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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 04-01 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON APRIL 1, 1987 AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Helen McClelland, Lee Johnson, Virginia Shaw, Phil Sked, Jane Paulus and John Palmer MEMBERS ABSENT: Gordon Johnson, John Bailey, William Lewis and David Runyan STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen, City Planner Jackie Hoogenakker, Secretary I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Mr. Sked moved for approval of the February 25, 1987 Community Development and Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Mr. Palmer seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried. II. OLD BUSINESS: Z-86-2 Namron Corporation, R-1 Single Dwelling Unit District to PRD -4, Planned Residence District S-86-4 Vernon Oaks Mr. Larsen asked the Commission to recall that preliminary rezoning and preliminary plat approval for the subject property was granted by the City Council on September 8, 1986. Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the approved plans illustrated a 3 story, 135 unit apartment building. The proponent has now returned with overall development plans to support a request for Final Zoning and Final Plat approval. Plans submitted include a site plan, landscaping plan, grading and utility plan, floor plans, unit plans, exterior elevations, and a final plat. Overall development plans for the site continue to illustrate a 3 story, 135 unit apartment building. The exterior will be brick with lap siding accents and will have a hip roof with asphalt shingles. The design and materials proposed for the building are unchanged from the plan at preliminary approval. The building exceeds all required setbacks. Underbuilding parking, 169 spaces, conforms to Ordinance requirements. Mr. Larsen pointed out the preliminary approval by the City Council included several special conditions. First, construction of a sidewalk adjacent to Vernon Avenue which would connect to the sidewalk system in the Grandview commercial area. The overall development plan illustrates a sidewalk. Second, that a storm water drainage plan acceptable to the City Engineer be prepared. An acceptable plan has been submitted. Third, in order to save existing vegetation and reduce hard surface coverage surface parking should be reduced from the required 101 spaces. The final development plan illustrates 68 surface parking spaces. A proof of parking plan illustrating the ability to install 33 additional spaces has been submitted. A proof of parking agreement, by which the City could force the installation of the additional spaces has also been submitted. The final condition was a commitment by the developer to share in the cost of a traffic signal for nearby intersections if so warranted in the future. The developer has committed to pay a proportionate share of the cost. Mr. Larsen added the landscaping plan proposes to retain significant amounts of existing vegetation along the perimeter of the site. The site has been staked and trees to be saved have been trimmed. The proposed landscape plan conforms to Ordinance requirements. However, to provide additional year around color the developer will add approximately 10 evergreen trees. Mr. Larsen told the Commission staff recommends Final Rezoning and Final Plat approval for the following reasons: 1. Design development features of the proposal, including number of dwelling units, building design and materials, parking, and building location are consistent with preliminary approval. 2. With the exception of surface parking the plans meet or exceed Zoning Ordinance requirements. Construction of the additional 33 spaces needed to meet Ordinance requirements is assured by the Proof of Parking Agreement. 3. A proof of parking agreement acceptable to the City Attorney has been submitted. 4. The proposed use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 5. An acceptable storm water drainage plan has been submitted. 6. A sidewalk along Vernon Avenue will be installed at the developers expense. 7. The developer has agreed to participate in the cost of signalization if signalization is warranted in the future. Mr. Larsen concluded that staff suggests the following conditions to approval: 1. Subdivision dedication. 2. Executed Developers Agreement. 3. Executed and recorded Proof of Parking Agreement. 4. Executed Assessment agreement for cost of possible signalization. The proponent, Mr. Norman Bjorness was present. Mrs. McClelland asked Mr. Larsen where the sidewalk will be located and the width of the walk. Mr. Larsen responded the sidewalk will be constructed flush with the curb and the proposed width is 5 feet. Mr. L. Johnson questioned if asphalt or concrete would be used in the construction of the sidewalk. Mr. Larsen replied the sidewalk will be constructed with concrete. Mr. L. Johnson wondered if trees would have to be removed as a result of the sidewalk. Mr. Larsen pointed out tree loss as a result of the sidewalk will be minimal adding the relocation of power poles may effect some trees. Mrs. Shaw asked Mr. Larsen who is responsible in making a decision to increase the parking capacity at the site if warranted. Mr. Larsen said the City Manager and the City Planner are responsible in making that decision. He added in his opinion the 68 visitor parking spaces adequately meet the needs of this facility. Mr. Palmer moved to recommend final rezoning and final plat approval subject to staff conditions with the further condition that the developer work with Edina City Staff in appropriately locating the proposed additional 10 evergreen trees. Mr. Sked seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried. III. NEW BUSINESS: P-87-2 Golden Valley Microwave Foods 7450 Metro Boulevard General Location West of Metro Boulevard and south of West 74th Street Request: Building Expansion Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the subject property is the former warehouse distribution center for General Electric company. The site is 7.78 acres in size and is developed with an office -warehouse building containing 114,249 square feet. Mr. Larsen added Golden Valley Foods has submitted a request to allow the construction of an addition to the building containing 18,560 square feet. The addition would provide freezer space and a new loading dock. In addition the existing warehouse space would be converted to production and warehouse space. The amount and location of office space would remain unchanged. A break down of area by individual use is listed on the attached calculation sheet supplied by the project architect. Mr. Larsen pointed out there are currently 90 parking spaces on this site. Following the expansion and remodeling 239 spaces will be provided. The Zoning Ordinance requires parking at one space per 400 square feet or the sum of the requirement for each individual use, which ever is greater. In this case the sum of the individual use yields 239 spaces and one space per 400 square feet requires 306 spaces. Golden Valley Microwave Foods will initially have 35-40 office employees and 3 shifts of 50 employees each. The proposed plan does not conform to Ordinance requirements for landscaping and screening. The Ordinance requires one overstory tree per 40 feet of perimeter distance, a full complement of understory trees and shrubs, plus screening for parking areas located within 50 feet of a public street. Approximately 10 overstory trees plus shrubbery and screening materials are required. The parking to building setback along portions of the northside of the building fail to provide the required 10 foot setback. The non -conforming 5 foot setback is proposed to remain following the remodeling and addition. Mr. Larsen told the Commission at its current facility, on Washington Avenue, the plant discharges wastes into the sanitary sewer system which at times, cause a blockage of the system. Golden Valley Microwave Foods has submitted plans for a system which is intended to eliminate this problem. The plans have the preliminary approval of the City Engineer. Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the proposed reuse of this property. Staff also recommends granting the parking quantity and parking set back variances. The Zoning Ordinance requirement of one space per 400 square feet was intended for speculative building. In this case we know the exact use of the building. The amount of parking provided provides ample excess space to accommodate growth of the business. Nothing would be gained by forcing reconstruction of parking areas on the north side of the building to meet Ordinance requirements. Approval should be conditioned on: 1. Staff approval of a revised landscaping plan. 2. Approval of the sewage treatment system by the City Engineer. 3. Painting the existing warehouse to match the new addition. Joe Niedermayr, representing the proponent Golden Valley Foods was present. Mr. L. Johnson asked Mr. Niedermayr which Phase, I or II would be implemented. Mr. Niedermayr said at the present time Golden Valley's plan is to implement Phase I, however, it is very possible if Golden Valley Microwave Food's continue it's current growth pattern that Phase II may be implemented in the near future. Mrs. McClelland asked Mr. Larsen if Mr. Hoffman, City Engineer was comfortable with the proposed sewage control. Mr. Larsen said the facility has a good physical setup which Mr. Hoffman is comfortable with. Mr. Palmer wondered if the City would retain control of parking if Golden Valley Foods were to sell the facility. Mr. Larsen responded the City can exercise control at the building permit stage if there is ownership change. Mr. P. Sked moved to recommend approval subject to staff conditions. Mr. Palmer seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried. C-87-2 City of Edina Park and Recreation Department, Arneson Acres Park General Location: South of West 70th Street and west of West Shore Drive Request: Expansion of home to house Edina Historical Society and Edina Garden Council Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit for publicly owned civic and cultural buildings in the R-1 Zoning District. The Edina Park and Recreation Department has applied for a Permit to allow the renovation and expansion of the Arneson home to house the Historical Society and Garden Council. Mr. Larsen told the Commission the master plan for the development of Arneson Acres Park has received approval from the Edina Park Board. He added the plan has also been presented to the City Council on a informational basis. Mr. Larsen pointed out development of the existing home as a headquarters for the two groups would occur in two phases. Phase 1, which would start immediately, would involve remodeling within the existing structure to create meeting rooms, storage space, work and exhibit spaces. Phase 2, which is planned for 1988, would expand the house by 1,750 square feet. Total area in the house would be 6,500 square feet following the expansion. The addition would provide more office, exhibit an storage space. Mr. Larsen added the park master plan envisions the construction of an extensive pathway system through a series of formal gardens. Reconstruction of the existing maintenance building and the westerly parking area are other key elements of the plan. Mr. Larsen concluded Arneson Acres Park promises to be a unique and beautiful facility for the community and an asset to the neighborhood. Staff recommends approval. Mr. Robert Kojetin, Director of Park and Recreation for the City of Edina was present. Ms. Beverly Harris and Mr. Jim Fenlason representing the Edina Garden Council and the Historical Society were also present. Mr. Kojetin, with graphics pointed out to the Commissioner's the overall re -development of the park. The Commissioner's expressed pleasure, enthusiasm and high support for the proposed re -development of Arneson Acres Park. Mr. Palmer moved to recommend approval. Mr. Sked seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried. IV. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Y1�