pc-minutes-6-27-22
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
This meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with in‐person and remote options for attending,
participating, and commenting. The City used Webex to conduct this meeting and members of the
public were able to monitor the meetings by watching it on Comcast cable channel 16, by streaming it
on CCXmedia.org, or by dialing in to the public call‐in line.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Vice‐Chair Brookins.
Roll Call
Commissioners in‐person: E. Brenna, A. Brookins, S. Ginis, A. Johnson, C. Segelbaum
Commissioner remote: M. Ruby
Commissioner absent: L. Pockl
Staff present: Jason Zimmerman – Planning Manager, Myles Campbell – Planner,
Max Gort – Planning Intern
Council Liaison present: Denise La Mere‐Anderson
2. Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of Agenda
Vice‐Chair Brookins asked for a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Brenna, to approve the agenda
of June 27, 2022.
Motion carried.
4. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Segelbaum noted a comment he made related to charging stations, there are
incentives for developers and the incentive is to entice patrons or customers.
Vice‐Chair Brookins asked for a motion to approve the minutes from June 13, 2022, pending edits.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Segelbaum to approve.
Motion carried.
5. Informal Public Hearing – Zoning Map Amendments
Applicant: The City of Golden Valley
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, started by saying the two hearings are separate but related as
they’re about aligning the future land use map and the zoning map. Alignment is required by state
statute.
June 27, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Hybrid
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 27, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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This rezoning action is to rezone two properties in order come into conformance with the Future
Land Use Map in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff displayed a map showing the locations of the
sites, the existing zoning map and the future land use map.
The first location is LDA Minnesota, 6100 Golden Valley Road, it has historically been zoned and used
for Office. The Comp Plan guided the site for Medium Density Residential, there are no plans for
change but future redevelopment and modification of use would need to be for housing.
The second location is Church of St. Margaret Mary, 2225 Zenith Avenue North, it has historically
been zoned Institutional (now in an Assembly subdistrict). After work with the METRO Blue Line
Extension, the Comp Plan guided the site for Mixed Use redevelopment. Now that the line is moving
east to Minneapolis, the rezoning will change as the potential for future redevelopment is still there.
Recommendation
Following the provisions of State statute (sec. 473.858, subd. 1) and the requirements of the
Metropolitan Council with respect to comprehensive planning, staff recommends:
Rezone 6100 Golden Valley Road from Office to Medium Density Residential (R‐3)
Rezone 2225 Zenith Ave N from Institutional ‐ Assembly to Neighborhood Mixed Use
Commissioner Segelbaum discussed how the two applications overlapped, the comp plan, the
zoning, the surrounding areas, and asked staff to guide Commissioners on how to analyze these
proposals. Staff responded that when the land use plan was approved, staff and council looked at
surrounding areas to determine if land use was consistent. The second portion of the meeting has
areas with approved land use changes, based on further analysis, staff decided to opt out of rezoning
but rather change the land use map so uses stay the way they are.
The properties reviewed today are long term changes, 10‐20 years down the road, but initial work on
these items starts now. These changes are consistent with the 2040 Comp Plan.
Commissioner Johnson asked how parcels with opposing conformities could have differing results in
the same process. Staff elaborated on parcels in particular and the intricacies of St Margaret Mary
when the Blue Line was slatted to come through. Johnson followed up by asking why rezoning for a
religious institution is changing when the group recently added religious uses to conditional uses to
expand possibilities. Staff responded that the Mixed‐Use designation is designed to be inherently
flexible.
Vice‐Chair Brookins opened the public hearing at 7:17pm.
In Person:
Jeff Spies
3115 St Margaret Drive
Will you describe Neighborhood Mixed Use more in depth, as it pertains to St Margaret Mary?
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 27, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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Martha Moriarity
6100 Golden Valley (LDA of MN)
We were not aware of the change in Land Use and considering our future in Golden Valley. Our plan
is to stay but what options do we have? I understand we can’t expand but are there other zoning
opportunities that could meet our needs without us losing our value.
Audrey Pearson
3121 St Margaret Drive
I would like to see this area developed in Mixed‐Use Housing or affordable housing. What may
happen if the church would want to leave, what’s the potential long‐term plan? I would like this area
to be developed into something broader for the community like housing or shops with walkability.
Stan Kolden
6026 Golden Valley Rd
I live in Hidden Village townhouses and LDA has been a fine neighbor. I’m not representing Hidden
Village but I can say a rezoning classification that would allow for a 5 or 6 story building, would not be
looked upon kindly. This isn’t a city corridor even though Golden Valley Road is like a highway in a
residential area. The height and density that comes with these types of buildings creates concern for
residential homes in the area.
Alice Douthwaite
3121 St Margret Dr
What is the procedure on if the PC makes a recommendation, who makes the final decision, and
please clarify the timeline.
There were no remote commenters.
Staff responded to the questions:
The Planning Commission is an advisory body, they make a recommendation to City Council. Council
takes the binding vote and that hearing is scheduled for the end of July. If a vote occurs that night,
the decision will be in effect shortly thereafter. Actual changes could happen between Fall 2022 and
never.
RE: St Margaret Mary:
Mixed‐Use category was created to provide many property options: residential uses, commercial
uses, office, or institutional uses (school/religious). Adding Neighborhood or Commercial (not being
discussed tonight) designates the use in a way that determines density and height. There are other
elements to the Neighborhood scale of Mixed‐Use such as landscaping, parking requirements etc; all
created to create a more residential feel. This zoning classification allows for flexibility for the church
to continue its use as is, add on, add housing; and if they leave, many other uses could go there.
RE: Golden Valley Road
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 27, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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When this area was guided from office to residential, the intention was to create a use that aligned
with the surrounding use. The other zoning designation to create something similar is Mixed‐Use but
the Comp Plan would need to be re‐guided. Buildings in these use areas could go to 4 or 5 stories but
there are restrictions based on parking requirements and open space requirements.
Commissioner Johnson reminded folks that the goal of mixed‐use neighborhood is to create a
mixture of uses, homes, cafes, shops etc. Adding, he would prefer to not see only a giant apartment
building but it should be an option as there are housing needs.
Vice‐Chair Brookins closed the public hearing at 7:33pm.
Commissioner Johnson stated support for 6100 Golden Valley Road, it supports the current
establishment as well as preparing the location for potential housing redevelopment if LDA chooses
to leave or do something else with their property. Commissioner Segelbaum echoed this statement,
was concerned about height for that property, however the size of the parcel won’t support a tall
building. Segelbaum added his desire to have the current property owner/tenant look at the re‐
zoning and see what that means for their business, stated his desire to table the item.
Commissioner Brenna thanked staff for their due diligence and supports changes. She added that
this is a good opportunity to put the comp plan into action. Vice‐Chair Brookins added that he’s a
near neighbor, supports the plan, and is not concerned about height. Encourages the City and LDA to
continue conversations and bring comments to City Council. Segelbaum added he prefers this to
tabling.
MOTION made by Commissioner Johnson seconded by Commissioner Brenna to recommend
approval of rezoning 6100 Golden Valley Road from Office to Medium Density Residential (R‐3), and
to encourage staff and the property owner to communicate so the property owner may be prepared
for the future City Council decision.
Commissioner Johnson stated his uncertainty around rezoning 2225 Zenith Ave N and the history of
rezoning around the light rail proposals.
Staff added that when the light rail was slotted to come through, the City spoke to their Met Council
Rep and this location was a designated redevelopment site. That designation lead to needing to
provide
6. Informal Public Hearing – Future Land Use Map Amendments
Applicant: The City of Golden Valley
7. Discussion – ADUs
Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager, introduced the Planning Intern for 2022.
Vice‐Chair Brookins ended the televised portion of the meeting at 7:20pm.
City of Golden Valley Planning Commission Regular Meeting
June 27, 2022 – 6:30 pm
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8.Council Liaison Report
Council Member La Mere‐Anderson noted the recent actions taken by the City Council related to
Planning, including approval of an Outdoor Service Area permit for Schuller’s, a subdivision on Harold
Avenue, and new zoning language around mobile uses. She previewed topics for the upcoming Council
Work Session including a conversation with the Robbinsdale School District superintendent, the role
of the Human Services Commission, and a discussion of a site selection process for a new fire station.
Commissioner Ginis asked for clarification around the current number of police officers.
9.Other Business
None.
10.Adjournment
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Brookins and
approved unanimously by roll call vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
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Andy Johnson, Secretary
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Amie Kolesar, Planning Assistant