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02/07/2001 - 00009150CITY OF FRIDLEY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRUARY 7, 2001 CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Savage called the February 7, 2001, Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Diane Savage, Barbara Johns, LeRoy Oquist, Dean Saba, Larry Kuechle Members Absent: Dave Kondrick, Connie Modig Others Present: Paul Bolin, Planner Wayne Dahl, 7699 Highway 65 NE, Fridley Chris Winter, Gateway East Redevelopment, LLC APPROVE THE JANUARY 17, 2001, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES: MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Ms. Johns, to approve the January 17, 2001, Planning Commission meeting minutes as presented. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Special Use Permit, SP #01-01, by Wayne Dahl, for the installation of an electronic changeable sign, generally located at 7699 Highway 65. MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Saba, to open the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:32 P.M. Mr. Bolin stated that Dr. Wayne Dahl of North Metro Spine Care Specialists is the petitioner. He is requesting a special use permit to allow a new automatic changeable readerboard sign on his property located at 7699 Highway 65. The property is zoned C-3, General Shopping, with Osborne Road to the north and TH 65 to the west. The TH 65 service drive is located to the east. This site was originally developed as the FrosTop Drive-In in 1964. During the 1960's and 1970's, the property was used as a miniature golf course. Mr. Bolin stated Dr. Dahl purchased the property in 1981 and remodeled it to accommodate a chiropractic office. Sign permits were issued for new pylon signs on this site in 1981, 1988, and 1986. Automatic changeable readerboard signs are an approved special use in this zoning district provided the message does not change more than once every fifteen minutes and that the total free standing signage for this site does not exceed 80 square feet in size. In 1996, a special use permit was obtained for the time and temperature readerboard that currently sits on the top of the existing sign. This readerboard will need to be removed as it is 4.8 square feet in size and would bring the total signage proposed over the 80 square feet allowed by code. Mr. Bolin stated that a 2 feet by 13 feet automatic changeable readerboard would be on the proposed sign. Total square footage would be 78 square feet. Staff recommends approval PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRUARY 7. 2001 PAGE 2 subject to stipulations. The petitioner is seeking a variance to allow the message on the sign to change more often than every fifteen minutes. Mr. Kuechle stated that stipulation #2 may be a catch-22, and they would want to do everything in one operation. Is staff suggesting that the petitioner cannot get the permit until the old one is down? Mr. Bolin stated that is correct, and they could reword that stipulation if they get a letter of intent from the petitioner to remove the existing time and temperature sign at the same time as the new sign is installed. Ms. Savage asked Mr. Bolin if any calls or comments were received about this request. Mr. Bolin stated that there have been no calls. Dr. Dahl stated that he does not have any problem with the stipulations, and Mr. Bolin has described everything quite well. Mr. Kuechle asked Mr. Dahl about removing the readerboard before he gets the permit. Is that something that would inconvenience him? Dr. Dahl stated that he is not concerned about it. The existing sign is five years old with old technology. Ms. Johns asked if the new sign would be in the same location as the existing one. Dr. Dahl stated that the plastic surface section would be taken out of the sign structure and the readerboard would be put into the lower portion of it. The plastic sign would be cut off and put back together, the white area on the bottom would be cut out, and the readerboard placed in there. MOTION by Mr. Saba. Seconded by Mr. Oquist, to close the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED AT 7:39 P.M. Mr. Oquist stated that the request is pretty straightforward. Ms. Savage stated that it is a permitted use. She would be in favor of approving the special use permit. MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Saba, to recommend approval of SP #01-01 with the following stipulations: 1. The petitioner shall obtain sign permits prior to installing any signage on site. 2. The existing time/temperature reader board shall be removed prior to granting sign permits for new signage. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Savage stated that this would go to City Council on February 26. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, FEBRUARY 7, 2001 PAGE 3 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Rezoning, ZOA #01-01, by Gateway East Redevelopment, LLC, to rezone for a proposed 28 unit for sale townhome project, generally located at 5807 and 5755 University, 353 and 339 57th Place, and 348 575th Avenue. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a Preliminary Plat, PS #01-01, by Gateway East Redevelopment, LLC, for a preliminary plat for proposed 28 unit for sale townhome project, generally located at 5807 and 5755 University, 353 and 339 57th Place, and 348 57th Avenue. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of a vacation, SAV #01-01, by Gateway East Redevelopment, LLC, for a street vacation for a proposed 28 unit for sale townhome project, generally located at 5807 and 5755 University, 353 and 339 57th Place, and 348 57th Avenue. MOTION by Ms. Johns, seconded by Mr. Saba, to open the public hearing regarding item nos. 2,3, and 4. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:41 P.M. Mr. Bolin stated that these three requests were for the Gateway East Project. The petitioners are Gateway East Redevelopment and the Limited Liability Corporation. This is a joint venture between Real Estate Equities and the Bisanz Brothers. The project is located at the corner of 57th and University Avenues. The entire site is about 2.5 acres in size. Former uses on these properties included a pawn shop, automotive repair facility, a duplex, and two vacant sites. The developer's and HRA's goal is to change the current aging commercial structures into a livable residential area. Gateway East Redevelopment is proposing 28 owner-occupied townhome units to be priced between $126,000 and $142,000. Each townhome will be a three-story design with two bedrooms and two car attached garages. Mr. Bolin stated the developer is seeking to vacate portions of the University Service Road, a portion of 57th Place, and a portion of 4th Street. They would also like to rezone the property from a mix of C-2 commercial and R-2 residential into an S-2 redevelopment district. They would like to replat the properties into one parcel suitable for townhome development. In 1988, the City was approached by a developer who looked at developing this site and the Valvoline site as commercial. Due to the fact that the property was so expensive, it was determined that the development was not feasible. Mr. Bolin stated that in 1998, JR's Automotive contacted the HRA about purchasing their property. The HRA acquired the property and looked at redeveloping that quadrant. In July 1998, the HRA hired the Hoisington Koegler Group to develop specific concept plans for the redevelopment of this quadrant at 57th, exclusive of the Valvoline site. In April 1999, the HRA signed a purchase agreement to purchase the Holiday property occupied by Cash-N-Pawn. In August 1999, the HRA initiated offers to purchase the duplex at 349 57th Place and the two vacant lots. Mr. Bolin stated that in March 2000, City staff conducted a neighborhood meeting to present three options for realigning streets in the project area. The residents favored the plan which closed off access to the neighborhood. The residents in the northeast portion did not want to see 4th Street extended through. In June 2000, the HRA sent out proposals to a number of PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRUARY 7. 2001 PAGE 4 developers. Two proposals were received by Gateway East Redevelopment for 28 townhome units and Hokanson Development for 40 townhome units. It was determined that the less dense 28-unit townhome proposal would be most appropriate for this site. Mr. Bolin stated that in July 2000, the HRA demolished the duplex, JR's Automotive, and Cash- N-Pawn. In December 2000, the HRA approved the contract for private redevelopment with Gateway East Redevelopment and approved the Gateway East TIF District. In January 2001, the developer prepared the final plans with the land use applications, called a neighborhood meeting, and started conducting additional environmental testing on the site. Mr. Bolin stated staff recommends approval of the three requests. The proposed alignment for the streets is supported by the neighborhood and the Public Works Department. Rezoning of the property is necessary to get the density needed on this site to accommodate the 28 units proposed and gives more flexibility to establish a more residential character. It allows for some closer setbacks found on the private streets close to the development. The plat request is necessary to combine the five properties in the project area into one property to be platted for the units. This would also dedicate the right-of-way necessary for the proposed street layout. Mr. Chris Winter, representing Real Estate Equities, stated they are requesting to realign and vacate the University Avenue Service Road. Valvoline Oil will have their entrance relocated. They are proposing eight buildings with five and three-unit clusters. Green grass will be between buildings and the driveways and garages will be in back with a private entrance. There will be a nice streetscape with front porches and landscaping. There will be a common area in the center of the community and nice landscaping on various properties. They are proposing a three story tuck-under garage style that would allow front porches and decks. Landscaping will add different elements of interest. Shaker maintenance free siding will be throughout. Private entrances are on the front and the back. They took a lot of time to work on the elevation. They want to make the development as residential as possible and bring down the elevation. Mr. Saba asked for more information about the landscaping. Mr. Winter stated they are looking at a two inch tree in the front yard with various types. The first level is a garage level with room for a home office/bedroom space. Two different main level floor plans are being proposed right now. Both have two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. Both offer a little computer nook area on the main level and great room and dining room area. The third floor will have two bedrooms with a master suite walk-in closet, oversized bathroom, and a bedroom/storage room. Mr. Saba asked how much green space is in back. Mr. Winter stated there is about 35 feet of setback in the front yard for green grass and trees. There will be about four or five feet of green space between each driveway in the back. There is green grass and trees in the side yard. Ms. Johns asked if the environmental testing has been done. Mr. Winter stated they did soil borings in a number of locations, and the results should be in next week. Mr. Saba asked if the computer nook will have cable access. Mr. Winter stated that they will have cable and phone access. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRUARY 7. 2001 Ms. Savage asked if any calls were received. PAGE 5 Mr. Bolin stated that he has had three calls. Two were in favor of this and the third was just curious about the project. Ms. Savage asked if he had any problems with stipulations. Mr. Winter stated they have no problems with the stipulations. Mr. Oquist asked if there were any problems with the way the roads were constructed. Mr. Bolin stated that in December he, the building inspectors, the Fire Marshall, and the City Engineering staff inet to discuss the road construction. They ended up moving some utilities and one fire hydrant. There were no other issues. Ms. Johns asked if Valvoline has a problem with anything. Mr. Bolin stated Valvoline is working with the HRA on the best way to redesign the site. MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Mr. Saba, to close the public hearing. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED AT 8:05 P.M. Mr. Oquist asked about fencing. Mr. Bolin stated there would be the same kind of brick and wrought iron fencing found at Christenson Crossings and Walgreens. Some design criteria is already in place for the fencing. Mr. Oquist stated that this is a nice package and would clean that area up. Ms. Savage stated they certainly could use more residential in Fridley. MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Ms. Johns, to approve Rezoning, ZOA #01-01. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Mr. Kuechle to approve Preliminary Plat, PS #01-01, with the following stipulations: 1. The petitioner shall obtain all necessary permits prior to construction. 2. The grading and drainage plan shall be approved by the City's Engineering staff prior to the issuance of any building permits, in order to minimize impacts to the surrounding properties. 3. During construction, silt fencing shall be used where applicable. 4. The petitioner shall pay $750 per unit park fees prior to issuance of building permits. 5. The petitioner shall pay all water and sewer connection fees. 6. The petitioner shall agree to preserve mature trees to the extent possible. All trees required to be removed for the new homes shall be marked and approved by City staff prior to issuance of building permits. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. FEBRUARY 7. 2001 PAGE 6 UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Saba, to approve Vacation, SAV #01-01. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Ms. Savage stated that these request will go to City Council on February 26. 5. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 4, 2000, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 8, 2001, PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION by Mr. Oquist, seconded by Mr. Saba, to receive the minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 25, 2000, APPEALS COMMISSION MEETING: MOTION by Mr. Kuechle, seconded by Ms. Johns, to receive the minutes. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Mr. Oquist to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Saba. UPON A VOICE VOTE, ALL VOTING AYE, CHAIRPERSON SAVAGE DECLARED THE MOTION CARRIED AND THE FEBRUARY 7, 2001, PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNED AT 8:11 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Signe L. Johnson Recording Secretary