02-11-74 PC Minutes ���
MINUTES OF TH� fIOLDIId VALLEY
Pq,ANNTN6 OO1�lI5SI0N
February 11� 1974
A regular meeting oP the t3olden VaL1ey Planning Connnission was he2d at
7s30 P.M. on Monday, February 1.3., 197b at the Civic Center, 7$Ej0 t3olden Valley
Road, f�olden Valley, Minnesota.
Secretary Ronatd �dstrom presided ar�d the following members were present:
Commissioners Christiansen, Her3e, Hu�hes, and Lennard. Chairman John Sarapson
arrived at 1Os00 P.M. Joa Westlake, Village staff ine�ber, was also pr�sent.
Members absent: Commissioaers Becker and Lundsgaard.
1. APPR�YAL OF MINUTES: I��ED by Chr3stiansen, seconded by Leonard,
carried unanimously, to approve the minutes oP the January 28, 19?4 Planning
Comanission meetiag as amended as follows; Second paragraph of Item 2 (a),
sentence 1 - change the �ord reviewing to statin �nd �e�►ve the �rords w2�ich
is and replace with the �rord was. Third para��raph of Ite�a 2 (a) - remove
second sentence completely.
2. (�,�(?Ii HILLS AREA STtT�9Y
Secretarq Hc�nal.d &lstrom reviewed the Plann3.n� Commission�8 previous di�scussiora
of the January 28, 197lt �'].anning Co�nission �teeting wl.th respect to the
(i].enwnod Hi21s area study. The Plann3ng Conm�ission at thst �eetin� establishe�d
an advisory co�mnittee consisting of 13 �embers. 1+Ir. Fdstrom then e �lained
what the function of thi� advisory co�mnittee i�. The fclloWing residents were�
present and asked questions regarding the comn�ittees Mrs. Johnson, lt200
Eiolden 9alley Road, Airs. K3.ng, lt�25 Wa�atch Lane� and Mr. Smith, 2080 lKary Hills
�rive questioned ths makeup of the cc>mmittee and asked if t�no more residenta
of the area could serve on the advisory com�aittee. Mrs. Brodskq, b�05 Heathbrook
Circie, ar�d Mr. Van Hauer, lt7.01 Golden Va11ey Road also asked questions re�arding
the advi�ory co�maittee. The Plgnning Commisaion discus�ed the request to add
tw� more residents from the t3�].enwood Hi.11s area to the advisory com�aittee.
It was nmved by Her�e, seconded by Hu�hes, to allow the citizens to appoint
t�ro more residents Yrora the area to the advisory comnaitt+Be. �hese citizens
could be at large in the area beeause the three residents as listed in the
January 28, 1971� Planni.ng Com�ission minute� (Ite� 3-a) xill be from the
specific area in the pfl.enw�od Hi.11s studq area. Upon roll call vote being
taken, the follovr�ng voted in favor thereoFs Her�e, Hughea, an�d I�dstro�.
The follo��i.ng voted against the saunes Christi�nsen. 2he �ctian carried with
�o�naisaicner_Lea��rd abstsining.
3. WAIV�R �F TH� PLATTINQ �RDZNANGS
Southsid� Lw�ber Comgaar�,q (Conm�ercial)
5722 Wayzat� Bculevard
�h� �equest is to divide a psreel 25� feet ia depth by )s9.5 feet in xidth
fz�om g parcel to the north which is appraxi�aately 6 acres. The sma3.ler
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P2anning Commission
February 11, 197�t pa�e �
parcel as described above would then be combined with a lot contiguous to
the west making a parcel 250 feet in depth bq 11� feet in width.
Mr. Stetien �rickson of Thorpe Bros., Inc. was present representing Southside
Lumber Company to answer questions about the request.
It was maved bq Christiansen, seconded by Herje, carried unanimously to
recommerld approvat oP the Waiver of the Platting Ordinance far dividing and
combining Plat 8l�ti0?�, Parcels 6U05 ana 6015 t57��-5730 Wayzata Bc�e�.levard),
sub3ect to if and when a structure is placed on the south lot that its mini�um
front yard setback is to be 50 feet from the south property line arid also
sub3ect to the requirements of the City �glneerin� De�partment.
!�. PUBLIC INF�RMATION.AL MEETING (Planned Unit T3evelopment)
P.U.D. #I2 Concept P7.an
�PPlicant: Jack aalant ,
I,ocation: County Rbad 18 service drive (East-West)
Proposal; Three-story building containing 60 units
4.95 acres, 12 units/acre
Mr. Jon Westlake reviewed the following information regarding the proposal�;
"The larid use of the current proposal is the same as proposed to the Planning
Commi.ssion at their Julq 9, 1973 Planning Co�ission meetin�. The planning
analysis for that meeting is basically the same, except for changes which you
xi.11 find in the current planning considerations belows
1. '�he proposal at the July 9, 1973 Planning Commission meeting was deferred
to the August 27, 1973 P'].anning Commission meeting. The Commis�ion at the
August meeting recommended to deny the propogal Por a Piae-story buildin�
(an the North side) containing 90 units and occupying 10� of the land.
The present proposal is f'or a three-story apartment building containing
60 unf.ta covering approximately 15� of the land. The site contai.ns tt.95
acres of land and is presently zon�l Open Development as is mtxch of the
surrounding area.
2. 5trictly as a t�land use�' concept, the propo�al w�ould be in aonformity
to the Comprehens3ve Municipal Plan as adopted and reeonunend�l by the
�"lanning Commission, exce�pt the density. The Comprehensive Village Plan
ca11a Por the site in question to be Residential PU�i at �mid-densitq�
(up to 9 units per acre} �ri.th the land Purther to the �outh being desig-
nated for "lo� densitq" (up to 5 units per acre) Residential PUD.
3. Some Basic questions are as folloWS�
a} Bui�.ding Height. Is the area appropriate far a three-story buildin�?
b} Is the proposed density proper at the propose+d i2 dwelling units per acre2
c) Site Plan. Is the genera7. site plan satisfactorq and does it reiate
well to existing and potential developments in the surrounding area?
d) Concept. �hould the Planning Commission reco�uaend favorable action
to the Village Council thus encouraging the Applicant to proceed on
��s basis with the time and expense involved?
�
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Plannin� Crimmissian
February 11, 1974 page 3
4. As a concept� it �nould seem that the primary consideration is height and
densitq. The aesthetics of building "height�' are generallq a question of
personal opinion arid taste. The ennironmental effects oY building height
become "measurable�' only when buildings are close together resulting in
obstruction of views, casting of shadows, cutting oFf a3r circulation,
and other such ePfects upon living and environmental conditions. In th3s
particular case, the site is rather reiaote frc�n other development (existing
or pot�tial} and it �rou3d be difficult to find measurable affects that
are detrimental. to the environment. It is expected, however, that there
may be considerable interest and opinions expres�ed over the less tangible
affects. It i� suggested that the site in question xould seem to be one
that lends itselF to cansideration of a mid-rise residential structtire.
The Village Plan calls for com�aercial and i.r�stitutional iand use �E�o the
north and public open space to the east# other residential PUD uses are
su�gested Yor land to the west and south. The structure is at a consider-
able iiistance fron� its south property line, which is the north property
line of P.u.D. �13 (xin��s valley).
5. The site does and will contain a ponding area xhich i.s part of a 1ar�er
ponding area. Whi.le a ponding area tt�a,y be considered as '�open spacen,
it is not '"usable" open space for residents. While the proposed density
is within that required for three-story buildings, there may be a
questian as to hoW much credit sheuld be ginen in terms of density for
the ponding area. Tt is true, however, that the Applicant has offered
to donate approximatelq 1.5 acres for the pond3.ng area; it is assumed
that this is desired by the C3.ty Engineer and that he will s�zggest
conditions regarding shoreline and other treatment including anti-�ilting
and pollution measures.
6. The question of alternate emergeney vehicle access ar�d perhaps a road
tie-in with land tn the west or south should be given further �tudy
later if concept approt►al is given; this is a site plan detail that ca�n
be determined at a later date.
7. The idea of ramp or underground parking is a plus factor and tends to
off-set the negative aspeets of "unusabie" open sp�ce in ponding by
add3ng to the amovnt of open or green land area tbat t�uld normally be
covered by a paved parking svrface. While cansidered a plu� factor in
reducing ground cavered by structures and parking, the parking plsn details
are not totally clear and the Applicant should be asked to explain in
some detail the proposed park3.ng arrang�nent. I�n idea for future eonsider-
ation would be to require �ome form of landscaping on the top leve2 of
parking area.
8. From a professional planning viewpc�int the "eonce�pt�' as proposed would
seem to have merit. This opinian may be altered based upon receipt of
Pactual arui sound reasons to the eontrary that may be presented by others.
If the concept is approved, additional study and review wou3.d be required
and �re detailed plans. A detailed PUD Permit could then be drafted
outlining the many conditions that stmuld be involved, such as landscaping,
treatment of the pond, eneergency vehicle access, arui the like."
2�:��
Planning Commission �
Februsry 11, 19?!t page !t
Messrs. Jack Galant and William Seltz, Attorney, were present to discuss the
proposal zrith the Planning Commi.ssion. Mr. Seltz stated the proposed three-
storq (Aiorth side) apartment building contains 64 units. There will be
30 one bedroom unit� with 815 square feet and 30 tti+rro bedroom units with
1,0�0 square feet. There are ?8 underground parking spaces. The building
will have an enclosed s�rl.mming pool xith sauna. Mr. Galant notified at
least 3� people in the neighborhood for a meeting on February !�, 197�t regarding
the proposed development, but no one atter�ed,
Mes. Medeck, 2l�3n Ea�sign Ave. N., stated she is oppos� to the proposal.
because of height, rental units, and density �hich would set the tone for
the remaining open area.
The Planning Commission in discussing the concep� plan was concerned about
density which has been a ma3or concern at previous Planning Commission meetings-
specifically the August 27 and �etober 23, 1973 P].anning Commission meetin�s
when the Commission discussed with Mr. Galant the Comprehensive Plan which
indicates a residential land use at mid density oP a range up to 9 units per
acre. The Planning Cammission also discussed the height of the build3ng in
relation to ex3.sting structures in the srea and the grade of the street conti-
guous to the property on the north (street elevation is 932, and top of
building elevation is 951.), site coverage of the building, bitumi.nous area,
landscaping, and �he 1.5 acres of ponding. The Commission also discussed the
credit that stlould be considered because of the ponding area. The question
was also ask�3 of Mr. t#alant about selling the individual units as condominiums.
After further discussion it xas maved by Sa�pson, second�i by Leonard to den,y
the request for P.U,�i. #12 based upon density. tJpon vote being taken bq
roll call, the Polloxing voted in favor thereof; Chri�tiansen, Hughes, Sampaon,
and Leonard. Th� following votecl against the sames Her�e. The motion carried.
The following density range was indicated to the proponent as s guide which is
a range of 50 to 55 un�ts thereby giving a credit of 5 to 10 units more than
the upper limits indicated by the Comprehensive P].an because of underground
parking (Comprehensive Plan indicated up to 9 units per acre, cr !�5 unit�).
Commissioner Her�e indicated she xas opposed to this density ran�e for this
proposal at thi� time. {Based upon the fact the aforesaid paira�raph was
linked to the mation).
5. Gn�,
(a) Policy on Moderate and Low Income Rousing
Ad Hoc Committee of Planning Conunission and Human Rights Co�mnission
Secretar� Edstrortt and Commissioner Her3e of the Planning Commission met with
Four members of the Human Rights Comn►ission to discuss ways the two Commissions
might deal with the Village Council�s request to investigate means of impla-
menting a policy on moderate or low income housing. Mr. Wayne Cox fro� the
Metropolitan Council was also present at this meeting and reviewed programs
aaailable in housing and how the Village could pursue this. The twa follotiring
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Planning Commission
February 11, I97lt page 5
points were developed from this meeting: l. A decision has to be made as to
whether the Village can be involved in housing without a H.R.A. 2. None of
the me3nbers oP this ad hoc committee has the ability to get a11 the Pacts
together in the rapidly changing and very techn�.cal progratn that H.U.D. iso
Because of this the Committee is requesting that the representatives present
discus� with their Gommission the possibility of requesting $3�0.00 of the
Village Council to hire a consultant or staff advisor to prepare documents
describing methods as to how (3olden Valley could have housing disparity and in
addition tell us what housing progra�s are avai2able with or wit2�out an H.�.A.
Tt �as moved bq 5ampson, secor�ded by Leonard, carried unanimously, to recommend
to the 9illage Council that they consider either (a) hiring a consultant, not
to exceed $300.00 to put together the appropriate material for this repart
described in the aforesaid, or (b) a repressntat3ve of the Yillage staff to
put together the appropriate material for this report.
(b} Mr. Jon Westlak� then inFormed the Secretary that he has contacted all
former (since 1970) QiLl.age Counci.l and Planning Commission members about serving
on the advisary committes and the following indicated their willingness to serve:
former Mayor Cli�'f Teresi and former Councilman Ray Stockman, and former Planning
Cammission m�nbers Don Frarizen and Lowe11 Swanson. The Planning Commission
noted that in formuiating the advisory committee, Item 3-b af the January 28,
197� Planning Commission minutes indicated appointing three former me�r►bers of
the Village Council or Planning Com�nission to serve on this committee. The
P'"iann3.ng Com�nission was p3.�ased to find out, that out of those polled, four
are wi.11i.ng to serve.
It was moved by Leonard, seconded by Hughes, carried tlri8ri�trit1t131.y 'f.0 hBVe the
four former Village Council and P3.anning Comm.i.ssion members serve on the
committee.
The Planning £ommission was also in agreement that former Mayor C1ifF Teresi
shouZd act as Chairman pro te�m of the advisory committee and that the co�mnittee
shauld appoint a recording secretary. The advisory committee�s first meeting
will be set for February 25, 197L at 7:30 P,M. with the Planning Connnission for
a shart geriod of time Yor direction from the P1ann3.ng Commission, after which
the newlq formed committee will meet separately from the Planning ComYnission.
The Planning Commission also felt the advisory committee should meet again prior
to the March ll, 1971� Planning Commission meeting at which time their input
will be �i.ven to the Commission regarding the t3lertwc>od Hi71s area. A1so, at
this same March 11, 197�t Planni.ng Com�aission meeting the Coirunission will hear
input from the residents or prop�rty owners in the area.
(c) Compr�hensive P'lan
Mr. Jan Westlake distributed to the Planni,ng Commission copies of the changes
recommended to the Planning Commission by the Village Council regarding the
Village Comprehensive Plan.
There bein� no further business to come before the m� �ing, it was on motion,
duly econde ad�ourned at ll:lQ P.M,
t
Ch i an John Sampso Secre ar Lds rom