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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 04-26 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1989, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman, G. Johnson, J. Bailey, H. McClelland, N. Faust, R. Hale, L. Johnson, D. Johnson, G. Workinger, J. Palmer, V. Shaw, D. Runyan STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen, City Planner Jackie Hoogenakker, Secretary I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Commissioner D. Johnson moved for approval of the April 5, 1989 Community Development and Planning Commission Minutes. Commissioner McClelland seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. II. NEW BUSINESS: P-89-2 SuperAmerica 5205 Vernon Avenue Lot 2, Block 1, Enroth's First Addn. EX St. S Request: Reconstruct Service Station Mr. Larsen informed the Commission in June, 1987, the City Council authorized a project to widen Link Road and to signalize the intersection of Link and Vernon. The project requires acquisition of some SuperAmerica property, as well as reversing the traffic flow through the station. Since project authorization by the Council, staff has been negotiating the land acquisition with SuperAmerica. Mr. Larsen pointed out the City needs to acquire a triangular piece of property on the south easterly portion of SuperAmerica containing 3,913 square feet. The staff has proposed vacating a portion of the Vernon Avenue frontage road in exchange for Link Road land. Mr. Larsen explained coincident with consideration of the right-of-way acquisition and vacation, SuperAmerica is requesting approval of a Final Development Plan for a complete reconstruction of the facility. The reconstruction responds to the reorientation of traffic flow through the facility. Mr. Larsen added the proposed building is SuperAmerica's current prototype. The exterior is face brick compared to the painted concrete block of the existing station. The building is relocated to the rear portion of the site with parking in front and on the south side. The pump islands will be rebuilt and re -oriented to the access from Vernon Avenue. The proposed plan complies with all requirements of the PCD -4 District. Mr. Larsen concluded his report by recommending approval of the Final Development Plan subject to the following conditions: - dedication of the necessary Link Road right-of-way - vacation of the Vernon Avenue right-of-way - acceptable landscaping and grading plans Mr. Bud Kaulp, was present representing SuperAmerica. Chairman G. Johnson asked Mr. Larsen if the plan presented was included in the original Grandview Development Plan prepared by BRW, Inc. Mr. Larsen explained the presented plan is a modified version of that plan. He added the reason for modification to the plan was to prevent condemnation of either the SuperAmerica or Amoco stations. Mr. Larsen said the proposed plans have been reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. A discussion ensued between Mr. Larsen and the Commission regarding alignment of the roads, access and exit points at SuperAmerica and signalization. Some Commission Members felt the proposed configuration of the roadways are less than adequate and appear to be difficult to maneuver. They expressed displeasure over the modification to the original Grandview Development Plan. They pointed out Link Road is not as wide as previously presented and one of the service stations was to be removed. Mr. Bud Kaulp, told the Commission he has worked for SuperAmerica for 24 years. He added he handles it's permits and zoning issues. Mr. Kaulp said SuperAmerica believes, with what there is to work with, that this is the best plan. He explained SuperAmerica's intention with this facility is to totally raise the building and construct a new building. He explained the building would have a hip roof, and be 36 X 64 feet. Commissioner McClelland told Mr. Kaulp she sympathizes with SuperAmerica, but her concern is with the traffic flow on Link Road, or someone blocking SuperAmerica's entrance. Mr. Kaulp asked the Commission to note that the proposed road configurations and the SuperAmerica Station would be properly signed, which should minimize any problems. He added some people may not obey the signage but the majority of people would. Mr. Kaulp pointed out SuperAmerica has met all setbacks required by the City. Commissioner McClelland pointed out, when considering the plan before them, they must also assume there will be redevelopment of the Lewis Engineering and Kunz Oil sites, and possibly changes to Our Lady of Grace. These proposal possibilities will add additional traffic on Link Road, making efficient traffic flow a major consideration. Commissioner Bailey stated he agreed with Commissioner McClelland's observation, adding this area has heavy vehicle use and any additional traffic put on less than adequate roadways is not wise. Mr. Kaulp said this SuperAmerica store is one of the oldest, and is very successful. He added SuperAmerica wants to stay in this Community. Commissioner McClelland stated SuperAmerica is not the problem, traffic flow is. Commissioner D. Johnson commented that he travels through the area in question daily and finds that traffic flows efficiently. He added he believes this proposal would move traffic more efficiently than it moves at the present time. Mr. Kaulp stated he agrees with Commissioner D. Johnson's observation. Chairman G. Johnson said he doesn't necessarily believe there is an excess amount of vehicles in the area, adding he doesn't like the configuration and turns that have to be made to get into SuperAmerica with this proposal. Chairman G. Johnson pointed out proper signage will be needed to prevent confusion within the SuperAmerica station. Commissioner McClelland stated at this time the traffic flow appears to work, so why not leave it as it is. Pat Calderon, 5404 Edenmoor Street, President of the Richmond Hills Association asked if a traffic signal is proposed for Vernon Avenue/Link Road as she was led to believe. Chairman G. Johnson told her that is true. Commissioner Workinger asked if one reason for signalization at Vernon/Link is to provide access to Jerry's and the surrounding stores for residents of Vernon Terrace. Mr. Larsen responded that is correct. Mr. Workinger pointed out sidewalks will be needed and asked what commitment the City has made to install sidewalks. Mr. Larsen said the City is committed to sidewalks from Vernon Oaks (the new Namron apartment development on Vernon) all the way to Interlachen Boulevard. Mr. Workinger suggested that sidewalks should be installed on the Jerry's side of Vernon Avenue to prevent pedestrian accidents. Mr. Larsen acknowledged that is a good idea. He added it may be possible for the City to install a section of sidewalk that would enable pedestrians to get to Jerry's parking lot. Commissioner L. Johnson asked if the City will be responsible for the maintenance of the service road in front of the medical clinic office. He pointed out it is a dead end road with no turn around, and maintenance could be difficult. Mr. Larsen agreed maintenance could be difficult. Mr. Larsen said the clinic and the car wash have agreed with the preliminary plans. Commissioner Bailey said trying to move all the traffic through Link Road, and closing Eden Avenue could create traffic congestion and problems. He suggested not implementing any changes unless it is absolutely necessary. Mr. Larsen told the Commission the City is committed to install a signal at Link/Vernon. The City has acknowledged the fact that 53rd and Eden Circle is not a desirable situation, and the City has committed to the neighborhood, to do what can be done, to eliminate the problems that occur. He said the proposed plan reflects these commitments. Mr. Larsen pointed out the Commission can recommend what they choose as conditions to approval. Mr. Larsen explained the issue before the them this evening is the rebuild of SuperAmerica, not traffic issues. Pat Calderon, resident, told the Board the intersection on Eden Avenue is already terrible, and any relief is welcome. Eden Avenue needs to be closed or a traffic signal should be installed. She stressed something must be done to help the residents of the Richmond Hills neighborhood. Mr. Ron Cohen, 5213 Richwood Drive, said the Richmond Hills Association has registered complaints going back as far as 1954 on the problems at the Eden/Vernon intersection. He reminded the Commission,' the Council and the Planning Commission passed a plan similar to the one presented this evening. It included signalization of Link Road. Mr. Cohen stressed the intersection has to be made less confusing and residents of the neighborhood ask the Commission and Council to please implement a plan that would accomplish this goal. He added something must be done and some action must be taken by the City to implement either the plan presented, or another. Commissioner Palmer said the Planning Commission approved a similar plan some time ago, and added he understands the reason the Council did not recommend either removing the SuperAmerica or Amoco stations. He added what must be decided is if the presented plan will work. Chairman G. Johnson said Mr. Palmer is correct, but at the time of previous review, things were looked at differently, and the plan has been modified since then. Mr. Larsen clarified for the Commission that Link Road will not be narrowed, it will be significantly widened, and will include turn lanes. The presented plan is a compromise plan, reviewed by staff and BRW, Inc., and found to be sufficient for the volume of vehicles using it at the present time, and sufficient for the increase in volume resulting from the possible developments to the Grandview area. Mr. Larsen said staff feel this is the best traffic engineering that can occur in light of the existing circumstances that are present. Commissioner Palmer reminded the Commission that the City entered into an agreement with the Developer of Vernon Terrace to provide signalization on Link Road, and at the present time, it may be less than advantageous to erase this agreement. Commissioner McClelland suggested installing a signal and leaving the roads as they are. This would allow the pedestrian's to cross the street safely and fulfill the agreement with Vernon Terrace's developer. Commissioner McClelland acknowledged the residents of Richmond Hills wanted Eden Avenue to be closed at Vernon, but maybe, in rethinking the situation, they may decide that it's not such a good idea. Commissioner McClelland noted that the agreement with the Developer of Vernon Terrace may have limited creativity with what can be done in this area. She added maybe it would be easier to work out a different agreement with the Developer, possibly a walk -over Vernon. Mr. Cohen said residents want Eden Avenue closed, or a different road design that would keep the majority of traffic away from that intersection. Chairman G. Johnson pointed out there are certain givens; those being, Link Road will be developed, and signalized, and Eden Avenue will be closed. The discussion should be centered on the configuration of SuperAmerica. Commissioner L. Johnson said the service road now going through to Link Road is not a good situation. SuperAmerica traffic access flow at the present time is poor. The presented proposal will improve the traffic situation dramatically, and SuperAmerica will be re -constructed. Commissioner L. Johnson added he still does not have a proper answer on what to do with the service road in front of the clinic and car wash, that will be a dead end, and the City will have to maintain. Mr. Larsen said staff can review the dead end situation and the possible problems that can occur with snow removal. Commissioner Workinger questioned if the width of Link Road will be equal to the width of Eden Avenue. Mr. Larsen said Link Road will be wider than Eden Avenue. Commissioner Hale asked why the proposed new SuperAmerica building can't be moved farther south? Mr. Larsen said the grade drops off considerably. Commissioner Hale said if the proposed building could be moved back 20 feet it would create additional room, and the pump lines could be moved, and the canopy tilted at an angle. This would create more space toward Vernon Avenue and more room for cars to turn around. Chairman G. Johnson reminded the Commission the dotted lines on the blue line represent setback lines and if the building would be constructed beyond those lines variances would be needed. Chairman G. Johnson said it appears that Members of the Commission are divided on certain aspects of the presented plan and there is some general confusion. He added Members are in agreement that the redevelopment of the SuperAmerica station is a definite plus, but the proposed roadway configuration creates concerns for some Members. Commissioner D. Johnson moved for approval of the Final Development subject to staff conditions. Commissioner Palmer seconded the motion. Commissioner L. Johnson asked if he could tack on the motion a recommendation that before this issue is presented to the Council, staff analyze the possibility of a hammerhead design, or something similar, to help solve potential snow removal problems and maintenance problems that could occur on the service road where it dead ends in front of the medical clinic and car wash. Commissioner Palmer said that could be added as a recommendation, noting it is not part of the property in question. Chairman G. Johnson asked if Commissioner D. Johnson accepts Commissioner L. Johnsons recommendation as part of the motion. Commissioner D. Johnson said the recommendation is acceptable. Secretary Hoogenakker read the motion: Commissioner D. Johnson moved for Final Development Approval subject to the staff conditions with the recommendation by Commissioner L. Johnson that staff look at a possible hammerhead design (or something similar) at the end of the service road that would accommodate snow removal, etc. Upon roll call vote. Ayes; L. Johnson, D. Johnson, D. Runyan, J. Palmer, V. Shaw. Nays, Hale, Bailey, McClelland, Faust, Workinger, G. Johnson. Motion failed, 5-6 vote. Chairman G. Johnson said "since the motion has failed and if no one objects to the Chair making a motion, I would like to present a motion that favors the closing of Vernon and Eden, favors the improvement to Link Road, favors the traffic lights which is a done deal, but requests that the City and SuperAmerica take a second look at how the traffic flows in and out of SuperAmerica, as well as the dead end road coming down the present service road, and favors the reconstruction program of SuperAmerica." Commissioner D. Johnson explained that he has a problem with that motion because an assumption has been made, (i.e.)Eden Avenue, Link Road, traffic signals etc. Commissioner D. Johnson added he believes the issue before this body is to either recommend approval for denial of the Final Development Plan for SuperAmerica. A discussion ensued regarding the motion by Chairman G. Johnson. Commissioner L. Johnson seconded Chairman Johnson's motion . Upon further discussion, Commissioner L. Johnson recommended that this issue be tabled for thirty days. Commissioner Bailey seconded the motion. A brief discussion ensued. Commissioner L. Johnson and Commissioner Bailey withdrew their motion for tabling the item. Chairman G. Johnson clarified that his intent with the motion was to ask the City and SuperAmerica to go back and review the proposed entrance and exits and come back to us at our next meeting. This would give all parties time to review the proposal. Commissioner Palmer pointed out that the Commission in an official vote denied the motion for approval. With that action the proponent can go on to Council. The Council will understand that this proposal was heard and an action was taken. Commissioner Palmer said a continuation to the Planning Commission can occur if the proponent chooses to, but the Commission already voted on the issue. He added it may just be a question of staff and the proponent taking another look at the proposal. Chairman G. Johnson revised his previous motion stating; the motion is for the purpose of sending a signal to Staff, City Council, and SuperAmerica that we don't oppose the rebuilding of your site and it's upgrading, but feel there has to be a better way of putting cars in and out of SuperAmerica then what has been presented this evening, so I recommend continuing this issue for 30 days to re -review it, with an instruction to staff to work with the proponent. Commissioner D. Johnson questioned if SuperAmerica can proceed to Council. Chairman G. Johnson said that is not our choice, SuperAmerica can either go to Council or come back to us. Commissioner Bailey questioned if the motion contradicts the motion to deny. Upon roll call vote: Ayes; Hale, L. Johnson, D. Johnson, McClelland, Runyan , Faust, Shaw, Workinger, G. Johnson Nays; Bailey, Palmer. Motion carried. Chairman G. Johnson told the representative from SuperAmerica they may either go straight to the City Council or return to the Planning Commission. III OTHER BUSINESS• Discussion on Subdivision Ordinance Amendments Continued discussion occurred between Mr. Larsen and Commission Members on amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance. A number of Commission Members felt it might be advantageous for the Commission and staff to consider the possibility of increasing the minimum requirements for lot size. Commission Members suggested that the Ordinance incorporate into its wording language from the Comprehensive Plan. IV. ADJOURNMENT• The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. �y .. 224cretary •