Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 10-24 Planning Commission Minutes/ Minutes City Of Edina, Minnesota Planning Commission Edina City Hall Council Chambers October 24, 2018 Call To Order Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM Roll Call Answering the roll call was: Commissioners Miranda, Lee, Strauss, Mangalick, Nemerov, Hamilton, Berube, Chair Olsen. Staff Present: Cary Teague, Community Development Director, Kris Aaker, Assistant Planner, Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Technology Services Director, Liz Olson, Support Staff Absent from the roll call: Commissioners Thorsen, Melton and Bennett Approval Of Meeting Agenda Chair Olson commented that the Special Recognitions and Presentations with Scott Neal has been removed from the agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton to approve the October 24, 2018 meeting agenda. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. The motion carried. Approval Of Meeting Minutes Commissioner Strauss moved to approve the October 10, 2018, meeting minutes. Commissioner Hamilton seconded the motion. The motion carried. Special Recognitions And Presentations Advisory Board and Commission Minutes from Scott Neal moved to the November 14, 2018 Planning Commission meeting agenda. Public Hearings Staff Presentation, 4601 Meadow Road, Variance Planner Aaker presented the staff report for 4601 Meadow Road, Edina, MN. The home in a one-story rambler with a tuck-under garage built in 1945. The applicant is proposing to remodel the existing first floor and add a second story to the existing structure. The existing structure does not meet the required front yard setback along the west side of the property. A setback of 10 feet is provided from the west property line and is non-conforming. The proposed second floor will be farther from the front lot line at 14.1 feet from the front lot line than the existing setback. The required front yard setback is 47.7 feet bisects 3/4ths of the current home. Staff recommends approval of the variance, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff report. Discussion/Comments/Questions • Commissioners asked Planner Aaker to clarify the language of the recommended action that is being asked of the Planning Commission in regards to the variance. Aaker replied that the recommended is to approve a 33.6 foot front yard setback variance. • Commissioners stated that a comment was received by the rear yard neighbor. Aaker explained that the changes would be getting higher, not closer to the neighbor in back. Appearing for the Applicant David Daly introduced himself and explained that he bought the house in 2015 with no intention of remodeling. With a second daughter be added to the family, they realized they needed more space and wanted to stay in Edina. Public Hearing • Keelin Kane, 4600 France Ave S stated that she lives behind the property. Kane stated that the concerned comment to the Planning Commission was made by her townhouse neighbor who has windows facing the west side of the building that would look into the windows into the new addition. Kane asked how high the existing home and roof are and Aaker replied that it was not shown on the plans. Commissioner Strauss moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Miranda seconded the motion. The motion carried. Discussion/Comments/Questions • Commissioners commented that the second story was built into the roof and also that the treatment is well done and keeping with the neighbors. Commissioners commented that the upper story could benefit from a dormer. Motion Commissioner Hamilton moved approval of the variance as outlined in the staff memo subject to the conditions and findings therein. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. B. Staff Presentation, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary Rezoning, and Preliminary Development Plan, 7200 and 7520 France Avenue Director Teague presented the staff report for 7200 and 7250 France Ave, Edina, MN. Teague explained that France Equities is requesting a redevelopment of both 7200 and 7250 France Avenue. Staff recommended approval of the requests. Ed Terhaar, Wenck Associates, introduced himself and gave a presentation on the traffic and parking study. Discussion/Comments/Questions Commissioners asked Terhaar if he was a part of discussions with Hennepin County regarding the right in and right out on France Avenue. Terhaar replied that he was not involved and he does not know. Director Teague replied that Hennepin County’s concern was the spacing in between to the two intersections but they seem open to the idea. Design changes, like a right turn lane, would still need to be discussed by sitting down with Hennepin County. Commissioners asked why the numbers practically double in regards to the number of trips and Terhaar replied that it’s based off of the use and building size. Regular office space is a bit lower, especially on weekends, than medical dental office due to appointments. Commissioners asked if there was a comparison in traffic and the impact to the neighborhood on 72nd if it were a medical office building. Terhaar replied that it is 120 vehicles per day larger. Commissioners asked if the access on 72nd was a right in and right out and Terhaar replied that the traffic study was done with it being full access. Commissioners addressed the woonerf and how much traffic is using it. Terhaar replied that the volume shown on each access are reasonable and also expressed the concern of controlling the speed. There needs to be more discussion about traffic calming and items in place to reduce speeds. Commissioners asked Director Teague to explain what could be built on the property that is code compliant. Director Teague replied that the uses that are allowed are primarily office, medical use, and some retail. Teague added that the PUD would allow the new use of residential. Commissioners asked Director Teague to clarify the final height and final number of stories is that is proposed. Teague replied that the maximum highest at the mezzanine is 86.5 feet and that is where he measured the setback requirements from. Teague added that the fifth story is at 60 feet. Commissioners asked Director Teague where the entry and exits points are off of the site. Teague replied there is access of 72nd Street, Gallagher onto the woonerf, the right in and right out on France, and the entrance into underground parking. Commissioners asked Teague if the height setback distance requirement is from R-1 or single family and the requirement specifies only specifies R-1 and did not include R-2. Appearing for the Applicant Dean Dovolis, DJR Architects, presented on how the project had progressed since the sketch plan review, how it’s adapted to the Southdale Group, the project itself, the features of the project, and a 3D walk through. Discussion/Comments/Questions Commissioners asked Dovolis about the woonerf and the grey raised areas for cars. Dovolis replied that the subtle humps to slow traffic and Spalding south serves as a small round-a-bout to keep traffic at a slow pace. Commissioners also asked about the covered bus stop shown, and Dovolis replied that it’s a possibility and they have to work with Hennepin County and Metro Transit to develop a covered bus stop. Commissioners asked if 72nd was going to be reconstructed and Dovolis replied that he hopes so. The idea came out of the second public meeting and something he wanted to put forth. Commissioners commented on how Southdale is trying to day light some of the storm water and asked Dovolis if he looked at the potential to do that with the site plan. Dovolis replied that the conservation district by the townhouses would be day lighted. The sections between the buildings are too tight to make that work. Commissioners asked if is potential to have access to the public space from France Ave. Dovolis replied that it depends on how the retail tenants layout, but it would be an interior corridor connection. Commissioners asked Dovolis if landscaping could be put up right against France Avenue and Dovolis replied that he could move the sidewalk in and keep the boulevard. Dovolis said the sidewalk could cut deeper in and the boulevard could continue. Commissioners commented that the Greater Southdale is looking for materials to be solid and “100 year buildings.” Dovolis replied that the metal, stucco, and stone are first rate and quality materials. They wanted a variety of context in the façade to the woonerf. Commissioners asked Dovolis about the parking and if he thought if the only access was off France Avenue that it would get backed up. He replied yes and commented that some cars mixed with pedestrians provide a nice shared street and provides connectivity. Commissioners asked if there will be charging stations for electric vehicles and Dovolis responded yes. Commissioners suggested purposely showing some of the solar panels so people can see they are there and also showing that some water so people are educated that it is there as well. Public Hearing Dave Goodwin, 4200 W 76th Street, stated that he is concerned about the use of the property. He also stated that he was concerned about the safety and security of the businesses surrounding the proposed project. Hope Melton, 4825 Valley View Road and Coordinator of Edina Neighbors for Affordable Housing, stated that she is concerned about Edina’s urgent need for affordable housing and supports the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary Rezoning, and Preliminary Development Plan. The positives Melton stated were that the unit are integrated and good building location in the Greater Southdale area, and is near public transit.   Manish Virmani, 7312 Glouchester Drive, stated that the traffic study and that the numbers shown could be a lot greater with people driving on 72nd Street to access Highway 100. Vermani expressed concerns include Cornelia Elementary traffic and the increase concern for pedestrian safety in the neighborhood and parking overflow.   Steve Brown, 7215 Bristol Circle, stated that he has been a resident for 51 years. Brown stated that the traffic would be greater with a currently permitted use building, 20 percent affordable housing is positive, and the protection and creation of the conservation easement is positive. Arnie Bigbee, 7621 Edinborough Way, commented on the Centennial Lakes and Edinborough townhomes and how those communities have a dense housing arrangements and it doesn’t affect the driving in the area. Bigbee also positively commented on the amount of affordable housing being included in the project.   Erin Braum, 4208 Naval Drive, commented on how the neighbors don’t want more traffic and 800 units it too many to put on top of the neighborhood.   Sam Stern, 7121 Bristol Boulevard, stated he is a teacher and commented on shade effects and what the project is going to sound like with traffic at 50 miles per hour. Rosanne Anderson, on behalf of Cathy Campbell, 7201 Bristol Circle, asked to stop the current proposal and expressed frustration with some of Edina’s elected officials regarding the project. Roseanne Anderson, 7204 Bristol Circle, asked the Planning Commission to consider the condition of blocking off 72nd Street with whatever project is developed so that it is no longer a pass-through street. Paul Hughes, 7208 Bristol Circle, stated frustration that the Planning Commission or City Council receives proposals from developers that don’t follow the Comprehensive Plan. Bill Griffith, Attorney at 8300 Norman Center Drive, commented positively on the traffic and that it is solving the connectivity concern, access, and disbursing traffic.   Mark Peterson, 7330 Gallagher Drive, stated that it is a large number of units for five acres, the façade on the ground floor could be stone or a similar warmer material, and also wanted to know where the 75 foot tower is going to go for the antennas.   Bruce McCarthy, 6708 Pointe Drive, stated that he wants the Planning Commission to follow the process that has been set in place for City Council, Planning Commission, Task Force, and Staff.   Mark Mitchell, 7001 Heatherton Trail, commented on 70th Street 11 years ago when the neighborhood and the city came together and added a circle for traffic and a bike friendly path. Mitchell stated the 72nd Street is a drag strip currently and traffic is a concern and proposed to slow it down somehow.   Nora Davis, 6921 Southdale Road, stated how the traffic studies never seem to find an issue and discussed how the renderings of some projects look different once built.   John Carlson, 4433 Ellsworth Drive, stated that the height and density detract from the neighborhoods and commented that this project is the largest unit being proposed in Edina.   Jenna Alden, 4417 Ellsworth Drive, stated that the traffic study reference quantity and not quality and how the residents will go into the neighborhoods. Alden stated that the affordable housing shouldn’t fall on this proposal alone.   Sandy Carlson, 4433 Ellsworth Drive, stated that she doesn’t support the project and this project is wrong for this site. Carlson stated there is more land in the Southdale area to build instead of this lot and commented that there is not enough parking.   Richard Swanson, 4500 Hibiscus, commented that Cornelia school can’t accommodate additional elementary school children.   Bob Gubrud, 4421 Ellsworth Drive, stated that he would like to know what the covenant is that the neighborhood west of France has with the Planning Commission that is continually challenged. Vernon Harsberry, 7320 Gallagher Drive, asked what the current zoning is and what you could build following current zoning and Director Teague replied a 4-story 48 foot office or medical office building. Motion Commissioner Hamilton moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. The motion carried. Discussion/Comments/Questions Commissioners Hamilton requested that the 72nd Street issue should be separately looked at by Engineering, because the connectivity is important as well as the traffic through 72nd Street. Hamilton also discussed the Edina school’s 15 percent excess capacity and that needs to be addressed. Hamilton also commented that this project is right across the street from access to the promenade. Commissioner Berube commented that the variations have gotten better and the developer has done a diligent job in addressing concerns and she supports the project. Berube discussed the process and how the Planning Commissions job is to advise City Council. Commissioner Nemerov complimented Director Teague’s and Dovolis’ presentation and discussed the 60 foot limit is the reason he does not support the project. Nemerov also commented that the Comprehensive Plan sets out the guidelines that the people at the time thought was best for the City of Edina. Commissioner Strauss stated this was one of the more difficult projects to make a decision on. Strauss also commented that there is a process to update the Comprehensive Plan and it is currently taking place. Strauss commented on the review by Staff and stated it was convincing. Commissioner Miranda addressed comments by residents including the 72nd Street traffic issues, the noise of the project in person once built, and density is on a county road because that is where the traffic and transit is. Miranda also discussed with the weather extremes and that Edina can be a leader in how we address density in the City. Commissioner Lee discussed the unique location of this project on France being near residential homes and discussed that there needs to be a process of defining where the extra density should go. Lee stated she believes in the Comprehensive Plan, and commented that additional guidance the Planning Commission has received thus far from the Greater Southdale Work Group has not yet been vetted by the public. Lee also commented that there has not been an open house to solicit input from the residents and commented that she is not in support of the plan. Chair Olsen stated that the project is meeting the height requirements, other than the mezzanine. Olsen stated this is where we want to see density along France Avenue and the plan accommodates the transition zone. Olsen stated that the affordable housing is a great benefit for the city and expressed concern regarding the final building materials. Commissioner Hamilton moved approval of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary Rezoning, and Preliminary Development Plan as outlined in the staff memo subject to the conditions including the conditions listed by the Sustainability Coordinator, the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is only for 7200 and 7250 France Avenue, and the temporary pole needs to be removed once buildings are constructed and antennas relocated onto the building. Commissioner Miranda seconded the motion. Aye: Miranda, Strauss, Hamilton, Berube, Olsen Nay: Lee, Nemerov The motion carried 5-2. Discussion/Comments/Questions Commissioner Lee commented that the Elementary school and neighborhood need to be considered when discussing that this project is the correct location for increased density. VII. Community Comment None. Commissioner Hamilton moved to close the Community Comment. Commissioner Berube seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. VIII. Reports/Recommendations None. IX. Correspondence And Petitions None. X. Chair and Member Comments Commissioners applauded the consulting team and 50th & France Work Group and the Community Meeting on Tuesday, October 23rd went well. Commissioners stated there is a Greater Southdale Work Group meeting October 25th at 6:30 pm at Public Works. XI. Staff Comments None. XII. Adjournment Commissioner Hamilton moved to adjourn the October 24, 2018, Meeting of the Edina Planning Commission at 10:19 PM. Commissioner Miranda seconded the motion. The motion carried.