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
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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.
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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