08-14-95 PC Minutes111
Minutes of the Golden Valley
Planning Commission
August 14, 1995
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council
Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota. The meeting was called to order
by Chair Prazak at 7:06 PM.
Those present were Commissioners Groger, Johnson, .Kapsner, Lewis, McAleese, Pentel, and
Prazak. Also present were Elizabeth Knoblauch, City Planner and Mary Dold, Planning Secretary.
Approval of Minutes -July 24, 1995
MOVED by Johnson, seconded by Kapsner and motion carried unanimously to approve the July
24, 1995 minutes. with the following change:
Page Six, Paragraph Five: "Commissioner Kapsner did review the ..." This was changed to read
"Commissioner Kapsner pointed out the ..."
Continued Discussion -Land Use for Area B
The Planning Commission and staff took a walking tour of Area B to get a better feel for the area.
They returned to the meeting room to talked about Area B keeping in mind the entire redevelop-
ment district.
Commissioner Pentel asked the Commissioners if they had reviewed the criteria for Area C. She
believes there are similar qualities between the two areas that warrant this review.
The Commission talked about the use of townhomes at the northeast corner of Golden Valley
Road and Wisconsin Avenue. They believe this is the most appropriate area for townhomes. The
townhomes should not be more than two-stories. It was agreed that a trail system should be
constructed along Bassett Creek and Commissioners asked staff if it would be possible for the trail
to end on the-west side of Winnetka at street level. Ms. Knoblauch commented that she would
have to look into ADA compliance regarding the trail system. Staff would have to review the
elevation to see if a ramp could possibly be constructed.
Commissioner Kapsner talked about the possibility of a grocery store ormulti-screen theater on
the site where the now vacated Jerry's grocery store is located.
Commissioner McAleese commented that the Golden Valley Shopping Center should not be
overlooked which he sees as the cornerstone of the development area. The Commission
questioned whether the Golden Valley Shopping Center needs to be remodelled or torn down in
order to compliment .other development in Area B. They also talked about the possibility of having
the center remodelled so the store fronts would face Golden Valley Road as would any new
development across Golden Valley Road.
Chair Prazak agreed to encourage the HRA to look at the Golden Valley Shopping Center as it
relates to the rest of the area.
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Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
August 14, 1995
Page Two
The Commissioners then discussed the appearances of the two strip centers along Winnetka
Avenue. It was felt that the Bies/Maren Center should be torn down because of the deterioration of
the building; the Tower Square building looks more stable and could possibly remain.
Commissioner Groger was concerned about access to this building if Maren Lane was closed.
Commissioner Pentel expressed her concern for pedestrian walkways. Commissioner Kapsner
commented that a design where there are more separate buildings may cause a pedestrian
problem. He stated that retailers today are looking for stand alone buildings rather than being
located in a strip mall. Commissioner Pentel asked the Commission to keep in mind the
forthcoming auto mall site on Market Street regarding pedestrian walkways.
Staff will compile the Commissioners' ideas into a draft recommendation, to be finalized at the next
meeting.
III. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council,
Board of Zoning Apaeals, Community Standards Task Force
No reports were given.
IV. -Other Business
Staff asked if any Commissioners were interested in attending the MnAPA Conference in
Alexandria this coming September. Two Commissioners. showed a desire to attend and will get
back to staff within the next week with registration information.
V. Adjournment
Chair Prazak adjourned the meeting at 8:25 PM.
can Lewis, Secretary
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