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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983 11-30 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Regular. T 9 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1983 AT 7:30 P.M. 10 41.91. . . Chairman Bill Lewis, Gordon Johnson, Del Johnson, Helen McClelland, Mary McDonald, David Runyan, John Skagerberg, John Palmer, Len Ring, Phil Sked and John Bailey. STAFF PRESENT: Gordon Hughes, City Planner Fran Hoffman, City Engineer Harold Sand, Assistant Planner Linda Elsen, Secretary I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mrs. McClelland moved for approval of the November 2, 1983, minutes and Phil Sked seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. II. OLD BUSINESS: S-83-11 Replat of Lot 3, Block 3, Carolane Addition Mr. Hughes reminded the Commission that they had recommended approval of a two lot subdivision of the subject property on September 28, 1983. Staff had also recommended approval, however, noted that a dwelling on the new lot would likely maintain a larger than normal front street setback due to the shape and width of .the lot. City Council considered this subdivision on October 17 and November 7 at which time some surrounding property owners expressed their concern that the above noted house placement may adversely affect their properties. A suggestion for a restriction imposed on the subdivision was discussed which would require a larger than normal rear yard so as to.preventthe construction of a dwelling which would in essence overlook the rear yards of adjoining lots. Upon such discussion the re-uest.was referred back to the Commission for review. Mr. Hughes reported that in the interim the proponent suggested a restriction that the dwelling and its accessory structures could not be constructed beyond a line drawn parallel with and 124 feet southwesterly of the front lot line. He concluded that the proposed restriction appears to offer protection to the adjoining property_ owner at 7017 Lee Valley Circle although it does not offer this protection to the adjoining dwelling to the east. However, this property is owned by the subdivider who is able to control the placement of a dwelling the new lot by private restriction if he so desires. He recommended approval subject to the granting of the proposed restriction. Mr. Patten was present representing the proponents. He explained that he had met with some of the neighbors and he then presented graphics of his proposal to the Commission. He noted an alternate proposal of Mr. William Smith of 7017 Lee Valley Circle. Mr. Smith was not present. Upon discussion, Mr. Del Johnson moved for approval of the subdivision subject to the proponents' proposed restriction and subdivision dedication. Mr. Sked seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. is T , NOVEMBER 30,1983, MEETING 2 Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Mr. Hughes explained that the Commission and Council considered the rezoning request of Hedberg and Sons on September 28 and November 7, 1983, respectively. One of the issues discussed on these occasions was the City's need for park, open space, and storm water storage areas on land in Hedberg's ownership. Although the Hedbergs were rezoning only a small portion of their land, it was mutually agreed to resolve parkland dedication issues for all of their property at this time. Following the September 28, 1983, Commission Meeting, Staff and Hedberg's tentatively agreed upon a conveyance of land to the City for park and open space purposes. In pointing out the land that would be acquired, Mr. Hughes noted that the major portion of this area is located northerly of Parklawn Avenue extended and measures about 8.25 acres. An 80 foot wide green strip extends southerly and northerly from the proposed park to provide a continuation of the Yorktown green strip. The proposed park varies in location and size from that illustrated by the Land Use graphic of the Comprehensive Plan which schematically shows a park measuring about 13 acres in area located southerly of Parklawn Avenue. Mr. Hughes noted that the Comprehensive Plan should be amended to reflect the proposed relocation of the park. Mr. Hughes stated that Staff cannot identify any significant advantage or either site from an urban design standpoint. The purpose for suggesting the relocation of the park to the north of Parklawn Avenue is based upon the ability to achieve the acquisition of this property at this time. In Staff's opinion, we are not now able to acquire the property south of Parklawn via dedication due principally to the large volume of gravel remaining on this site. An acquisition of this area would not be likely in the r-11future except by condemnation. Mr. Hughes concluded that the Comprehensive Plan should be amended to illustrate "Public" uses for the area north of Parklawn Avenue. The area presently shown as "Public" should be redesignated as "High Density" residential. Mr. Lewis wondered if the Park Board was satisfied with the proposal or if the Commission was premature in making a decision. Mr. Hughes commented that the Park Board would review the matter shortly, but recommended that the Commission should review the proposal from a planning standpoint. Mr. Del Johnson questioned when Parklawn would extend through. Mr. Hughes noted that it depended on Hedberg's development schedule, but estimated that it would be approximately two years. Mr. Gordon Johnson inquired of the use of the park. Mr. Hughes stated the need for storm water ponding and noted there would probably be some limited athletics. He noted that the proposed park would be in a more elderly setting and the park needs would be more passive. Mr. Johnson also asked about a park proposed on the Lauka property. Mr. Hughes noted that it would be developed for a younger age group. Mrs. McDonald questioned if there was any response from 7500 York. Staff has received no comments. Mr. Gordon Johnson moved for approval of the amendment plan with the consideration of the park proposal and Mr. Del Johnson seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. V NOVEMBER 30 ,1983 , MEE IM 3 Heritage Preservation Rezoning of Wooddale School Mr. Hughes told the Commission that on October 25, 1983, the Heritage Preservation Board adopted a resolution recommending the rezoning of Wooddale School to Heritage Preservation District. According to the Zoning Ordinance, this recommendation must now be acted on by the Commission and forwarded to the City Council in a manner identical to any other rezoning. Mr. Hughes explained that the Board's consideration of the Heritage Preservation District (HPD) rezoning for this property was prompted by the School District's apparent desire to convey the property to the City. A committee comprised of representatives of the City Council and School District has been formed to discuss this possibility. The School District has officially terminated the lease of La Pepiniere Schools in anticipation of a transfer of the property. He presented memos from Harold Sand to the Heritage Preservation Board and minutes from their meeting along with a memo prepared by himself for the City Council's review discussing issues concerning the transfer of the property to the City. The disposition of Wooddale School has been studied by citizen committees as well as several City commissions, and noted that the interests of these groups may not be compatible. It was Mr. Hughes recommendation that the Commission should limit its review at this time to the rezoning of the property to Heritage Preservation District. They should decide whether the historic, architectural and cultural features of this property and significant and worthy of protection upon finding that this property: a. Exemplifies or reflects the broad cultural, political, economic or social history of the nation, state, or community; or b. is identified with historic personages or with important events in national, state or local history; or c. embodies the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural type specimen, inherently valuable for a study of a period, style, method of construction, or of indigenous materials or craftsmanship. Mr. Foster Dunwiddie, Chairman of the Heritage Preservation Board, gave a slide presentation with an update of the historical and architectural background of Wooddale School and its neighborhood. He noted that in 1982 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C. It is afforded certain protection from the adverse effect of Federally funded projects because of this. One of the benefits of this status is that rehabilitation and restoration costs expended on such income producing properties qualify for a 25% tax credit. It would also qualify for matching State and Federal grants for rehabilitation costs. He commented also that an inspection of the building was conducted and he found its current condition good for a building of its age. He recommended the rezoning to HPD. Mr. Runyan agreed, if the building could carry itself financially and.create no burden for the taxpayers. He wondered about use parallel to its present use. Mr. Dunwiddie suggested the auditorium and sports uses. It was noted that it would serve the same purpose as Edina East, however, Mr. Dunwiddie pointed out that the bus routes to Wooddale are much more accessible. He recommended that it the ideas be offered to the people. V NOVRYOER 30,1983, MEETING 4 Mr. Lewis suggested that the building be removed and the grounds used as all park and Mr. Dunwiddie stated that the building could remain and still have adequate park space. Mr. Lewis argued that with activities in the building, traffic and parking would not allow room for children to play. However, Mr. Dunwiddie noted that so far there had been no problem with this. Mrs. Joan Cornwell, 4905 Browndale Avenue, believed that the issue of the destiny of the building should be decided before the rezoning considered. She reported that the present use of Woodddale School generated considerable traffic and parking requirements which created problems. Mrs. Beverly Casserly stated that they had visited other schools with similiar situations and concluded that after a period of time the entire park was black topped and became a parking lot. Mr. Hughes noted that the City Council had appointed a committee to study the transfer of ownership. This committee will report back the following information: 1. Whether or not to accept the transfer. 2. What will happen to the school. 3. The rights of conversion. Mr. Palmer clairified that by rezoning the property to HPD would simply assure just evaulation of the building. Destruction of the building could still be an G ; �rnative of the City if the ownership were transfered, however, rezoning would cause �.. consideration of the destiny of the building. Mrs. McClelland felt the discussion was premature. She felt the rezoning would cause payment of the City. It would limit options and create traffic problems. The rezoning should be delayed until the City's and School Board's discussions are completed in order to prevent unnecessary "red tape". Mr. Palmer argued that the red tape was necessary for proper evaluation before action could be taken. Mr. Skagerberg reminded everyone that the City could lease the property back to the Montessori School. He agreed with Mr. Palmer. Mr. Palmer moved for approval of the the rezoning of the Wooddale School property to Heritage Preservation District upon the finding by the City Council that the property meets the requirements listed in the Staff report. Mr. Skagerberg seconded the motion. Ayes: John Bailey, John Palmer John Skagerberg, David Runyan, Del Johnson and Mary McDonald Nayes: Bill Lewis, Gordon Johnson, Helen McClelland, Len Ring and Phil Sked NOVEMBER 30,1983, MEETING 5 Approval of the Revised Zoning Ordinance Gordon Johnson moved that the approval of the revised Zoning Ordinance be continued until December 28, 1983, Meeting. Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. LD -83-14 7005 - 7007 Lynmar Lane; Lot 3, Block 2, Stow's Edgemoore Addition Mr. Hughes stated that the proponent requests a party wall division of an existing two family dwelling. Individual utlities are not provided. He recommended approval subject to a variance from the Building Construction Appeals Board. Mr. Skagerberg moved for approval and Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. LD -83-15 7209 Bristol Circle Lot 41, Block 1, Oscar Roberts First Addition Mr. Hughes reported that the proponent requests a party wall division of an existing two-family dwelling. Individual utilities are provided. He recommended approval. Mr. Palmer moved for approval and Mr. Bailey seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. IV. OTHER BUSINESS Sale by Edina School District of Cahill School Mr. Hughes referred to a letter received from a representative of the Edina School District explaining the need for -,a finding by the Commission as to the compliance of the Comprehensive Plan of the sale of Cahill School. The Comprehensive Plan does not specifically discuss issues concerning public school property, however, it does designate all schools a "Public" on the land use graphic. If the property were sole to a private school as proposed, the property would more appropriately be shown as "Quasi Public" on the land use graphic. He recommended that the Commission find that the sale of Cahill School is not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan but that an amendment to the land use graphic should be included in the next general update of the Plan. Mr. Palmer moved for approval and Mr. Skagerberg seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. V. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Gordon Johnson moved for adjournment and Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the meeting was ajourned. Linda Elsen, Secretary