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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 06-28 Planning Commission Minutes Draft Minutes El Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 Minutes 121 City Of Edina, Minnesota Planning Commission Edina City Hall Council Chambers June 28, 2017, 7:00 P.M. I. Call To Order Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. II. Roll Call Answering the roll were: Commissioners Hobbs, Thorsen, Strauss, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube, Bennett, Chair Olsen. Student Member,Jones. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant Planner, Sr. Communications Coord., Eidsness, Support Staff, Hoogenakker III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the June 28, 2017, meeting agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried. IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2017, meeting, The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bennett. All voted aye. The motion carried. V. Public Hearings A. Public Hearing: Subdivision with Variances. 5404 Park Place, Edina, MN. Planner Presentation Planner Teague informed the Commission Barbara Schlaefer, is proposing to subdivide her property at 5404 Park Place into two lots. The existing home and detached garage on the lot would be torn down, and two new homes built on the new parcels. The west lot would gain access off Brookview Avenue, utilizing the existing driveway; while the new east lot would gain access off Park Place. The driveway off Brookview is located over the adjacent property within and existing easement, which would remain. To accommodate the request the following is required: A subdivision; lot width variances from 75 feet to 65 feet for each lot; and lot area variances from 9,000 square feet to 8,705 and 8,840 square feet. Page 1 of 13 Draft Minutes EI Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 Teague asked the Commission to note that within this neighborhood, the median lot area is 8,107 square feet, median lot depth is 135 feet, and the median lot width is 60 feet. The new lots would meet the median depth, width and area. Teague noted that the City of Edina has considered several subdivision requests with variances in this general area, adding with some approved and some denied. Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed two lot subdivision of 5404 Park Place and the lot width variances from 75 feet to 66 feet for each lot, and lot area variances from 9,000 square feet to 8,705 and 8,840 square feet for each lot. Approval is based on the following findings: 1. Except for the variances, the proposal meets the required standards and ordinance for a subdivision. 2. The original lot was platted as proposed by the application at 66 feet wide and 87,05 and 8,840 square feet in size. 3. The proposed lots would be similar in size than all lots on Park Place. 4. The proposal re-establishes the original Plat. 5. The proposal meets the required standards for a variance, because: a. There is a unique practical difficulty to the property caused by actions of a previous property owner that developed two lots into one. b. The requested variances are reasonable in the context of the immediate neighborhood. The existing lot is both larger and wider than most properties in the area, including the adjacent lots to the east, west and south. The proposed subdivision would result in two lots more characteristic of the neighborhood. c. The variances would meet the intent of the ordinance because the proposed lots are of similar size to others in the neighborhood. Approval is also subject to the following conditions: 1. The City must approve the final plat within one year of preliminary approval or receive a written application for a time extension or the preliminary approval will be void. 2. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the following items must be submitted: a. Submit evidence of Minnehaha Creek Watershed District approval. The City may require revisions to the preliminary plat to meet the district's requirements. b. A curb-cut permit must be obtained from the Edina engineering department. c. A grading, drainage and erosion control plan subject to review and approval of the city engineer. The proposed plans shall meet all conditions outlined in the engineering memo dated June 17, 2017 d. There shall be no increase in peak rate or volume to neighboring private property. e. Any disturbance to the roadway caused by the construction of the new homes must be repaired by replacing the asphalt pavement from curb-to-curb and from saw-cut to saw- cut. f. A construction management plan will be required for the construction of the new homes. g. Utility hook-ups are subject to review of the city engineer. Page 2 of 13 Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 Appearing for the Applicant Barbara Schlaefer. Applicant and property owner. Applicant Presentation Ms. Schlaefer addressed the Commission and explained that she along with her family have lived in the house for 28 years. Schlaefer added that her assumption was that there always was two lots and recently found out that in order to sell the property as two lots they would need to be "unjoined". Schlaefer asked the Commission for their support. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. The following residents spoke to the issue: Dave Alkire, 5400 Park Place addressed the Commission and explained he has no objection to the two lot spilt, however, at this time would request that the cross-easement access to the subject lot off Brookview Avenue be eliminated. Alkire said if the easement remains as recorded he requested that it remain as is; serving one lot; not two. The second lot should be accessed off Park Place. Loras Sieve, 5417 Brookview, told the Commission he agrees with the comments from Mr. Alkire. He said the way his lot is positioned if access to both lots was permitted from Brookview Avenue that single driveway access could become more like an alley. Sieve asked the Commission if approved that only one lot be accessed from the cross-easement off Brookview Avenue. A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried. Commissioners expressed the opinion that the proposed subdivision is not out of character with the neighborhood and that they could support the subdivision as presented; however, the easement off of Brookview Avenue would only be for one lot; not both. Commissioners did say in their opinion it is best that each lot have its own driveway off Park Place); however, they did acknowledge the uniqueness of the easement serving the one lot; stressing if approved the easement should continue to only serve one lot. Planner Teague suggested if approved that the Commission add as condition H. that access to the SE lot must be from Park Place. Motion A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to recommend approval of the subdivision with variances based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions to include the additional Page 3 of 13 Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/20 17 condition that access to the SE lot be off Park Place. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hamilton. All voted aye. The motion carried. B. Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan Amendment & Rezoning— 5 150 & 5220 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN Planner Presentation Planner Teague reported that Trammell Crowe Company is proposing to re-develop the existing Edina School's bus garage located at 5150 and 5220 Eden Avenue. The bus garage operation will be moving into the City's Industrial Park west of Highway 100 and north of 1-494. The specific proposal is to tear down the existing structures on the site and construct a 6-story 165 unit senior housing development with a 214 underground parking facility. Resident amenities would include a bistro bar, Wi-Fi coffee lounge, activity center, pet spa, fitness center, yoga studio, club room, great room, chef kitchen, catering kitchen, and resort-style pool deck with an outdoor kitchen. The building would have on-site management, indoor heated parking, private storage lockers, and a guest suite for resident visitors. The applicant is proposing 10% of the rentable area of the apartment for affordable housing per the City's affordable housing policy. The subject property is 1.64 acres in size. The proposed 165 unit building would be 100 units per acre. The site is currently guided for a maximum of 75 units per acre; which is a result of the recent Comprehensive Plan amendment that increased density in the Grandview area from 30 units per acre to 75 units per acre. Teague noted that the applicant did go through a sketch plan review for the proposed project, and has made the following changes to address issues raised during the sketch plan review: Reduced the number of units from 185 to 165. Increased the setbacks along the west lot line. • Enhanced the architecture to break up the mass of the building. Stepped the building back from Eden Avenue. Enhanced the pedestrian experience on all four sides of the building. • Created space for a potential connection to the Jerry's public parking ramp, and provided a plan to demonstrate how a public connection could be made. An easement would be established over this area to allow the City to make that connection in the future. This area would be developed and maintained as public open space with a sidewalk in the middle until the time if and when that connection would be made. To accommodate the request the following is required: A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to increase the density from 75 units per acre to 100 units per acre in the MXC-Mixed Use Center; and > A Rezoning from PID, Planned Industrial District to PUD, Planned Unit Development. Page 4 of 13 Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the City Council approve the requests for Comprehensive Plan Amendments as follows: :> The density in the MXC, Mixed Use Center would increase from 75 units per acre to 100 units per acre. Approval is also subject to the following findings: 1. Higher density would seem reasonable in the MXC area given the proximity to arterial roadways, including Eden and Vernon and Highway 100 in the Grandview area. 2. Senior Housing would generate less traffic than a similar size retail or industrial use. Density proposed is similar or less than density for mixed-use areas for surrounding communities including Minnetonka, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield, and St. Louis Park. Teague further recommended that the City Council approve the Preliminary Rezoning from PID, Planned Industrial District to PUD-I3, Planned Unit Development District and Preliminary Development Plan to construct a senior apartment building at 5150 and 5220 Eden Avenue subject to the following findings: I. The proposed land uses are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The proposed project would meet the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan: a. Movement Patterns. • Provide sidewalks along primary streets and connections to adjacent neighborhoods along secondary streets or walkways. • Provide pedestrian amenities, such as wide sidewalks, street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and street furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, etc.) • A Pedestrian-Friendly Environment. Improving the auto-oriented design pattern discussed above under "Issues" will call for guidelines that change the relationship between parking, pedestrian movement and building placement. b. Encourage infill/redevelopment opportunities that optimize use of City infrastructure and that complement area, neighborhood, and/or corridor context and character. c. Support and enhance commercial areas that serve the neighborhoods, the City, and the larger region. d. Increase mixed-use development where supported by adequate infrastructure to minimize traffic congestion, support transit, and diversify the tax base. e. Increase pedestrian and bicycling opportunities and connections between neighborhoods, and with other communities, to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce dependence on the car. f. Buildings should be placed in appropriate proximity to streets creating pedestrian scale. Buildings "step down" at boundaries with lower-density districts and upper stories "step back" from street. g. Building Placement and Design. Where appropriate, building facades should form a consistent street wall that helps to define the street and enhance the pedestrian environment. On existing auto- oriented development sites, encourage placement of liner buildings close to the street to encourage pedestrian movement. Page 5 of 13 Draft Minutes Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 • Locate prominent buildings to visually define corners and screen parking lots. • Locate building entries and storefronts to face the primary street, in addition to any entries oriented towards parking areas. • Encourage storefront design of mixed-use buildings at ground floor level, with windows and doors along at least 50% of the front facade. • Encourage or require placement of surface parking to the rear or side of buildings, rather than between buildings and the street. 2. The proposal meets the City's criteria for PUD zoning. (See pages 5-7 of this report.) In summary, the PUD zoning would: provide affordable housing; create a pedestrian friendly development with much better connections; provide sustainable design in the buildings; would be of high quality architecture; provide a future connection to the public parking ramp to the north; would eliminate surface parking; and enhance landscaping. 3. Ensures that the building proposed would be the only building built on the site, unless an amendment to the PUD is approved by City Council. 4. The existing roadways and proposed parking lot would support the project. Spack conducted a traffic impact study based on the proposed development, and concluded that the existing traffic generated from the project would be supported by the existing roads. Approval is subject to the following Conditions: 1. The Final Development Plans must be consistent with the Preliminary Development Plans dated May 30, 2016, and the materials board as presented to the Planning Commission. 2. The Final Landscape Plan must meet all minimum landscaping requirements per Chapter 36 of the Zoning Ordinance. A performance bond, letter-of-credit, or cash deposit must be submitted for one and one-half times the cost amount for completing the required landscaping, screening, or erosion control measures at the time of any building permit. The property owner is responsible for replacing any required landscaping that dies after the project is built. 3. Compliance with all of the conditions outlined in the city engineer's memo dated June 19, 2017. 4. Final Rezoning is subject to a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to establish the PUD-13 Zoning District. 5. Provision of code compliant bike racks near the building entrances. 6. Submit a copy of the Nine Mile Creek and/or Minnehaha Creek Watershed District permit. The City may require revisions to the approved plans to meet the district's requirements. 7. A 30-foot easement along the north lot line shall be drafted by the city attorney to allow the city to construct a driveway connection to the public parking ramp to the north. In the interim, the area shall be developed as green space and sidewalk per the proposed plans to be accessed by the public. Any structure or mechanical equipment located in the easement area would have to be relocated at the expense of the property owner should the driveway be constructed. 8. Ten percent (10%) of the rentable area of the apartment units must be for affordable housing for persons whose income is 50% or less of the area median gross income. The affordable housing plan will remain for a minimum of 15 years from the certificate of occupancy (or equal, including, temporary certificate of occupancy). A land use restrictive covenant shall be placed on the property regarding the affordable housing requirement. Page 6 of 13 Draft Minutes Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/1 2/20 17 Appearing for the Applicant Grady Hamilton and John Carlson, Trammell Crowe Company and Aaron Roseth, ESG Applicant Presentation Mr. Hamilton addressed the Commission and reported the development team listened to all the comments and suggestions from the Commission and City Council at Sketch Plan Review and revised their plans in response to those suggestions. Revisions included reducing the number of units from 185 to 165. Increased setbacks along the west lot line, enhanced architecture to break up building mass to include stepping the building back from Eden Avenue (podium), enhanced pedestrian experience on all four sides and creating a space for a potential connection to the Jerry's public ramp. Hamilton introduced Mr. Roseth to speak to the revisions. Mr. Roseth with graphics explained to the Commission the changes to the plan from Sketch Plan to formal application. He pointed out the topography of the site, the proposed landscaping, stormwater management implementation measures, and the importance of being able to access Jerry's property. Roseth introduced Gretchen Camp to speak more on the proposal. Ms. Camp addressed the Commission and presented a visual layout of the proposed site and surrounding area. Camp said the building would be constructed utilizing a wood-framed structure over a concrete podium. Exterior building materials would consist of stone, brick, stucco, composite siding and glass. She further noted that the windows would be expansive allowing in plenty of natural light. She said a porch style outdoor space was also implemented, as well as a simple system of recessed and hung balconies. Continuing, Camp said every effort would be made to bring this building in LEED Certified. Noting the building will be designed to incorporate assemblies that endure the highest quality acoustical and energy performance, etc. She added their goal is to achieve energy efficiency with 18% minimum savings; 20% decreased water usage; environmentally-friendly practices and divert materials from landfill, utilize low VOC materials to reduce contaminants Concluding, Gretchen reiterated their commitment to bring the building in LEED Certified. She said at this time she was unsure of the rating; however, LEED is being pursued. Discussion and Comments Commissioners raised the following: • Are the sidewalks public or private? Mr. Roseth responded the sidewalks would be public including the promenade. • Is there any possibility that LEED may not be pursued? Hamilton responded that this would be the third LEED Certified building they have built, adding He said they are very committed to bringing in this building LEED Certified. • The Commissioners complimented the applicant on their changes to the front entry. • It was suggested that art or a public education piece could be added. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public hearing. Page 7 of 13 Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 The following residents spoke to the proposal: Jerry Graham, 5275 Grandview Square addressed the Commission. Diana Reinhardt, 5250 Grandview Square addressed the Commission. Martha Albredt, 5250 Grandview Square addressed the Commission. Carolyn Young, 5250 Grandview Square addressed the Commission Jim Prokop, 5225 Grandview Square addressed the Commission. The residents of Grandview Square expressed concern about traffic, congestion, the need for adequate aligned pedestrian pathways and sidewalks throughout the Grandview area, impact on property values and the lack of notification regarding developments within the Grandview District. Discussion and Comments Chair Olsen noted the concern expressed by the residents over traffic movements and congestion and asked the traffic consultant to speak about what they found with the traffic study. Vernon Swing, Spack Consulting, explained his firm was hired by the City to conduct a traffic study. Swing presented to the Commission the areas traffic counts. He noted that they also filmed all activity in the area over a certain period. Continuing, Swing said it was found that the peak time activity was between 7:15 —8:15 a.m. and 5:15 — 6:15 p.m. Swing said to forecast future traffic volumes for the future build out year of 2019 in the study area outside of the proposed development's traffic, general growth in traffic was added. Swing reported that the proposed residential development is expected to generate roughly 1256 new daily trips, approximately 96 new trips during the a.m. peak hour and 117 new trips during the p.m. peak hour. Swing noted that all intersections are projected to operate with acceptable delays and queueing through the 2019 build out scenario with the exception of the Vernon Avenue/ Interlachen Boulevard intersection and the Eden Avenue/Arcadia Avenue intersection. In conclusion, Swing suggested the following: • Update the signal timing and phasing at Vernon Ave/Interlachen Blvd to provide a southbound left turn and flashing yellow arrow operation. • If/when parcels are upgraded or sold, obtain enough right-of-way to pursue the potential of upgrading the intersection with an additional eastbound and westbound left turn lane. • Provide additional sidewalks along the north side of Eden Avenue. • It would be desirable to provide bicycle storage/stalls for tenants and visitors on site. Chair Olsen asked the development team the age of their residents. Mr. Roseth responded they believe their market is for active seniors 55 to 70 years old. Olsen noted the residents at Grandview Square expressed frustration on walkability of the neighborhood and safety in crossing streets and this development adds to their unease; Olsen asked what could be done. Camp responded that they would be open to working with the City on striping a clearly defined pedestrian crossing from Grandview Square to the subject site. She said there is a wide range of options they could implement including the placement of flashing lights. Roseth further noted all their sidewalks would be accessible, adding they are also working with Jerry's on continuous sidewalks and the connection to their site. Planner Teague suggested if the Commission approves the request as submitted that they add an additional condition Page 8 of 13 Draft Minutes Cl Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/1 2/20 17 that approval is contingent on the addition of a delineated crosswalk (flashing lights) between the Grandview Square site and subject area. Chair Olsen questioned the parking for the project. Roseth responded that the parking ratio for the project is 1.3. He said the site is parked at 49-stalls over what is required. Chair Olsen asked if notice was given for the project. Planner Teague responded in the affirmative. A discussion ensued on the merits of the project with Commissioners in agreement that the development team listened to their suggestions from Sketch Plan Review and have created a much improved project. It was further noted by the Commission that the Grandview Area is an area of much study and continued study and that this project compliments the District. Commissioners indicated they could support the redevelopment proposal as presented. Motion Commissioner Thorsen moved to recommend approval of an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and Preliminary Rezoning based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions with the additional condition that a crosswalk is added (Eden Avenue) subject to approval of the City Engineer. Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried. C. Public Hearing: Site Plan Review & Parking Stall Variance— NE corner of France Avenue & West 69th Street (Restoration Hardware). Planner Presentation Planner Teague reported that Stuart Wagner, on behalf of Restoration Hardware is requesting a Site Plan Review and Preliminary Plat to build a 3-4 story 58,188 square foot RH furniture store at the northeast corner of France Avenue & 69th Street, underneath the water tower at Southdale. The store would include the following: furniture sales, a rooftop showroom, a cafe/restaurant, outdoor courtyards and garden terraces. The store would have two main entrances; one that opens to France/69th intersection and the other that faces Southdale. Valet parking services would be available on the Southdale side that would allow for reduced site parking. Teague noted that the site is zoned PCD-3, Planned Commercial District. The proposed uses are all permitted on the site. On a Site Plan is required for the site. A parking stall variance was approved for the site as part of the construction of the Southdale One Apartment Complex. A restaurant was contemplated at this site, with the need for far more parking stalls that the proposed retail use. The City does not have a lot of discretion when reviewing this project as it is a permitted use. Teague noted that the applicant went through a sketch plan review for the proposed projects, and has made the following changes to address issues raised during the sketch plan review: :> 8-foot tall solid wall have been removed from the west and east elevations. The wall facing the corner has been reduced from 8 feet tall to 6 feet tall. The wall is broken up by a wide courtyard gate that would be open during business hours to welcome the public from the street. ➢ Enhanced architecture facing the street. • Reduced surface parking and added landscaping and green space along France and 69th. Page 9 of 13 Draft Minutes0 Approved MinutesZ Approved Date: 7/12/2017 Added a double row of trees along France and 69th to screen parking spaces. r Added public space along 69th and France including public seating. Planner Teague concluded that staff recommends that the City Council approve the site plan review with building setback variances from 48 to 14-24 feet for the new structure; a parking stall setback variance from 20 to 7 feet; and a parking stall variance of 610 stalls the entire Southdale site. Approval is based on the following findings: 1. The proposal would meet the required standards and ordinances for a Site Plan with the exception of the setbacks and parking space variances. 2. The findings for a variance are met. The practical difficulty is cause by the unique triangular shape of the property with two street fronts on the two "long sides" of the site. 3. The intent of City Code Section 36-618. (3) is met. The intent of the ordinance to encourage setback requirement exceptions is to create an active pedestrian and streetscape environment, rather than having buildings located away from the street with a parking lot in front. The applicant has met the intent of the code by providing boulevard style sidewalks along 66th and York, provided sidewalk connections from the street to the building, a main entrance off the street, provided pedestrian street crossings, added patios in front of the building, and located parking behind the building. 4. The Southdale site is unique in the PCD-3 zoning district. It is the only regional shopping mall in Edina. There are no other 80 acre sites held in common ownership and zoned the same within the City. 5. The main entrance is located toward the intersection of 66th and York with a sidewalk connection from the boulevard sidewalk. There would be additional entrances on 66th and York. 6. The parking study done by WSB Associates concludes that the City Code required parking is not necessary for the Southdale site. Based on the study, 6127 stalls are adequate for the site. The proposed development would provide 6,297 spaces. 7. In 2001, a variance was granted to Southdale for a shortage of 759 stalls. Over the past 10+ years, Southdale has operated very well without the code required parking. 8. A 305 stall parking variance was also granted to Southdale in 2012, when Southdale One apartments were built. 9. The City of Edina does not wish to require unnecessary paving or parking structures for parking stalls that are not needed. The City would rather have additional green space and building if applicable. This proposed project would add both. 10. The alternative to the variance would be to require the applicant to construct a structured parking ramp. Approval of the Site Plan is also subject to the following conditions: 1. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below: • Site plan date stamped February 29, 2016. • Grading plan date stamped February 29, 2016. • Landscaping plan date stamped February 29, 2016. • Building elevations date stamped February 29, 2016. • Building materials board as presented at the Planning Commission and City Council meeting. 2. Prior the issuance of a building permit, a final landscape plan must be submitted, subject to staff approval. Landscape plan must meet all minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements. Additionally, a performance Page 10 of 13 Draft Minutes❑ Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/2017 bond, letter-of-credit, or cash deposit must be submitted for one and one-half times the cost amount for completing the required landscaping, screening, or erosion control measures. 3. The property owner is responsible for replacing any required landscaping that dies. 4. Submit a copy of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District permit. The City may require revisions to the approved plans to meet the district's requirements. 5. Compliance with the conditions required by the city engineer in his memo dated April 6, 2016. 6. Building plans are subject to review and approval of the fire marshal at the time of building permit. 7. Bike racks must be provided to meet minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements. Continuing, Teague recommended that the City Council approve the proposed subdivision to create a new lot for the proposed hotel at Southdale. Approval is based on the following findings: I. The proposed subdivision meets the required standards and ordinance for a subdivision. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. Park Dedication fee of$18,460 will be required at the time of final plat. Appearing for the Applicant Stuart Wagner, RH (Restoration Hardware) Discussion and Comments Chair Olsen asked Planner Teague if a subdivision was ever approved on the Southdale campus. Teague responded in the affirmative. Applicant Presentation Mr. Wagner addressed the Commission and with graphics highlighted the changes made to the plans since Sketch Plan Review. He noted the following changes: • The 8-foot solid wall was removed from the building's west and east allowing for a more pedestrian- focused environment. • A solid courtyard wall would remain on the south elevation; however, it was lowered to 6-feet from 8- feet. • The building footprint changed and now include additions on the street facing sides. Wagner said in his opinion this adds greater interest. • Additional landscaping was added. • The revisions include lush landscaping and roof greenery. • A double row of trees was added along France Avenue and West 69th Street. • "Pocket Parks" are provided along France and West 69th Street. • The building continues on the diagonal. Mr. Wagner asked the Commission for their support. Public Hearing Chair Olsen opened the public comment period. Page 11 of 13 Draft Minutes Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/1 2/20 17 No one spoke to the issue. Commissioner Thorsen moved to close the public hearing. A second was offered by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. Public testimony was closed. Discussion and Comments Commissioner expressed their support for the project and the changes made to the plan. Motion A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to recommend approval of the site plan and parking stall variances based on staff findings and subject to staff conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bennett. All voted aye. The motion carried. VI. Community Comment Chair Olsen asked if anyone would like to speak. No one spoke. A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried. VII. Reports/Recommendations None. VIII.Correspondence And Petitions Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials. IX. Chair And Member Comments Chair Olsen reported after discussion with staff and the Southdale Area Plan Working Group it was decided to appoint another member of the Commission to the work group. Chair Olsen said at this time she would like to nominate John Hamilton to become a member of the Southdale Area Working Group. Olsen asked for a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to add Commission Hamilton to the Southdale Area Plan Working Group. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bennett. All voted aye. The motion carried. Commissioner Hamilton accepted the appointment. Page 12 of 13 Draft Minutes Approved Minutes® Approved Date: 7/12/20 17 Planner Teague updated the Commission on the Southdale Area Plan Working Group noting that they will be moving forward in the process. A discussion ensued with Commissioners stressing the importance of keeping communication open between the working groups, Commission and City Council. Teague said regular check-ins with the Council are scheduled. Commissioners Bennett and Berube updated the Commission on the 44th & France Small Area Plan Working Group. They noted that they believe they may need more time to ensure that the Plan is done correctly. It was pointed out that it is difficult to get people to "think outside the box" and to look to the future and plan for the future. They further reported that they realize not everyone will agree with certain aspects of the small area plan. The discussion continued on the goal of encouraging all Planning Commissioners and small area plan members to think as planners and make visionaries out of everyone. X. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to adjourn the meeting of the Edina Planning Commission at 9:30 PM. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion carried. Jaclz%t H-ooewalzlzer Respectfully submitted Page 13 of 13