09-27-76 PC Minutes �:��
MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
PIANNING COMMISSION
September 27, 1976
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Cornmission was held at 7:30 P.M.
on Monday, September 27, 1976 at the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road�
Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Chairman Ron Edstrom presided and the fotlowing members were .present:
Commissioners Nughes, Mindess, Sehlin, Specktor, and Wagman. Also present
was Jon Westlake, staff inember.
Members absent: Commissioners Herje and Lundsgaard.
1 . APPROVAL OF MINUTESz MOVED by Mindess, seconded by Wagman, carried
unanirrausly, to approve the minutes of the August 23, 1976 Planning Cc�mmission
meeting as amended as fol )ows: add Item #7• REQUEST FILL PERMIT. The Ptanning
Commission was informed that the representatives of the Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church at 9145 Med�icine Lake Road were not ready to present their request.
2. WAIVER OF THE PLATTING ORDINANCE
Applicant: Evan F. Lindberg
Location: 1400-1410 Spring Vatley Road
Request: Divide Single Parcel into Two Lots
Zoning: Residential
The request is to divide the parcel into two lots each containing 87 feet of
frontage and approximately 27,000 square feet. The parcel is well wooded with
its higher elevation in the center, which is approximately 12 feet higher than
Spring Valley Road. The center of the lot is approximately 40 feet higher than
Sweeney Lake. Because of the size of the lot to the south, there may be the
possibility of adding land for frontage. In this area there is a range of lot
sizes. The lots contiguous to Sweeney Lake in this vicinity all exceed 100 feet
of frontage and 12,500 square feet, except the parcet at 1420 Spring Uattey Road.
This request was before the Planning Commission at their August 25, 1975 meeting.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the lot division; however, the
City Council at their October 6, 1975 meeting denied the request.
Evan F. Lindberg was present for the request and stated that he proposes to sell
the two lots. Mr. Lindberg also noted that the neighbors in the area are aware
of the lot division and that they have a signed agreement with the abutting
property owners to the north and south regarding the request.
It was moved by Sehlin, seconded by Hughes, carried unanimously, to recommend
approval of the waiver of the Platting Ordinance, subject to the following
conditions: 1 ) Units should meet the required 15' setback (same as 100' lot),
2) Estabtish a larger front yard setback than 35 feet because of the location
of adjacent homes (front yard setback should be approximately 110' as scated
on the sketch submitted with the proposal ) , 3) Require a grading ptan at the
time a permit is issu�d for a structure.
���
P 1 anni ng Cortmi ssi on
September 27, 1976 page 2
3• PRELIMINARY PLAT — VALLEY WOOD
Applicant: Fisher/Sanko
Location: 5651 Olson Me►norial Highway
` Request: Platting of Thirteen (13) Single Family lots
Zoning: Residential
The request is to divide 5.4 acres into thirteen (13) lots. The preliminary plat
indicates that all the lots meet the requirements of the Platting Ordinance.
The 60—foot Right of Way that extends into the area is approximately 650 feet
long ending in a cul de sac. The design of the cul de sac atlows access to a
targe parcel for future building sites. The proponent will meet with the owner
of the westerly parcel to find out whether he is interested in this arrangement.
The ingress to the site is directly aceross from the entrance to the service drive
for Highway 55. If the Planning Cortmission approves the plat, another irr�ortant
point which would be part of the finat ptat is a drainage plan.
The property is zoned Residential as is the surrounding area, which contains
single family detached homes. There are some larger parcels of land to the east
and west of the property which contains single f�nily homes. The Comprehensive
Plan indicates a Residential P.U.D. for this parcel of land and residential for
the surrounding area. The previous request was to develop 20 townhouse units
on the site for a density of �► units per acre. The concept request for townhouses
was approved by the Planning Comrnission but denied by the Council in May of 1975•
The present request would have a density of 2.5 units per aere.
F. W. 0'Keefe of David C. Bell Cort�any presented the request and explained that
thirteen single family lots would be the minimum that could be developed because
of eeonomic reasons. The type of homes constructed w�`11 be corr�arable to the
homes now in the area.
Chairman Edstrom then asked for ccxnments from the audience, and the following
concerns were expressed: James J. Fiorentino, 5630 Woodstock Avenue, stated
he has no objection to the proposed single family devetopment; however, he felt
the Planning Commission should be aware of the increasing problem of traffic
congestion in this area, particularly at Turners Crossroad and Highway 55� and
the water problem caused by sub soil drainage which should be considered so that
the drainage is carried away from the properties located to the south of tMis
proposed development. Mr. Fiorentino also noted that the propo:sed access from
this development onto Highway 55 is very�poor. John E. Sunness, 5620 Woodstock
Avenue, expressed that he had no� objection to the proposed single family develop—
ment. Or. Lawrence J. Schut, 434 Yosemite Avenue, questioned what effect this
development would have on his taxes because of new utility services which would
abut his property, the type of barrier to be used between this residential develop—
ment and the heavier use to the East, and also discussed the need for a park in
the area. John R. Crelly, 5726 Woodstock Avenue, felt the State Nighway Department
should place a bridge over the railroad tracks on the south side of Highway 55
connecting Turners Crossroad with Douglas Orive.
The Planning Commission discussed at length the increasing probtem of traffic
at Highway 55 and Turners Crossroad and the service ramp from Highway 55 to
Highway 100. After further discussion it was felt the traffic problem would
�
�,� r
Ptanning Commission
September 27, 197b page 3
be considered in a separate motion and not considered in the motion regarding
the plat. The Comnission then discussed the drainage and its effect upon the
neighboring properties. The Planning Commission felt that a drainage plan
should be completed to show sub soil conditions because of the high water
table. The Commission fett the plat was in keeping with the area and pointed
out to the proponent that all lots on the final plat shoutd meet the Platting
Ordinance.
It was moved by Mindess, seconded by Specktor, carried unanimowsly, to recommend
approval of the preliminary plat, subject to the following conditions:
1 ) The number, space, and pressure of fire hydrants to be approved by the
Golden Va11ey Fire Chief,
2) Submit to the City staff a detailed grading plan showing surface drainage
and the filling proposed for Lot 1 Block 1 of this development,
3) Meet the approval of the City Engineering Department,
4) Lot size to conform to the Platting Ordinance and all aspects of the plat
to meet the requirements of the Platting Ordinance,
5) Subject to the Platting Ordinance requirement of 10;b dedication or cash
in lieu of.
The Planning Comnission discussed sending a separate letter to the Council
regarding the traffic problems in this area; however, after further discussion
it was felt that a separate motion should be sufficient.
It was then moved by Specktor, seconded by Wagman, carried unanimously, that
due to the serious traffic problem at Mighway 55 and Turners Crossroad, be it
resolved that the Planning Cortmission recommends that the City Council designate
appropriate staff to approach the State Highway Qepartment to study the service
drive in this area and the possibilities of extending the service drive west
to Douglas Drive by the construction of a bridge over the railroad tracks in
an effort to remedy the traffic problem. Some suggestions regarding the above
would be signs designating egress to Turners Crossroad and Mighway 100 service
ramp, and limitations on`truck traffic on Turners Crossroad should be studied.
4. FLOOD PLAIN
Applicant: Northland Company
Location: 8441 Wayzata Boulevard
Request: To Fill an Area of the Flood Plain for a Structure
The request is for a Fill Permit. The area of fill is located in the Northwest
corner and Southeast corner of a proposed third buitding on the site. According
to the developer this would ccxnplete the number of structures on the site. The
request has been reviewed by the Department of Natural Resources and Bassetts
Creek Flood Control Carmission.
By filling the area in accordance with the ptans submitted, the developer wilt
provide an equal amount of flood storage plus an additional 16,500 cubic feet
as a result of gradir�g on the site.
The recommendation of the Planning Commission regarding the Fill Permit will be
forwarded to the City Council . The plan in reference to landscaping a�d the
structure will be reviewed by the Building Board of Review.
! � �
Planning Xommission
September 27, 1976 page 4
Kenneth Stensby of United Properties was present for the request and exptained
that since the time the second building on the site was constructed the City
of Golden Valley passed a Flood Plain Ordinance which prohibits new structures
in the Flood Plain unless a Fill Permit is approved. Mr. Stensby discussed the
drainage plan on the site and stated that the East parking lot slopes to the
North, and the drainage from the present parking tot and the new parking lot
will drain away from Westwood Lake.
It was moved by Wagman, seconded by Hughes, carried unanimously, that the
Planning Comnission recommend granting permission to fitl this area in accord-
ance with the pian the proponent has submitted to the Planning Comnission and
with approval of the plan by the City Engineer prior to any constructio� taking
place on the proposed water storage area on the (new) west parking lot (to
eliminate the possibility of sedimentation of Bassetts Creek or Westwood Lake).
5• REQUEST FILL PERMIT
Good Shepherd lutheran Church
9145 Medicine Lake Road
Because the proponent was no� present for the request, no action was taken on
this item.
6. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - CALL PUBLIC HEARING
P.U.D. #14-A
Proponent: Jack Galant
Location: 2404 Hittsboro Avenue North
Request: Construct 28 Remaining Townhouse llaits
The present proposal and site was reviewed with the Planning Commission. It was
further noted that the tone of units has been estabtished because of the six
existing units on the site.
It was moved by Nughes, seconded by Sehlin, carried unanimously, to set
October 11 , 1976 for the public hearing to consider general plans for P.U.O. #14.
The Planning Corrmission indicated to Mr. Jack Galant, who was present for the
request, that they would be reviewing the landscape plan and final details such
as signs, mail box location, etc.
7. GENERAL
(a) Letter of Appreciation - Gten Christiansen
It was moved by Specktor, seconded by Haghes, carried ur�animously, to direct
Chairman Edstrom to send a letter of appreciation to Glen Christiansen for his
dedicated service to the Planning Comnission.
(b} Request from City Council to disc�ss Rezoning of:
1 . Mark Hurd property from Open Oevelopment to Business
� Professional Offices
�_��
Planning Commission
September 27, 1976 page 5
Mr. Westlake explained that the City Coancil has asked the Planning Cortmission
to review the Open Development area tocated 220 feet East of Pennsylvania Avenue.
The property on which the Mark Hurd office building is located is zoned Business
and Professional Offices. Mr. Westlake indicated that he had met with Mr. Bock,
President of Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys, in reference to the zoning of the open
parcel . Mr. Bock indicated that their future pla�s for the open parcel probably
would be a contine�ation of the office use; therefore, they would like to see the
parcel zoned Business and Professional Offices. The green area as described on
the Comprehensive Plan was also reviewed with Mr. Bock and he indicated he would
be open to discussion in reference to the green area.
The Corr�rehensive Plan indicates a Residential Pianned Unit Oeveloprr�nt for the
property which includes an approximate 100—foot green area north of Laurel Avenue.
The property to the east of the site was approved by the Planning Comnission for
Institutional (I-4) zoning. The area south of Laurel Avenue is zoned Industrial ,
and the area to the north is zoned Residential . The supporting factors in zoning
this property now is that it woutd canplete the zoning in this area, the green
area could be negotiated and the individuals buying lots in the new plat to the
North Mrould know what the property would be used for. The negative factors
would be that the green area could be negotiated at the time a structure is
planned for the area, the Corr�rehensive Plan does not indicate a Business and
Professional Office use for the property, and zoning the property without a
specific plan and use.
The Planning Cortmission questioned rezoning a parcel of tand when there is no
definite plan or use designated for the property. It was noted by the Commission
that the Corr�rehensive Plan indicates Planned Unit Development for this property,
and Business and Professional Offices zoning would not be in keeping with the
Plan.
It was moved by Hughes, seconded by Specktor, carried unanimously, that the City
Council be informed that the Planning Commission indicates no action in rezoning
because no specific proposal has been received by the Planning Ccxrrnission, and
such a rezoning would be in violation of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. L. L. Elstad Property — Open Development to Institutional (I-4)
The City Coancil at their September 20, 197b meeting set October 18, 1976 to
consider the purchase of the 17 acres of land located south of Cortlawn Addition
Section 4 and north of the intersection of Florida Avenue Socath and Laurel
Avenue. The property will be used for ponding purposes for the South fork and
a buffer between the Industrial to the S;outh a�d Residential to the North. The
correct zoning for this use would be Institutionat (I-4). The present zoning
is Open Development. The Comprehensive Plan indicates a Planned Unit �evelopment
use for this property.
It was moved by Specktor, seconded by Mindess, carried unanimously, to recommend
approval of the rezoning of this property to Institutional (I-4) , noting the
property will be City owned and has a specific use planned for it.
� ;_w'��
Planning Commission
September 27, 1976 page 6
(c) Discuss Guidelines for P.U.D.
Mr. Westlake reviewed the draft copy of the P.U.D. Procedures which had been
distributed to the Planning Commission. Members Robert Wagman and Jody Sehlin
wilt review the draft copy for changes and report back to the Planning Commission
at their October 25, 1976 Planning Commission meeting.
.. There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was on motion,
duly seconded, adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
C a'rman Ro ' Ed Kathryn Her 'e
z
NO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING October 11 , 1976