HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-30 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA FOR PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 30, 2001, 7:30 P.M.
Edina City Hall Council Chambers
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
April 25, 2001
II. OLD BUSINESS:
Z-01-1 Final Rezoning
Noonan Construction Company
5400 France Avenue
Z-01-2 and S-01-2 Final Rezoning and Final Plat
Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
JMS Development and Thorpe Real Estate
6512 Vernon Avenue
III. NEW BUSINESS:
LD-01-2 CBS Real Estate Partnership
4555 and 4565 West 77 th Street
Country Club District Demolition Permit Moratorium
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2001, 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair, Gordon Johnson, John Lonsbury, Ann Swenson, David Byron,
Helen McClelland, David Runyan, Charles Ingwalson, and Geoffrey
Workinger
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Lorelei Bergman
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Larsen, Joyce Repya and Jackie Hoogenakker
OTHERS PRESENT:
Robert Vogel, Robert Vogel and Association
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the March 28, 2001, meeting were filed as submitted.
II. OLD BUSINESS:
Z-01-1 Edward and Lisa Noonan
5400 France Avenue South
Mr. Larsen told the Commission at the May 1, 2001, Council Meeting
Edward and Lisa Noonan received preliminary rezoning approval. PCD-4,
Planned Commercial District-4 to PCD-1, Planned Commercial District-1. Mr.
Larsen said at this time the proponents are requesting final rezoning.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends final rezoning subject to a
landscaping plan and Landscaping Bond.
The proponent, Mr. Ed Noonan was present to respond to questions.
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Larsen if landscaping is required on the
west side of the property. Mr. Larsen said ordinance does not require
landscaping in that area.
Commissioner Workinger asked Mr. Larsen if he believes the landscaping
along the south property line is adequate. Mr. Larsen said the landscaping along
the south property line meets code, but the Commission can recommend more
landscaping in that area if desired.
Mr. Noonan interjected along the southern property line there are some
evergreens, scrub trees, and grass. He told the Commission the entire site will
be cleaned and cleared of dead brush and trees, and replanting and reseeding
will occur.
Commissioner Runyan asked Mr. Noonan if he would use the existing
pylon sign. Mr. Noonan said he is not planning to use the existing pylon sign.
Commissioner Workinger interjected and asked Mr. Noonan if he would be willing
to remove the pylon sign. Mr. Noonan said he is willing to remove the pylon sign.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if parking requirements are
met. Mr. Larsen said parking complies with City Code.
Commissioner Ingwalson moved to recommend final rezoning approval
subject to receipt of a landscaping plan and bond. Commissioner Runyan
seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
S-01-2 & Z-01-2 JMS Equities and Thorpe Real Estate
Comprehensive Plan 6512 Vernon Avenue
Mr. Larsen informed the Council at their May 1, 2001, meeting met and
approved a revised plan. The original proposal contained 13 units, with nine
units fronting on a new cul de sac, and four units fronting on Tamarac Avenue.
The plan approved by the City Council removed one of the lots on Tamarac
Avenue. Mr. Larsen said no additional changes were ordered by Council.
Mr. Larsen concluded staff recommends amending the Comprehensive
Plan, and final rezoning and final plat approval conditioned on:
1. Developers Agreement
2. Subdivision Dedication based on a raw land value of $722,000.00.
3. Watershed District Permits
4. Modification of landscaping plan to meet ordinance requirements, plus
landscaping bond.
The proponent, Mr. Schoenwetter was present to respond to questions.
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Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if he anticipates any problems
with parking on Sunday mornings. Mr. Larsen said to date the City has not
received any negative reports on parking at this site.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if he believes guest parking is
adequate. Mr. Larsen said guest parking would occur on the street and in the
driveways, similar to other residential neighborhoods where a church is present.
Commissioner McClelland noted the church and church membership is
not large, adding she does not believe parking will be an issue.
Commissioner Ingwalson asked Mr. Schoenwetter if the prices vary
between the proposed homes on Tamarac Avenue and on the cul-de-sac. Mr.
Schoenwetter responded the base price for all buildings will be the same. Added
amenities, and square footage will change the price of each unit. Mr.
Schoenwetter said he believes the average price of the homes will be in the 400
thousand plus range.
Commissioner McClelland moved to recommend final rezoning, final plat
and amendment to the Comprehensive Plan subject to:
1. Developers Agreement
2. Subdivision Dedication based on a raw land value of $722,000.00
3. Watershed District Permits
4. Modification of landscaping plan to meet ordinance requirements, plus
landscaping bond.
Commissioner Lonsbury seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion
carried.
III. OTHER BUSINESS:
Country Club District Demolition Permit Moratorium
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission Members of the Heritage
Preservation Board have recommended a six-month moratorium on teardowns
within the historic Country Club District. Mr. Larsen stressed the
recommendation for a moratorium in no way reflects a problem. The goal of the
moratorium is to ensure there are no weaknesses in the present code as it
relates to teardowns, and to protect the historic integrity of the district.
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Mr. Larsen introduced Ms. Repya city staff liaison to the Heritage
Preservation Board and Mr. Robert Vogel, of Robert C. Vogel & Associates,
preservation planning consultant.
Commissioner Runyan asked Mr. Larsen Mr. Vogel's role in the
moratorium. Mr. Larsen explained in the up-coming months Mr. Vogel will work
with city staff and members of the Heritage Preservation Board as they re-visit
city code. Together they will formulate guidelines for the district.
Commissioner Ingwalson asked Mr. Larsen the role the Planning
Commission plays in the moratorium.
Mr. Larsen explained the Heritage Preservation Board advises the
Planning Commission and in turn the Planning Commission advises the Council.
Mr. Larsen said at this time the Heritage Preservation Board is asking the
Commission to consider recommending to the City Council a six-month
moratorium on demolition permits in the Country Club District. This moratorium
will allow city planning staff and advisory commissions time to examine how to
best approach teardowns in the district.
Commissioner McClelland referred to a copy of a "Country Club Survey"
she received in her Commission packet and asked Mr. Larsen when the survey
will be mailed to the Country Club residents. Mr. Larsen said he believes the
survey will be mailed to Country Club residents after the moratorium is in place.
Mr. Vogel addressed the Commission and informed them the main reason
for requesting a moratorium is to grant time to study the teardown issue and
develop a land use strategy before another teardown is requested. Continuing,
Mr. Vogel informed the Commission in the 1920's Edina was a small village.
During this time the concept of the Country Club District was developed as a
planned community with sidewalks, compatible streetscapes, and tree lined
streets. Building restrictions for the planned district also included criteria for size,
value, scale and architectural style.
Commissioner Ingwalson told the Commission he has opinions on
teardowns within the Country Club District, and is concerned more might occur
without proper supervision. He explained he is a long time resident of the district,
and one concern he has is that the people making decisions for the district might
not live in the district. Commissioner Ingwalson acknowledged to date the two
sites where teardowns have occurred have resulted in new homes that meet the
character of the Country Club District. Concluding, Commissioner Ingwalson
said any future "committee" would need to be careful in placing restraints on
individual homes, and if it is deemed appropriate for a committee to review house
plans maybe those individuals should come from the district.
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Commissioner McClelland referred to question #7 on the Survey form and
recommended that question be changed to read, "Please list any other
comments or suggestions you have about the Country Club District". She said in
her opinion that reads "more friendly".
Commissioner Swenson asked who the members of the Heritage
Preservation Board are. Mr. Larsen explained members of the Heritage
Preservation Board are appointed by the Mayor, are Edina residents, and have
an interest in Heritage Preservation.
Commissioner Lonsbury said he understands the focus of the moratorium
is on the Country Club District, and its historic significance, adding in his opinion
there may be other neighborhoods in the City that warrant consideration.
Commissioner Lonsbury said, as he understands the Country Club District the
"District" is on the "National Register of Historic Places" but not individual houses
in the district. He commented it might be difficult to isolate individual houses.
Concluding, Commissioner Lonsbury agreed with staff that presently there
appears to be no problem. The District polices itself well.
Chairman Johnson asked if this request would go before Council. Mr.
Larsen said if the Commission recommends a temporary moratorium it will move
forward to City Council.
Commissioner Byron said he has some reservations on a limited area
moratorium because it does not include the entire City. Commissioner Byron
said he understands members of the Heritage Preservation Board are only
concerned with the Country Club District, but in his opinion since no problems
have been recorded it might be better if a moratorium on demolition permits
encompasses the entire City. Concluding, Commissioner Byron asked if the final
goal is for a positive collective guide policy for the entire city or just the Country
Club District.
Mr. Vogel said at this time the focus is on the Country Club District. Mr.
Vogel explained residents in that district already realize their homes are located
in a historic district. Mr. Vogel said the City has exhibited a commitment to
historic preservation that goes back almost thirty years.
Mr. Larsen said he understands issues expressed by Commissioners this
evening and explained with the moratorium the City is being pro-active, he
reiterated a problem does not exist, but the City is committed to preservation of
the district.
Commissioner Ingwalson acknowledged as a resident of the district there
has been no negative reaction regarding the two teardowns, however within the
district a level of concern exists.
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A discussion ensued with Commissioners in agreement a moratorium may
be warranted.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Vogel if he believes six months is
long enough to address the teardown issue. Mr. Vogel stated in his opinion six
months is adequate to develop an appropriate land use strategy for the historic
district. Continuing, Mr. Vogel said it is important to recognize the historic
significance of the Country Club District, adding it is one of the first planned
neighborhoods in the Country.
Mr. Bill Horn, resident of the Country Club District, told the Commission
there is an element of concern in the district regarding teardowns.
Commissioner Lonsbury moved to recommend at the request of the
Heritage Preservation Board a six-month moratorium on demolition permits for
principal structures within the Country Club District. Commissioner McClelland
seconded the motion.
Commissioner Workinger commented in his opinion the motion made this
evening is good, but he is worried about the exclusiveness of the motion.
Commissioner Byron agreed focusing on just one area in the City is tough to sort
out, but the Heritage Preservation Board and staff support the request for
moratorium and I will agree with that request.
Commissioner Ingwalson said as a resident of the district I have concerns,
but believe at this time I should abstain from the vote
Ayes, Lonsbury, Swenson, McClelland, Runyan, Johnson. Nay,
Workinger. Abstain, Ingwalson. Motion carried.
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15. P.M.
Jackie Hoogenakker
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