HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 05-31 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA COMNUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 1989, AT 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman, Gordon Johnson, R. Hale, N. Faust, V. Shaw,
J. Palmer, H. McClelland
MEMBERS ABSENT: L. Johnson, D. Johnson, J. Bailey, D. Runyan, G. Workinger
STAFF PRESENT: C. Larsen, City Planner
F. Hoffman, City Engineer
J. Hoogenakker, Secretary
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINOTES:
The meeting minutes of April 26, 1989, were held over until the July 5,
1989 Planning Commission Meeting.
II. OLD BUSINESS:
Z-88-5 Final Rezoning, PRD -4, Planned Residence District to
PSR -4, Senior Citizen District, RPI Services Inc.,
Outlot A, Ebenezer Society 1st Addition
S-88-10 Final Plat Approval, Edina Homestead
Mr. Larsen presented his staff report and noted the proposal received
preliminary approval from the Commission on September 7, 1988, and from the
City Council on September 19, 1988. Initially, the project was proposed as a
four story 80 unit development. However, the proponents revised the plan to a
three story, 72 unit building when they presented it to the Commission. The 72
unit proposal resulted from an increase in the size of a number of units. The
proposed Final Development Plan has returned to the 80 unit proposal in a three
story building. The building contains small individual rooms clustered around
shared parlors. Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends Final Rezoning and Final
Plat approval. The proposed use and plans are consistent with the concept
given preliminary approval. The proposed use is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and will be a relatively low traffic generator. The
building design and materials are consistent with existing developments in the
area.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff would support a parking setback variance from York,
but not of the magnitude requested. We suggest removing the most easterly
eight to nine feet of the parking area which would remove two parking spaces.
The parking setback would be increased to 17 feet. The three foot variance
would be justified in light of the taking for the new turn lane. On-site
parking should remain adequate.
Conditions to approval should include:
1. Subdivision Dedication
2. Proof of land trade with Hedberg and land acquisition from 7500 York .
Architect Arvid Elness, representing the proponent, RPI, Inc. was present
Chairman G. Johnson questioned if the building had been flip-flopped. Mr.
Larsen responded that the building had been flip-flopped to accommodate the
proposed revisions to the plan.
Commissioner Shaw questioned the number of employees that would be on site at
any given time. Mr. Larsen explained that the proponent has indicated that
between six to ten staff persons would be on site at any given time.
Commissioner McClelland asked if the curb cut on Parklawn would be used a
majority of the time by supply trucks and staff. Mr. Larsen said it is desired
that traffic coming from the south would use the Parklawn entrance.
Commissioner McClelland suggested that parking would work efficiently if
visitors would park on the south and staff on the north.
Mr. Arvid Elness explained the project is designed for residents who are able
to care for themselves but have a need for monitoring and personal help. The
facility would be staffed with 1 1/2 cooks, a housekeeping staff and 24 hour
medical aide(s). Mr. Elness said this proposal is a facility which gives the
public a step between private home ownership and a nursing home. Mr. Elness
concluded that the facility would be constructed with wood windows and a brick
facade.
Commissioner Faust asked if the residents would purchase a unit or would there
be a monthly rent/fee. Mr. Elness said the facility is established as rental
property. Commissioner McClelland asked if they have established a monthly
rent. Mr. Elness said monthly rent would be approximately $1,400 per month
and would be a full service program. Commissioner McClelland asked if the
facility would have elevators. Mr. Elness said the facility would have two
elevators. Commissioner Shaw asked if the residents would have storage. Mr.
Elness said each resident would have a 3 X 5 foot storage unit.
Commissioner Palmer moved for approval subject to staff recommendations and
conditions. Commissioner McClelland seconded the motion. Ayes; Hale, Faust,
McClelland, Palmer, Shaw, G. Johnson. Motion carried.
P-89-2 SuperAmerica
Final Development Plan
5205 Vernon Avenue
Mr. Larsen explained to the Commission the proponents, SuperAmerica, have
submitted a revised plan. The plan proposes to move both the pump island and
building easterly on the site. He added the Link Road curb cut is also moved
to the east to work with the relocated pump island. Mr. Larsen pointed out the
revised plan allows for additional on-site stacking off of the Vernon Avenue
access.
Mr. Larsen said the revised plan results in a building setback of approximately
18 feet from the northerly property line and five feet from the easterly
property line. Mr. Larsen noted that when the property lines are not the
boundary of a commercial district setback requirements do not apply. Thus, no
variances are required. Mr. Larsen told the Commission the only variance
required is for the drive aisle along Link and Vernon Avenue where a 20 foot
setback is required. The plan has a five foot setback.
Mr. Roman Mueller, representing SuperAmerica was present.
Commissioner Faust asked Mr. Hoffman if he anticipates a problem with snow
removal on service road in front of the car wash and medical clinic. Mr.
Hoffman responded that he anticipated no problem with snow removal on that
road. He pointed out there are other areas within the City that are similar.
He noted the close proximity of this site to the public works building allows
for early snow removal service.
Commissioner C. Johnson questioned the length of the deceleration lane to
SuperAmerica and etc. going east on Vernon Avenue. Mr. Hoffman said the length
of the deceleration lane is adequately designed to provide proper deceleration
to Amoco, Link Road, SuperAmerica and Jerrys, adding technically, several 100
feet in length.
Mr. Hoffman went on to explain that he feels the presented plan is very
efficient. He pointed out, with the aide of graphics, that traffic will flow
along Vernon Avenue and in and out of the SuperAmerica site efficiently with
the proposed road improvements and proper signalization. He explained that the
traffic signal at the Link Road/Vernon Avenue intersection will remain
continuously green for Vernon Avenue vehicles until vehicle stacking occurs on
Link Road or on the Vernon Terrace exit. Mr. Hoffman noted the presented plan
had been reviewed and approved by BRW, Inc., Hennepin County and City Staff.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Hoffman for the road width at the narrowest
point on Link Road. Mr. Hoffman said at its narrowest point Link Road is
between 36-39 feet. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Hoffman to speculate how
many cars could be stacked on Link Road adequately. Mr. Hoffman said between
5-6 cars. Commissioner McClelland said at the last meeting she was very much
opposed to the proposal. She indicated Mr. Hoffman has addressed her concerns
adequately, adding she supports the present proposal. Commissioner McClelland
questioned the route buses would take. Mr. Hoffman said the proposal is to
have a one way bus loop turn around on Eden Avenue. The buses will be parked
west bound instead of their present east bound parking. Commissioner
McClelland asked Mr. Hoffman if he feels there is a need for another traffic
signal along Vernon Avenue. Mr. Hoffman said in his opinion a traffic signal
at the main Jerry's entrance may be warranted. He pointed out the County
controls Vernon Avenue, and they will make any decision on if a signal is
needed there.
Commissioner Faust said she feels the parking of vehicles in front of the
SuperAmerica station at the present time is unsafe. She wondered if the
proposed plan addresses this problem. Mr. Larsen explained that at the present
time the SuperAmerica station has vehicle parking in the rear. He added people
ignore this who want to quickly park/stop, and park in the front of the station
because it is more convenient. This causes congestion because the station was
not designed for this type of parking use. The proposed plan alleviates this
problem because there is no rear parking and adequate parking is located in the
front of the station.
Commissioner Hale asked the representative from SuperAmerica, Roman Mueller, if
the proposed store is larger than the previously submitted store size? Mr.
Mueller said the presently proposed store size is 40 X 60 versus the previously
submitted 36 X 64.
A brief discussion ensued with Commission Members expressing approval for the
proposed project.
Commissioner Palmer moved to recommend approval of the revised Final
Development Plan. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. Ayes; Faust, Hale,
Palmer, Shaw, McClelland, G. Johnson. Motion carried.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
C-89-1 Christ Presbyterian Church
6901 Normaudale Road
Request: Conditional Use Permit for Building Expansion
Mr. Dommer presented his staff report and noted Christ Presbyterian Church has
submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a major
remodeling and expansion of the church facility.
The church has identified two objectives as part of their proposal:
1. Repair and/or remodel existing space to bring it up to code and
up to date.
2. Add space for new and expanded programs to adequately provide for
additional members and staff.
Mr. Dommer concluded staff has concerns regarding 1) the northeast access to
the site from 69th St. and its closeness to the intersection, and, 2) if as a
result of the proposal, an increase in parking is noted, this increased parking
may not be able to be met, therefore, a Proof of Parking agreement is
recommended as a conditional of approval.
Mr. Tom Twohig of Robert David Burown Architects was present representing
Christ Presbyterian Church. Mr. Robert Seger, Elder, and Building Committee
Member for Christ Presbyterian Church was present. Interested residents were
present.
Mr. Twohig explained to the Commission the reason for the addition is to
provide classrooms and administrative offices. Mr. Twohig noted that
landscaping would be improved along West 69t Street. He added the proposed
canopy is a benefit for the church due to Minnesota's unpredictable weather.
Chairman G. Johnson questioned if there is an established precedent that
enables the City to ask the church to enter into a Proof of Parking agreement.
Mr. Larsen responded that it is common to ask churches within the City to enter
into a Proof of Parking agreement. He added the City has entered into this
type of agreement with a number of churches when they expand their facility.
Commissioner Palmer commented that the additional 22 proposed spaces may not be
adequate, adding in his opinion, a Proof of Parking agreement at this site is
warranted. Commissioner Palmer said he would like to see indicated on a site
plan where additional parking could be located.
Mr. Robert Seger explained the church is adding Sunday school rooms and
offices. He added the number of families that belong to the church has not
increased but there are more children. He said the proposal has a three
million dollar price tag. One million is for new windows and maintenance
concerns, the rest is for redevelopment.
Chairman G. Johnson asked Mr. Seger if entering into a Proof of Parking
Agreement with the City would pose a problem for the Church. Mr. Seger said
that be believes it would not be a problem.
The following residents of the neighborhood were present and expressed their
concerns. Their concerns are as follows:
Mr. David Gepner, 4817 Dunberry Road, told the Commission he does not support
the proposal. He pointed out since he has lived near the church residents have
had to put up with the loud chimes and traffic. He added the size of the
proposed addition is actually doubling the size of the church. He questioned
if the church is being run more like a business instead of a religious
institution.
Mr. Ray Wallentine, 6821 Normandale Road, said he believes if the Commission
does not oppose the redevelopment of this site the property values in the
neighborhood will drop. He pointed out this expansion is major, and commented
that maybe the church should consider a satellite church to fulfill its needs.
He added he has a concern about the lots across the road owned by the church
and the possibility of those lots becoming an over -flow parking lot. Mr.
Wallentine noted that he believes the curb cut on West 69th Street should be
eliminated completely. Mr. Dommer acknowledged that as a possibility which
could be implemented by constructing a hammerhead turn around within north
parking area.
Mr. Grabiel, 4817 Wilford Way, indicated that since the church is doubling its
size the Commission should carefully consider this proposal because of the
possibility of the church in the future wanting more changes to the site.
Mr. Strommen, 6812 Brittany Road, told the Commission he was upset because he
did not receive a formal notice regarding the churchs intention to expand their
facility. Chairman G. Johnson explained to Mr. Strommen that formal notices
are sent only when an issue is to be heard by the City Council. He said the
Planning Commission is an advisory board. Mr. Strommen said he does not want
any changes to the church and does not want to see the lots across from the
church used as parking spaces.
Commissioner Palmer suggested that this item needs further study. He pointed
out he would like to see the City enter into a Proof of Parking agreement with
the Church, and would like to have the Church indicate on a site plan, where
additional parking can be achieved on site, if the City determines additional
parking is required. Commissioner Palmer also added that he would like the
City to review the possibility of constructing a hammerhead turn around at the
end of the north parking lot, thus eliminating the access drive from 69th
Street.
Commissioner Palmer moved to continue C-89-2 until the July 5, 1989 Community
Development and Planning Commission Meeting in order to give City staff and
members of the Church time to develop a Proof of Parking Agreement and to look
into the possibility of constructing a hammerhead turn around. Commissioner
McClelland seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
LD -89-4 South Edina Development Addition. Centennial Lakes
Edina HRA and Laukka and Associates
(NOTE: THIS ACTION IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE SINGLE FAMILY SUBDIVISION MORATORIUM)
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the HRA is preparing to convey, to Laukka,
the Phase II land for condominium development at Centennial Lakes. The
proposed lot division provided the necessary legal description for conveyance
of the property.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommend approval.
Commissioner Palmer moved to recommend approval. Commissioner Shaw seconded
the motion. Ayes; Faust, Hale, McClelland, Palmer, Shaw, G. Johnson. Motion
carried.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS:
Continued Discussion on the Subdivision Ordinance
Members of the Planning Commission and Mr. Larsen discussed the Subdivision
Ordinance. Below are noted suggestions:
* The new amendment has served the City well. A new term for neighbor-
hood may be needed.
* Flexibility must be maintained.
* s
As a result of the Berenberg case the Commission and Council can not
let any ruling interfere with their judgements or findings.
* It is the nature of the Council and Commission to make judgements.
* The Ordinance should stay in place and the City can implement into
Zoning Ordinance No. 825, Section 11. E. 1. (a) and implement
into the application process "Submission Guidelines".
Commissioner Palmer said the Commission feels the current amendment works well
except for the addition of certain technicalities with the recommendation that
we adopt submission guidelines and adopt into the Zoning Ordinance No. 825,
Section 11. E. 1.(a) except for #5.
Planning Commission Membership on the Edina Board of Appeals -Information
Chairman G. Johnson noted the memo from Mr. Erickson regarding the role of
Commission Members on the Edina Board of Appeals and Adjustments.
Commissioner Palmer made a motion stating Planning Commission Members are
official representatives of the Edina Community Development and Planning
Commission to the Edina Board of Appeals and Adjustments. Commissioner
McClelland seconded the motion. All vote aye. Motion carried.
V.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
n Hoogenakker, Secretary