04-09-79 PC Minutes �r'
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MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY
PLANNING COMMISSION
April 9, 1979
A regular meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission was held at 7:30 P.M.
on Monday, April 9, 1979 at the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valtey Road,
Golden Valley, Minnesota.
Chair Sehlin presided and the following members were present: Commissioners
Eastes, Edstrom, Hughes, Mindess and Polachek. Also present was Jon Westlake,
staff inember.
Members absent: Commissioners Forster, Herje and Specktor.
1 . APPROVAL OF MINllTES: lt was moved by Mindess, seconded by Hughes, carried
unanimously to approve the minutes of the March 12, t97g Planning Commission
meeting as amended as follows:
Page 3, second paragraph from bottom of page last sentence to read
"Mr. Gittleman indicated he and Mr. �leslund have tried to agree. . ."
2. WAIVER OF PLArTI;�G ORDII�JANCE
Applicant: The First National Bank of Saint Paul
Location: 645 Decatur - 8960 Golden Va11ey Road
Request: Divide Parcel into Three Lots
Zoning: Light Industrial North - Commercial South
The request is to divide a large L-shaped parcel into three lots. This request
was previously approved by the Planning Commission in September of 1977. At
that time LeBistro requested a division of Parcel C (Southeast parcel) for a
restaurant. The Planning Commission approved the request but the proponent did
not proceed with the request to the Council . Because of the configuration of
the Le6istro parcel , it created two other parcels. The Planning Commission
recommended approval of the request and asked if the original plat had been
involved in land dedication or cash in lieu of.
The current request is identical to the previous request for the division of
property, however the restaurant is no longer being proposed. The request is
submitted primarily because of an office/warehouse project for Parcel A (North Parcel )
The proponent was informed that the City may not approve the request to subdivide
the South Parcel into two lots at this time because there is no known proposal for
the property.
Present for the request were Messrs. Ron Manning, real estate agent, and
Gregory Bronk. Mr. Manning stated he assumed Le Bistro proceeded with the waiver
of Platting Ordinance request to the Gouncil after receiving Plar�ning Commission
approval . It was learned about a month ago that the request had not gone to the
Council , when we were going to sell the Northerly site to R. L. Johnson for an
office/warehouse.
The Commission in discussing the request reviewed the plan for an offite/warehouse
complex on the Northerly parcel and the request to divide the South Parcel into
two lots. The Planning Commission felt at this time, because there is no proposed
use for the South Parcel , it would be better planning not to subdivide this area
into two parcels.
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Planning Commission
Apri1 9, 1979 page 2
It was moved by Edstrom seconded by Mindess, carried unanimously to recommend
approval of subdividing the L-shaped parcel into two lots, subject to the
proponent submitting a drainage plan to the Engineering Department end dedi-
cation of land or cash in lieu of.
Parcel (A) - 645 Decatur Avenue
The North 307.56 feet of Lots 3, �- and 6, except that part of the North
307.56 feet of Lot 3 and of the East 34 feet of Lot 5 which lies South of
a line drawn_ at right angles to the East line of said Lot 3 and West from
a point therein distant 233.73 feet South of the Northeast corner of said
Lot 3, a11 in Block 4, GOLDEN VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARK.
Parcel (B) - 8960 Golden Valley Road
That part of Lot 5 lying West of the East 34 feet thereof and South of
the North 307.56 feet thereof; and that part of Lot 6 lying South of the
North 307.56 feet thereof; all in Block 4, GOLDEN VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PARK.
3. PRELIMINARY PLAT - GOLDEN VALLEY DEVELOPMENT
Applicant: Gittleman
Location: South of 6001 Glenwood Avenue
Request: Divide Parcel into 18 Single Family Lots
Zoning: Residential
Chair Sehlin read a �etter from Mr. Gittleman requesting the Planning Commission
to consider rescheduling the hearing on his preliminary plat to the April 23, 1979
Planning Commission meeting because of an emergency that has come up in his business
which will require Mr. Gittleman to be out of town for the meeting.
It was moved by Polachek seconded by Eastes carried unanimously to continue the
informal hearing on the plat to the April 23, 1979 Planning Commission meeting.
4. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - SET INFORMATIONAL HEARING
P.U.D. ��16-B
Proponent: Cheyenne Land Company
Location: 5615 Glenwood Avenue
Request: Set Concept Hearing for Consideration of Townhouse
Proposal containing 41 Units
Mr. Ron Bastier of McCombs-Knutson Associates, Inc. was present to request that
the Planning Commission set an informational hearing for consideration of a
41 unit townhouse proposal.
It was moved by Hughes seconded by Edstrom carried unanimously to set April 23, 1979
for the informational hearing for concept plans for P.U.D. ��16-B. The Commission
asked that the plans that are to be submitted contain general dimensions.
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Planning Commission
April 9, 1979 page 3
5. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - INFORMATIONAL HEARING
P.U.D. ��18-A
Proponent: Sachs, Friedell & Goldman
Location: Laurel Avenue 170 feet West of Turner's Crossroad
Request: Three Story Apartment Building Containing 65 Units
Commissioner Mindess dismissed himself from the table because of a potential
conflict of interest.
l. Background - Concept Plans
A. The Planning Commission held a concept hearing on May 23, 1978
and deferred action to the June 12, 1978 meeting at whieh time the
Planning Commission granted concept approval subject to six
conditions.
B. The City Council granted concept approval at the September 18, 1978
meeting subject to five conditions.
11. Assessment of Revised P.U.D. �1�'18-A Plans
A. Proposed Use: 65 Unit Multi-Family Apartment Building Complex
No. Type
23 1-bedroom unit
37 2-bedroom units
5 3-bedroom units
B. Proposed Density: 14.4 Dwelling Units per acre
C. Zoning: The proposed development site is presently zoned for
"Open Development" and is currently undeveloped.
D. Adjacent Land Uses:
North; (Single Family Dwelling Units) - Residential
Lying directly adjacent to the north is a
detached single family home having a relatively
large lot without public access to the property.
In addition, other single family units lying in
close proximity to the proposed site are located
' on lots much larger than those typically found
in Golden Valley (approximately 54,000 sq. ft.) ;
depending on the future desires of the lot owners,
it is possible these owners could apply for a
division for additional residences. The question
would be access to the area.
(Multiple) - Residential
An apartment building is located further north
of the proposed site.
(Institutional)
A church is also located north of the proposed
development site.
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Planning Commission
April 9, 1979 page 4
South; (Light Industrial)
West; (Residential)
�ao detached single family units located on
an L-shaped and oblong parceL
(Undeveloped)
Vacant property lies north and west of the
proposed site (land locked) .
East; (Institutional)
Fire Station currently under construction.
E. Environmental Considerations:
The site on which the development is proposed holds no
significant environmental qualities or vegetative stands.
Its value from a preservation and/or protection standpoint
is limited.
Although the proposed apartment complex will have an average
height of 30 feet along with a rather wide facade, there
would appear to be no adverse visual impacts on the surround-
ing land uses, since the proponents chosen building location,
setbacks and landscaping will serve to minimize any visual
intrusion of the building.
Although the traffic generated by the proposed development
would not have a substantial effect on present traffic
volumes, there would undoubtedly exist as a result of this
development an increase in volume and congestion at the
Turner's Crossroad - T.H. ��12 and service road at-grade
intersection. Currently, this intersection poses a problem
of limited mobility for travelers utilizing this route and
intersection during peak-hour traffic periods (7:00 to 9:00 A.M. ,
3:30 to 5:30 P.M.) .
F. Proposed Access (Entry)
The primary access route (ingress-egress) of the proposed
development would originate off of Turner's Crossroad west
to Laurel Avenue. In addition, accessibility to the site
could be attained by traveling north on Xenia Avenue off
of Town Road. However, it is estimated the Xenia Avenue
access route wi11 be a less traveled route by residents
of the proposed comple�c.
G. Proposed Parking
The proponent has depicted 143 parking stalls
No. Type
66 Exterior parking spaces
77 Enclosed below surface garage spaces
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Planning Commission
April 9, 1979 page 5
The described dimension of the exterior parking spaces are 10' x 2Q' �rith
a 25 foot space allowed for vehicle maneuverability between parking rows.
The underground garage space entrances have been located on the extreme
East and West ends of the proposed building.
H. Parking Requirements
The City's Zoning Ordinance (Chap. 4) specifies the parking requirements
for a proposed multiple dwelling unit. For the given number of units
described, this development would require 153.5 parking spaces.
Proposal Code Requires Type
77 88.5 Garage parking spaces
66 65.0 Exterior parking spaces
At this time the proposed parking for the apartment complex has not
complied with the requirements of providing 88.5 garage parking spaces.
I. Lot Coverage (Approximation)
Area Coverage % of Lot
Building 14.6%
Roads/Drives 27.0%
Setbacks, Sideyards, etc. 58.4%
The approximated lot coverage of the proposed development would seem
to conform to the requirements established by the Zoning Code.
III. Conformity of Revised Plan to Commission Considerations
The following actions describe those modifications complied with by the
proponent in light of the considerations specified by the Planning Commission
for the concept plan reviewed in June 1978.
1) The proponent has provided a 15 ft. emergency access road (treated
surface) around the building on the northern portion of the property.
Proponent is still reviewing different materials for the surface.
2) The proponent has relocated 12 parking spaces which once were
located west of the swimming pool area in order that adequate green
area is provided between access easement and road.
3) It has not been officially determined whether or not the proposed
development meets the requirements of the Public Safety Department.
4) The City Council, at their September 18, 1978 meeting, after dis-
cussion felt at this time Xenia Avenue should not be extended north.
The proponent will grant a 14 foot easement to Mr. Green along the
west side of the apartment property if the project is approved.
The City Council, at their September 18, 1978 meeting, gave concept -
approval noting Items 1, 2, 3, ' and 6 of the Planning Commission
motion.
5) The Park and Recreation Commission, at their March 1979 meeting
recommended an 8 foot wide easement for a trail to meander within
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Planning Commission
April 9, 1979 page 6
the 60 foot front yard setback off of Laurel Avenue. The cost
of the trail to be paid by the developer.
6) The parking spaces originally planned in eoncept for the front of
the building have now been moved to the stretch of property
abutting the Public Fire Station property.
IV. Consistency of Proposed Development to Adopted Com rehensive Development Plan
According to the City of Golden Valley's Gomprehensive Development Plan,
the parcel of property in question is proposed to be developed as a
"Residential - P.U.D" with medium density.
V. Building Informatian
The South elevation of the structure will be approximately 28 feet high.
The other three sides will be approximately 34 feet high. Exterior
matex'ial is hri_cl:. T�r7.ttc a � fo�t m�.,����7��i ronf.
SQUARE FOOTAGE OF FLOOR SPACE
Total % of
Type of Unit Square Footage No.of Units Sq. Footage Complex
1-BR 957 23 22,011 30.0%
2-BR 1,184 37 43,808 59.5%
3-BR 1,554 5 7,772 10.5%
TOTAL 3,695 65 73,597 lOQ.O%
VI. Landscaping
1) The plantings as chosen by Bachman's would seem to withstand the
severity of winter rnonths.
2) The location (placement) of specific plantings is generally adequate
to screen the development and retain the soil.
3) It is suggested that more coniferous plantings be placed near the
entrance of the building. This would provide more visually
aesthetic contrasting between the structure and the landscaped
grounds during the winter months.
Chair Sehlin read a letter to the Planning Commission from the Minneapolis,
Northfield & Southern Raiiway pointing out they are not opposed to the project,
however the rail usuage could possible be disturbing.
Messrs. Richard Sachs, one of the property owners, and Mr. Ted Goldman, contractor,
were present. Mr. Sachs indicated he has been involved in developing apartment
properties for approximately 18 years and everything we build we intend to keep
because we try to carefully analyze all aspects prior to getting involved in a
project. This is an expensive building because of the quality that we require.
The reason for this is we intend to keep the complex and therefore the quality
pays off on the long run especially on maintenance. Mr. Sachs then reviewed the
landscape plans and type of units that will be in the structure. The apartment
building wi11 have common facilities which are Outdoor Swimming Pool, Recreation
Room, Whirlpool and Sauna. Mr. Goldman then reviewed the elevation of the
structure and exterior material, which is brick. The trim throughout the structure
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Planning Commission
April 9, 1979 page 7
is oak and there will be a security system. To protect the landscaped area from
the blacktop area we will install B6-12 or B6-18curb and gutter.
The Planning Commission in discussing the proposal noted the proponent has com-
plied with the requirements as prescribed by the City Council for concept plans.
The Commission in reviewing the project asked if there are any future thoughts in
making the project into a Condominium, are there any plans to enclose the pool
for winter use, will there be anyone in charge of the common facilities and do you
intend to lease to people with children? The Commission then discussed with Mr. Sachs
his experience in apartment complexes that he owns in the Metro Area. Commissioner
Edstrom indicated he is concerned about expensive housing in the community but feels
their project is a well thoughtout proposal .
It was moved by Polachek seconded by Edstrom, carried unanimously to recommend
general plan approval for P.U.D. }8-A, subject to:
1 . Proponent providing an emergency access road around the structure.
The surface area of the access to be designed to look as part of the
landscaping but support the pulalic safety equipment.
2. Proceed to the Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration af enctosed
parking space variance.
3. Meet .the requirements of the Public Safety Department.
4. Grant a 14 foot easement along the West property line for access to
the contiguous land-locked parcel .
5. Grant an 8 foot wide easement for a trail to meander within the 60 foot
frontyard setback off Laurel Avenue. The cost of the trail to be paid
by the developer.
6. Requirements of the Building Board of Review.
7• Conditions of the Special Use Permit.
8. Landscape plan to include evergreen plant.ings around entrances to the
building to soften these areas in the winter.
It was then moved by Hughes seeonded by Edstrom, carried unanimously to recommend
rezoning this parcel of land containing P.U.D. #18-A from Open Development to
Residential .
6. METRO COUNCIL - CONFERENCE
Chair Sehlin reported she received a notice from the Metro Council about a
conference on analyzF�ng changes in the fully Developed parts of the region to be
held 'on April 28, tg79. If any Commissioner would like to know more about this
conference, they may contact Jon Westlake.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was on motion,
duly seconded, adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Chair Sehlin Secretary Mervyn Mindess