HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 03-23 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes �ULNA Draft Minutes
�1.4 Approved Minutes®
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inutes
£; City Of Edina, Minnesota
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Planning Commission
,: Edina Hall Council Chambers
d a Cit y
4801 West 50th Street
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
I. Call To Order
Chair Platteter called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll call were Chair Platteter, Hobbs, Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Kivimaki, Nemerov, Olsen,
Hamilton.
Absent from the roll were Carr and Ma
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Motion was made by Thorsen to approve the March 24, 2016, meeting agenda. Motion
seconded by Olsen. All voted aye. Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the February 24, 2016, meeting were held over to address changes.
V. Special Recognitions And Presentations
Annual Meeting of the Planning Commission — Election of Officers and Bylaws.
Chair Platteter welcomed Commissioners and explained at this time they would be electing officers for
the upcoming year. Chair Platteter opened the meeting for nominations.
Motion was made by Commissioner Lee to nominate Commissioner Olsen to the office of
Secretary of the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Thorsen. Commissioner
Olsen accepted the nomination. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Motion was made by Chair Platteter to nominate Commissioner Carr to the office of Vice-
Chair of the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Nemerov. All voted aye. The
motion carried.
CITY OF'DINA
4801 West 50th Street•Edina,Minnesota 55424
www.EdinaMN.gov•952-927-8861 • Fax 952-826-0390
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Motion was made by Commissioner Nemerov to nominate Michael Platteter to the office of
Chair of the Planning Commission. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss.
Platteter accepted the nomination. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Chair Platteter introduced the Planning Commission bylaws for approval.
Commissioner Lee commented that she would like to discuss elements of the bylaws. It was decided to
hold this discussion at a later date.
Motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the 2016 Planning Commission By-
laws. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VI. Public Hearings
A, Sign Variance. Aurora on France. 6500 France Avenue, Edina, MN
Planner Presentation
Planner Repya reported that the applicant, Aurora on France, is requesting a variance to allow an
additional monument sign to be erected abutting the 65th Street West elevation. Repya noted
that the criteria for signage for the site must adhere to the Regional Medical District sign
requirements, which allows one wall sign and one monument sign per street frontage. Repya
explained that the variance was necessitated due to the additional or second 26 square foot
monument sign providing way-finding for the "Visitor Parking & Deliveries.
Planner Repya concluded that staff recommends approval of the sign variance to allow an
additional monument sign abutting 65th Street West to provide for way-finding based on the
following findings:
1. The request is reasonable in terms of providing tenants and guests of Aurora on France clear
directional signage to find their destination. With two entrance drives off of 65th, and 65th being
a very busy road, providing motorists with clear signage to find their destination will help the
safety on the road.
2. The practical difficulty is caused by the location of the site on a busy roadway, the two access
points to the site, and the site's location in a busy medical area.
3. The combined sign area on the north elevation for the two monument signs and one wall sign
will be 88 square feet; well below the allowed 120 square feet for a wall and monument sign.
Approval is also subject to the following conditions:
I. Site Plan date stamped February 18, 2016.
2. Sign plans and elevations date stamped February 18, 2016.
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Appearing for the Applicant
Ed Farr, Edward Farr Architects.
Public Hearing
Chair Platteter opened the public hearing. No one spoke to the issue.
Motion made by Commissioner Thorsen to close the public hearing. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Olsen. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Discussion
A brief discussion ensued with Commissioners in agreement that the additional monument sign was a
helpful addition to clarify way-finding.
Motion
Motion made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the variance to allow an additional
monument sign subject to staff findings and conditions. Motion seconded by
Commissioner Lee. All voted aye. The motion carried. 8-0
VI. Community Comment
An Edina Student explained to the Commission that she, along with fellow classmates, was present this
evening to "take notes" at a public meeting.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. 66 West TIF District. 3330 66th Street West —Consistency with the Comprehensive
Plan
Staff Presentation
Bill Neuendorf addressed the Commission and explained the proposed 66 West2 TIF District is limited to
this single parcel that is anticipated to be redeveloped in the near future for 39-units of affordable housing
targeted to teenagers and young adults that were previously homeless. The Edina Housing and
Redevelopment Authority has recommended that the City of Edina consider a new Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) District to advance community goals in the Greater Southdale Area. Neuendorf explained
that the 66 WEST2 TIF is currently located within the Southdale 2 TIF District and it is proposed to be
removed from the Southdale 2 TIF District and be established as the 66 West TIF District. A parcel of
land cannot be located within two TIF Districts.
Neuendorf concluded that at this time the Commission is being asked to confirm that the proposed TIF
Plan is in compliance with Edina's Comprehensive Plan, Land Use, Density and Floor to Area Ratio.
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Discussion
Commissioners discussed if the land use was consistent with Edina's Comprehensive Plan.
Motion was made by Thorsen stating the land uses are consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Hobbs. All voted aye. The motion carried.
B. Sketch Plan Review— DJR Architecture, Inc. 3901 70th Street West
Planner Comments
Planner Teague reported the Commission is being asked to review a sketch plan proposal at 3901 70th
Street West. Teague said the applicant is proposing to tear down the existing gas station and re-build
an 8,030 square foot retail building. Continuing,
Teague said the applicant would like to request a rezoning of this site from Planned Commercial
District -4 (PCD-4) to Planned Unit Development.
Teague noted the proposed building is very similar to the request made by this same applicant across
the street at the Phoenix Plaza, where the Vitamin Shoppe and Ameritrade building is located.
Concluding, Teague said the proposal would be an improvement over the existing building and the use
on the site.
Appearing for the Applicant
Dean Dovolis and Sheldon Burg, DJR, Architecture, Inc.
Applicant Presentation
Dean Dovolis addressed the Commission and explained it was their intent to redevelop this site with a
"sister-building" to the building across the street (Phoenix Place). Dovolis said the exterior building
materials would match; however, the design of the new building would be different.
With graphics Dovolis highlighted aspects of the project.
• Rezone the subject site from PCD-4 Planned Commercial District to PUD, Planned Unit
Development. Phoenix Place across the street was similarly rezoned.
• Redevelopment would create a greener and more environmentally friendly building site by
improving storm water rates.
• Improved traffic circulation.
• Create a more pedestrian friendly environment by supporting the initiatives from the
Comprehensive Plan and Southdale/France Avenue working principles.
• Adds additional retail elements that would serve the adjoining residential neighborhood.
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Chair Platteter thanked the development team for their presentation and explained to the audience
that sketch plan review is not a public hearing. The applicant presents their sketch plan to gather input
from the Commission.
Comments/Suggestions from the Commission
• Consider extending the boulevard style sidewalk along France Avenue. It appears the
southernmost extension has the sidewalk adjacent to the street with the plantings between the
sidewalk and parking stalls, not sidewalk, boulevard and street as indicated to the north.
• Reconsider building placement. Is it possible to pull the building father back from France
Avenue to achieve a wider boulevard area? The development team indicated if that was
considered parking spaces would be lost; and while they want to achieve a pedestrian friendly
engaging site the building needs to be adequately parked to be successful. The development
team further noted that the landscaped area on the west is mostly on City right-of-way with
residential properties directly to the west.
• Some Commissioners indicated they did not like the concept of"sister" buildings on each
corner. It was suggested that the applicant incorporate different exterior building materials.
• It was mentioned that the "sister" buildings or "bookends" work well by anchoring the corners
and creating a gateway into the adjoining residential neighborhood.
• Continue to enhance the pedestrian experience and consider adding outdoor benches.
• The development team was asked to remember the importance of providing convenient
locations for bike parking.
• The development team was asked if they had a tenant for the space; and if so what type of
tenant is it. The development team indicated the tenant is a "dry goods" tenant.
Mr. Dovolis in response to the discussion said their intent was to provide a building that creates a
pedestrian friendly area that encourages walking and enhances the greater Southdale area experience.
Dovolis said he would look at shifting the building and eliminating parking stall(s); however, said he
would be uncomfortable if more than two parking stalls were lost to accommodate landscaping, etc.
Chair Platteter thanked the applicant for their presentation.
C. Sketch Plan Review— Opus Development Company, LLC — 5901 Lincoln Drive
Planner Comments
Planner Teague told the Commission they are being asked to review a sketch plan proposal to develop the
former United Health Group site on Lincoln Drive. Teague reported that Children's Hospital is moving
into portions of the existing office building, adding the request this evening is to remove a portion of the
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existing building and build a 4-story, 240-260 unit apartment building in its place. The applicant has
indicated they would conform to the city's 10% affordable housing policy. Draft Minutes❑
Concluding Teague further reported that the applicant at the time of formal application will be seeking
a rezoning from PID Planned Industrial District to MDD-5, Mixed Development District. Teague said
the rezoning to MDD-5 matches City Code requirements. The proposed project also complies with
the Comprehensive Plan.
Appearing for the Applicant
Matt Rauenhorst, Dean Newins, Phil Cattanach and Jay Fourniea from Opus.
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Cattanach addressed the Commission and said they are still in the development stages of the
project, adding a traffic analysis, and final architectural plans for the proposed apartment building still
need to occur. Cattanach explained it was very important to the development team to separate the
uses of the Children's Hospital office use and the Lincoln Drive residential use. He pointed out they
are proposing to provide a private entrance for each use. With graphics Cattanach further explained
the project.
Mr. Newins explained to the Commission the reason they will request a rezoning to MDD-5 was
because it was felt that the MDD District would better tie into the existing uses in the area. He
pointed out to the west lies a retail complex and highway and to the east and south residential
properties. With graphics Newins further explained the topography, access points, layout, etc.
Comments/Suggestions
The Commission shared the following observations:
• The Commission noted that the applicant is proposing to rezone the subject site to an MDD
district, not PUD. They asked the development team if a PUD rezoning was considered. The
development indicated that in their opinion the rezoning to MDD aligns best with the City's
future guide plan and also supports the existing office use.
• The Commission asked the development team if they were comfortable with parking. The
development team indicated they believe parking was adequately addressed for both the
proposed apartment building and existing office use. The development team stressed how
important it was for Children's to retain their parking.
• It was further noted by the Commission that site lines into and exiting the property are not the
best; however, they believe the rearrangement of the subject sites access points to align with
the access point(s) across Lincoln Drive would work. Commissioners also asked the
development team to work on ensuring that crosswalks from both the existing office building
and proposed apartments to the small retail area are implemented and well defined.
• With regard to the access/exit and the driveway alignment to the retail complex (across the
street) this may be a good place to introduce a roundabout.
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• Commissioners noted that the site is large, and contains a lot of parking spaces; however, it is
important to the City to maintain greenspace, adding if possible parking should be kept to the
minimum. Mr. Nevins acknowledged there appears to be a lot of parking; however, he
reiterated that it is important for Children's to retain all their parking. It is part of their lease.
Commissioners suggested that the applicant work closely with representatives from Children's
on the parking and the importance of greenspace.
• Commissioners suggested creating sidewalks not only along the exterior of the site but in the
interior of the site as well. It was pointed out that the proposed 3 River/9-Mile trail system will
eventually tie into this area, adding that would be a benefit not only to the residents but to the
employees of Children's.
Chair Platteter thanked the applicant for their presentation and suggested that the applicant "take
another look" at rezoning the subject site to a Planned Unit Development.
VIII.Correspondence And Petitions
Chair Platteter acknowledged back of packet materials.
IX. Staff Comments
Planner Teague reported that materials drafted by the Greater Southdale Area Working Group would be
posted on the City's website in the near future. Teague asked the Commission to watch for that posting.
Teague told the Commission that at their last City Council meeting the Council approved preliminary
rezoning and amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the Millennium at Southdale. The Edina School
District also received approval for their proposed subdivision on Metro Boulevard.
Planner Teague reminded the Commission of the upcoming work session on residential development that
will be held prior to the April 13th Planning Commission meeting (5:30 pm Mayor's Conference Room).
Teague said the work session would include following a "building permit through the process".
X. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Thorsen to adjourn the meeting of the Planning Commission at 9:30 p.m.
Motions seconded by Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Jackie gatagetudiftex
Respectfully submitted
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