Loading...
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