HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-28 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Regular (2)DRAFT MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE EDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2004, 7:30 PM
EDINA CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4801 WEST 50TH STREET
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Gordon Johnson, John Lonsbury, Ann Swenson, David Byron, Helen
McClelland, Geof Workinger, Stephen Brown, William Skallerud
MEMBERS ABSENT:
David Runyan
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Larsen and Jackie Hoogenakker
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes of the January 7, 2004, meeting were filed as submitted.
II. OLD BUSINESS:
Z-03-8 Preliminary Rezoning and Preliminary Plat
S-03-8 Wallingford Partnership
5101 70th Street West
Mr. Larsen reminded the Commission Wallingford Partnership appeared
before them at their last meeting and since that meeting their plans have been
revised to better reflect comments from the City Council.
Mr. Larsen introduced Mr. Vasco and Tony Bernardi along with their
architect Mr. Todd Young who are present to respond to any questions the
Commission may have.
Commissioner Workinger commented it appears to him it's a good idea to
divide the parcel into two separate lots, and asked Mr. Larsen if each building
would be able to "stand on their own" without the need for variances. Mr. Larsen
responded that both parcels would be able to "stand alone" with no variances
required. Mr. Larsen said the reason a variance is needed is that a utility
easement runs through the property. Mr. Bernardi told the Commission the
development team worked very hard to design the proper scenario for this site,
adding he believes the revised plan presented is an improvement over the
previous plan.
Commissioner Byron referred to minutes from the City Council meeting
where Mayor Maetzold inquired if Wallingford Partnership would consider
designating some units in the new building as affordable. Continuing,
Commissioner Byron stated he feels that request deserves consideration and
asked Mr. Bernardi his thoughts. Mr. V. Bernardi stated at this time designating
units as affordable has not been discussed, adding that request would be given
some consideration. Commissioner Byron said in his opinion if the Commission
were to recommend approval of the proposed new apartment complex approval
should be conditioned on designating some units as affordable.
Commissioner McClelland asked Mr. Bernardi a price range has been set
for the new rental units. Mr. V. Bernardi said in this area of Edina rent is roughly
$1.10 - $1.20 per square foot.
Commissioner Workinger asked Mr. Bernardi when he proposes to "break
ground". Mr. V. Bernardi responded around April 1st.
Mr. Alan Hohenstein, 5104 70th Street West, addressed the Commission
stating he resides directly across the street from the subject property. Mr.
Hohenstein told the Commission he has a number concerns with the project. Mr.
Hohenstein stated his concerns are: proposed building size, building elevation,
building height, roofline, and driveway access, to name a few. Continuing, Mr.
Hohenstein said this proposal if approved as submitted would change the
dynamics of the area. With graphics Mr. Hohenstein submitted to the
Commission different building design scenarios he feels are an improvement
over the plans presented.
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Hohenstein if he has a plan that includes a
swimming pool. Mr. Hohenstein responded his plans do not allow for a pool.
Chairman Johnson commented a pool appears on the plans presented this
evening.
Mr. Todd Young, representing the proponents told the Commission the
goal of Wallingford Partnership is to create a beautiful residential community
similar to the new residential community Cornelia Place off West 65th Street and
Valley View. Mr. Young added everything would be done to ensure that the
building materials used on the exterior are aesthetically pleasing to the
residential neighborhood to the north. Continuing, Mr. Young stated at this time it
is felt the exterior materials would be brick and stucco with the possibility of a
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metal roof. Mr. Young said at this preliminary stage a final decision has not been
made on the exact color scheme of the complex.
Commissioner Workinger commented as he reviewed the plans he
observed there appears to be no access to West 70th Street. Mr. Todd
responded, that is correct, in talks with city staff it was understood that placing a
cub cut on West 70th Street would not be supported. Commissioner Workinger
asked Mr. Larsen the reasoning behind not permitting a curb cut on West 70th
Street. Mr. Larsen explained historically West 70th Street in this area has been a
traffic congestion problem for the city. Engineering staff feels that access off
Metro Boulevard better suits the site and will keep traffic flowing allowing the
residential neighborhood to gain access to West 70th Street with greater ease.
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Larsen if a redesign of the West 70th Street/
Metro Boulevard intersection could be studied whereby better traffic flow would
occur if a redesign were visited. Mr. Larsen said it is possible the engineering
department would consider a West 70th Street access if the entire intersection
would be redesigned.
Commissioner McClelland explained she is unhappy a left hand turn from
the site onto West 70th Street isn't allowed. She said many residents of the
building would probably like to be able to turn left to visit the retail area. Mr.
Larsen said that is true but the residential properties across West 70th Street
were considered when making this decision.
Commissioner Byron stated he is very familiar with this site and asked if
the Commission were to act on this does the potential for future redesign still
exist for the Metro Boulevard/West 70th Street intersection. Mr. Larsen responded
that is a good question. He explained at this time this application is in the
preliminary approval stage and any change(s) with regard to that intersection
could be presented at final rezoning and plat, but the proponent, through city
engineering approval only, could present any change to the existing intersection.
Mr. Larsen also added any commission or council action on this application
would not prevent future redesign of Metro/West 70th Street.
Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Young if he sees any merit in the proposals
Mr. Hohenstein presented this evening. Mr. Young responded at this point he
has no comment due to the lack of time to study the proposals. Continuing, Mr.
Young added one issue he can comment on is that the proposed Wallingford
apartments have been designed to take advantage of creek views.
Commissioner Swenson asked Mr. Larsen if he believes the proposed
increase in density is a problem. With the aid of graphics Mr. Larsen explained
the subject site is located in an area that is surrounded by collector streets and
industrial zoned properties. Mr. Larsen said the proposed increase in density
should not negatively impact the area.
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Commissioner Byron said he is trying to "get a feel" on the height of the
building and asked Mr. Young to explain how the floors layout. Mr. Young
responded there is a possibility that apartment units on the 4tn floor could have
vaulted ceilings. Continuing, Mr. Young said all units will have 9-foot ceilings (11
feet floor to floor) and the roof is designed with a 5/12 pitch with the possibility of
the roof being designed with a 4/12 pitch. Mr. Young said at this time they are
still ironing out the final roof design. Chairman Johnson said if he calculated
correctly the building height would be around 56 feet, depending on the roof
pitch. Mr. Young responded that is correct.
Commissioner Workinger reiterated his concern is with the lack of access
to West 70th Street. He said if approval as recommended he would like the
council to note he feels the intersection of Metro Boulevard at 70th Street needs
to be reviewed and addressed with preliminary approval conditioned on
reconfiguration of that intersection. Mr. Larsen responded he understands where
Commissioner Workinger is "coming from" but with regard to traffic he must defer
to the City Engineer. Continuing, Mr. Larsen said it is his understanding the City
Engineer doesn't want another curb cut on West 70th Street. Commissioner
Workinger asked what would encourage the City Engineer to change is position.
Mr. Larsen responded in his opinion that intersection would need to be restudied
and he would revaluate that intersection if information changed.
Mr. Young said that while he understands the concern with regard to an
access off West 70th Street he believes the majority of residents would be
heading east toward Highway 100.
A discussion ensued between the proponents and the commission with
regard to the intersection and traffic flow on Metro Boulevard/West 70th Street.
Mr. Larsen told the Commission the issues on West 70th Street and Metro
Boulevard should not delay this process, adding he will inform the City Engineer
of the expressed concerns, but at this point in the process all issues are
preliminary.
Mr. Tony Bernardi informed the Commission he is confused by their
discussion on intersections etc. He added they followed the direction of the
council and the parking variance was eliminated. Continuing, Mr. V. Bernardi
told the Commission it is important that the new apartment building is configured
in such a way as to take advantage of creek views, and with regard to
traffic/intersection etc., we would do what you decide. Mr. T. Bernardi said he
and his brother have always had a good relationship with the city. Commissioner
Byron reiterated to Tony and Vacso Bernardi that he would like to see them
designate some units as affordable. Mr. T. & V. Bernardi responded and
reiterated that hasn't been discussed. The brothers also questioned if the
Commission can request that.
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A discussion ensued regarding adding affordable housing units as a
recommendation of approval. Commission Byron moved to recommend
preliminary rezoning and preliminary plat approval subject to final rezoning and
final plat approval and that the proponent consider designating a number of units
in the proposed new apartment building as "affordable". The number of units
designated as "affordable" will be determined by the Council as part of Edina's
continuing goal to provide affordable housing in union with the Minnesota Livable
Communities Act. Commission Swenson seconded the motion. Ayes; Byron,
Swenson, Workinger, Skallerud, Johnson. Nays; Lonsbury, Brown Abstain;
McClelland. Motion carried, 5-2.
Mr. V. Bernardi objected to the commission adding as a condition of
approval the designation of affordable housing units. He stated the Commission
is making this a political issue; which it isn't.
Chairman Johnson interjected and told Mr. Bernardi the commission is
advisory to the council and the commission is recommending to the council that
if approved a condition of approval should be to designate a number of unit(s) as
affordable.
Commissioner Byron pointed out as he mentioned previously the council
at their last meeting with regard to this issue suggested designating some of the
building units as affordable and the commission by their vote appear to support
that suggestion.
III. NEW BUSINESS:
P-04-1 Final Development Plan
Lund Food Holdings, Inc.
3945 West 50th Street
Mr. Larsen informed the Commission Lund Food Holdings is proposing an
addition and renovation to their 50th Street store. Mr. Larsen said staff is
supportive of the proposal as presented.
Ms. Kris Wertin and Mr. John Pazahanick were present representing Lund
Food Holdings.
Commissioner Workinger stated he thinks the new façade is tastefully
done and asked if any parking is lost as a result of this proposal. Mr.
Pazahanick responded no parking is lost as a result of this renovation.
Commissioner Workinger asked where the customers would eat if they
decide to stay in the facility and not "take-out" their food. Mr. Pazahanick
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explained there would be an eating area on the 2nd level. The 2nd level will
roughly be constructed above the present loading dock area.
A brief discussion ensued with Commission Members supportive of the
proposed changes to the Lunds store.
Commissioner Workinger moved to recommend Final Development Plan
approval subject to the plans presented. Commissioner Lonsbury seconded
the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
IV. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Chairman Johnson stated, as everyone is aware this is his last meeting
as a member of the planning commissioner and commission chair.
Chairman Johnson thanked members of the Commission and City staff for
their support during his tenure on the Planning Commission and Zoning
Board of Appeals. Members of the Commission in turn thanked Chairman
Johnson for his many years of service to the City of Edina and as their
chair.
Continuing, Chairman Johnson said at this meeting a liaison needs
to be appointed to the Heritage Preservation Board and a new chairman
needs to be appointed to the Commission.
Commissioner McClelland renominated Commissioner Swenson to
serve as liaison to the Heritage Preservation Board. Commissioner
Swenson accepted her nomination. Chairman Johnson called for the vote
and all Commissioners voted to re-nominate Commissioner Swenson as
liaison to the Heritage Preservation Board for a period of one year.
Commissioner Swenson nominated Commission Lonsbury as chair of
the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Workinger moved to nominate Commission Byron
as Chair of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Lonsbury told the Commission he is honored by his
nomination but added he feels if Commissioner Byron accepts the
nomination he is the best choice as Chair in light of his many years of
service on the Commission and Zoning Board.
Commissioner Byron accepted the nomination. All Commission
Members voted aye to nominate Commissioner Byron as Chairman of the
Planning Commission.
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Commission Members congratulated Commissioner Byron on his
nomination and acceptance of the Chair.
Chairman Johnson moved adjournment of the January 28, 2004,
Planning commission Meeting. Commissioner Lonsbury seconded the
motion. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM
Jackie Hoogenakker
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