HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 01-24 Planning Commission Minutes Draft Minutes❑
Approved Minutes®
Approved Date: 2/14/2018
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Edina City Hall Council Chambers
January 24, 2018
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, Lee, Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett,
Berube, Bennett, Chair Olsen. Student Members, Mittal. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant Planner,
Bodeker, Sr. Communications Coord., Eidsness, Support Staff, Hoogenakker
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the January 28, 2018, meeting
agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Berube. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the minutes of the January 10,
2018 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hobbs. All voted aye.
The motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Greater Southdale Area Study— Update
Planner Teague introduced to the Commission Don Hutchinson and Jim Nelson, members of the Greater
Southdale Area Working Group.
Mr. Hutchinson addressed the Commission and reported the greater Southdale area consists of over
700+ acres, adding it was the goal of the working group to establish a framework and guiding principles.
Continuing, Hutchinson said the working group has operated in phases. He added at this time they are
entering Phase III which is updating the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Nelson said the working group has worked hard on "give to get" to ensure any redevelopment in the
area achieves enhanced quality, walkability, connectivity and economic vitality for not only the area but for
Edina.
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Both Hutchinson and Nelson said that being a member of the working group has been a great experience,
adding they are looking forward to continuing the process and will miss Commissioner Hobbs as he leaves
for his new "adventure".
Commission Comments/questions/suggestions
• Summarize vision/so the working group does not have to rely so heavily on the consultant.
• Adding the Pentagon Park area to the Greater Southdale Area may be too much.
• Focus less on what"we" do not like and more of what "we" do like. Strive to help prevent things
we would not want in the absence of the working group and to foster things that we would not
receive in the absence of the working group.
• The Guiding Principles for the Greater Southdale Area have been a great step.
• The work the Greater Southdale Area Working Group has accomplished has made a difference.
The group has done a great job.
• Look at planting seeds. A 40-year plan cannot be too prescriptive.
• Stay the course
Chair Olsen thanked Hutchinson and Nelson for all their work.
VI. Public Hearings
A. Ordinance Amendment— Chapter 36 Rooftop Restaurants & Conditional Uses in the R-2
District.
Planner Presentation
Planner Teague reported that City Council has authorized staff and the Planning Commission to consider
a Zoning Ordinance to allow rooftop restaurants in Edina. Teague reminded the Commission that this
issue was studied by the City in 201 I. At that time, the Planning Commission recommended the approval
of rooftop dining with conditions; however, The City Council did not agree with their recommendation
and recommended that the City adopt an Ordinance that prohibited rooftop dining. Teague further
explained that the proposed draft Ordinance Amendment would allow Rooftop Restaurants as a
conditionally permitted use in all the Planned Commercial Districts to include conditions.
Continuing, Teague explained that with regard to Conditional Uses in the R-2 District the proposed
change was recommended as the result of the recent rezoning request from an R-2 to R-I on McCauley
Trail. The present language was created in 2010 to allow a home to be expanded or torn down and
rebuilt where the first floor elevation was forced to exceed the first floor elevation of the existing home
by more than one foot due to ground water issues. Teague noted this ordinance was created because at
that time cities could not process variances in the State of Minnesota. After the moratorium on
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processing variances in Minnesota was lifted, the City repealed this ordinance, as these proposals could be
processed by a variance; however, through oversight the language was left in the R-2 District.
Teague concluded that staff recommends that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 2018.03 subject to
any revisions.
Discussion/Comments/Questions
• Planner Teague was asked the reason Rooftop Dining came into play at this time. Teague
responded that it is the result of Lifetime Swim & Fitness moving to the Southdale Campus.
• Teague was asked how rooftop parking was handled at that time. Teague responded that in 2011
parking requirements were suggested.
• Teague was asked how or why the City chose the setback numbers. Teague responded in 2011
the condominiums at 50th and France were being constructed and the setback would prevent
rooftop restaurants in that area. Teague acknowledged he does not know if there is a magic
number.
• It was noted that in the materials researched by City Staff that the City of Wayzata requires a hold
harmless agreement, questioning if that would be something Edina should consider if rooftop
dining is permitted. Teague responded that if the Ordinance were amended he would ask the City
Attorney to review that requirement and apply it if necessary.
• Teague was asked if he felt the primary objection to rooftop dining was noise. Teague responded
that was one issue mentioned, adding it was an important issue. Lighting was another concern
expressed.
• It was noted patio dining appears to be permitted in all districts; however, if the City requires a
setback for rooftop dining from residential properties could other restaurants loose a competitive
edge if they are prohibited from rooftop dining because of setback requirement.
With regard to the amendment to the R-2 district Teague was asked how that occurred. Teague
responded that the proposed amendment was a housekeeping matter, adding as previously mentioned
staff forgot to "take it out" of that section of the code when the moratorium was lifted.
Public Hearing
Chair Olsen opened the public hearing.
The following spoke in support of rooftop dining.
Joel Hildendorf, Edina Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter of support.
Scott Ferguson, Development Manager, Lifetime Swim and Fitness.
Commissioner Thorsen moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded
the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
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Discussion/Comments/Questions
A discussion ensued on noise and how noise is measured and how the Ordinance would be regulated.
Teague explained that the City of Edina has a "Noise" Ordinance that includes points of measurement,
allowed decibels (day and evening), amplified or not. etc. Teague said the Health Division has the
equipment to monitor noise levels and does so actively. It was suggested that the proposed Ordinance
Amendment item c. "Amplified sound audible to adjacent property is prohibited" be replaced with a
reference/link to the City's Noise Ordinance. Teague further noted that the hours of operation are
limited from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm., with a provision to further restrict the hours depending on
circumstances.
The discussion continued with the suggestion that parking requirements be added to the Ordinance along
with and established setback. It was pointed out during the discussion that establishing a setback number
from residential districts would create winners and losers and that setback number could be considered
arbitrary. With regard to site and sound- screening measures could be suggested to mitigate the visual
aspects of rooftop dining along with sound. The opinion was also expressed that establishing parking
regulations could also be limiting.
Continuing the discussion it was pointed out that the City encourages a mix of uses pointing out if the
City establishes a set number with regard to setback from residential districts how would that work
requirement in our mixed use areas. The City has set a course to create walkable, pedestrian friendly,
vibrant neighborhoods and if an established setback number is set, would the City set itself up for
variances from the setback requirement and would a setback limit mixed uses because of restrictions.
Motion
Commissioner Thorsen moved to recommend approval of Ordinance Amendments for
rooftop restaurants and Conditional Uses in the R-2 Zoning District based on staff findings
and subject to staff conditions to include: fully striking (3) a. The outside seating area shall
not be permitted if located within one hundred (I 00) feet of any residential use at the time
the rooftop restaurant is established and rewriting (3) c. "Amplified sound audible to
adjacent property is prohibited" to read "will conform with existing City Noise Ordinances."
Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion.
Commissioner Nemerov offered an Amendment to the Ordinance to establish a I 00-foot
setback requirement from residential uses and parking requirements. No second.
Ayes; Hobbs, Thorsen, Strauss, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube, Olsen. Nays; Lee and Nemerov.
Motion carried.
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VII. Community Comment
None.
Commissioner Thorsen moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded
the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
A. Sketch Plan Review— 5146 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN (former Public Works Site)
Planner Presentation
Planner Teague reported that the Planning Commission is asked to consider a sketch plan
proposal to re-develop the 3.3-acre vacant site at 5146 Eden Avenue. This is the old Public
Works site. As proposed, at full build out, the site would include:
A I 7-story, 193-foot tall, 157 unit apartment with underground parking
A 3-story, 27 unit "artist loft" (affordable housing) apartment with
underground parking
A 20,000-30,000 square foot art center/active adult center
D A district-parking ramp with 430 stalls district-parking structure with a public
park/amenity space area on top. This parking is not visible from Eden Avenue
or Arcadia Avenue.
) Public plaza on the corner of Eden and Arcadia that leads to the public space
on top of the parking. Additional access is available from the northeast and
northwest corner of the site.
Teague asked the Commission to note that the Southdale Area Working Principles were
shared with the applicant. To accommodate the request the following is required:
A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to increase the height maximum
from 6 stories to 17 stories and 193 feet; and
A Rezoning from PID, Planned Industrial District to PUD, Planned Unit
Development.
Teague concluded that as with all sketch plan reviews; the Planning Commission is asked to
provide non-binding comments and direction on a potential future development request. Areas
of focus should be on the proposed land uses, and proposed height increase in this MXC
District.
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Appearing for the Applicant
David Anderson, Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate, Dean Dovolis, DJR Architecture, Inc.
Discussion/Comments/Questions
Commissioners raised the following:
• Teague was asked how the Grandview area is guided. Teague responded that it is
guided for mixed-use.
• Teague was asked if there was concern that variances may be required. Teague
responded it appears that the proposed row homes are too tight to the street;
however, at this time the City is reviewing ownership of an easement strip along the
west property line, adding if this easement is the Citys the row homes could be moved
farther back on the site. Teague concluded that at final plans he could comment more
on setbacks and variances.
• It was suggested that the proposed area for the art and senior center could become
more of a community center; which would add flexibility in services to the public
component.
• Teague was questioned about the function of the artist lofts; is there an "art interest"
component to rent these units. Teague explained that the artist lofts are the affordable
housing component of the project, adding it was possible some form of art connection
or interest would be of benefit.
• It was suggested that affordable housing units be introduced into the tower and that the
site highlight and celebrate City gems such as the art center.
• Teague was asked if this proposal satisfies the affordable housing component. Teague
responded that he believes so; noting this is sketch plan and more will be known at
formal application.
A discussion ensued on where the money was coming from for the public component and who
would own the land under the art center/adult center. Planner Teague explained all those
questions would be answered by the HRA. At this time, the Planning Commission is being
asked to comment on land use.
• Teague was asked if the proposal as submitted met the Grandview Guiding Principles
and Framework. Teague responded in the affirmative.
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Anderson gave a brief history of Frauenshuhs involvement with this project and reported
that he was happy to be before the Commission with the sketch plan. Anderson introduced
two members of the development team; Dean Dovolis, DJR Architects, and Terry Menarik.
Mr. Dovolis delivered a power-point presentation highlighting the following:
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• Dovolis indicated that the site was designed to be porous to create clear visibility
throughout the site to the green activity area. (upper level amenity space) ("hidden
parking")
• The site provides Artist Lofts that would line the district parking structure with
residential units along Arcadia Avenue. The lofts would consist of 27-units on three
levels, fronting Arcadia Avenue. A portion of the units would provide an affordable
component to the proposal.
• 1/3 of the site would be a market-rate residential tower positioned on an east-west
street element ("woonerf') The woonerf would be a shared street element intended to
function both as access to the site and provide and east-west pedestrian and bicycle
connection over the rail right of way to Jerry's.
• The I 7-story residential apartment complex with I50-units on the northern portion of
the site will offer views of the Minneapolis downtown skyline, it is proposed as a slender
architectural structure that would provide a landmark element to the Grandview
District.
• The south portion of the site would contain the Edina Art Center and Active Adult
Center.
• The Art Center as proposed is 20,000 square feet and the active adult center consists of
10,000 additional square feet.
Concluding, Dovolis said that in his opinion the public component would become one of the
most unique public use environments in the City and Twin Cities Metro Area.
Mr. Maynard highlighted the following:
• Streets
• Public Space (many uses of the field to include football, soccer, small art fairs, winder
markets, etc.)
• District parking resources
• Pedestrian and bicycle linkage from Arcadia to Vernon Avenue
• Connectivity and Walkability
• 2/3 of the site would contain public activities
• Sustainable design features, adaptive technology and operations practices to include
innovative storm water management facilities, water recycling, sustainable materials,
overall energy plans and the sharing of resources.
Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager addressed the Commission and explained that
the City held two public informational meetings on the subject site. The first meeting was on
Monday the 22nd and the second prior to this meeting. Neuendorf said concerned residents
expressed the following three trends and or concerns:
• Building Height
• Traffic
• Concern that regardless of all the meetings, etc. that nothing will be done.
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Michael Frey, Edina Art Center General Manager, reported to the Commission that the Art
Commission was very excited about this proposal. Frey said when considering a new Center
for the Arts the Commission had three locations in mind; I) Grandview, 2) Rosland Park and 3)
Southdale Library Site. Frey stated their choice out of the three was the Grandview location.
Continuing, Frey said this location is perfect and it is the front door to Jerry's, an excellent site
overall.
Commissioners had the following questions for Frey:
• Is the size adequate for programming. Frey responded that their focus in on
programming adding in his opinion the art center with the adult center is a very good
match and the size is twice what they presently have.
• Frey was asked if he believes the space could be shared for other community functions.
Frey responded the Art Center is a very busy facility that is open from 9:00 am to 9:30
pm. The Art Center also hosts many events over weekends.
A brief discussion ensued on financial aspects of the Art and Senior Center.
Commissioners shared the following:
• It appears the Artist Lofts only have windows on one side. Dovolis responded in the
affirmative.
• A question was raised on if parking would be adequate for the public functions. Dovolis
said a traffic and parking study would be done; however, tentatively they believe parking
would be adequate.
• It was suggested that the site could be better tied to Jerry's. Dovolis acknowledged that
the site was a tough site to design for because of the topography and the train tracks;
however, he believes what is proposed would work well and makes an investment to
the public realm.
• Have the Art Center be the key component for the site.
• Consider adding affordable housing into the tower; do not like the separation of
affordable units. Concern about an affordable housing being focused on artists instead
of people with families and average incomes, such as Edina teachers, police and fire
fighters.
• It was expressed that the location of the proposed tower was very good, lending itself
well to the site and the topography.
• Great idea in wrapping the garage - creating a flexible active space.
• Placement of the Adult Center with the Art Center was a good thought - it was pointed
out that the adult population is the fastest growing in Edina.
• Consider being bold, have the development make a statement that this is the Grandview
area. Make it a "grand view" for everyone.
• Great public space. The public is gaining great space.
• Incorporate if possible more space that is commercial; get a buzz going on what is
offered in this area.
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• Concern was expressed on labeling the public piece the Art Center/Adult Center; how
about a community center; broaden the audience.
• Consider adding an active roof on the apartment tower; consider a restaurant at the
top.
• Consider condominiums vs. apartments. Dovolis responded that they are considering
long-term leases with interior options chosen by the renter.
• Make sure that the traffic flow and way finding is clearly marked for all modes of
transportation, vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle.
• The amenity of the large outdoor area was applauded, excellent space; get the word out
on this amenity. Dovolis agreed that the outdoor area was terrific, adding it is the size
of a football field. Dovolis said that in his opinion this area would be used year round.
Dovolis said they were also considering a screen wall along the west lot line that could
be used for outdoor movies, climbing wall, and different activities. Dovolis said that
"use" ideas for this area are in the beginning stages because plans are not finalized.
Ownership of the easement is also unknown.
• The separation of elements and different housing types was desirable and a good fit for
this difficult site.
• Good example of"give to get"; noting that with the building height the City gained
public space to include large green spaces.
• Consider looking at incorporating a health and wellness component into the site.
• It is important for the public to understand that this project if approved was an
accumulation of years of work.
• It was pointed out that "food hall" was mentioned as a use. What would that look like.
Dovolis responded that his thinking was that food trucks could be positioned
throughout the site for certain events, or for just food events; pointing out vehicle
access is good.
• It was expressed that this area is a great space to add building height.
• Consider looking into the driveway area off Arcadia; in the winter it could become an
issue with the sidewalk.
• It was suggested that a shadow study be done by the time of formal application, although
the development is attractive, reviewing the impact of shadows will be needed before
being in favor of the project. Dovolis responded that would be accomplished prior to
formal application.
• Consider a risk analysis on if this is the best and highest use of the site. Bill Neuendorf
explained that at first this site was proposed to be sold to fund the new public works
site; however, the City found that residents would appreciate keeping City property for
its residents.
• Commissioners suggested that when a formal application is submitted that it have more
detailed plans on storm water management and sustainability. It is also important to
retain the park and ride. Look into the surface parking for the art center, is it adequate,
is it defined well enough. Dovolis said the Art Center does need some convenient
surface parking spaces. Dovolis said they could look into enhancing those spaces.
• It was suggested that at the time of formal application that plans are provided that show
connectivity to everything;Jerry's City Hall, everything.
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• Consider naming rights for the Art Center/Adult Center it could be a source of
revenue.
• It was reiterated that a traffic analysis, parking, sustainability, connectivity, shadow
studies need to be provided at formal application.
Chair Olsen thanked the applicants for their proposal.
B. Comprehensive Plan Update — Status/Check-in
Commissioner Lee informed the Commission that she suggested that Comprehensive Plan
Update Status/Check-in be added as an agenda item during the Comprehensive Plan process.
She said this standing update would keep all Commissioners abreast of the ongoing work of the
small area plans.
Commissioner Lee reported that 70th and Cahill is progressing, adding they are in the process
of proposing different scenarios for the area. Lee said they are also documenting comments
and feedback.
Concluding, Lee said the Commission needs to flesh out time lines; noting the 50th and France
Small Area Plan has not begun. Lee further reminded Commissioners that the small area plan
process could take up to six months.
Commissioner Berube said they are ending their work on the 44`h& France Small Area Plan.
Notes are being consolidated and an executive summary is being completed. Berube said the
public review process would begin in February with the hopes of a firm plan being presented to
the Commission and Council sometime in March.
Chair Olsen said members from the Greater Southdale Area Small Area Plan previously
presented an update.
C. Greater Southdale Area Work Group — Add a Planning Commission Member
to the Work Group.
Chair Olsen reminded Commissioners that Commissioner Hobbs would be leaving the
Commission and recommended that Ian Nemerov replace Commissioner Hobbs as a member
Greater Southdale Area Working Group. All voted aye. Motion carried.
VII. Correspondence And Petitions
Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials.
VIII.Adjournment
The January 24, 2018 Planning Commission Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 PM.
j'aclue Noo5Amagcfc.eit, Respectfully submitted
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