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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978 10-25 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1978, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present Chairman Bill Lewis, Sam Hughes, Del Johnson, Helen McClelland, Mary McDonald, Len Fernelius, Dave Runyan, Jim Bentley, Gordon Johnson. Members Absent: Richard Seaberg Staff Present: Gordon Hughes, Director of Planning; Fran Hoffman, Director of Public Works and Engineering; Harold Sand, Assistant Planner; Judy Teichert, Secretary. I. Approval of the September 6, 1978,__Minutes. Mr. Sam Hughes moved approval of the September 6, 1978, minutes of the Community Development and Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Dave Runyan seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. II. Old Business: Z-78-10 Rauenhorst Corporation. R-1 Single Family District to and PID - Planned Industrial District. S-78-14 Edina Office Center. Generally located at the northwest quadrant of West 76th Street and France Avenue South. Recalling that the Commission had reviewed plans for this office complex proposal located west, of France Avenue and south of 76th Street at the September 27, 1978 meeting, Gordon Hughes reminded that staff had been given ad- ditional opportunity to further investigate the transportation aspects of the proposal, particularly in regard to France Avenue. Since that time, Gordon Hughes stated that he and Fran Hoffman had met with representatives of Hennepin County and the City of Bloomington to formulate a roadway plan for the area.. Explaining the basic concept of the plan is the realignment of the north frontage road of I-494 from its present location to the northerly lot line of the drive-in theater and the southerly lot line of the subject property, Gordon Hughes continued that in conjunction with this realignment, a future ob- jective would be the closure of the existing median cut at France Avenue and West 77th Street as well as the removal of the present intersection of the frontage road and France Avenue. Gordon Hughes noted that the benefits from such a re- alignment would be the removal of one median cut on France, and the relocation of a major intersection with France Avenue to a point much farther from the 494 inter- change. Gordon Hughes added that West 77th Street would be connected to the realigned frontage road to provide some relief to the 76th Street and France Avenue intersection and would provide an improved internal circulation system for indus- trial/office/commercial developments in the area., Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page 2 In specific, Gordon Hughes recommended a reorientation of the frontage road such that it would move around the Mann Drive-in Theater and create a new intersection at approximately 772 Street or the common line between Edina and Bloomington. At the same time, the two existing median cuts and curb cuts on France Avenue would be closed off, Gordon Hughes explained; one is the existing median cut at 77th Street to France, and the other would be the existing inter- section and frontage road at France Avenue. Mr. Hughes notes that the City of Richfield had contacted him many times strongly disagreeing with the use of 76th Street as'a ringroad due to numerous traffic problems there. Mr. Hughes stated the City of Bloomington had also been in the negotiation as far as the feasibility of rights of way were concerned. Mr. Mann of the Mann Theater had been contacted, Gordon Hughes said, and was willing to go along with the plan once the theater sight was redeveloped. Gordon Hughes noted he had met with Bob Worthington of Rauenhorst to review the proposed office development plan which had a forty foot right of way easement located on the southerly edge of the site and would represent half of the frontage road. The other half of the frontage road, Mr. Hughes added, would come from Bloomington. Mr. Hughes continued Rauenhorst had also shown a sixty foot easement for.the purpose of connecting 77th Street with the frontage road. Stating that Barr Engineering, the City hydrolic consultants, had reviewed the plan in regard to the storm water concerns, Mr. Hughes said there was a particular need for providing additional storm water ponding areas in the southwestern portion of the property. Mr. Hughes recommended that a large portion of the tract of land lying west of the parking area be devoted for storm water ponding to help relieve some of the flooding problem and accomodate much of the parking lot storm water run-off. Gordon Hughes introduced Bob Worthington, Rauenhorst's repre- sentative, to answer the Commission's questions. Mr. Worthington stated basically Rauenhorst was looking for approval of the subdivision plan, rezoning of a portion from R-1 Single Family to PID - Planned Industrial District, and several variances. He continued that Rauenhorst was in agreement with staff and sought to work with them as best they possibly could. In terms of the right-of-way dedication and floodage easement, Bob Worthington said Rauenhorst had no problems. Mr. Gordon Johnson asked if the only reason the Parklawn road did not go down the west property line was because it would have to cross the ponding area.. Gordon Hughes explained the problem was it does not line up well, but would run into the Lakeside Industries building. Sam Hughes asked if staff felt this development would overload France Avenue. Gordon Hughes replied he did not feel that was the case but staff was negotiating with Bloomington and the County to work together as property de- velops. Sam Hughes questioned if the widening of France Avenue to six lanes was incorporated in the plan. Bob Worthi gton said this was not in the plan but ad- ditional land could be dedicated. Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page 3 Gordon Hughes stated that a very minimal land dedication would be required to widen France Avenue to six lanes. Mr. Hughes indicated discussions had been held with Lyle Berg, the Bloomington Traffic Director; Fran Edina's Traffic Director; and the County director who maintain that the further removed from the interchange one can get with the frontage road, the much less conflicts occur between frontage road traffic and interchange traffic. Chairman Lewis asked what would happen if Bloomington did not go along with the plan. Gordon Hughes replied that he did not feel it would cause any particular problem as far as Rauenhorst was concerned. Heatxpl ane the option would then be to have and maintain a full access point Sam Hughes felt -the problem of overburdening France Avenue was being avoided. Chairman Lewis asked if there was any sort of fleet storage on that property. Bob Worthington replied there was none. Gordon Johnson wondered if there would be access from 77th Street as well as 7731 Street. Gordon Hughes replied the 77th Street access would serve only a small parking lot. Helen McClelland voiced her concern about the accesses on France Avenue saying she would like to see the France exit at 77th Street closed. Fran Hoffman pointed out that there would be acceleration and deceleration lanes to prevent slowing of traffic or rear end collisions in that area. Dave Runyan asked Bob Worthington to explain which internal road system would be built as part of Rauenhorst's development. Bob Worthington explained the proposed private roadway system to the Commission. Mr. Len Fernelius asked how much land would be needed for drainage. Gordon Hughes replied that it was unclear exactly how much would be needed, but the Federal Insurance Administration had advised that this was one of the more flood prone areas of the City. Dave Runyan asked if storm water was being ponded because the storm sewer wasn't large enough to handle the area. Fran Hoffman said there is often temporary flooding in that area and when the big rains come there are two methods of dealing with the run-off: building a bigger, better pond or setting up a low lying lot area. He also noted that in the long range future larger pipes are going to be installed. Sam Hughes recalled that this had been swamp land before its development. Gordon Hughes added there had been much added development in this area in recent years, too. Len.Fernelius stated he felt it should be made clear that the solution will not be arrived at to meet Rauenhorst's economic interests but rather based on the drainage and traffic problems. Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page 4 Bob Worthington requested the record indicate that Rauenhorst was also not primarily concerned with economic interests but whatever they would have to do to accomodate the problems, they would cooperate with the City to do. He continued to explain the architectural design of the building, noting that the building would be an earthtone, all -brick building with bronze -toned glass panels. In terms of landscaping, he revealed Rauenhorst intended to enhance the front of the building by introducing a series of terraces which would create a differentiation in elevation. Underneath the building would be a thirty stall executive parking lot area. Mary McDonald asked how many parking stalls were in the front lot. Bob Worthington replied there were about seventy spaces. Len Fernelius asked what the customary lease term was f -or tenents. Mr. Worthington answered a long term lease would be entered into. Dave Runyan wondered if the boulevard was wide enough to do adequate berming to somewhat submerge the parking area. Bob Worthington explained there would be berming to hide the parking lot. Helen McClelland asked how many parking stalls were planned for the very west corner by the small building. Bob Worthington replied approx- imately 150 stalls were planned. Sam Hughes wondered what restrictions were involved in the Planned Industrial District (PID) zoning. Gordon Hughes explained PID has a variety of uses such as offices, warehouses, etc. In height it is limited to three stories or forty feet. It does not have Floor Area Ratio specified for it. Parking requirements are based on the specific uses of the site. Sam Hughes asked which type of zoning would grant Rauenhorst four stories. Gordon Hughes replied an 0-1, Office zoning would allow four stories but would not offer as much control over the site in that Rauenhorst would not need to return if they ammended plans under an office zoning. Gordon Hughes clarified that the matters under consideration by the Commission were a rezoning from R-1 to PID for the north two acres of the site, an approval of the development plan for the entire site, and the subdivision. For the Commission's consideration, staff recommended that approval be conditioned upon the following: that subdivision dedication be tied to storm water ponding of the site; a developer's agreement for utilities which must be completed by final plat; that various roadway easements must be dedicated by plat or document for the forty foot area on the south; that the sixty foot area between 77th Street and the frontage road be dedicated in an alignment to be worked out with Rauen- horst, Bloomington, and the City; that one lot be platted for the National Car Rental site; that one more lot be platted for the balance of the property to the north; and pending storm sewer analysis also the west part of the site be shown as storm sewer water easement on the subdivision. Mr. Hughes continued the in- tent of the ordinance and zoning being pursued is that of a planned unit concept, and any other development on that site must also be approved by the Commission. Bob Worthington said Rauenhorst had no problem with that. Gordon Hughes added that the Board of Appeals would act on the variances requested. Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page S Mr. Sam Hughes moved the Commission approve the rezoning from R-1, Single Family District to PID, Planned Industrial District and the preliminary plat for the site conditioned upon subdivision dedication tied to storm water ponding on the site; a developer's agreement for utilities which must be completed by final plat; that various roadway easements must be dedicated by plat or docu- ment for the forty foot area on the south; that the sixty foot area between 77th Street and the frontage road be dedicated in an alignment to be worked out with Rauenhorst, Bloomington, and the City; that one lot be platted for the balance of the property to the north; and pending storm sewer analysis also the west part of the site be shown as storm sewer water easement on the subdivision. He further recommended strongly to the Council that an appropriate task force be established to make plans to alleviate the traffic conditions on France Avenue. carried. Dave Runyan seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion LD -78-9 Lot Division. Lot 7, Block 1, Parkwood Knolls 13th and Addition. LD -78-10 Lot Division. Lot 6, Block 2, Parkwood Knolls 11th Addition. Gordon Hughes informed the Commission that the subject lot division was a simple lot division which created no new buildable lots but Packin- wood volved only the relocation of common lot lines between Lot 6, Block 2, Knolls 11th Addition, and Lot 7, Block 1, Parkwood Knolls 13th Addition. Gordon Hughes explained that the net effect would be the transfer of a very small pie - to the other, but all the existing dwellings shaped portion of land from one owner would remain the same and would continue to maintain required setbacks. Therefore, staff recommended approval with the condition that new legal descriptions be pre- pared to clarify the new parcels. Mr. Gordon Johnson moved approval of the lot division as per staff recommendation with the condition that revised legal descriptions be sub- mitted to clarify the new parcels. The motion was seconded by Helen McClelland. All voted aye; the motion carried. 5-78-8 Lyon Replat of Mendelssohn. Generally located south of Belmore Lane and north of John Street. Gordon Hughes reminded the Commission that this item was heard at the previous meeting, and Dr. Lyon was asked to attempt to acquire some property from a neighbor. Staff submitted sketches to Dr. Lyon which illustrate the subdivision concept preferred by staff and the Commission, but Dr. Lyon had not returned with any plans so staff recommended the item be continued to the Nov- ember 29, 1978 meeting. After some general discussion on the proposed•division, Sam Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page 6 Hughes moved the item be continued to the November 29th meeting. The motion was seconded by Gordon Johnson, All voted aye; the matter was continued. III. New Business: S-78-16 Hanson Estates. Generally described as the southeast quarter of Section 8, Township 116, Range 21; located north of West 78th Street, east of Marth Court, and west of Shaughnessy Road. Gordon Hughes informed the Commission that Mr. Hanson requested the item be continued for one month. Del Johnson moved the Commission delay consideration of this request to the November 29th meeting. Sam Hughes seconded the motion. All voted aye the matter was continued. Z-78-13 Baird House. (Dickenson Wiltz House) 4400 West 50th Street. R-1 Single Family District to R-1 and HPD - Heritage Preservation District. Gordon Hughes explained that this house, located on the north side of 50th Street, had been considered on several occasions by the Heritage Preservation Board for designation in the special zoning district for that purpose. He introduced Mr. Foster Dunwiddie, chairman of that board, to give a presentation and recommendation on the Baird House. Chairman Lewis asked if the district bought the house or if it still remained a private home. Foster Dunwiddie replied it still would remain a private home. Feeling that the Baird House has both historical and architectural significance, Foster Dunwiddie outlined a brief history of George and Sara Baird and their home. Noting in June the house was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, Mr. Dunwiddie shared with the Commission the Heritage Preserva- tion Board's rational for their recommendation: 1. The physical nature of the building is important to the visual character of the City as well as the history of the City. 2. The physical significane of the house could be dimin- ished, damaged or destroyed by improper modification or maintenance. 3. The house is in good physical condition with need for only minor repairs such as painting. 4. The house is also identified with historic personages important to local history. Minutes of the October 25, 1978 CD and PC Meeting Page 7 5. The house embodies distinguishing characteristics of -an architectural type specimen. Dave Runyan asked if the rezoning to Heritage Preservation District also put restrictions on what could case the wouldto the naff ectfonly thethe house. Foster Dunwiddie clarified that in this exterior modifications. Dave Runyan moved the Commission approve rezoning of the Baird House to R-1 and HPD. Len Fernelius seconded this motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. IV. Next Meeting Date: November 29, 1978, at 7:30 P -m- V. Adjournment: 9 P. M. Respectfully submitted, Judy Teichert, Secretary