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01-23-84 PC Minutes 287 MINUTES OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION January 23, 1984 . A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held in the Council Chambers of the Civic Center, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. Chairman Polachek called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Those present were Commissioners Forster, Leppik, Polachek, and Prazak. Commissioner Tubman was not present at the beginning of the meeting. Commissioner Singer was absent. Also present were Mike Miller, Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator, Alda Peikert, Assistant Planner, and Jeff Sweet, Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Director. I . APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 1984 It was moved by Commissioner Prazak, seconded by Commissioner Leppik and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 9, 1984 Planning Commission meeting as recorded. II. INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING APPLICANT: New Vector Communications (AT&T) LOCATION: 2401 Mendelssohn Avenue North REQUEST: Change Zoning From Commercial to Radio Zoning District Chairman Polachek introduced this agenda item and called on Planning and Redevelopment Director Mike Miller to present the staff report. Commissioner Tubman arrived at the meeting. Mr. Miller presented a favorable staff recommendation based on the relatively passive use proposed for the site compared with other possible permitted uses under current Commercial zoning and compared with past proposals for the site. Mr. Miller stated that the proposed use would not harm surrounding neigh- borhoods and pointed out that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regula- tions protect surrounding homeowners from communications interference. As comparisons Mr. Miller pointed out the Hennepin County Sheriff's tower, which is 300 feet high with guide wires, and the newest tower in the City of Golden Valley, the Minnesota Communications tower off of Ottawa, which is over 300 feet high. ��� rianning Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 2 Chairman Polachek called on the proponent, New Vector Communications, repre- sented by Mr. Tom Harraka, 53 Palmer Drive, Wayne, New Jersey. Mr. Harraka stated that the proposed installation would be one of the frontier sites in the new wave of mobile communications and that along with 12 similar installa- tions in the area, it would serve 150,000 customers. In response to a question from Commissioner Forster as to the height of the proposed monopole, Mr. Harraka replied that the pole would be 150 feet high to the platform and that there would a a 17 foot antenna on top of the platform for a total height of 167 feet. Commissioner Tubman asked the relationship of New Vector Corrtinnunications to American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) . Mr. Harraka replied that New Vector Communications is now a part of U.S. West Corporation, as is Northwest Bell . Commissioner Leppik asked about landscaping of the site and the installation of tall trees to minimize visual impact of the monopole. Mr. Harraka replied that site landscaping would include a manicured lawn and small shrubs next to the building. Mr. Harraka described the building as small in size finished with brown sculptured block and not unsightly. Mr. Harraka stated that the monopole, which would be 36 inches in diameter at the base and would taper upward, would be painted sky blue. Mr. Harraka stated that considerable research went into selection of the color and that poles already installed have proven to be unobtrusive and seldom noticed. Commissioner Prazak asked what type of lighting would be on the top of the pole. Mr. Harraka stated that the proposal would be referred to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for direction on lighting and that he does not yet know whether lighting would be required or what type of lighting might be required. In response to a question from Commissioner Tubman, Mr. Harraka stated that the proposed installation would be owned entirely by New Vector Corrrunnunications and would remain in New Vector ownership. Chairman Polachek opened the informal public hearing for public input. There was no one present who wished to speak on this agenda item, and Chairman Polachek closed the informal public hearing. Commissioner Prazak stated that he would be happy to see green grass and shrubs on this particular site rather than more intensive development. Mr. Harraka added that the proponent would obtain a maintenance service to care for the landscaping. Commissioner Leppik stated that she would like to see the installation of some high trees to mask the pole. Mr. Harraka stated that the proponent would have no problem with the addition of some trees. Mr. Miller pointed out that the next step if the property is rezoned would be an appearance before the Building Board of Review (BBR) for issuance of the building permit. The BBR would require a landscape plan, would apply the City Landscape Standards and could ask for additional landscaping. Planning Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 3 ,)�� It was moved by Commissioner Forster, seconded by Commissioner Leppik and carried unanimously to recommend City Council approval of the request from New Vector Communications for rezoning of the vacant parcel at 2401 Mendelssohn Avenue North from the Commercial to the Radio Zoning District to allow construction of a telephone switch station and 167 foot high monopole as part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Mobile Telephone System. III. INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICANT: Earl Weikle and Sons LOCATION: 5760 Wayzata Boulevard REQUEST: Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for a Tire (auto repair) Service Store in a Commercial Zoning District Commissioner Polachek introduced this agenda item and opened the meeting to Commissioner questions of staff. Commissioner Prazak referred to a condition recommended by staff prohibiting outside storage of products or refuse and asked whether outside dumpsters are allowed on this type of site. Assistant Planner Alda Peikert stated that City of Golden Val�ey Code requires storage of dumpsters inside or within an approved enclosure. Commissioner Tubman noted the long list of conditions recommended by staff and asked whether there had been problems leading to some of the conditions such as the one prohibiting semi-trailers on the site. Ms. Peikert stated that semi-trailers currently located on the site and used �for storage of tires are in violation of City Code and that the proponent has made repeated promises to staff that the trailers would be removed immediately or within a week, but that the semi-trailers remain. Chairman Polachek called on the proponent represented by Mr. Willard Weikle, 5605 Woodlawn Boulevard, Minneapolis, of Earl Weikle and Sons, General Contractor. Mr. Weikle introduced Mr. Tom Gegax, who is manager of the current operation at the subject location and would be manager of the proposed Tire Service Store. Mr. Gegax stated that the semi-trailers which were on the site have mostly been moved and that remaining trailers are in the process of being moved. Mr. Weikle stated that the proponent is aware of the conditions of approval recommended by staff and intends to comply with all conditions. Commissioner Forster requested an explanation of the warehouse site located on Florida Avenue. Mr. Gegax stated that the proponent originally wished to add on to the building at 5760 Wayzata Boulevard to provide space for tire ware- housing but that the addition was not permitted. Therefore, it was necessary to obtain another facility for tire storage. Mr. Gegax introduced Mr. Ted Gruidl , who was present to represent Rudy Luther, owner of the building at 5760 Wayzata Boulevard. 190 Planning Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 4 Commissioner Leppik asked when all semi-trailers would be off the site. Mr. Gegax said they would be off within a week if they were not already yone. Commissioner Tubman asked whether the proposed operation would include any other automobile repair besides tire service. Mr. Gegax said that there would be no other automobile repair besides tire installation, balancing and brakes. Chairman Polachek opened the informal public hearing for public input. Mr. Jeff Rogness, Contemporary Designs, 5740 Wayzata Boulevard, stated that on behalf of Contemporary Designs located adjacent to the subject site, he attended the hearing in order to find out what is proposed for the property. He stated that Contemporary Designs has not had any problems with the opera- tion to date and he wonders whether the operation will remain the same. Mr. Gegax explained plans for upgrading of the property with enhanced building exterior and landscaping. Mr. Rogness asked whether there would be parking in front of the building, and Mr. Gegax replied that parking would be on the side with no parking in front. Mr. Rogness stated that he does not see any problems with the proposal . Chairman Polachek closed the informal public hearing. Commissioner Prazak stated that the proposed Tire Service Store sounds like an improvement of the site. It was moved by Commissioner Prazak, seconded by Commissioner Tubman and carried unanimously to recommend City Council approval of the Conditional Use Permit requested by Earl Weikle and Sons for operation of a Tire Service Store at 5760 Wayzata Boulevard in a Commercial Zoning District, subject to the following conditions: 1. Construction of site improvements in conformance with the Site/Plot Plan dated January 3, 1984 prepared by Bruce Knutson Architects, Inc. , including striping of parking lots. 2 . Conformance of building space use with the floor plan dated January 3, 1984 prepared by Bruce Knutson Architects, Inc. 3. Approval of building interior and exterior remodeling plans by the Building Board of Review. 4. Conformance of landscaping with the City Landscape Standards and approval of the Building Board of Review and provision of a landscape bond in an amount and for a term specified by the Building Board of Review. 5. Separation of bituminous surfaced parking area and drive from landscaped area with concrete curb. 6. Conformance of signage with the City Sign Regulations and approval of the City Building Inspector. 7 . Sprinklering of the entire building. �91 r �anr���g �ommission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 5 8. Conformance with all recommendations of the City Fire Marshal . 9. Removal of all semi-trailers from the site prior to issuance of the Conditional Use Permit or buiding permit. 10. No semi-trailer trucks or detached semi-trailers on the site either temporarily or permanently either for purposes of deli- very or for purposes of storage of tires. 11. Inside storage of used and unusable tires. 12. No outside storage of products, materials or refuse. 13. Conformance with the Minnesota State Building Code, including handicapped accessibility requirements. 14. Failure to comply with one or more of the above conditions of approval shall be grounds for revocation of the Conditional Use Permit. IV. REQUEST FROM HRA TO REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR AREA D OF VALLEY SQUARE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT Chairman Polachek introduced this agenda item and called on Planning and Redevelopment Coordinator Mike Miller to present the staff report. Mr. Miller reviewed the proposed Preliminary Plan for Area D of the Valley Square Project illustrated with boards of the site plan, building elevations, building ren- dering and Valley Square Conceptual Plan. Mr. Miller explained that the Planning Commission is given an opportunity to comment on the proposed Preliminary Plan prior to inclusion in the Development Agreement between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and the developer, but that review at this time does not constitute a hearing and the Planning Commission may not make a formal recommendation to the HRA. The proposed development plan for Area D will come before the Planning Commission as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the future, and if a significant change is recommended and accepted by the City Council during the PUD process, amendment of the Development Agreement would be necessary. Chairman Polachek expressed concern over the addition of 337 cars to Rhode Island Avenue North which is already a busy street. Mr. Miller stated that he did not see this additional traffic as a major problem. As a comparison he pointed out that the North Wirth development added 1100 cars discharging onto Highway 55. Chairman Polachek suggested that Rhode Island Avenue North will require widening in the future in order to handle future traffic and that there is a serious grade problem at Rhode Island and Country Club Drive such that cars traveling north on Rhode Island cannot see cars coming from the west on Country Club Drive. Chairman Polachek suggested that Preliminary Plans should provide for future improvements to Rhode Island Avenue. ��2 Planning Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 6 Commissioner Tubman expressed concern over potential stacking problems on Highway 55 with the light at Rhode Island close to the light at Winnetka. Mr. Miller stated that the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) deter- mined that adjustments in timing would be sufficient to handle traffic congestion caused by close proximity of the two lights. Mr. Miller pointed out that additional turning lanes have been added and stated that MnDOT was fully aware of Valley Square Redevelopment plans at the time that decisions were made on improvements to Highway 55. Mr. Miller suggested, however, that it would be a good idea for the Planning Commission to note concern over congestion on Highway 55 as a cautionary measure. Commissioner Leppik stated that another concern is need for sidewalks on both sides of Rhode Island Avenue. Commissioner Leppik po`inted out that with office buildings on both sides of the street and possibly a restaurant on the west side of the street, she is concerned for the safety of pedestrian traffic crossing the busy street. Chairman Polachek asked Mr. Miller whether he is concerned over the size of the building, which is 10,000 square feet larger than suggested by the approved Valley Square Conceptual Plan. Mr. Miller replied that he does not have a problem with a buildiny that large and that he favors the one building design in the proposed Preliminary Plan over the two building design in the Conceptual Plan. Mr. Miller expressed greater concern that the site be well used and well developed, because the Area D development will not only signal the first project in the Valley Square but will also serve as the entrance to Downtown Golden Valley. Mr. Miller added that a crucial point not from a land use standpoint but from a tax increment financing standpoint, which is impor- tant to the HRA and City Council , is that the proposed building size is needed to make the project work financially. Chairman Polachek stated that the proposed buildiny is well rendered and attractive, but that the parking lot is mundane and ordinary. Chairman Polachek suggested that a more imaginative parkiny lot design could be achieved with the use of depressed parking areas, berms and landscaping. Commissioner Tubman expressed concern that the development viewed from Highway 55 consists of parking and the back of the building. Chairman Polachek asked whether there were any more concerns and by way of review listed the following: 1. Need for future widening of Rhode Island Avenue, concern over traffic congestion on Rhode Island, and the question of access from Rhode Island to new development. 2. Need for study of the Highway 55 traffic lights at Winnetka, Rhode Island and Glenwood Avenues. 3. Need for sidewalks on both sides of Rhode Island Avenue North. 4. Need for enhancement of the aesthetics of the parking lot with the use of berming, landscaping and depressed parking area. � � �9 3� Planning Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 7 Commissioner Leppik added a fifth concern for particular care to attractive landscaping along Rhode Island Avenue and along Highway 55. Commissioner Prazak added a sixth concern for the safety of pedestrian traffic crossing Rhode Island Avenue North, such as to the possible restaurant on the west side at noon. Chairman Polachek asked HRA Director Jeff Sweet whether he had anything he wished to add. Mr. Sweet replied that he was present to answer questions and hear Planning Commission concerns and that he appreciates the points raised by the Planning Commission. Assistant Planner Alda Peikert informed the Planning Commission that it is her understanding from discussions with the City Engineer that the existing boule- vard on each side of Rhode Island Avenue North is minimal for winter snow storage and that even the addition of sidewalk would require easements on pri- vate property. There is not adequate right of way at this time for widening of the street. Commissioner Leppik stated that this increases her concern for pedestrian traffic moving along and across the street and that there is need for con- sideration of pedestrian traffic not only crossing the street but even moving through the buildings. Chairman Polachek emphasized concern for design of Rhode Island Avenue to accommodate traffic. He pointed out that the purpose of Rhode Island/lOth Avenue North ring road construction was to carry traffic, but that the stop sign already installed at Golden Valley Road works against this purpose. The Golden Valley Planning Commission by consensus agreed to communicate to the Golden Valley HRA the following six concerns regarding the proposed Preliminary Plan for Area D of the Valley Square Redevelopment Project: 1. Provision for future widening and grade correction of Rhode Island Avenue North. 2. Study of traffic lights at Winnetka, Rhode Island and Glenwood Avenues. 3. Provision for sidewalks on both sides of Rhode Island Avenue North. 4. Aesthetic improvement of the parking lots. 5. Particular care to landscaping along Highway 55 and along Rhode Island Avenue North. 6. Safety of pedestrian traffic crossing Rhode Island Avenue North. )�� � �ann�ng Commission Meeting - January 23, 1984 Page 8 Chairman Polachek agreed to prepare a written communication for the HRA and to attend the February 14, 1984 HRA meeting to present the Planning Commission concerns regarding the Preliminary Plan of Area D. V. REPORT ON BZA MEETING - JANUARY 10, 1984 Chairman Polachek provided the Planning Commission with a report on the January 10, 1984 meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) . VI. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 17, 1984 Commissioner Forster provided the Planning Commission with a report on the January 17, 1984 City Council meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Forster, seconded by Commissioner Leppik and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Herb Polachek, Chairman Maryaret Leppik, Secretary