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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984 05-02 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION MELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 1984, AT 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Bill Lewis, Gordon Johnson, Del Johnson, Helen McClelland, Virginia.Shaw, John Palmer, John Skagerberg, John Bailey and Len Ring. STAFF PRESENT: Gordon Hughes, City Planner Linda Elsen, Secretary I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Bailey moved for approval of the March 28, 1984, minutes and Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the minutes were approved. II. OLD BUSINESS; S-84-6 Miller Addition Generally located west of Dearborn Street and north of Belmore Lane Mr. Hughes stated that the subject subdivision had been continued from the March 28, 1984, meeting to allow the proponent and abutting owner an opportunity to resolve access problems associated with the site and to allow the proponent to provide storm water drainage analysis of the proposed subdivision. He reminded the Commission that the subject property measures approximately 67,500 square feet in area and is zoned R-1, Single Dwelling Unit District. The property comprises of nine, pre-existing R-1 lots and a vacated street. All of the R-1 lots measure 46 feet in width and are therefore non -conforming. One of the lots is owned by the City due to a past tax forfeiture and is used for drainage purposes. He reiterated that the principal problem with the subject property is access. The property lies at the junction of two major plats of northwest Edina. When originally platted, the west one-half of the Tyler Avenue right of way was dedicated by West Minneapolis Heights. For unknown reasons, the east half was not dedicated by Mendelssohn. In 1965 the City vacated the west one-half of Tyler Avenue in response to a petition of some of the property owners in the vicinity. As a result, the lots composing the subject property lost their frontage on a public street right of way. Their only lawful access was via a 12 foot wide alley from Belmore. The southerly six lots of the property subsequently forfeited for non-payment of taxes and were acquired, with the exception of the City lot, by the proponent. The northerly three lots were developed with a dwelling which 'eceived access via a long driveway from Harrison to the west. This -2 - dwelling was destroyed by fire several years ago and was not rebuilt. The present proponent subsequently acquired these lots. Mr. Hughes reported that the only readily available access to the property is afforded by the Spruce Street right of way located at the north of Dearborn Street. However, Dearborn Street is improved for only about one-half of its length between Belmore and Spruce Street. Likewise, a public street could perhaps be extended along the north property line from Harrison. Although no right of way exists for such a street, it appears that some parcels presently owned by the public could be used as a right of way for this street. However, the City of Hopkins owns one of these parcels and would have to consent to the use as right of way. These alternatives, however, provide access to only the northerly portion of the subject property. The southerly lots would remain landlocked. The proponent suggests that a new cul de sac be extended westerly from the present terminus of Dearborn Street. The property would then be replatted into four lots which conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. It is likewise proposed that the City owned lot be returned to the State in that its use for drainage purposes will no longer be necessary after the street and storm sewer are extended into the area. It is hoped that this lot could be acquired and incorporated into lots 2 and 3 of the proposed plat. Mr. Hughes explained that the proposed access from Dearborn Street crosses Lot 2, Block 1 of Mendelssohn Addition. This lot is not controlled by the proponent but rather is owned by the residents of the home at Dearborn and Belmore. He reminded the Commission that the matter had been continued from the last meeting in hope that the right of way issued could be resolved. He noted, however, that no resolution of the problem had been achieved. Mr. David Licht, Northwest Associated Consultants, was present representing the proponent. He presented copies of a 1957 letter from the Carlsons and a 1965 memorandum from Warren Hyde, City Manager, to the Council regarding street vacation of Tyler Avenue. He commented on the Staff's report stating that the proposed subdivision is the most rational from a access standpoint. Mr. Len Kraemer of Barr Engineering Co., presented a storm water analysis of the site noting that all surface drainage could be accomodated by a small storage basin and storm sewer line. Mr. Runyan asked if about 1/3 of the site drained to the north and how it affected the Baker's property to the south. Mr. Kraemar answered that it was less than 1/3 and that there was no drainage to the southerly lot. Mr. Jack Arbour spoke on behalf of the Kue nzli's, 6528 Belmore Lane, and other neighbors. They were not in favor of the proposed subdivision. Generally, the neighbors believe that the City Council had made previous promises that the area would not be developed and this subdivision was not in keeping with those. -3 - Mr. Kuenzli presented a letter from Phebe Carlson, the daughter of Geron Carlson who resided at 6600 Belmore Lane. Her letter stated that .:hey were told that the lots were not buildable because they were low lots and no road accessed them. Therefore, Geron Carlson discontinued paying taxes on these lots of no value. C. M. Simonson, 305 Harrison Avenue S., reported that on the north end of the property where a dwelling had previously been located, a building permit was never reissued because sewer and water were not accessibile. Also, a cul de sac would appear as if there were homes in their back yards. Gail Baker, 6600 Belmore believes the property values would decrease. Craig Postier, 311 Harrison Avenue, and Craig Adminison were worried about the drainage as well as Mrs. Woodstrom, 307 Harrison Avenue. Mr. John Miller stated that the lots in question were lost for taxes since 1960 and available for purchase for 17 years before purchased by himself. Some neighbors believed that they should have been notified that the lots were buildable and were for sale. Mr. Lewis explained that the Commission could only deal with planning issues. The accessibility issue would have to be resolved by the neighbors or by the City Council. Mr. Runyan observed that presevation of open area is a desire of everyone but he felt that this was a reasonable proposal for development. He added that a solution for the drainage problem is a requirement. Mr. Palmer agreed with Mr. Runyan. He moved for approval of the subdivision proposal subject to the acquisition of right of way from Dearborn Street to provide access to the property as shown on the proponent's subdivision plan. Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. III. New Business: LD -84-7 Lot 1, Block 1 of Parkwood Knolls Cougar Addition and LD -84-8 Lot 4, Block 1, The Habitat Mr. Hughes said that both applicants request a party wall division of an existing two-family dwelling. 'Individual sewer and water connections are provided and approval is recommended. Mr. Skagerberg moved for approval of the the lot divisions and Mr. Runyan seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. IV. Adjournment: Mr. Gordon Johnson moved for adjournment and Mrs. McClelland seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried. The meeting ias adjourned. LincYa D. Elsen