PL 05/23/1973 - 31152�
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CITY OF FRIDLEY
PLANNING CONA�IISSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER:
MAY 23y 1973
Chairman Fitzpatrick called the meeting to order at 8:10 P.M.
ROLL CALL:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Others Preseat:
Fitzpatr�ck,
Harris
Darrel Clark,
Lindblad, Blair, Drigans
PAGE 1
Community Development Administrator e
APPROVE PLAIVNING COI�IlKISSION MINUTES: MA`l 9Q 1973
MOTION by Lindblad, seconded by Blair, that the Pl,anning Commission
appxove the minutes of the 1�ay 9, 1973 meeting as wr�ttten. Upon a voice
vote, a11 voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
RECEIVB PLATS $ SUBDIVISIONS-STREETS�$ UTILITIES SUBCOP�IITTEE MINUTES:
MA.X 9, 1973
1NOTION by B1sir, seconded by Drigans, tha� the PZanning Commission
receive the Plats & Svbdiv.isions-Streets � Uti.Zit�es Subcommittee minutes
of May 9, 1973. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, the �otion carried
unani�usl y . '
RECBIVE PARKS �, RECREATION C014A9ISSION MINUTES: MARCH 26, 1973
Mot.ton by Drigans, seconded by Lindblad, that the Planning Co�anission
receive the Parks 6 Recreation Corr�oission minutes of March 26, 1973. Upon
a vo.ice vote, a11 vot.ing aye, the motion carr.ted unanimously.
RECEIVE BUILDING STANDARDS-DESIGN CONTROL SUBCONA4ITTEE MINUTES: MAY lp, 1973
MOTION by LindbZad, seconded by BZair, that the PZanning Coantission
rece3ve the Building Standards-Design Control 3ubco�nittee m.inutes of 1�lay 10,
1973. Upon e vo�ice vote, all voting aye, the motion carried unanimously.
RECEIVE B0�1RD OF APPEAI,$ MYNUTES: MAY 15, 1973
MOTION by Dr3gan, seconded by Bla�r, that the Planning Cor�n3ssion
teceive the Board of Appeals minutes of May 15, 1973. Upon a voice vote,
a.�l voting $ye, the raotion carried unan�mously.
rr^,_ 1, CONTINUED: VACATION REQUEST: SAV #73-08, DENNIS A. RANSTROM: Vacate
20 foat utility and drainage easement line etween Lots 10 and 11, Block 1,
Rice Creek School �lddition, to allow construction of a home on two lats.
Same as 6700 Arthur Street N.E.
Mr. p�nnriis Rar�strom and Mra. P�� �lj.a�� were present.
� Planning �oimaission Meeting - May 23, 1973 Page 2
Mr. Clark said this item was continued until we had a reco�nenda�tion
from the Parks & Recreation Director and the Parks & Recreation Commnission.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said we do Yaave a memo from the Parks & Recreation
Director and the Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission is present.
Mr. alair said the Commission concurred with the Director in that we have
no need for any park property from these lots.
Mr. Drigans asked if the City has any easements that follow the Creek.
Mr. Clark said no. Mr. Drigans said he didn't understand point five in the
memorandum from the Park Departmento This was a suggestion that the lots be
left as they are. Mr. Clark sa�.d tl�aat meaaat to leave thes� �n private owner-
ship.
Mr. Clark said this wras also continued until this item had been before
the Boarc3 of Appeals. Mr. Clark said the vaxiance was approved subject to
�tiie vacation being approved. The Plats & Subdivisions-Streets & Utilities
Subco�nittee approved this request subject to a 6 foot drai.nage and utility
easement being granted on the South side of I�t llo
Chaircaan Fitzpatr�ck �aid there was � gixlly on tYie property. Mr. Clarlc
said there was no public right of way draining into this gully, and this
� ' was to be taken care of by the:petitior�er.at the time he was ready to start
n construction on the home.
MOZ°ION by Drigans, seconded by Blair, that the Planning Co�ission
re�ommend to Council approval of the vacation request, SAV #73-08, by Dennis
Ranstrom, to vacate the 20 foot utility and drainage easement line between
Lots 10 and 11, Block 1, Rice�Creek School Addition, to a12ow construction
of a ho� on two Iots, subject to a six foot drainage a�d ut3lity easement
being granted on the South side of Lot II. Upon a voice vote, a1Z vot3ng
ay�, the u+otion carried unanimmuslye
2, CONTINUED: REQUEST E'UR A LOT SPLIT, L.S. #73-05, BERNARD JTJLKOWSKI:
Split off part of Lot 6 and 7, Auditor's Subdivision No. 153, to develop
land either multiple or commercial.
Mr. Bernard Julkowski was present.
Chaixntan F'i.tzpatrick said this item had been continued at the Subconaaittee
level eo th� adl�acent property owners could be notified of this request.
Mr. Clark said he had heard tonight that oae of the owners is in the
hoapital, so no one from the apartment camnplex had appeared this evening to
give sny opinion on this property.
One of the new ownera has contacted the City recently asking to have the
'no parking' �aic,�ns removed on 52nd Avenue.
"'�_ Mr. Jack Getzel, District Supervisor for Robert Hall, and Mr. J. Klava,
Manager oP the Fridley ltobert Hall were at the Subco�anittee meeting and said
th�y had np objaction to this lot splito .
,� Planning Cou�tission Meeting - May 23, 1973 Pa e 3
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Mr. Clark continued that the City's concerra is �hat if this land is
under different use, this is going to create more of a parking problem for
the apartment complex than they are having nowm
Mr. Clark said the 64 unit apart�aent complax was built in 1964 and at
that time they met all the existi.ng codes. We required 95,000 square feet
to build this many unitsm They had 118,000 square feet. out present requirement�
would require 160,000 square feet for this maziy units. We did require 1�
parking stalls per unit. Now we require 1� parking stalls ,per unit plus
�t stall for any uni� with more than one bedroom. They would have to provide
20 more stalls now b�hara they did then o
Mr. C1ark presented a plot plan with the parcel shown that Mr. Julkowski
wants to split off, and the existinq apart�ent building coanplex. Mr. Clark
said the 64 units face 52nd Avenue N.Ee The blue parking spaces on th� plot
plan are existing parking stalls. The red parking spaces are a plan worked
out by administration for the owner of the apartment building a few years
ago. �hese parkinq spaces have never been put in. At the present tivae,
there is some parking on Mr. Julkovaski's parcel by people in the apartment
complex.
Mr. Julkowski said he has owned this parcel for nine years. It has been
split by the County, but the City will not honor that split for special
/'1 assessment or allow hi.ua to obtain a building permit.
ChairMan Fitzpatrick asked haw this can be split by the County, when
it's not split by the City. Mr. Clark said the County cannot refuse to
record a properly executed deed on abstract property.
Mr. Fitzpatxick asked Mr. Ju].kowski if he had negotiated with the
owners of the apartment complex about purchasinq th3s property. Mr. Julkowski
said he had, and they have shown an i.nterest, but they aren't in any huxry
to buy the property because they know I can't do anything with it. If I
qet the lot split, I may still seiY the property to the apartment owners. I
don't intend to ask anything but a fair price for this parcel, either way.
Mr. Drigans asked Mr. Julkowski what he could use this parcel for when
it►�s zaned co�unercial. Mr. Clark said Mr. Julkowski did take out a building
�ermit in 196� for 16 units to be built on this site, but they were r�ever
built. He can stiIl constxuct an aparta�ent on this site, but the present
requixement� would oaiy �llow an eight or ten unit apaz+tr�sht. Zf he aants
to build an apaxtment, h� would have to rezone the property.
' � lrlr. Lindblad asked if the present owners of the apartntent complex bought
- thi� parcel from Mr. Ju2kowski could.�aey eonstruct apartments on it. Mr.
Clark eaid all they could use it for was parking because i.t wauld be tzeated
as one parcel of land and they do not meet the square footage require-
• menta for the" units they already have, or the parking requirements, according
�ko aur preeetit codes.
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Mr. Fitzpatrick asked Mr. Julkowski if he has requA�ted a lot aplit fraa
�he City on this parcel before. Mr. Julkowski said he has talked abaut it,
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Plat�ing Commission Meeting - May 23, 1973 Page 4
but every time he bxouqht it in, he was told to wait and see if the apartment
complex would buy the property. Mr. Clark said the reaso� for this was
because if the lot split was approved and the property went into different
ownershi.p and a different use, the parking probleans for the apartments woulci
only be a bigger problem.
Mr. Meissner said there was a tax forfeit lot, Lot 11, Block 1, Marion
Hills Addition, that was adjacent to this property. Mr. Julkowski said
that property used to be part of the property he ownecl when he built the
apartment complex and there was a driveway to the apartment complex on this
lot. Evidently, subsequent buyers of the propsrty weren't aware that this
was in addition to the parcel the apartment building was located on and let
this lot go tax forfeit. Mr. Meissner said it was felt at the Subcommittee
meeting that this lot could offer about six additional parking spaces. Alr.
Clark said if thi� lot was used for pa�king, as i�'was in an R-1 district
they would have to get a Special Use Permit and some variances of the setback
requirements. •
Mr. Fitzpatrick asked Mr. Julkowski if he got this lot split could he sell
part oE what was split off to the apartmeaat owners for additional parking.
Mr. Julkowski said he could, and this would give ixim many different options
on this parcela
Mr. Drigans said he was concerned about the overall problem of parking
for the apartment complex and felt Mr. Julkowski should seriously negotiate
witb the apartment owners to sell them this property.
MOTION by Drigans, seconded by B1air, tliat the Plann3ng Cor�anission continue
the request for a lot split, L.S. #73-05, by Bernard Julkowski, to spZit off
part of Lots 6 and 7, Audator's Subdivision No. I53, to develop land either
commercial or multiple, until June 6, 1973, to allow serious negotiations
between M!. Julkowsk� and the apartment owners on the purchase of this parcel,
and maybe the lot split wi11 not be necessary. Upon a voice vote, aZl voti,�g
aye, the r�vtion carr3ed vnanimously.
3, LAND USE DISCCJS3ION: ROGER CHRISTENSOAT: Proposal to construct a school
garag� on Lot 1, and the North 25 feet of Lot 2, Block 6, Rice Creek
Plaza South Addition, subject to all easements of record.
Mr. Roqer Christenson and Mr. Carl Newquist, his attorney, were �resent.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said �his proposal has been before the Boaxd of
Appeala and was rec�ended to �he Planning Con�ission by that Board.
Mr. Drigana said this proposal was before �he Hoard of Appeals on May 15�
1973, at which tin� there were two petitioras pre3ented requesting that we
deny the variances. These requests were by the �djoininq neighbor� in the
area who objected to a bua garage going into the proposed site. The petitioner
wae a�aking for a five foot side yard variaric� and a 5 foot parkinq varianc�.
Chairman Fitzpatr�.ck said the Board of Appeals is seeking the opinion of �
the Plannir�g Commiseion of the use of the 1� as a bus qaxage. This use ie
permitted �� a M-� dis9t;�,�t, whi�h is what i�Yae property in question is zoned.
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Planning Commi.ssion Meeting - May 23, 1973 Page 5
Mr. Drigans said the Board of Appeals was not only concerned about the
- - property being used as a bus storage area abutting a residential area, but
of any other industrial use going into this area. Mr. Drigans listed some
------- --of the things that were permitted uses in this zoning, such as building
material yards, creameries, dairies, etc., ice plants, locker plants, cold
storage, cleaning and dyeing plants and laundries, railroad lines and spurs,
passenger and freight depots, all these things could be across the street
from a residential area. In this particular area, I believe the homes are
valued in excess of $35,000.
Mr. Drigans said he would like to refer to the zoning ordinance, Section
45.01, in which it states that this zoning ordinance has been adopted for
the Purpose of dividing the City into zones, or districts, restricting and
regulating therein, the location, erection, construction, re-construction,
alteration, and use of buildings, structures, and land, for industrial,
commercial, residential, recreational, and other specified uses; regulating
the intensity of the use of the land and to regulate and determi.ne the
area of open spaces surrounding such buildings in order to prevent the over-
crowding of land and to a.ssure adequate light and air, to protect waterways
and natural resources.
Nir. Drigans continued, this paxticular piece of property adjoins part of
!� Rice Creek, and my major concern and the concern of the Board of A
the use of this iece of Ppeals was
P� property for a bus storage area. The buses will be
repaired and maintained in this proposed building and the refuse from this
will go into a catch basin, and I'm not convinced that this catch basin is
going to do the job, and we could get undesira.ble chemicals into Rice Creek
and Locke Lake.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said the point you are trying to make is that
although the zoning is proper for the use the petitioner wishes, it is
contrary to the intent of our zoning ordinances.
Mr. Drigans said he knew that Mr. Christenson has been a member of the
business coitununity for a long time and a long time resident of Fridley�, and
he, Mr. Drigans, personally knew of many insta.nces where Mr. Christenson has
donated buses to Civic organizations free of charge, so he is a good part of
this Community. However, I do feel that this industry would be better located
in another area of Fridley, a far better suited area. I would like to see
something worked out so that the City could buy this property from Mr. Christen- ,
son for a fair compensation, so that the bus garage, which he needs, can be
located in another part of the City.
Chairman Fitzpatrick repeated that this had been referred to the Planning
Commission by a subcommittee asking us to make a recommendation�on a land use
problem. We probably won't be prepared to make that statement this evening.
� Mr. Darrel Clark said that he had questioned Mr.
' on this and he said that if any of the residents of
of the Planning Commission would submit any question
writing, he would give them a written answer.
Herrick, the City Attorney,
the area or any members
they have on this, in
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� Planning Commission Meeting - May 23, 1973. Page 6
Mr. Fi,tzpatrick said the use requested is permitted in the present
zoning.
Mr. Clark said the petitioner has requested having all the parking in the
-- --- -- -,----rear of the building because he wants to save the trees on the front of the
lot to help provide screening of the building from the street. As far as
traffic is concerned, there is a proposed service drive between the property
and the railroad tracks. Council could order this road in any time they felt
p it was.necessary. They are in the proper: zoning area for the proposed use and
the proposal is well within the requirements of the present zoning ordinance.
Mr. Meissner, a member of the Plats & Subdivisions-Streets & Utilities
Subcommittee said he would review for the Planning Commission, briefly, the
action taken by them tonight. He said they were asked to approve the vacation
of a 30 foot road easement on Lot 1 and the North 25 feet of Lot 2, Block 6,
Rice Creek Plaza South Addition, which they did approve, retaining the utility
easement and retaining a storm sewer easement running North and South to the
East of the building, and an easement for a walkway to the Creek.
Mr. Carl Newquist, an attorney, said he was speaking in behalf of Mr.
Christenson. He said Mr. Christenson and his family has provided bus service
for the schools for 35 years. Because of a change of ownership of the property
he now uses, it has �de it necessary to relocate the storage of buses. Mr.
� Christenson has owned the property where he wants to build the bus storage
building for many years. It has been zoned M-1 for 15 years. Mr. Newquist
said that by saving the trees in front of the building and on the land next
to the Creek and Locke Park, they will be providing screening.
• Mr. Clark explained the underpass pla�, using the scale model of the
project. This plan would connect the proposed service drive to 2nd Street
Northeast with access to Mississippi Street. Mr. Drigans asked how wide this
street would be. Mr. Claxk said it would be 50 feet.
Mr. Clark said it would depend upon the timing of the development between
Main Street and the tracks, as to when the service road would be built. The
City Council has the power to order it in any time that they wish.
Mr. Bud Hamilton, 181 Rice Creek Terrace, said that he would like to
summarize some of the points that were made by our attorney at the Board of
Appeals meeting on May 15th. We presented a petition protesting this
proposal that was signed by 73 people, all residents of the neighborhood
affected. There were 21 neighbors at that meeting and 20 neighbors are here
tonight. Mr. Simon, our attorney, said this proposal would devaluate the
homes in the area, it would present a grave danger to the safety of our
children with eighty buses a day traveling a residential street. The children
cross the street to get to the park, and there are no sidewalks in the area<
The other five blocks in Rice Creek Plaza South Addition were platted in 1958.
There were very strict covenants, which apply for 20 years, in regard to
square footage, architectural control, and the quality and size of the buildings.
'� All these things were designed to insure a nice residential area. The area
in question is right across the street.
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� Planning Commission Meeting - May 23, 1973 Page 7
Mr. Hamilton continued that the point was also made that in the zoning
ordi.nance, paragraph 45.131, in discussing the use� in M-1 zoning, that the uses
will not be dangerous or otherwise detrimental to persons residing or working
in the vacinity thereof, or to the public welfare, and will not impair the
- ------- �-- ��'use, enjoyment or value of any property. Also in paragraph 45.132, uses
excluded; any other use which is objectionable by reason of noise, dust,
dirt, noxious gases, �or, vibration, etc., or because of subjection of
life, health and property to hazard. I submit that the proposal is in
violation of these ordinances.
It also states on the 1973 Fridley calender, with a picture of Rice
Creek on the cover, tha.t Fridley offers canoers a chance to explore Rice
C;reek and its mystic beauty. Rice Creek flows through the heart of Fridley,
and often ti.mes makes you believe you're off in some forgotten place.
Also reported in the Sun newspaper of August, 1968, which described
Rice Creek as a jewel within our reach. Also in this article it stated
that more land should be preserved for public use.
Also, the Metropolitan Council said the City should conser.ve the land
that would serve as a buffer to the Creek. This proposal would create heavy
noise and pollution to the Creek.
^ Mr. Hamilton quoted the following from the pro,posed comprehensive plan.
On page six under Environmental Controls, it states that a recently formed
Environmental Commission will further provide additional citizen inpu� to
insure better environmental quality for the people of Fridley. The involve-
ment of the citizenry in this area of environmental control has been, and
will continue to be, a significant force in curbing visual pollution.
Also on page 6, under Cities Exemplary Role, it says that in addition to
its regulatory functions, the City has taken an exemplary role in the control
of visual pollution and concern for aesthetics.
. On page 7, under Rice Creek Watershed Preservation, it sta'tes that controls
have been established to encourage conscientious development along all City
waterways, including lakes and creeks.
On page 8, continuing protection is needed if natural lands are �o be
preserved for future generations. Under Planning Implications; in our
expanding urban environanent, it is imperative that we preserve much of our
na.tural ecology in order to develop as comfortable a living environment as is
feasi.bly possible. The citizenry must become aware of the importance of the
City's natural resources and how they can be incorporated into the overall
environment.
On page 9, under Land Use; a forecast of future land use is an essential
step in the planning process. Before it can be determined what is needed for
'� future development, it is necessary to consider (1) how existing land is used,
(2) what la�nd is vacant, (3) what afiect existing land use patterns will have
on the vacant land, and (4) measure projections for the type and quani�y of
land required for future population needs.
/'"� Planninq CoIIU[tission Meeting - Ma.y 23, 1973 Pa e 8
Mr. Hamilton continued quoting from the Comprehensive Plan. On page
14, a table is given that compares Fridley to other first ring suburbs. It
shows that the average for heavy industrial use �-� 6.7o and Fridley has 22.10.
The average residential land is 41.So and Fridley has 340. Fridley has over
- - - --
----- ee t�.mes the average in industrial land. Of this industrial land, what is
zoned M-I is 58.6o vacant and M-2 is 46.2o vacant. Mr. Hami.lton �ontinued to
quqte from page 14 where it says with the highest. percentage of industrial
land use in the Metropolita.n Area, Fridley has sufficient industry to support
its projected population. Therefore, any future industrial development should
be considered for the nature of its work force and its impact upon the Commun-
ity.
On page 20, it says the reputation of a community is shaped by the quality
and condition of its residential areas.
On page 25, under Community Facilities; the overall appearance of a
city is one of its most valuable assets. It is therefore important to
preserve the city's natural beauty as much as possible. This has been, and
should continue to be, one of the major considerations in planning community
facilities.
On page 33, where it talks ahout land development, it states that with
� limited residential properties ._ left and sizeable industrial properties
still to develop, this future development would tend to provide more jobs
than necessary to support the employment needs in the community. This
situation is not necessarily healthy a�c1 can create problems siinilar to the
core cities.
On page 47, under General Objectives; insofar as it is possible and
practical, all future development should reflect the major proposals of
the Guide Plan. Points Mr. Hamilton stressed were (4) Promote and encourage
quality business and industrial development in the City, and to cooperate
with new and existing business and industry, where such business and industry
contributes to the high social, economic and aesthetic level of the community.
.(6) Preserve much of our natural ecology in order to develop as comfortab3e
a living environment as is feasi.bly possible.
On page 50, under the heading of Comprehensive Plan, the development of
the Comprehensive Plan is determined to a large degree by the needs and
' desires of the City's inhabitants. These needs and�desires can be ascertained
by a study of their characteristics and their own vocal expressions, but
these needs and desires alter with changing characteristics, so it is necessary
to evaluate trends and changes to establish future controls for our environ-
mental needs.
On page 53, under the heading Industrial, it will be necessary to re-
evaluate the amount of vacant land which is presently zoned industrial and
� possibly. consider some other uses that would provide a more stable balance
ot land uses within the communitv. Also, any future industrial development
should be thoroughly considered for the nature of its work force and its
impact upon the community.
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Planni.ng Co�ission Meeting - May 23, 1973 • Page 9�
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,Finally, on page 60, Mr. Hami.lton continued, where it talks about
--Study Area 4, and this paragraph is specifically for the area we are
talking about tonight, it says it would not be desirable to extend industrial
�acilities further into the residential areas along the railroad South of
Rice Creek. This area should retain its residential character to fit into
---�-the surrounding residential neighborhood. Medium density housing would serve
as a transition for the existing railroad and industry and would preserve
public use of Rice Creek.
Mr. Hamilton s�.d in summary that a petition signed by 73 residents was
presented at the Soard of Appeals meeting protesting this praposal, to protecf
the children's safety, because of intolerable noise, visual pollution and
depreciation of ho�es in the area. Also the comprehensive plan specifically
reco�ends that this area should retain its residential character and says
it would not be desirable to extend industrial facilities South of Rice Creek.
Mr. Hamilton apg�ealed to the Planning Co�nission to give serious
consideration to �s proposal, and follow the guidelines of the comprehensive
plan and rezone this land for residential use.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said one ,point that should be made is that the
comprehensive plan 1�. Hamilton quoted from so effectively, is the statement
of the Planning Co�ission and has not been adopted as yet by the City.
� Mr. Hamilton said he had been at the last City Council meeting with
an alternate propa�ai for this area and would like to read his statement
at this time.
The letter was �o the attention of the Chairman of the Fridley Planning
Commission on the subject of Fridley's comprehensive development plan.
The letter stated that the Planning Co�nission and the City Planning
Department are to 1�� complimented on the thorough plan they have developed
for Fridley's remai�s.ng land. The adoption of the proposed guidelines can
make Fridley even �ore beautiful than it is today. I have an alternate
suggestion for the use of a portion of the land�covered in Study Area 4.
I would imagine tha-� Jay Park (adjacent to the area in question, and running
between Main and 2nai Street) would be more desirable as residential land
than the area along the tracks. If so, it might make sense to zone Jay
Park as residential and create a larger park in the area from Designware to
• Ri.ce Creek. In ad:dition, the dedicated roadway where it crosses the entrance
of Rice Creek into �,ocke Lake would form a natural line between this park
and Plaza Park, No�hh of Rice Creek. This area where Rice Creek widens out
and enters Locke L�ce is an extremely beautiful section of Fridley. It aboutids
in wildlife includi.mg mallards, herons, muskrats, and wide variety of other
birds. The best pga�ce to view the area is from the dedicated roadway mentioned
above. As you kno�r, Rice Creek is used extensively by canoeists and many
of them use this ara�a to bring their canoes ashore. In accordance with one
of the Plan's objec�igres stated throughbut the document of preserving the
�� City's natural be�ut� for future generations, I submit that this area should
be developed as a g�rk so the public may enjoy it. Ari important part of my
proposal is that the use of the dedicated roadway be restricted to pedestrian
�1 � Planning Commission Meeting - May 23, 1973 , Page 10
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and bicycle traffic only. As you may be aware, there is a current problem
of motorcycles on this road causing intolerable noise pollution and teaxing
up of the hill on either side of the roadway. If my total proposal is not
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feasible, I believe the important paxt is that some land South of Rice Creek
be preserved for public use by the creation of a park, and that it be linked
to the dedicated roadway which should be closed to vehicular traffic.
Mr. James Makie, 200 Rice Creek Terrace N.E., said this area in question
is zoned industrial. Mr. Christenson can build a garage on this property and
as he has owned this land for some time he probably feels.he is entitled to
build on it. But any kind of light industry will present a danger to this
area. It is a sheltered area. Rice Creek is closed off at University and
the end of Main Street. Second Street is a dead end. We really have spoiled
our children. They feel they own the street. They use the street as a play-
ground because we have had no traffic flow. It would take deaths and another
generation of children before they learn to stay off the street. We also
want to preserve the natural beauty bordering the Creek.
Mr. Lawrence Anderson, 220 Rice Creek Blvd., said that bus and taxi
storage yards were allowed in M-1, but there would be storage of gasoline
and repair work done on the buses and he thought this could be.a threat to
the preservation of the Creek.
Mr. Dwayne Dzubay, 220 Rice Creek Terrace N.E., said �hat when the
underpass plan goes through it is going to leave one entrance and ex.it for
the entire area and the school buses would add to the congestion.
Mrs. Lois Parsons, 171 Rice Creek Terrace, said it is difficult to
get,out of her driveway now with the existing traffice. Also, there has
been discussion of trees screening this building from Main Street, but there
is a lot of the year when the leaves are off the trees and there would be
no screening.
Mr. Paul Plummber, 10-66� Way N.E., said he thought there was inadequate
buffering for noise from Designware now.
Mr. Blair said there was concern at the Parks & Recreation Commission
meeting about a commercial building being located on the Creek. Because the
property was correctly zoned for tliis proposal, we couldn't voice any objection,
but we were concerned about the traffic congestion with a park half a block
away when the children have to cross the street to get to the park. As far �
as Mr. Hamilton's proposal is concerned, it would have to be worked out as to
how Mr. Christenson would be compensated for his land if this property was
made into a park. Another concern is whether a dedicated park can be changed
into a residential area.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said there can be great difficulties in making any
n changes in a dedicated park.
Mrs. Hamilton asked when the underpass would be going in. Mr. Clark
said this was a County controlled project and she could contact the County
Engineer. He said he t.hought it would be at Teast three years.
Planning Conanission Meeting - Ma,y 23, 1973 ' Pa e 1'1
^
Mr. Drigans said he would like to state that he felt Mr. Hamilton quoted
very succinctly from the comprehensive plan that is under consideration right
now by the City Council. I would submit to you that if some of these remarks
_ or statements are of any value to the City of Fridley, that this guideline be
very seriously considered. The plan hasn't even been approved and here we
- - - - -_ __-- — -
are already faced with problems concerning the plan. The Planning Commission
has spent well over a year developing this plan, the administration has spent
hundreds and hundreds of dollars developing the plan. This plan has been
submitted to the Metropolitan Council. The first instance that we have that
involves the plan, we have a problem. I think the City Council should take
some type of action and if this plan has any value, either this area should
be completely deleted from the plan, or followed, as well as any of the other
study areas. Mr. Hamilton has quoted ti.me and time again, about ecology and
the �oncern of the City in environment, and here in one area where we have a
beautiful piece of land on Rice Creek,, we propose to turn it into a piece of
industrial property. This is a good case where land was zoned many, many
years ago, and should be looked at again now.
Chairman Fitzpatrick said the comprehensive plan developed from problems
that, came up before in other areas like this in recent years.
Mr. Fitzpatrick said we were asked to study the land use involved in this
proposal for a bus storage gaxage, and this we have done.
^ Mr. Clark said the City Council should have the opportunity to comzttent_on .
this before any decision is made by the Planning Commission. This proposal
meets all the requirements codewise, but disagrees with the guidelines of the
Comprehensive Plan. This is in one of the Study Areas and what was brought
up here tonight will involve the purchasing or selling of park property.
Mr. Drigans said he would like some type of direction from the City
Council in this Study Area 4, particularly before we go any futher in
granting variances or considering the vacation request, on whether they
approve of the comprehensive plan, because we have a�onflict between what
the property is zoned for and what we have recommended in the comprehensive
plan. The Comprehensive Plan has not been approved. It is still having
Public Hearings. This portion shoulc� be approved or given a recommendation
by the City Council before the Planning Commission and the Board of Appeals
go further with their functions.
MOTION by Drigans, seconded by Blair, that the City Councii discuss
Study Area 4 of the Comprehensive P1an at their next meeiing in reference to
these requests for variances and vacation before it is referred back to the
Subcommittee's and Planning Commission. Upon a voice vote, a11 voting aye, th�
motion carried unanimousZy.
4.. REVIEW R�UIREMEI�TI'FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR SECOND AUXILLIARY BUILDING
Chairman Fitzpatrick said this was put on the agenda partly at the
� request of Mr. Harris. Mr. Harris has specifically asked us to continue this
discussion until our n�xt meeting.
MOTION by Blair, seconded by Lindblad, that the Planning Commission continue
the review of the requirement for a Special Use Permit for second auxilliary
building, until June 6, 1973. Upon a voice vote, aZ1 voting aye, the motion
carried unanimousl.�.
�/'� 'Planning Commission Meeting - May 23, 1973 Page 12
5. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Mr. Drigans said at the special meeting of May 2, 1973 between the members
---- oi the old a.nd new Planning Commission, there was reference made to a Park
Plan, Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Plan and a Transportation Plan. Are these
documents in existance.
Mr. Clark said the Park Plan is in the rough draft stage and has not
been reviewed by the Park Co�►ission. The sewer plan has already been
approved by the Metro Counci. As to the transporta.tion plan, we will need
guidelines from the Metropolitan Council, because this will involve a much
larger area than Fridley.
NIr. Drigans said as the Planning Commission is charged with long-range
planning, I would like to see some of these plans for our review.
Chairman Fitzpatrick adjourned the meeting at 10:20 P.M.
�
Respectfully submitted,
�..��f3 ���✓!?��
Dorothy Ev son, Secretary
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