01-13-14 PC Minutes Regular Meeting of the
Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 13, 2014
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall,
Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday,
January 13, 2014. Chair Kluchka called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Those present were Planning Commissioners Baker, Boudreau-Landis, Cera, Kluchka,
Segelbaum and Waldhauser. Also present was Community Development Director Mark
Grimes, City Planner Jason Zimmerman and Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman.
Commissioner McCarty was absent.
1. Approval of Minutes
November 18, 2013 Regular Planning Commission Meeting
MOVED by Segelbaum, seconded by Waldhauser and motion carried unanimously to
approve the November 18, 2013 minutes as submitted.
2. Informal Public Hearing — Preliminary Plan Review— Planned Unit
Development (PUD) — Carousel Automobiles (Porsche Dealership) PUD #95,
Amendment#2
Applicant: Twin Cities Automotive (Porsche)
Address: 9191 Wayzata Blvd.
Purpose: To expand the existing building and modify the parking lot.
Zimmerman explained the applicant's request for a PUD amendment which would allow
them to construct additions on the north and southeast sides of the existing Porsche
building. The proposed additions would expand the size of the building from 12,994
square feet to 26,655 square feet and would include new service bays, car wash, offices
and employee facilities. He noted that the expanded building footprint will replace existing
paved areas so there will be no change in the amount of impervious surface on the site.
Zimmerman stated that the applicant is also proposing to modify the parking lot which
would reduce the number of parking spaces from 193 to 154. He referred to a site plan
and noted that the parking spaces will be redistributed to provide 15 customer spaces, 46
employee spaces, 93 display spaces and that 18 of the proposed new display spaces
would be partially within the 35-foot front yard setback along Wayzata Blvd. He added
that pervious pavers would be used for the proposed display spaces in order to maintain
the existing amount of pervious surface.
Waldhauser asked if the City considers pervious pavers to be pervious surface.
Zimmerman said yes.
Boudreau-Landis asked how many parking spaces are required. Zimmerman explained
that the Zoning Code requires 1 space per 1,000 square feet of showroom space and 1
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Page 2
space per 5,000 square feet of outside display space. However, this proposal is a PUD so
it is allowed to vary from those requirements. He added that staff has also asked the
applicant to add bicycle racks as well.
Segelbaum asked if the applicant has considered making the parking space dimensions
smaller in order to have more spaces. Zimmerman stated that the applicant can address
the size of the proposed new parking spaces, however, the existing parking spaces will
remain the same size.
Kluchka asked about landscaping plans. Zimmerman stated that the applicant is
proposing to relocate some trees and to plant additional trees and bushes on the
property.
Nguyen Hoang, Baker Associates,150 South Fifth Street, Architect for the project,
showed the Planning Commissioners an updated site plan. He stated that the parking
stall dimensions have not been reduced and will be the standard 9 ft. wide x 18 ft. deep,
however, the customer parking spaces will be 10 feet wide. He explained that there will
be a sidewalk adjacent to the building made with pervious pavers that will follow the curve
of the building as opposed to how it currently curves away from the building. He stated
that the parking area for displaying cars will also follow the curve of the building which will
increase the width of the drive aisle and make navigating the parking lot easier.
Waldhauser asked if the proposed new changes will affect the amount of impervious
surface. Hoang said it will increase the impervious surFace slightly. Segelbaum asked the
applicant to address the percentage of impervious surFace versus pervious surface. Steve
Sabraski, Civil Engineer for the project, explained that the additional impervious surFace
being added to the site will be offset by the pervious pavers they are proposing so there
will only be a slight net increase in the amount of impervious surFace. Waldhauser asked
if the proposed pavers are permeable or pervious. Hoang explained that water will pass
through the pavers and percolate into the ground. Segelbaum asked the applicant if they
are comfortable using this type of paver. Hoang said yes, they have used these pavers on
projects in the past. He added that there is some maintenance involved but they should
hold up just as well as concrete. Waldhauser asked if there will be a maintenance
agreement required. Grimes said yes, the City will want to see that they are being
maintained properly.
Kluchka asked the applicant if they are proposing to install a bicycle rack. Hoang stated
that a bicycle rack will be installed as part of their sidewalk plan.
Boudreau-Landis asked if display cars will be parked on the sidewalk area. Hoang said
that display cars could potentially be parked on the sidewalk adjacent to the building if
there is enough space and if they won't infringe on the sidewalk space.
Kluchka asked about the timeline of the project. Hoang stated that they would like to start
construction in the spring and he anticipates that the remodel will take approximately nine
months to complete.
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Kluchka opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing to comment,
Kluchka closed the public hearing.
Kluchka asked the Commissioners how they feel about allowing the display area in the
front setback. Waldhauser said she is alright with it in this case because no other property
awners will be impacted. Baker said he is concerned about setting a precedent and that
other dealerships will feel they can display cars in setback areas. Segelbaum said that the
adjacent properties also have lesser setback areas so this proposal would be consistent
with the setbacks already in the area. He agreed that no one will be impacted by this
proposal. Kluchka agreed and added that the proposed new drive aisle width is better.
Baker asked if staff could provide more quantitative data on how this proposal is different
than others dealerships in the City. Kluchka suggested that the applicant provide a better
rendering of what the display area will look like when they come before the Commission
for their Final PUD Plan review. Grimes noted that the dealership next door has a display
area of double stacked cars in their front setback area. Cera added that the setbacks in a
PUD are a guideline, not mandatory.
Cera said he is not sure if the proposed pavers are equal to the grass area that is being
removed. Grimes said there are arguments that sod isn't really a pervious surface either.
He added that the City Engineer feels comfortable with the proposed pavers and that it
could be a good precedent to set.
Kluchka suggested adding a condition regarding design review and the addition of bicycle
racks.
MOVED by Cera, seconded by Baker and motion carried unanimously to recommend
approval of the Preliminary PUD Plan for PUD #95, Amendment#2, Carousel
Automobiles subject to the following findings and conditions:
Findincls
1. The PUD plan is tailored to the specific characteristics of the site and achieves a
higher quality of site planning and design than generally expected under conventional
provisions of the ordinance.
2. The PUD plan preserves and protects substantial desirable portions of the site's
characteristics, open space and sensitive environmental features including steep
slopes, trees, scenic views, creeks, wetlands, and open waters.
3. The PUD plan includes efficient and effective use (which includes preservation) of the
land.
4. The PUD Plan results in development compatible with adjacent uses and is consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment plans and goals.
5. The PUD plan is consistent with preserving and improving the general health, safety
and general welfare of the people of the City.
6. The PUD plan meets the PUD Intent and Purpose provision and all other PUD
ordinance provisions.
7. The PUD plan proposes a significant improvement to the parking lot/drive aisles.
8. The PUD plan proposes a new and unique use of pervious pavers.
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Conditions
1. The plans submitted with the application shall become a part of the approval.
2. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from the Public Works
Department shall become a part of the approval.
3. All signage must meet the requirements of the City's Sign Code.
4. A design plan shall be reviewed by the City prior to Final PUD approval.
5. A bicycle rack shall be added to the property.
6. Additional renderings of the site, particularly the display area, shall be provided prior to
Final PUD approval.
7. The Applicant or Owner must enter into a maintenance agreement for the pervious
pavement.
8. The approval is subject to all other state, federal, and local ordinances, regulations, or
laws with authority over this development.
3. Informa) Public Hearing — Conditional Use Permit (CUP) — 345 Pennsylvania
Ave S — Commercial Use over 10,000 Square Feet in the I-394 Mixed Use
Zoning District— CU-136
Applicant: Fundus Praedium (LifeSpan)
Address: 345 Pennsylvania Avenue South
Purpose: To operate a youth transition program consisting of office, medical
office and educational uses in the existing building.
Zimmerman explained the applicant's request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a
youth transition program consisting of office, medical office, educational uses and a
possible employee only on-site daycare in the future. He stated that commercial uses that
are more than 10,000 square feet in size located in the I-394 Mixed Use zoning district
require a Conditional Use Permit. He referred to a site plan of the property and discussed
the applicant's proposal to renovate the interior, construct an elevator on the southwest
corner of the building, improve the front entrance area, add new windows on the west
side of the building and improve the upper parking lot area. He stated that staff is
recommending approval of this Conditional Use Permit request subject to the conditions
listed in the staff report.
Waldhauser asked if the applicant is proposing to use the lower level parking lot.
Zimmerman said he doesn't think the applicant has any plans to modify the lower parking
lot or any of the driveway entrances.
Boudreau-Landis asked if the overall sizes of the parking lots are staying the same. He
also asked about the condition of the lower parking lot. Zimmerman said the footprint of
the parking lots will stay the same and that both parking lots are in okay condition.
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Kluchka asked about the original use of the building. Zimmerman said it has historically
been used as an office/warehouse space. Grimes added that the building was originally
used by Mark Hurd Aerial photography.
Waldhauser asked if Speak the Word Church (owner of the property) uses the parking
lots on this site. Kluchka said he doesn't see a lot of activity on the property.
Segelbaum noted that the application referred to the possible opening of an employee
only, on-site daycare facility and asked if the applicant would have to come back to the
City to amend the Conditional Use Permit if approved. Zimmerman said yes, a
Conditional Use Permit amendment would be required if they decide to open a daycare
on site in the future.
Segelbaum asked if there are specific statutes or ordinances related to schools. Grimes
stated that the City's Deputy Fire Chief has reviewed the plans as they relate to the
Buifding Code and is comfortable with proposed occupancy.
Baker asked if the property has been purchased from Speak the Word Church. Grimes
said he didn't know, but the Church did sign the Conditional Use Permit application, giving
permission to the applicant to apply.
Mike Whalen, Applicant, stated that they have a purchase agreement with Speak the
Word Church and that LifeSpan also leases a building from them in Burnsville and would
now like to have a location in the west metro.
Kluchka asked about proposed improvements to the parking lots. Whalen stated that it is
not LifeSpan's intent to use the lower parking lot. They would use the upper parking lot for
intake and visitor parking. He discussed the proposed interior improvements and the
elevator addition.
Kluchka asked the applicant if there will be bicycle racks installed. Whalen said they
would be willing to install bicycle racks.
Kluchka asked the applicant if they are planning to screen the air conditioning unit located
on the roof. Whalen said he didn't think the unit was visible and added that the proposed
elevator addition should provide some screening. Kluchka suggested that be shown on
their plans.
Traci Hackmann, representing LifeSpan, explained that their clients are all children who
have mental health issues and come from all over the metro area. She stated that the
kids are at their facility from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday through Friday for approximately 6 to
9 months. She discussed the services they provide including academic support,
intervention and therapy.
Kluchka asked about the number of clients they will have. Hackmann said their capacity is
85, but they typically have approximately 75 clients at one time.
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Waldhauser asked about their outdoor needs. Hackmann explained that they will have an
indoor gym, but they do not typically have outdoor recess or use outdoor space. She
added that if they open an employee only daycare they may need some outdoor space for
that.
Segelbaum asked if they take the kids on field trips or walking trips. Hackmann said that
the kids may go out with staff supervision but that there aren't many field trips and if they
have a field trip they would use their own vans for transportation.
Segelbaum asked if their other locations are close to residential properties like they would
be at this site. Whalen stated that their locations in Burnsville and Shoreview are in
commercial/business areas.
Segelbaum referred to LifeSpan's web site where it states that they offer focused services
for clients that do not respond to conventional treatment and have problems or pose a risk
to another's well-being and may require crisis intervention. He said that concerns him and
asked for further explanation. Hackmann stated that the kids are supervised at all times.
She added that the interventions referenced on their web site are internal interventions
and that kids that pose a risk to another's well-being in a different setting is an example of
person who might be referred to their program for intervention. Segelbaum asked if the
kids are referred to LifeSpan by the courts. Hackmann said no, their clients are not court
ordered to attend their facility.
Baker asked how their clients are referred to them. Hackmann said that only parents can
sign up their children. Baker asked if the 18 year old clients have more freedom to come
and go. Hackmann stated that all of their clients use vans and buses for transportation
and if they were at that level of freedom to come and go as they please, they probably
wouldn't need LifeSpan's services.
Cera asked about funding. Hackmann stated that they have a fee for service model with
insurance companies paying most of the fees along with some private pay clients.
Kluchka asked about access and security and how the kids' activities are managed and
controlled. Hackmann stated that the kids arrive in school buses or a LifeSpan van and if
they are not able to travel in the van or bus without issue, they would probably not work
well in their program.
Baker asked about the adult to child ratio. Hackmann stated that the ratio is nine adults to
24 clients, which includes four teachers, five clinicians plus administration staff.
Segelbaum asked how much traffic would be generated. Hackmann explained that the
kids are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon either by school bus or
by their LifeSpan vans. Segelbaum asked if there could potentially be 85 buses, dropping
off and picking up each child individually. Hackmann said there would be a maximum of
12 to 15 buses, potentially fewer if they use their own vans.
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Kluchka asked about the traffic pattern people will use to get to the site. Hackmann said
she thinks that the I-394 access will be ideal. Baker asked if people would use
Pennsylvania to access their site. Hackmann said she didn't know.
Cera noted that the facility to the east has a lot of buses as well and asked how
LifeSpan's hours would compare to theirs. Kluchka suggested a condition be added
stating that the two businesses should coordinate with each other if traffic becomes an
issue.
Kluchka opened the public hearing.
Caryl Eschweiler, 420 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said she is concerned about traffic
and volume. She referred to the discussion regarding the applicant not using the lower
parking lot and stated that the upper parking lot will not hold that many cars, along with
the proposed buses. She said a lot of the neighbors in the area have young kids and
there is a lot of dog walking so the buses will aggravate the problems. She said she is
also concerned about a stretch of Pennsylvania that is a sheet of ice. She said she likes
that LifeSpan's ratio is 9 to 24, however, she wants clarity that the staff is with the kids
and that their offices are open until 5 pm. She said she has concerns about the medical
facility because the property will be a magnet for burglars and vandals if there are
medications on site. She said people are going to use Pennsylvania as a connector street
and questioned the effect on their property values. She stated that LifeSpan's other two
locations are not located in residential areas and that she wants some additional numbers
and facts regarding this proposal.
Mark Bass, 170 Oregon Avenue South, said he is concerned about what type of
notification and arrangements will be made regarding the additional amount of phone
calls the police will receive. He discussed police calls received by Ramsey County and
the City of Burnsville in regard to their other finro locations. He said this is in his backyard
and he is extremely concerned about this type of activity and wants to know who will be
responsible for added City staff.
Kristin Peterson, 330 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said she is very concerned about the
traffic issues because Pennsylvania is a main artery with lots of traffic. She said there are
13 kids on Pennsylvania and Quebec and some of them walk home from school. She said
her kids let themselves in and she doesn't want to have to make different arrangements
to make sure she is home to let them in because of the additional traffic. She said that
Pennsylvania is a huge test driving road even though she knows the dealerships are told
that they are not allowed to let their clients test drive on Pennsylvania they do, every
single day at 40 miles per hour. She said Pennsylvania is also a heavy pedestrian area
with people going to the ponds and to Lions Park. It is also a noisy area with the freeway
noise and industrial noise, so adding more traffic noise would compromise their
neighborhood. She said she looked at the Comprehensive Plan and it seems like this
proposal is in conflict with number two of the land use goals, objective and policies which
states that the City wants to minimize conflict between land uses by providing open space
buffers between residential and commercial/industrial areas, segregate residential and
commercial traffic and protect and respect traditional residential neighborhoods. She said
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she respects the work LifeSpan does but the use is in direct conflict with the
Comprehensive Plan and the traffic issue is going to be a nightmare.
Ward Wheeler, 350 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said there are obviously traffic issues.
He stated that LifeSpan's other locations appear to be significantly smaller than this one
and asked if there is anything that precludes other uses once they've received approval
for an office use and he would like someone to explain why they need 17,000 square feet.
He said LifeSpan is not an educational organization. They do not have licensed teachers
or at least they are not being paid by schools to provide education and they have filed
lawsuits against various school districts attempting to obtain money. He questioned if
these are the people they want in their neighborhood. He said there needs to be due
diligence done about these people because they seem to want to avoid the idea of school
and he thinks there is a reason.
John VanderAarde, Grand Slam Sports, 12425 River Ridge Blvd, Burnsville, said he is
LifeSpan's neighbor at their Burnsville location. He said they've been a great neighbor
and they have never been robbed or burglarized and there has been no graffiti. He said
there have been no problems with the buses during the morning drop off time and that
there is about a 15 minute window in the afternoon when the buses are in the parking lot
but there have been no issues or problems with any of the kids in their facility in 24 years.
Segelbaum asked VanderAarde if any of LifeSpan's clients go to his facility. VanderAarde
said rarely, maybe on a special occasion.
Barbara Crolley, 310 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said the traffic doesn't bother her but it
does bother her when people go very fast up the hill toward I-394 because there are
school aged children in the area. She said people do cut through from I-394 to Winnetka
to go west on Highway 55. She said the school issue is one of her pet peeves because
teachers in the U.S. don't work full time like they do in the rest of the world where they
have longer school days and longer school years.
Joel Martin, 230 Nevada Avenue South, said his concern is that the area behind the
building tends to be used as a sledding hill and he gets a fair amount of foot traffic
through his yard. He said he is concerned about agitated kids going out their back door or
going into his yard to smoke. He asked if kids will be taken to the field area or if it will be
used for Phy Ed.
Kristin Peterson, 330 Pennsylvania Avenue South, stated that three years ago LDK
wanted to put three homes in this location. She said her feeling is that the entire area is a
zoning error and reiterated that the Comprehensive Plan states that there should be a
buffer between residential and commercial and that there is a conflict in land uses.
Sue Wheeler, 350 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said there is confusion about whether the
property has been sold or if there is a contingency offer. She said she also agrees that
the area is ideal for residential and they don't need the traffic.
Brian Klein, 510 Pennsylvania Avenue South, said he is especially concerned about
property values, also traffic and safety.
Seeing and hearing no one else wishing to comment, Kluchka closed the public hearing.
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Waldhauser asked about the capacity of the parking lot for staff parking and buses so
they wouldn't have to stack on Pennsylvania.
Whalen stated that the current lot has approximately 45 parking spaces. He referred to a
site plan and described the drop off area for buses and how they would circulate and
stack on the site.
Kluchka questioned how there can be 12 to 15 buses and vans dropping kids off in an
area that looks like it could accommodate about four. Whalen stated that the buses and
vans won't be there all at the same time. Hackmann added that there are about 35
employees and that there will be enough space for their vans. She stated that typically
smaller sized buses drop off their clients. Kluchka suggested a condition of approval be
added to require the applicant to submit an adequate parking plan.
Waldhauser asked if there will be medication on site. Hackmann said they don't prescribe
medicine and there would only be minimal amount of inedication on site for kids who take
medication during the day. She explained that there are many state regulations regarding
medication that they have to follow. She added that the term "medical use" on the
application is referring to mental health treatment.
Waldhauser asked the applicant if their other locations are much smaller in size as
previously mentioned. Hackmann stated that their Burnsville location is 20,000 square
feet in size and their third location is approximately 19,000 square feet in size which is
almost the same as this proposed Golden Valley location.
Waldhauser asked the applicant to address the police and sheriff support mentioned
during the public hearing. Hackmann stated that if they need to transport someone to the
hospital, police, along with the ambulance are part of the protocol. Baker asked about the
frequency of emergency calls. Hackmann said that it happens but they work with the
police so they know what to expect. Baker said he would like to know the demands on the
City's police. He asked the applicant to provide a summary of police calls at their other
facilities. Kluchka asked if public safety has reviewed this proposal. Grimes stated that the
Fire Chief has reviewed the application and added that there other homes and nursing
homes in Golden Valley that will have many more police calls than this use probably will.
Baker said it would be helpful to have a summary of the last five years. Kluchka agreed
that it would be useful and helpful to have that information but questioned if it is germane
to the land use proposal.
Kluchka asked for clarification on the hours of operation. Hackmann stated the kids are
on-site from 8 am to 2 pm, and the office hours at 7:30 am to 3 pm but the office is open
until 5 pm.
Segelbaum asked about the status of the ownership of the property. Whalen stated that it
is currently under a purchase agreement. Segelbaum asked who the parties are in the
purchase agreement. Whalen said his company Fundus Praedium and Speak the Word
Church are the parties involved.
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Segelbaum asked if clients will be loitering in the area. Hackmann said their clients are
not allowed to smoke and they don't want their clients to vandalize or loiter so they would
be trying to prevent that. Baker asked if they would reject clients who smoke. Hackmann
said they could at their discretion.
Segelbaum asked the applicant if they would be using the neighboring field area for
recreation purposes. Whalen said no.
Kluchka asked the applicant to address the resident's concern about credentials of their
staff.
Hackmann stated that in order to provide mental health services they have professional
licensed practitioners and licensed teachers, teaching assistants and special education
teachers who are all full time employees. She said it is accurate that some of the
education is paid for by the school districts but it varies kid by kid and district by district.
Segelbaum asked if there are credentials for the facility as well. Hackmann stated that
they are authorized by the Department of Human Services to provide certified day
treatment services.
Baker referred to the resident's comment about lawsuits at their other facilities and
questioned if it is the Planning Commission's place to ask about that. Kluchka said he
doesn't think it is the Planning Commission's place because this is a private business.
Kluchka asked if there could be an opportunity for the Public Works Department to
provide some historical traffic information, history of complaints or potential for future
studying or monitoring. Grimes stated that the Public Works Department has reviewed the
proposal and they are not concerned about the amount of traffic generated by this use.
He explained that the land is too valuable for single family residential homes and that he
has had developers show interest in this site for apartments which would create much
more traffic, up to 700 to 1,000 trips per day, whereas this proposal would generate
approximately 300 trips per day at most. He added that Pennsylvania has the capacity to
handle the extra trips and noted that at one time, this building had 75 to 100 employees
working there. Kluchka stated that there is a question of a perceived traffic issue and that
the streets are being used for test drives and cut through traffic. Grimes said he would
send a letter to the dealerships in the area asking them not to test drive in the
neighborhood. Waldhauser suggested that people not be able to test drive cars without a
salesperson. Kluchka said he thinks there is a need to re-look at the traffic issues.
Waldhauser suggested restricting the bus access to the site. Kluchka suggested that the
drivers be instructed to follow a specific route. Boudreau-Landis suggested that a
condition of approval be added stating that the traffic for this site access the parking lot off
of Laurel Avenue. Grimes stated that the City has tried to minimize the number of curb
cuts on Laurel Avenue.
Kluchka referred to the resident's comment about the icy conditions on Pennsylvania and
asked about the best way to give extra attention to this area. Grimes suggested that
residents call the Public Works Department when there is a problem.
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Kluchka asked what the applicant would have to do if they wanted to change the use of
the building in the future. Grimes stated that if the applicant wants to make any changes
regarding the use they would have to amend their Conditional Use Permit.
Baker noted that one consideration for a granting a Conditional Use Permit is the effect
on property values. Kluchka said he would like to hear staff's thoughts regarding property
values on properties that are not being used and properties that are improved. Grimes
stated that properties that are improved can enhance the neighborhood. He added that
this building has been sitting, not fully utilized, for a long time and it has not always been
taken care of. In this case, the applicant is considering enhancements to the property
which could be an advantage to the area. He stated that traffic can reduce property
values but he doesn't see how the proposed amount of traffic with this use will affect
property values. Baker said the concern he is hearing is beyond the value of a vacant
building versus a used building or an underutilized building. He said he appreciates the
service the applicant provides but he also wants to address the neighbors' concerns and
issues.
Kluchka stated that from a zoning perspective there is a wide range of potential uses for a
commercial property. He said he shares the concern about this property being a
commercial property surrounded by residential, but it is what it is and he doesn't know if a
specific commercial use of the property will have a positive, neutral or negative effect on
property values. Baker reiterated that the Planning Commission is required to review the
effect on property values. Waldhauser said she doesn't see anything in this proposal that
would cause a negative effect on property values.
Whalen stated that $900,000 to $1,000,000 will be invested in this property which will
bring considerable value to the area. Grimes added and that a medical/office building is
not an unusual mix of uses.
Baker asked staff to address the resident's comment regarding this use not being
compatible with Comprehensive Plan. Zimmerman stated that the I-394 Mixed Use zoning
district allows a number of uses and that this proposed use is not incompatible with that
zoning district or the Comprehensive Plan designation. The issue is whether these
properties should be zoned and guided the way they are for the long term. Baker stated
that maybe the designation of this property should be reconsidered when the City updates
its Comprehensive Plan. Grimes stated that staff and the Planning Commission and City
Council struggled with including this property or not when the I-394 study was done, but it
was decided at the time to rezone and re-guide this property I-394 Mixed Use.
Kluchka summarized the proposed conditions they've discussed as follows: screening of
the roof-top mechanicals, design review, submission of a circulation, access and parking
plan, submission of a landscaping plan and a public safety review regarding police calls.
He suggested another condition of approval be added regarding on-going communication
with the neighbors. Baker suggested a condition stating that there will be no outdoor
activity allowed. Grimes suggested stating instead that any outdoor activities will be
supervised. Cera suggested that the applicant be required to discuss the coordination of
traffic with the neighboring property owner. Grimes suggested that the applicant submit a
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plan showing how many buses there will be, where they will stack on the site and how
they will be kept off of Pennsylvania. Waldhauser suggested that the applicant require
that no traffic be allowed to come from the north and that all traffic to their site must come
from the south. Segelbaum questioned if it is worth accepting this proposal given all of the
conditions that have been suggested. He added that he thinks they've done a good job of
addressing all of the neighbor's concerns and with the conditions they've discussed he
would support this proposal, especially since there are other uses that could be far more
disruptive to this neighborhood. Waldhauser agreed and said that when she considers the
alternative types of uses that would be allowed at this property, the proposed use is just
about the least impactful there can be when compared to a large residential development
or a more intensive, noisier, messier use. Cera agreed and added that this use is a
benefit to kids who have issues and need this service.
MOVED by Baker, seconded by Cera and motion carried unanimously to recommend
approval of a Conditional Use Permit at 345 Pennsylvania Avenue South to allow a
commercial use over 10,000 square feet in the I-394 Mixed Use zoning district subject to
the following findings and conditions:
Findinqs
1. The applicant has demonstrated need for the use.
2. The proposal is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
3. There will not be a negative effect on property values in the area.
4. The traffic generated from the proposed use will not conflict with current traffic in the
area.
5. The density or population in the area will not increase due to the proposed use.
6. There will not be an increase in noise by the proposed use.
7. The proposed use will not create dust, odor or excessive vibration.
8. The proposed use will not attract animal pests.
9. The proposed use will not significantly alter the visual appearance of the existing
building.
10. No other negative effects of the proposed use are anticipated.
11. The applicant is making a significant investment in an underutilized property.
12. The use is a benefit to Golden Valley and the larger community.
13. The use is consistent with the City's use intentions for the property.
Conditions
1. The plans submitted with the application shall become a part of this approval.
2. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from Deputy Fire Chief
John Crelly, dated January 3, 2014, shall become part of this approval.
3. The recommendations and requirements outlined in the memo from the Public Works
Department, dated January 6, 2014, shall become a part of this approval.
4. All improvements to the building shall meet the City's Building Code requirements.
5. All signage shall meet the City's signage requirements (Section 4.20).
6. Rooftop equipment (HVAC) shall be screened from view from the surrounding single
family homes.
7. A design plan shall be reviewed by the City prior to Final approval.
Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission
January 13, 2014
Page 13
8. Landscaping shall be installed to screen the parking areas from the surrounding single
family homes.
9. The applicant shall provide four bicycle parking spaces.
10. The applicant shall create a Traffic Access Plan that directs trips by buses, vans, and
employee vehicles to and from the property via Laurel Avenue.
11. Any staging area for school buses or vans shall be contained within the parking lot.
The applicant shall submit a Traffic Circulation Plan that diagrams the parking lot
layout at peak capacity.
12. The applicant shall coordinate daily trips with the business located at 7400 Laurel
Avenue (WorkAbilities, Inc.).
13. Staff shall ask the Police Department to review the proposed use of the property and
provide comment prior to a City Council vote.
14. There shall be no unsupervised outdoor activities on the property.
15. The applicant shall work with the neighborhood to establish a regular means of
communication regarding potential impacts from the operation of LifeSpan at the
property.
16. This approval is subject to all other state, federal, and local ordinances, regulations, or
laws with authority over this development.
17. Failure to comply with any of the terms of this permit shall be grounds for revocation.
--Short Recess--
4. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City
Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings
Baker gave an update of the Bottineau Transifinray Station Area Planning Advisory
Committee. He that that the consultant hired for the project and a representative from the
Minneapolis Park Board will be attending a meeting in the future, but that the committee is
just getting started at this point.
5. Other Business
• Council Liaison Report
No report was given.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 pm.
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Charles D. Segelbaum, Secretary Lisa ittman, Administrative Assistant