HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-25 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2001, 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
I. NEW BUSINESS:
S-01-4 Preliminary Plat Approval
Grandview Square 2nd Addition
Phase II
II. OTHER BUSINESS:
Amend Zoning Ordinance To Allow Currency Exchanges in
Certain Districts
III. NEXT MEETING DATE:
May 30, 2001
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 25, 2001, 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Acting Chair, David Runyan, Ann Swenson, Helen McClelland, David
Byron and John Lonsbury
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Gordon Johnson, Charles Ingwalson, Lorelei Bergman and Geoffrey
Workinger
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Larsen and Jackie Hoogenakker
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the April 11, 2001, meeting were filed as submitted
II. NEW BUSINESS:
S-01-4 Preliminary Plat Approval
Grandview Square 2nd Addition
Phase II
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission the attached preliminary plat
represents Phase II of the redevelopment at Grandview Square. Phase I, now
underway included the office building, the first condominium building and the
park square. Phase II includes lots for the second condo building, the
library/senior center and a reconfigured Sherwood park.
Mr. Larsen explained the plat for Grandview Square 2nd Addition includes
three properties not included in the Phase I plat. Those properties are the Edina
pet hospital, the Classic Hair Salon, and the Noonan office building. The HRA is
acquiring the three properties through eminent domain.
Mr. Larsen concluded the proposed plat is consistent with the approved
Overall Development Plan for the Grandview Square development. Staff
recommends approval of the proposed preliminary plat.
After a brief discussion Commissioner Byron moved to recommend
preliminary plat approval. Commissioner Lonsbury seconded the motion. All
voted aye; motion carried.
Amend Zoning Ordinance To Allow Currency Exchanges In Certain
Districts
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission financial institutions are currently
allowed in all commercial districts, the office district, the industrial district, the
mixed development district and the regional medical district. The zoning
ordinance does not contain a definition for financial institution.
Mr. Larsen explained recently, Unbank, a currency exchange business
opened at a retail strip mall on Edina Industrial Boulevard just west of highway
100. The business provides a number of financial services, including check
cashing and money orders. While this business may be appropriate at this
location, it may not be appropriate at others.
Mr. Larsen concluded since currency exchange businesses are logically
related to employment centers, staff recommends amending the Zoning
Ordinance to allow "currency exchange" businesses in the PCD-2, PCD-3 and
the PID districts.
Commissioner McClelland referred to the memo from Deputy Chief
Schwartz and asked Mr. Larsen if the Commission approves this amendment is it
possible to place a fee on police calls to the facility that exceed a certain
number. Mr. Larsen responded he is not sure if that is legal. He explained at
present if a false alarm occurs at a commercial site a fee is charged for each
false alarm exceeding two per year (that would also include this facility).
Continuing, Mr. Larsen said the police would need to determine the nature of
calls. He pointed out the Edina Police Department continually deals with a large
amount of calls generated from Southdale Center and the Galleria concerning
"bad checks", shop-lifters, etc., reiterating he is not sure if a fee would be
appropriate at this facility.
Commissioner Lonsbury asked if the Commission could add to the
approval process that facilities of this nature need to be licensed by the state as
currency exchanges. Mr. Larsen said that is an option.
Commissioner McClelland asked if this is the first facility in the City of this
nature. Mr. Larsen explained this is the first. He explained his research has
found that a growing number of immigrants who work in the area are not familiar
with US banking systems, and are uncomfortable using them. He noted many
immigrants also send money home to their families, and this facility provides that
service. Mr. Larsen reported facilities such as this also provide bus passes and
other amenities.
Commissioner Swenson moved to recommend approval of an Ordinance
amendment allowing currency exchanges to be located in the PCD-2, PCD-3
and PID zoning districts. The currency exchanges are also to be licensed by the
State of Minnesota. Commissioner Lonsbury seconded the motion. All voted
aye; motion carried.
III. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Jackie Hoogenakker