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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.02.11 PC MinutesMINUTES HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION February 11, 2010 Call to Order Chairman Schumann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Gwynn, Kleissler, McRoberts, Moore, Rosenquist, Schumann ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Bear, Community Development Director Dennis Fields, Community Development Assistant Rachel Simone, Associate Planner Approval of Minutes of August 13th, 2009 Gwynn made motion, Moore seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of November 12, 2009. All Ayes Motion carried. Abstain: McRoberts Gwynn made motion, Moore seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of January 14, 2010. All Ayes Motion carried. Abstain: Moore, Rosenquist Public Hearing — Positive Companies City Planner, Kendra Lindahl, gave the background to the Planning Commission. The request was for a PUD General Plan, and Final Plat for a 11,933 square foot retail building located on Victor Gardens North Village 3rd, Outlot. Kendra explained the PUD flexibility requests to the Planning Commission. Staff recommended approval of the request. McRoberts asked what the City was getting in return for the PUD Flexibility. Kendra stated that she thought the applicant did a nice job of exceeding the standards of the PUD requirements. Schumann opened the Public Hearing. Schumann invited the applicants to the meeting asked them to say a few words about the project. Planning Commission Minutes — February 11, 2010 Page 2 The applicant, Jay Feider, explained the good mix of tenants that were proposed to be located in the new building. McRoberts asked where the primary access to the property would be. Mr. Feider responded by saying that he thought the majority of the customers would be coming in from the east side from Victor Hugo Blvd. McRoberts stated that there is an existing safety issue with vehicles going east on County Road 8 and then making a U turn at the intersection of Victor Hugo Boulevard to go west on County Road 8. The vehicles cross several lanes of traffic and then go north on Elmcrest. McRoberts stated that he has seen several near accidents in the area and felt that the proposed retail building would create additional safety issues. Bryan explained that changes where planned for Elmcrest Ave and Otter Lake Rd. in Anoka County. This is shown on both Hugo and Lino Lakes comprehensive plans. He explained that Otter Lake Rd. would continue north east and connect to Elmcrest Ave. He also added that there has been no problem reported by the Washington County Sherriff's Office. Moore added that intersection could be easily fixed in the future with a no U-turn sign. The architect, Steve Oliver, commented that he thought that condition number 2 should be removed from the resolution stating that the landscape should be prepared by a landscape architect. Kendra added that the language in Condition number 2 was written very vague on purpose so that they were not forced to hirer a landscape architect, it was only encouraged. Arcand added that the building was attractive, however it wasn't as robust as the other buildings in the area. Using an example he noted the roofline. Mr. Oliver stated that the project was a real challenge with the economic times and that it would increase the costs to the project. He felt that the project still blends well within the development. Arcand stated that he thought it should be of a higher profile because this would be the first building that people would see as they enter the City from the west. Schumann closed the Public Hearing. Rosenquist stated that he thought the building was well put together and that the traffic issue could be addressed in the future. Kleissler thought it was a good looking building, however they could use more architecture on the east side. Planning Commission Minutes — February 11, 2010 Page 3 Rosenquist made a motion, seconded by Kleissler, to approve the PUD General Plan and Final Plat for Positive. All ayes, motion carried. Planning Commission Annual Building Report Community Development Assistant, Dennis Fields, gave a presentation to the Commission, including the number of new homes and the dwindling number of available lots in Hugo. Bryan Bear gave the Planning Commission some updates on various projects and activity within the City. Adjournment Gywnn Motioned, Moore seconded, to adjourn. All Ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned. Dennis Fields, Secretary Planning Commission