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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-27 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES City of Edina, Minnesota Planning Commission Edina City Hall Council Chambers January 13, 2016, at 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Platteter called the Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. 11. ROLL CALL Answering the roll call were: Hobbs, Lee, Strauss, Thorsen, Kivamaki, Ma, Nemerov, Olsen, Forrest, Platteter Absent from roll: Carr III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the January 13, 2016 meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Commissioner Strauss. Ayes; All. Motion carried. IV. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Strauss to approve the November 11, 2016, meeting minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Thorsen. Ayes: All. Motion carried. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Sketch Plan Review — Hilton Hotel, NE Corner of Southdale Center Campus Planner Presentation Planner Teague reported Noble in partnership with Simon is asking the Commission to consider a sketch plan proposal to develop the northeast corner of Southdale to build a four- story, 150 -room Hilton Hotel. Teague told the Commission the applicant was provided with the working principles for development in the Greater Southdale Area. Teague further explained that the sketch plan process is an opportunity for an applicant to solicit non-binding comments from the Commission and Council on their proposed project. Continuing, Teague said to accommodate the request, a site plan review with setback variances for the new building, and a parking stall variance for the entire Southdale site would be required. Teague noted this project is somewhat different from previous developments proposed and considered in the Southdale area, in that the proposed use is allowed within this zoning district. No rezoning or comprehensive plan amendment is required; reiterating site plan approval with variances is all that would be required when formal application is made. Teague further noted that the roadways abutting the subject site are County; while the County is agreeable to some changes within that intersection to accommodate future redevelopment they are opposed to eliminating the right turn slip lane from West 66`h Street onto York Avenue. With graphics Teague highlighted aspects of the project. Appearing for the Applicant Kevin Grass, Noble Investments and Gary Tushie, Tushie-Montgomery & Associates, Inc. Applicant Presentation Mr. Grass gave a brief history of Noble and with graphics shared photos of other hotels they have constructed. Grass reported Noble is a private company that specializes in hotel development with brands such as Hilton, Marriot, etc., adding with this project they are partnering with Simon to construct a hotel on their northeast corner. Grass concluded that the building would be LEED Certified. Grass introduced architect, Gary Tushie. Mr. Tushie acknowledged the variances required for the project. He noted the setback variance for the building complies with one of the guiding principles of the greater southdale area by bringing the building closer to the street. He added the parking stall variance is also needed for reduced parking for the shopping mall since existing parking stasis would be lost to construction. Gary Tushie gave a brief presentation of the proposed hotel project highlighting the following: • The hotel is in close proximity to Fairview Southdale Hospital providing housing to those needing hospital services for an extended period of time. • The hotel is proposed at 4 -stories consisting of 146 rooms. The hotel is up -scale offering many amenities including pool, fitness room, meeting rooms and individual outdoor patio areas for rooms on the first floor creating an urban edge. • Extensive landscaping would be added along the adjoining sidewalk as well as "planter islands" in the parking lot. • Convert a portion of the ring road heading east to two way traffic. • Pedestrian connections are provided from the hotel and hotel site to the public realm and shopping mall. • The sidewalk connection would be extended around the perimeter of the hotel site providing further connections to the shopping mall, etc. • Build a soft contemporary building that compliments not only the shopping center but the apartments on the southeast corner of the campus. • The Hilton brand provides flexibility in building materials and the materials proposed for the new building are limestone, architectural metal panels and masonry stucco with flat roof. • Improvement to the storm water system. John with Kimley-Horn explained for Commissioners that the proposed construction would actually improve watershed. He said there will be surface drains across the parking area that would drain into a catch basis that will treat the water for phosphorous/sediment. He said there will also be underground systems that would handle small events. The longer events would bypass those systems and remain in the pond for filtering. Concluding, John noted that the roof drains would also be connected to new system, adding storm water would be managed on site. Commission Question(ss)/Staff/Applicant Response • What type of food service is provided? Daily breakfast is provided along with evening hors d'oeuvres. • What is the width of the existing sidewalk? 8-10 feet. • It appears there is no boulevard proposed along the sidewalk? This places pedestrians next to the street. At this time there are no plans to modify the existing sidewalk system in this area. The sidewalk is relatively new. The additional vegetation and added canopy trees tend to calm traffic. • Will the building be LEED Certified and comply with those practices? Yes • Have you considered moving the building farther west? This was considered; however, differing existing tenant needs prohibit any move farther to the west. • Would a traffic engineer review the proposed two way change to a portion of the ring road? Yes. Concerns/Suggestions from the Commission • Some Commissioners asked the applicant to again review the proposed sidewalk plan and layout and consider the principles laid out in the southdale area plan. Those Commissioners acknowledged the challenges with the County and the new sidewalk system; however, expressed hope that something further could be done. • If possible add more movement. It was noted by Commissioner Lee that she feels reluctant to "let this real estate go". It is such an importation location and intersection. • Show the pedestrian overview better. • Increase the landscaping. 4'!:' • Keep in mind privacy is needed for the on grade patios. • Explain traffic flow better with the acknowledgment a traffic analysis has not yet been provided. • Consider garden like plantings. • Keep high standards with exterior building materials etc. Commissioners expressed support for the concept. A hotel suites option is a good fit for the site and they look forward to the formal application. Chair Platteter thanked both the applicant and Commissioners for their input. Platteter said the proposal in his opinion is exciting. VI1. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Commissioner Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials. VIII. CHAIR AND MEMBER COMMENTS Chair Platteter welcomed everyone to 2016. Commissioner Hobbs reported that the Greater Southdale Area Working Group reported that their work thus far has been well received and the "Group" will be working to make it more tangible and find ways to implement that vision. Commissioner Lee commented she would like to revisit the 2016 Work Plan adding more emphasis on residential redevelopment as it relates to teardown rebuilds. She noted that in the past teardowns and their ramifications were a large concern for Edina residents. Lee suggested a number of points that in her opinion should be added to the Plan. Planner Teague commented the 2016 Work Plan is very tight especially in light of beginning the Comprehensive Plan Update for 2018. Teague said those points would require an amendment to the 2016 Work Plan; however, he said he would work with Cindy Larsen, Residential Development Coordinator address the points mentioned by Lee at a future meeting. A discussion ensued if Ms. Larson should attend a Planning Commission or if a "workshop" type format would work better. Commissioner Lee said she would work with Planner Teague on her issues and the best approach to address them. Chair Platteter noted that one of the items currently on the 2016 Work Plan deals with impervious surfaces (which were mentioned by Commissioner Lee). Planner Teague explained that the Engineering Department is currently drafting an ordinance that addresses impervious surfaces. Teague said as soon as that plan is in its draft form Engineering would present the plan to the Commission for their review and input. IX. STAFF COMMENTS f 51'' Planner Teague said that 2016 will be a busy year for the Commission, adding at this time staff is working on putting together a Comprehensive Plan overview and schedule. X. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Thorsen to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission at 9:50 P.M. Motion seconded by Commissioner Strauss. Motion carried. 'W1A4"rf►1 �, IMI.