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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19720524_specialMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EDINA VILLAGE COUNCIL HELD AT VILLAGE HALL ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 1972 5:OO PiM. .- Members answering rollcall were Councilmen Courtney, Johnson, Shaw, Van, Valken- burg and Mayor Bredesen. Mayor Bredesen advised that at its meeting of May 18, 1972, the Board of Appeals and Adjustments had granted variances from the required underground parking, total parking, closet and storage size requirements and unit size as requested by Nessrs. Archie Givens Jr. and Sr.. for' Federally Subsidized 236 Housing for the elderly proposed for property located just south of the Hennepin County Regiond Library property in Yorktown, subject to review by the Park Board and the Housing Needs Committee and the approval by the Village Council. Cpuncilman Van Valkenburg recalled that the proposed variances had been presented to the Park Board and Housing Needs Committee on May 23. At that meeting, the Park Board had indicated that it wanted to cooperate in every way possible, but that it had not had sufficient information on the proposal to make any decision at that time. of questions and discussLon and it made no recommendation. Mr. Hyde advised that because the proposed apartment is designed exclusively for the elderly, it is believed that one parking space for every four units would be adequate. Also, the square footage per unit of 525 square feet is in'excess of the federal minimum of 440 square feet for this same type of housing in Minneapolis. Councilman Courtney said that since the Council has appointed a Housing Needs Committee to study whether or not medium and low cost housing is needed by the Village, he believes that any decision by the Council should be withheld until the Committee can make its determination by next September. an inquiry as to the shortness of notice and the apparent rush on the Council, Mr, Van Valkenburg indicated that the meeting had been held on May lath, by the Board of Appeals and that the effect of the Board of Appeals meeting was to approve the variance, but that because of the various policy and public questions involved, that it should be considered by and approved by the Council. Thus fhe Board of Appeals indicated its desire to have the Park Board and the Hous- ing Needs Committee hear the matter and make what comments they want, but that it was only conditioned on the approval of the Council. He further pointed out that as a matter of practice, the same could have been approved by the Board of Appeals without any appearance before the Council, but that it had been done-as a matter of courtesy to the entire Council. Councilman Johnson said that it is not fair to ask the Council to make a decision of such import- ance without having time to get input from various groups of citizens. added that this would be setting a precedent for future requests and that the proposal would effect the development of the Village in a very significant way. Mr. Hyde explained that the urgency vas because of constraints in the avail- ability of federal funds and added that the proposed building is within per- Fitted zoning and that the only question is the matter of variances. Council- men Shaw and Courtney questioned Mr. Gene Rancone of Yorktown about the twelve story height of the proposed building, recalling verbal cormioitments made by Mr. Ablah that the height of buildings in the development would probably not exceed eight stories. Mr. Rancone said that it was now believed, after discussions with Hr. Luce, that it would be more desirable to build a higher building and leave more open space. Mr. Givens, Sr., explained that statistics show that of the 263 one bedroom units in the building, 200 to 225 wiLl be occupied by single women, with a few couples and the balance by single men, will also contain two units with two bedrooms each for caretakers. to a question from Councilman Johnson, Mr. Givens-said that the maximum annual income limitation to qualify for the monthly rental of $132.00 was $5,000 for single people and $6,300 for couples and that 25% of a tenant's income must be paid for rent. Those with incomes exceeding those amounts could get into the apartment by paying market rent of $216.00. Mr. Givens added that there is a tect showed site plans indicating amenities which would be highly desirable for the elderly, including an outdoor recreation area, an area on the first floor which will be dedicated to the Village's program for senior citizens and an atrium of 163' x 63' which will be heated in the winter. Mr. Hyde referred to pressures of certain groups for this type of housing and said that he would take full responsibility for encouraging this project and that there is a need for some elderly subsidized housing in the community. Mayor Bredesen said that he believed that the Village would be making a serious mistake if the variances were not granted. He added that it was time that Edina assumed its responsibil- ities toward the underprivileged and try to dispel the "snobbish reputation" of the Village. The Housing Needs Committee action was more in the form In response to I He The building In response B _restriction on income only, with no restriction on assets. Mr. Givens' archi- Mr. Rancone advised that four other proposals for 236 housing 5/24/72 9. had been made but that this was the only-proposal that had been acceptable and feasible. He added that this proposal would be a use which would .I have a minimum of traffic generation. Mr. Hyde referred to an opinion from the Village Attorney in which he suggested that the Board of Appeals meet .again after the Council Meeting to finally grant variances, subject to its prior conditions and whatever other conditions the Council may recommend. He also recommended amending the Zoning Ordinance to authorize less parking for housing for the elderly in specified zoning districts and subject to specific requirements and with specific changes allowed from the normal building requirements. Mr. Erickson alss recommended: that at all times during the existence of the building at least 90% of the dwelling units which are occupied must be occupied by persons 62 years of age or over, provided that if a dwelling unit is occupied by husband and wife, only one of them need be 62 years of age or over; tion and the penalties for its violation and otherwise in form and substance acceptable to the Village shall be recorded in the proper office to give constructive notice.of the condition and a certified copy of the recorded restriction shal'l be filed$with the application for a building permit; in the event of any of the conditions of this variance are violated, the Planning Director of the Village shall revoke the certificate of occupancy until the conditions are complied with or until the requirements of the zoning district in which the property is located are otherwise met; also a violation of the conditions of this variance shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of Ordinance No. 811. Mr. Hyde advised that-_a HUD official had told him this afternoon that HUD would not accept any such restriction and that the City of Minneapolis had never enforced its ordinance. was unaware of the attitGde of HUD and suggested that the Council recommend imposition of a deed restriction, subject-to the approval of HUD, which would stipulate that certain occupancy requirements be placed on the property. He added that if HUD denies the proposal, it would drop out automatically. Mr. Givens emphasized that the project will be lost if it is not approved today because the federal government has $5,000,000 in loan funds that will be given to others if he cannot get approval. Eo.l.lo*ing cansl'tlar?bPe.diS~uSlsion, Cduhkilman.Johnson moved that the matter be continued for at least thirty days so that Council would have an opportunity to study the project further. Motion was seconded by Councilman Courtney and the motion failed with Council- men Shaw, Van Valkenburg and Mayor Bredesen voting "Nayt'. aware of the Village Attorney's suggestions, Councilman Van Valkenburg then moved that the variances be approved. Shaw. he felt that this is a good step for the Village to take and because he he&ieved that the location is good. He comeneed again on his objection to the waiver of underground parking and was assured by Mr. Givens, Sr. that he would do everything possible to try to obtain funds for some underground parking. no need for the Housing Needs Committee and that he feels that Council is being rushed into a decision. ing of the project, but voted D1Aye*8. Mayor Bredesen also voted "Aye". previously stated and the motion carried. a restriction containing the above condi- Mr. Erickson said that he Noting that he was The motion was seconded by Councilman Councilman Shaw sa'id that he w0uJ.d vote in favor of the motion because Councilman Courtney said that if 'the project is approved, there is He said that he is really opposed to the tim- Councilmen Shaw and Van Valkenburg and Councilman Johnson voted "Nay" for reasons ~ The meeting was then declared adjourned,by Mayor Bredesen at 6:15 p.m. - .d 4- Village Clerk