seconded to approve the Conditional Use Permit amendment. All Ayes, motion carried. Minor Subdivision and Conditional Use Permit — James Leroux Planner, Rachel Juba, give the background to the Planning Commission. The property is zoned Future Urban Service (FUS) and is 32.27 acres in size. The subdivision would create two 10 acre parcels and one 12.27 acre parcel. The CUP request was for a shared driveway for one of the newly created lots due to a creek that exists on the south side of the lot. Staff recommended approval of the Minor Subdivision and CUP request. McRoberts asked the applicant why there were houses shown on the plan. The applicant, James Leroux, stated that they needed to show them on the plan but that there would be more than one location for a home on each of the properties. McRoberts asked if it is still considered a shared driveway if it is not going to the house. Bryan answered that if the driveway access is on another property regardless if it goes to the home, it is considered a shared driveway. Schumann opens the public hearing. Schumann closes the public hearing. Gwynn asked the applicant to work closely with the Rice Creek Watershed District to make sure not to impact any wetland. Arcand asked if City utilities were available could this site plan be changed. Rachel answered that if City utilities were available the property could be rezoned and subdivided. Planning Commission Minutes — March 24, 2011 Page 3 Gwynn motioned, Kleissler seconded, to approve the Minor Subdivision and Conditional Use Permit Request. All Ayes, motion carried. Comprehensive Plan Amendment — Parks Plan Update Parks Planner, Shayla Syverson, explained the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan. Some of the changes included text and map amendments to make active and passive parks and renaming of Irish Avenue Park from Future Park. Arcand asked if staff expected approval from the Metropolitan Council. Shayla answered that this was not a major change and she did not see any issues. Schumann opens the public hearing. Schumann closes the public hearing. McRoberts motioned, Gwynn seconded to approve the comprehensive plan amendment. All Ayes, motion carried. Redevelopment Concept Plan — Pete Sampair Planner, Rachel Juba, gave the background to the Planning Commission. She went though plan and different phases with the Planning Commission. She explained that the applicant would like comments and feedback on the concept plan. The property owner, Pete Sampair, described the phasing in more detail to the Planning Commission. He explained that he does not have an agreement to buy the surrounding properties, only permission to show on a concept plan. Schumann stated that underground parking may not happen in this area because of the high ground water. Mr. Sampair answered that it may have to be first floor parking and not underground. Schumann asked what kind of senior housing would be there, and would it be owner occupied? Mr. Sampair answered that it would not be a co-op but more of a rental type. Schumann asked how tall the retail buildings would be. Mr. Sampair answered that they would typically be one story. He reminded the Planning Commission that this was only a concept plan and that the retail building sizes could be different, he just wanted to show the location. Planning Commission Minutes — March 24, 2011 Page 4 Schumann asked if there was no senior housing, what would be the second option in its place. Mr. Sampair answered that apartment style housing or other high density residential would be a second option. Gwynn asked if there was a medical option within the retail space. Mr. Sampair said that he is open to ideas and that the other retail hub and senior housing would go hand in hand with medical uses. McRoberts asked if there were any disucussions with property owners along 145t" Street. Mr. Sampair answered not yet. McRoberts stated that he had concerns about substantial retail on the corner because it gives a fragmented perception of community. He thought that would make three downtown areas. Bryan stated that staff guided Mr. Sampair to commercial because this area is considered as the downtown area and that this was an attempt to concentrate retail in the downtown area. Gwynn asked if the retail anchor could be located on 145th ST and Hwy 61 instead of County Road 8. Mr. Sampair answered that that is very possible because there could be a possible stoplight at 145th ST. Schumann liked option 2 because it gives it the walkable mainstreet feel to the area. Mr. Sampair stated that the next steps would be to talk to property owners and further plans. Schumann would like to see retail happen and not just housing, he stated that he would like to see the retail come first. Kleissler thought the building heights and landscaping around the parking ramp could be a problem. She stated that she preferred option 2 as well. Bryan added that they are concentrating on the first phase of the plan and wanted to remind the Planning Commission and residents in the area that Mr. Sampair does not own most of the land. Adiournment Gwynn motioned, Moore seconded, to adjourn at 8:30 PM All Ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Dennis Fields Planning Commission Secretary