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.
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• 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
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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.
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