Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-27 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1995 Special Meeting Time 6.30 p.m., Council Chambers* * Please note the Planning Commission will meet with Members of the Edina City Council prior to business. Regular meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m. U. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: August 30, 1995 III. NEW BUSINESS: 7:30 p.m. 5-95-5 Preliminary Plat Approval Tambornino Addition 6608 Dakota Trail Lot 4, Block 6, Indian Hills C-95-1 Conditional Use Permit Hennepin County Library LD -95-5 Thomas L. McCarthy 6806-08 Dovre Drive November 1, 1995 ;__I IIiJ:10u 1 -me" MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 1995 7:30 P.M., MANAGERS CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Gordon Johnson, Lorelei Bergman, Nan Faust, Helen McClelland, David Runyan, Charles Ingwalson, Ann Swenson MEMBERS ABSENT: David Byron, Geof Workinger STAFF PRESENT: Craig Larsen and Jackie Hoogenakker I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Commissioner Swenson moved approval of the August 30, 1995, meeting minutes. Commissioner Ingwalson seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. H. NEW BUSINESS: S-95-5 Preliminary Plat Approval Tambornino Addition Lot 4, Block 6, Indian Hills Dr. Joe Tambornino Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the subject property is a developed R-1 lot with an area of 2.9 acres. The existing home is located in the south-central portion of the property and uses Dakota Trail as its driveway access. The proposed subdivision would create two new lots, both fronting on Mohawk Trail. Mr. Larsen pointed out the subject property exhibits significant areas of steep slopes where slopes are 20% or greater. As much as two-thirds of the area within the two new lots are such steep slope areas. Mr. Larsen explained the Subdivision Ordinance use the median average lot width, lot depth, and lot area to determine minimum dimensions and areas for new lots. The lot retained for the existing dwelling meets all standards and would continue in use as it is today. The proposed new lots require variances from all of the neighborhood standards. The requested variances are substantial. The Subdivision Ordinance was designed to provide a transition in areas moving from large lots to smaller lots. The proponent has suggested that the subdivision be judged on the lot sizes along Mohawk Trail. While the proposed lots are similar to those along Mohawk Trail they do not provide an appropriate transition from the larger lots to the east. Mr. Larsen said in addition, the topography of the proposed lots is much more severe than on lots west of Mohawk Trail. The severe topography limits the building pad area and would push the pads close to the street which is not the norm on the east side of Mohawk Trail. For the above reasons staff recommends denial of the proposed preliminary plat. The proponents, Mr. and Mrs. Tambornino, and Mr. Greg Tambornino were present. Mr. Tom Meyers, Edina Realty was also present. Chairman Johnson observed the frontyard setbacks along the east side of Mohawk Trail are deep, noting the proposed new lots may require frontyard setback variances when developed. Mr. Larsen responded that may be correct. He pointed out the slopes on proposed Lot 3 are greater than the slopes on Lot 2, so Lot 3 would more than likely require a front yard setback variance to develop. Lot 2 may be able to set the house farther into the hill, possibly avoiding the need for a variance. Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Larsen if he knows the average frontyard setbacks on the west side of Mohawk Trail. Mr. Larsen responded on the west side of Mohawk Trail the frontyard setbacks are around 35 to 40 feet. Commissioner Bergman questioned Mr. Larsen on the Ratelle property, and if development of homes on it would require variances. Mr. Larsen explained when the Ratelle property was approved for subdivision, a 40 foot conservation easement was placed along the Mohawk Trail street frontage. Currently the site indicates the property will be served from one driveway off Mohawk Trail, which is a different scenario from what was originally approved. Mr. Larsen concluded at this time it is not known if any variances will be required to locate building pads on the Ratelle property, and because of the shared driveway situation house placement is unknown. Mr. Greg Tambornino addressed the Commission explaining he believes the proposed Lot 1 (Dakota Trail) will not negatively impact the neighborhood. Continuing, Mr. Tambornino stated in his opinion the two lots proposed on Mohawk Trail belong in the Mohawk and Iroquois Trail neighborhoods, adding if you walk the site, the topography of the site splits the lot into two completely different neighborhoods. Continuing, Mr. Tambornino said if the property were subdivided into one lot on Mohawk Trail, and one lot fronting Dakota Trail, the lot on Mohawk Trail would be twice the size of most the lots in the Mohawk/Iroquois neighborhoods. Mr. Tambornino observed the Mohawk/Iroquois neighborhood is transitional in Indian Hills, and creating two lots along Mohawk Trial aids in this transition. 2 Ms. Jean Smith, 6600 Mohawk Trail stated in her opinion dividing this property into three lots destroys the integrity of the neighborhood. Ms. Smith said the subdivision, and current redevelopment of the Ratelle property has already created problems in the neighborhood because of large vehicles needed to access the site for excavation and roadway construction. Mr. Hamilton, 6604 Mohawk Trail told Commission Members he would never have purchased his home one year ago if he knew another subdivision would occur in such close proximity to his property. Continuing, Mr Hamilton said the Indian Hills neighborhood is unique in Edina because of the steep slopes, vegetation, and the large lots. Mr. Hamilton said in his opinion the area should be protected for this uniqueness. Ms. Marilyn Ryerse, 6612 Mohawk Trail echoed Mr. Hamiltons comments, stating she moved into the Indian Hills neighborhood because of the character and symmetry of the neighborhood. She concluded by stressing she does not want the character of this area altered. Mr. Tom Meyers, of Edina Realty, representing Mr. and Mrs. Tambornino stated in response to questions concerning the possibility of requiring frontyard setback variances that he has read the city ordinances, and found the Tamborninos have the right to subdivide, and can construct new homes along Mohawk Trail with frontyard setbacks of 30 feet. Mr. Larsen responded that while the ordinance requires a minimum frontyard setback of 30 feet for new subdivisions, it is not the case for this subdivision. Continuing, Mr. Larsen explained Indian Hills in a developed existing neighborhood so frontyard setbacks are determined by the placement of the homes along that side of the block between intersections. Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if he could explain the background on the Ratelle subdivision. Mr. Larsen said the Ratelle property was divided into four lots, and is approximately 4.9 acres in size (the subject property is under three acres). At the time of subdivision the Ratelle property met all city requirements, except one lot required a nine foot lot width variance. The lot width variance was required because at the time of subdivision the Ratelles desired to retain their home, and if you view the subdivision, the desired retention of their home created a rather odd shaped larger lot. Mr. Larsen concluded presently the Ratelle home has been razed, and the property will be served from Mohawk Trail with one curb cut, and not four curb cuts (two on Mohawk, two on Dakota) as originally proposed. Mrs. Tambornino questioned how the Ratelles can change the proposal from what was approved. It appears that the hill is being destroyed and they are removing a large amount of trees. Mr. Larsen said the City Council approved a four lot subdivision, with lots a certain size and dimension. The lots have not changed in size or number. Continuing, Mr. Larsen said at the time the Ratelle property received approval, a 40 foot conservation easement was recommended and recorded along Mohawk Trail, and the City thought the property would be 3 served by four different curb cuts, with four private driveways. Since approval the property owner has decided to serve all lots with one street off Mohawk Trail and remove the existing house. The width of the road does have the appearance of a public street, and it does impact Mohawk Trail, but is a private matter. Mr. Greg Tambornino pointed out the widths of the proposed lots on Mohawk Trail match the two lots directly across the street. Mr. Greg Tambornino noted for years the residents of the Indian Hills neighborhood have enjoyed the open space, and trees of their property, but now they have decided to exercise their right to subdivide. Commissioner Swenson said in reviewing the facts of the proposal she cannot support the request because of the number of variances required, and their magnitude. Commissioner McClelland stated she agrees with Commissioner Swenson, she cannot support subdivisions that require multiple variances. Mr. Tambornino agreed if one looks at the whole picture the variances appear substantial, but if you compare the two proposed lots (on Mohawk Trail) to the lots along the west side of Mohawk Trail, the variances do not seem as substantial. Mr. Tambornino reiterated in his opinion this property encompasses two significantly different neighborhoods separated by topography. Commissioner McClelland moved to recommend denial of the preliminary plat siting the substantial number and size of the variances. Commissioner seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. C-95-1 Conditional Use Permit Hennepin County Library Southdale Zoning: R-1 Mr. Larsen informed the Commission libraries and public facilities such as the Courts facility are permitted Conditional Uses in the R-1 zoning district. A Conditional Use permit was granted for the current Library -Court facility in March 1991. The County is now proposing to amend the permit to allow the construction of a two story addition measuring 33 feet by 33 feet. The addition would be located in the southeasterly corner of the building. Mr. Larsen explained the ground floor addition would provide a secure indoor area for 4 the transfer of prisoners to the holding cells and court rooms on the second floor. The second floor would provide space to increase the number of holding cells and interview rooms. Mr. Larsen said according to the project architect's letter the number of judges or other staff would not be increased. The design and materials of the addition would match the existing facility. Mr. Larsen told the commission the proposed addition would improve security and provide badly needed space at the Courts facility. The addition would not add to parking demand since no new staff will be added. The addition will not compromise the architectural integrity of the building. Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Chairman Johnson stated he does not have a problem with the proposal. He added as he understands the proposed addition, the court system is taking the transfer of prisoners out of public view, and making it more secure. A brief discussion ensued with Commission Members in agreement that the proposal will have minimal impact on the surrounding properties, and is a good solution to the transfer issue. Commissioner Swenson moved to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit subject to the plans presented and the use of like materials. Commissioner Bergman seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried. I I . 1 toin: ►lU I► The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. FT-��,-tffo'ogenak`!er 5