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