PL SUBCOM 12/05/1972 - 31129CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLATS & SUBDIVISIONS-
STREETS & UTILITIES SUBCOMMiTTEE MEETING DECEMBER 5, 1972 PAGE 1
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Schmedeke at 7:10 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present: Schmedeke, Engdahl, French, Meissner
Member Absent: Forster
Others Present: Darrel Clark, Community Development Administrator
1. �ROPOSED PRELIMINARY PLAT• P S #72-07 JIM LUND ACRES JAMES LUND
CONSTRUCTION, INC.: Being a replat of Lot 13, Auditor's Subdivision
No. 129. (Southeast corner of 75th Avenue N.E, and Old Central.)
Mr. James Lund was present.
Mr. Darrel Clark explained that this was a large piece of property the
petitioner wants to split into seven residential lots. He has petitioned,
and there will be a hearing tomorrow night, before the Planning Commission,
to rezone the Westerly 300 feet from commercial to R-1. The proposed lots
all meet the minimum requirem�nts, in fact exceed the requirements for minimum
areas and front footage. The City Staff feels this is a good R-1 plat. The
only stipulations we would like to see the Plats & Subdivisions Subcommittee
request is, make it contingent upon the rezoning being granted and before
the plat is finaled, check with the various utility companies to see what
type of utilities are necessary for serving the property. This property is
located at 75th and Central on the S.E. quadrant.
Mr. Schmedeke said he couldn't see any problems. The utilities were in
the street. Mr. Clark said sewer, water and the storm sewer are in on 75th
Avenue. There aren't any stubbs but that was no problem.
Mr. Lund said he would like to have the house built on the corner of 75th,
face 75th, or at least have the driveway on 75th, because of traffic problems.
He stated the reason for replatting was to make use of the land. He couldn't
get anyone to use it for commercial property but it would be used if its residential.
MOTION by French, seconded by Meissner, that the Plats & Subdivisions-
Streets and Utilities Subcommittee recommend approval to the Planning Commission
of the Proposed Preliminary Plat, P.S. ��72-07, 3im Lund Acres, by James Lund
Construction, Inc., being a replat of Lot 13, Auditor's Subdivision No. 129,
(Southeast corner of 75th Avenue N.E, and Old Central) subject to the property
being rezoned and the necessary utility easements be dedicated on the final
plat. Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, the motion carri�d unanimously.
2. REGISTERED LAND SURVEY; P.S. #72-06 BY DONOVAN A SCHLn.,TZ• All of Lot�
1 and 2, Block 1, Edgewater Gardens, together with all that part of Lot 3,
Revised Auditor's Subdivision No. 23, except for parts of Lots 1 and 2,
Block 1, Edgewater Gardens.
Mr. Donovan Schultz was present.
P�'�ts b�}Subs.-Str. � Util. Meeting - December 5, 1972 � Page 2 .
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Mr. Clark said Mr. Schultz had been before the Subcommittee earlier this
year on a lot split. At that time they had touched on Mr. Sehultz's problem
with the take�bottom. A,private party owns the lake�and if the lake recedes,
Mr. Schultz would be facing a bad situation where someone would own the property
between his property and the lakeshore. He has an agreement with the fee
owner to puzchase this land subject to approval of this request. Mr. Clark
said he had talked to the County Surveyor and they would rather have just
two tracts in this Registered Land Survey. Tract A and A would be one tract,
and B and C would be another tract. Mr. Schultz has agreed to this. If
it remained four tracts there is a possibility of some of the land going tax
forfeit.
; Mr. Clark said he had sent a notice of the hearing to the Department of
' Natural Resources and had received a telephone ca11 today from Mr. Ray Schultz
that the Department would have no objection to this type of platting provided
they still have control of the land under water. The owner'cannot alter �
the land under water without their prior approval. Mr: Ray Schultz will be
: sending a letter to the City to that effect. '
Mr. Schmedeke said he was sure other property owners with this same
problem would be making,this same xequest.
Mr.` Meissner said he questioned the �t�+*—� of the North boundar.y of the
survey. Mr. Clark said this was the center line of the Creek before it was
a lake. Mr. Meissner said at the time Mr. Schultz was in before there was
an indication that this would involve a much larger group. Evidently the
plan to have all the lakeshore owners handle this as a group has been dropped.
Nlr. Meissner noted that there weren't any utilities involved in this request.
Mr. Dan Schultz said he checked with the tax assessor and this additional
land would not increase his property tax. The assessor said the taxes for
this land would be kegt at a minimum because it is publicly used. He hoped
he had received the correct information. Mr. Clark said he didn't think that
if the land was four tracts or two tracts it would make any difference in
the tax but he would check with the assessor and have the answer. Mr. Schultz
: said he had $1500 involved in this now and would not want an increase in taxes.
MOTI�T by Meissner, seconded by French, that the Plats & Subdivisions-
Streets and Utilities Subcommittee recommend approval to the Planning Commission
of Regi�tered Land Survey, P,S, �72-06, by Donavan A. Schultz, all of Lots 1
and 2, Block l, Edgewater Gardens, together with all that part of Lot 3, Revised
Auditor's Subdivision No. 23, except for parts of Lots I and 2, Block 1, Edge-
water Gardens as showa in the drawing except that Tract A and D be combined as
Tract l, and Tract B and C be combined as Tract 2. Upon a voice vote, all
voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
3. VACATION R�QUESTo SAV �� 72-07, N4RTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY:
Vacate all that part of the North/South alley in Block 11, Hyde Park
Addition.
Mr. Robert Dokken, Rea1 Estate Develo�er for Northwestern Bell was
present�,
Plats & Subs -Str. & Util. Meeting - December 5, 1972 Page 3
Darrel Clark gave the following as the present occupancy of the block.
On 22 Street going from North to South, the corner lot is tax forfeit, then
three single family dwellings, then the Northwestern Bell property and a
4-plex on the corner of 59th. There are two 4-pl�xes and a private home
on the North end of 3rd Street and a 4-plex on the South end of Block 11.
Mr. Clark said the alley has not been open to the public. Northwestern Bell
is asking for the alley vacation because their proposed structure will block
the alley.
Mr. Bob Dokken said it has become necessary to develop a new central
office to service this area. At the present time the area is serviced by
three offices, one in Spring Lake Park, one on 26th and Central Avenue N.E.,
and one in Brooklyn Center. The area growth has made it necessary to put
in a new office and the object is to put it as close to the wire center of
the area as possible. This location is as close to this center as they can
get. There will be a minimum disruption of the neighborhood. This property
has already been rezoned. Northwestern Bell has bought, or has option to
buy, seven lots on each side of Bloak 11, a total of 14 lots. Th�y have
made�.$o�e rough drawings of the pxogosed"building. _It wil.l be a low 1-story
structure that will be 140 feet wide (North and South) and 120 feet long.
When expansion is necessary they will expand to the West and the building
will be 140 feet x 180 feet. They will not be able to build this kind of
building without vacation of the alley. They could plan a building they
'--r, could use, without vacating the alley, but it would not allow for orderly
�^-- - expans i on .
Mr. Schmedeke asked if houses were going�to_be �roxed in on Na�rthw�stern
Bell property. Mr. Dokken said they have bought one house and had option to
buy the other and they would be moved off the site.
Mr. Clark said this is a commercial area and the requirements are 20,000
square feet and/or 160 foot frontage. There were two properties on the South
end of the block that are on lots 80 ft. x 130 ft. which would not meet
commercial requirements and the City could be boxed in and have to grant
variances for commercial use. The structures on both properties are about
ten years old. Mr. Dokken said Northwestern Bell would be interested in
buying additional property in the block when the structures have lost some
of their present value. Mr. Schmedeke said he would like to have Northwestern
Bell put it in writing that they would try to pick up any property for sale in
the block.
Mr. Robert Ecker, 5940 3rd Street N.E., said he was in favor of the alley
being vacated. He has no use for the alley. He would like to see it blocked
so it could no longer be used as a raceway for minibikes�etc.
Mr. Richard Welk, the new owner of the 4-plex at 5794 3rd Street N.E.,
said he was against vacating the alley. When he purchased the property he
was not aware of the rezoning or that Northwestern Bell was coming into the
area. He said it wasn't the worst thing that could come in but wondered how
it would affect the rental of his building. He asked if the alley was vacated,
do we give up all our rights to the alley. Mr. Clark answered that when an
alley is vacated it i�_ for_ the entire b'lo��' arid-� the people da give up the right
to have an alley. Mr. Clark said he had a question on the drive just North
of Mr. Welk's property to 60th Avenue. Was this a joint driveway? Mr. Welk
Plats & Subs Str & Util Meeting - December 5, 1972 Page 4
said he had a driveway comming off of 3rd Street that. was_.his= andt�ze dr�v,��ay=off
60th was on his neighbor's property. They have a"gentleman's agreement" tha�t
their tenants can use either driveway. Mr. Welk said he thought other owners
weren't aware of the hearing or they would be here. Mr. Schmedeke asked if
they made any use of the alley now, Mr. Welk said there was no alley to use.
Mr. & Mrs Alfred Gabel of 5947 2'� Street N.E, said they had no objection
to the alley vacation. Mr. �a�iel said it would stop the alley area from being
used as a race track. Mrs. Gabel asked if their real estate taxes would go up
with the addition of the 6 feet of property they would gain from the vacation.
Mr. Clark said as taxes were based on the frontage, he thaught they might go
up some but they could check with the City Assessing Department.
Mr. Dokken said he had talked to Mrs. Meinert who owns Lots 14 and 15.
She said if her husband had any objections they would call and he hadn't heard
from them. He talked to the son of the Schmidt's who own property on Lots 16
and 17. He said he would give his parents the message and they would call if
they had any objections, and Mr. Dokken had heard nothing from them. He also
contacted Mr. Myron Swenson, the owner of the 4-plex on Lots 1 and 2, 5830
3rd Street N.E., and they had no objections.
Mr. Schmedeke said he was concerned about the people on the South end
of the block if that part of the alley was vacated. They are using what will
be Northwestern Bell property now for parking and may need the alley. He
asked Mr. Dokken if it would affect his company if that part of the alley
wasn't vacated. Mr. Dokken_said they would have no objection. Darrel Clark
said he wanted it to go on reeord - that the City would never maintain stubbs
on an alley. The two properties on the South end of the block are using it
as a joint driveway nowi and they could continue to use it as a private driveway
if the alley was vacated. The two property owners might have to have some
kind of covenant between them on the use of the driveway.
Mr. Allen Jensen, 5955 2'� Street N.E., said it was his contention from
information he had received from the Planning Commission, the City Council,
and others, that they would discourage letting anybody come in and buy property
and develop, p�eoperty in the middle of the block. I think they should have to
buy one end of the block and start their development there. If one concern
can start their development in the center of the block, other concerns will do
the sa�e. It will set a precedent. I want the area to develop to its fullest
potential, and not haphazardly. I have no opposition to Northwestern Bell coming
into the area, I just object to them developing the middle of the block.
Mr. Schmedeke said it was very difficult to buy an entire block at one time.
Mr. Dokken said when the building is occupied there will only be 6 to 8
people employed at the site. It will be a quiet operation in an attractive
building.
Mr. Meissner asked Mr. Jensen if as long as they meet the legal requirements
of the City, have the right size lot, the front footage needed, and are in the
right zoning classification, how would he propose that the City regulate where
they build on the block. Mr. Jensen said he thought this was the job of the
Planning Commission and the City Council to oversee where development is permitted.
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Plats &�Subs�.-Str. � Util. Meetin�'- December' S, 1972 < Page 5
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Mr. Jensen asked who.is going to pay the price to buy the apartment
buildin�s�to continue the development of this block. Mr. Dokken asked Mr.
Jensen why they couldn't continue in their present function as long as they
are valuable properties. In years to come, if they lose their value, it -
would then become feasible for them to be purchased.�
Mr. French stated if Northwestern Bell builds on this property, it would
creat� no great traf�ic problem� there would be no odors, it wouldn't genera�e
: any additional :t�ucl� �raffic. -This would be a Low;1-.�,T�ttra�itr� b�%��g .
aad he thought it.was a very desirable thing to go into zars area.
MOTION by French, seconded by Meissner, that the Plats � Subdivisions-
Streets and Utilities Subcommittee recommend approval to the Planning Commission
the Vacation Request, SAV'��72-07, Northweste`rn Bell Telephone Company, to vacate
all�that part of the North/South alley in Block 11, Hyde Park Addition, but
retain the utility easements on the North and South portion of the block not
I occupied by Northwestern Bell. Upon a voice vote, all voti�}g aye, the motion�
" carried unanimously.
4. PROPOSED PRELIMINARY PLATe' P,S: ��72-0$ OSBORNE PLAZA BY STANDARD
OIL COMPANYt All that part of the Northeast Quarter of Section 11,
lying Northerly of the center line of Osborne Road, and East of the
. Center line.of University Avenue N.E,
No one was present to sepresent the petitioner.
Mr. French said this piece of land already has construction on it so
why were they platting it now. Mr. Clark said it was one of the stipulations
of the building permit. Standard Oil had owned all the property, but-now
they own the service station but the;shopping center is owned by Kraus-Anderson.
: Mr. Clark said he thought Outlot A on:the plat was made on that part of
the land that is not buildable because of the St. Paul water`easements on the
progerty. As no one was here to answer on why they had made an Outlot A, that
was a surmise on his part.
. MOTION by Meissner, seconded by Engdahl, that the Plats & Subdivisions-
Straets and Utilities Subcommittee recommend approval to the Planning Commission
the Progosed Preliminary Plat, P.S: �72-08, Osborne Plaza, by Standard Oil
Coa►pany, on all that part of thz Northeast Quarter of Section 11, lying Northerly
af the center line of Osborne Road, and East of the center line of University
Avenue N,E., subject to Outlot A being included as part of Lot 1. Upon a voice
vote,<all voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
A discussion was held by the members of the Subcommittee after th�
regular agenda items. The Subcommittee feels it is part of their job to have
concern for safe streets in Fridley. They felt that all stubb streets should
be studied for,pos-si:bi� vacations. They thought there could be an improvement
in the planting strip behind the Bowling A11ey or a walkway that would be a
pathway to the park. They are concerned about all the trees Fridley has lost
due to ��t�c�Z Elm disease and Oak Tel•ilt. They think Fridley should start a 10
year tree planting program. They thought the League of Women Voters could help
with this project. Darrel Clark-said it could be made part of the Parks and
Recreation Department also. They discussed the development of the 40 foot lots
Plats & Subs -Str & Util Meeting - December 5, 1972 Page 6
between 44th and 49th Avenue N.E.
Chairman Schmedeke adjourned the meeting a 9:15 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
DOR�THY-E N, Acting Secretary