HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-27 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes•
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2004, 7:00 PM
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair, D. Bryon, M. Fischer, J. Lonsbury, A. Swenson, H. McClelland, S.
Brown, and D. Runyan
MEMBERS ABSENT:
G. Workinger
STAFF PRESENT:
C. Larsen and J. Hoogenakker
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES.
The minutes of the September 29, 2004, meeting were filed as submitted.
II. NEW BUSINESS:
P-04-3 Final Development Plan/Building Expansion
National Bankshares, Inc./The National Bank
7101 Washington Avenue
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the site is developed with a 6,800
square foot building that was originally used as a bank. The proposal would
construct an addition to the building, reface the entire building in brick and redo
the parking.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the proposed Final
Development plan. The use is consistent with the ordinance requirements, and
requires no variance. Approval should be conditioned on staff approval of a final
landscaping plan.
Mr. Paul Dahlberg of BKV was present representing the proponents.
Chairman Byron questioned the numbers with regard to the actual size of
the building after the proposed addition is constructed. He said it appears to him
the numbers don't match.
Mr. Dahlberg said the proposed addition is roughly 2,500 square feet. He
said the number discrepancy could be the result of including the lower level in the
calculation. Mr. Dahlberg said correct numbers would be submitted to planning
staff before the Council considers the proposal.
Commissioner McClelland questioned if the increase in building footprint
places the site in a nonconforming situation with regard to parking. Mr. Larsen
said after construction the site remains in compliance.
Mr. Dahlberg told the Commission the re -stripping of the lot to 90° angled
parking stalls actually increased the amount of parking spaces on site.
Continuing, Mr. Dahlberg explained changes would also occur on the islands and
pavement areas. Mr. Dahlberg concluded much of the changes to the parking
stalls, islands and pavement are the result of bringing the site into compliance
with ADA standards.
Commissioner Brown asked the parking ratio for this site. Mr. Dahlberg
responded the ratio is 5 spaces per 1000 square feet.
Commissioner Fischer asked Mr. Larsen for clarification of this process.
He said as a new member to the Commission he wondered why the proposed
building addition required a Final Development Plan since after construction of
the addition the building and site remain in compliance with ordinance
requirements. Mr. Larsen explained in the City's planned districts (commercial,
office, industrial, multihousing) the City requires a Final Development Plan if any
changes are requested that were not in the original approved project.
Commissioner Fischer thanked Mr. Larsen for that clarification.
Commissioner Swenson moved to recommend Final Development Plan
approval subject to review and approval of a landscaping plan. Commissioner
Lonsbury seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
LD-04-9 Charles Freeburg
4412 and 4416 Brookside Avenue
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the applicant is requesting to
transfer the southerly 3 feet of the lot at 4412 Brookside Avenue to the lot at
4416 Brookside Avenue.
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Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends approval of the lot division. Both
lots and structures would continue to comply with zoning ordinance
requirements.
Commissioner Lonsbury moved to recommend lot division approval.
Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
LD-04-10 Lot Division for Seagate Technology
4574 and 4625 West 77th Street
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the rearrangement of developed
parcels all owned by Seagate Technology would create a parcel (Parcel B) for
the main drive access to the Seagate plant. Parking cross easements would be
recorded between the properties to insure adequate parking for both sites. The
parcels would continue to meet Zoning Ordinance requirements. The building on
Parcel A could be sold, but the parking easements and access would remain the
same.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends lot division approval.
Chairman Byron told the Commission Seagate is a client of his law firm
and be would abstain from the vote.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen what would happen if Tract A
were sold and a new owner desires to construct a larger building. Mr. Larsen
explained zoning ordinance requirements would still need to be met. Mr. Larsen
said he believes at present the site is about at maximum.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if he believes the lot division
could create more issues. Commissioner Brown interjected and questioned if the
lot division were approved what would happen to the property adjacent to Tract
B. Mr. Larsen said regardless of what happens to any of the properties access
won't be changed by this division. The cross easements for access will be
recorded as a permanent easement, and if properties change hands the
easement stands, it is recorded. Commissioner Brown said if he remembers
correctly the property adjacent to the subject site(s) gets their access via the
subject site(s). Mr. Larsen responded that is correct.
Commissioner Fischer said as he views this request nothing is really
changing, cross easements are presently recorded and would continue to be
recorded. Commissioner Brown said his concern would be "land locking" the
adjacent property. Commissioner Fischer pointed out that tract is already
"landlocked". Mr. Larsen interjected adding the intent of staff is to maintain equal
access for all properties. Equal access exists today and would continue to exist
after the proposed division.
Commissioner Lonsbury moved to recommend lot division approval
subject to recorded parking and access cross easements. Commission Swenson
seconded the motion. Ayes; Fischer, Lonsbury, Swenson, McClelland, Runyan,
Brown. Abstain, Bryon. Motion carried.
III. INTERGOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen how the members were chosen
to serve on the Subdivision Task Force, and his reasoning for not appointing
Commission Members to the Force.
Mr. Larsen responded the City did not want anyone to serve on the Task
Force that is presently involved in the decision making process. Mr. Larsen said
this also includes city staff. Continuing, Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the
members of the task force include two zoning board members, one previous
zoning board member and other professionals.
Commissioner Brown asked what the task force is "looking for". Mr.
Larsen responded seven previously approved subdivisions were chosen to be
studied by the group. The consultant has prepared a questionnaire for the task
group to answer as they review the seven subdivisions. Monthly meetings are
held to discuss their findings. Mr. Larsen said the goal was to find neutral people
to study the past divisions and report their findings. Staff will evaluate their report
to see if their findings are similar to the findings of the Commission and Council.
The final report from the task force could also contain suggestions and/or
recommendations that would help us in future decision making with regard to
residential subdivisions.
Chairman Byron said it appears to him the Council wanted a "fresh look"
at the subdivision process without the involvement of the Planning Commission.
Chairman Byron added he has no problem with that. He said in his opinion the
goal of the Commission is to use our expertise in coming to an conclusion and
forwarding our advice and conclusion to the council. Our role isn't necessarily to
"get it right" but to present the facts as we see them.
Mr. Larsen agreed adding in his opinion the Commission has done their
best in making their decisions based on facts without politics involved.
Commissioner Brown commented Edina is a very unique city facing
residential redevelopment pressures.
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Commissioner Fischer told the Commission he is now a liaison to a task
force that will study the greater southdale area (Crosstown-494). He said at this
time the group is collecting information to generate ideas. Mr. Fischer referred to
copies he provided to commission members of the study and suggested that
commission members read the study and pass any ideas they may have with
regard to this study along to Mr. Larsen. Continuing, Commissioner Fischer told
the Commission the southdale task force is suggesting to the consultants that
they approach this area with innovative forward thinking ideas and solutions.
Chairman Byron told the Commission he along with Commissioner
Swenson attended the pubic meeting with regard to the greater southdale area.
He said one issue that appears foremost on everyone's agenda is traffic and
pedestrian safety.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Larsen if the proposed tram is still
viable. Mr. Larsen responded the tram is viable and part of the equation.
Chairman Byron said it will be interesting to see what the future brings.
Commissioner McClelland commented the future could also bring some
redevelopment opportunities. She added she has interest in the potential for
further hospital expansion and how that would relate to the Colony.
Mr. Larsen noted this study is in the beginning stages and the process is
ongoing.
Commissioner Fischer moved adjournment at 7:40 PM
Jackie Hoogenakker