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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionOFFICIAL MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JANUARY 17, 2018 — 6:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Claudia Johnston -Madison, Torrey Kanne, Richard Person MEMBERS ABSENT: Lynne Carper, Lisa Peilen, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich STAFF PRESENT: Jacquelyn Kramer, Jennifer Monson, Sean Walther 1. Bridgewater Bank development proposal at Excelsior Blvd. and Monterey Dr. Jennifer Monson, Planner, provided a summary of the preliminary development proposal. Commissioner Johnston -Madison asked if parking is the same as was proposed with the previous proposal. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, responded that the concept plan includes 248 parking stalls. The previous Dominium proposal had 380 parking stalls. The access may be somewhat different. Commissioner Johnston -Madison asked about the cantilevered section of the building. She asked about four retail spots. Ms. Monson said these could be multiple retail spaces, space for a restaurant, or retail spaces and a very large restaurant. Ms. Monson presented a preliminary site plan of the site. She pointed out entrance and exit points. She stated that a traffic study is being finalized. Claudia Johnston -Madison asked about Monterey Avenue and exiting Trader Joe's. Staff responded drivers would have to turn right onto Monterey or turn left on Park Commons and go out at Meridian Avenue S. or Grand Way to reach Excelsior Boulevard. Claudia Johnston -Madison spoke about concerns regarding adjacent nursing home parking. Ms. Monson said the project conversations include restoring the nursing home drive aisle to a larger width, and preserving adequate parking for the nursing home. Official Minutes Planning Commission Study Session January 17, 2018 Page 2 Commissioner Kanne said the right turn only coming out of Trader Joe's makes no sense for residents as many residents use Monterey to get to their neighborhoods. Now they'll be forced onto Excelsior Blvd., adding more time to their commuting in their own neighborhoods. Commissioner Kanne asked if there is any space to push back and make two lanes on the right side, northbound, instead of one lane. She said she loves the plaza, grass and bikes; but to deal with the density in the city space needs to be made for vehicles. Mr. Walther explained it's a balance to improve safety and better accommodate pedestrians and bikes, in addition to vehicles. It's about having a better experience for all the people who are using that intersection currently. Mr. Walther said the level of service at the intersection is degrading, regardless of the proposal. He discussed the three options that were considered for improving of the intersection that were presented for community input at a neighborhood meeting and later discussed by the City Council. He said the city is working on the long-term vision for Monterey Drive that will help inform both the appropriate road design and access from private properties. Ms. Monson said Engineering staff will present a Monterey Drive Multimodal Study at the next Planning Commission study session. Commissioner Johnston -Madison said there will be a lot of questions about traffic. Commissioner Kanne said traffic will be the big item for most residents. Now is the time for definitive answers. She commented traffic will cross over Excelsior and cut through the neighborhood to 44th & France even more so. Now is the time to make the space. Mr. Walther said the city intends to require right-of-way dedication as part of the process. How much right-of-way is needed has yet to be determined. Ms. Monson said the traffic study should be finalized in the next couple of weeks. Traffic information will be available at the neighborhood meeting which is planned for February 15. City Council will then hold another study session to discuss neighborhood input and traffic. Formal development applications are anticipated to be submitted in March. Dean Dovolis, DJR Architecture, spoke about setbacks in response to a question from Commissioner Johnston -Madison. Official Minutes Planning Commission Study Session January 17, 2018 Page 3 Peter Brodd, Bridgewater Bank, discussed the proposed entrepreneur space on the fourth floor. Mr. Dovolis and Commissioner Person discussed the new State energy code. Mr. Dovolis said it is essentially the same as LEED. Mr. Dovolis and Commissioner Kanne spoke about peak traffic, evening activities and restaurant parking. Mr. Walther noted that additional review of uses and parking requirements will be part of the application process. 2. St. Louis Park 2040 Neighborhood Planning Workshops Summary Report Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, said turnouts were good for the four meetings held in November. He spoke about the neighborhood features game and online neighborhood planning survey. The online survey response rate was great. More analysis will be provided on those responses later. Mr. Walther reviewed broad themes that occurred which included walkability, sidewalks and connections. He said lots of feedback was received about smaller businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and opportunities for gathering spaces and events. Affordability, character, new single family houses, maintenance and upkeep needs were the top responses in housing. Input was also received on safety, social connections and support for neighborhood groups. Mr. Walther said these themes will be integrated into the Comprehensive Plan so we will be mindful of these as we move forward. Commissioner Kanne commented that having this information integrated into the Comprehensive Plan is very important, indicating that the responses and ideas are taken seriously and do matter. The city is known for listening, taking input and executing what residents say they want. Mr. Walther commented that the form and basis of the Comprehensive Plan is put forth by state statute and Met Council. The neighborhood planning workshops input gives the local flavor to those elements and adds a definite response. That is accomplished through the city's Plan by Neighborhood Chapter of the plan where many of these elements are incorporated. The next round of neighborhood meetings are planned to be held in April. Official Minutes Planning Commission Study Session January 17, 2018 Page 4 3. Mixed -Use Zoning District Concept Review — Transparency and Uses Jacquelyn Kramer, Associate Planner, said staff is defining transparency as: measurement of the percentage of a facade that has highly transparent, low reflective windows. She spoke about ground floor/pedestrian zone transparency and upper floor transparency requirements. Transparency is being discussed to promote "eyes on the street": a concept that if more people can see the street they can interact with it, it's more comfortable for pedestrians, and it is safer. It can also contribute positively to the scale and massing of the building and creates a more active street front. Ms. Kramer provided example language related to transparency from different approved PUDs in the city. She also gave example language from the draft form - based code. She reviewed proposed transparency requirements for the MX District. Jennifer Monson, Planner, discussed uses. Generally we have: permitted uses, permitted with conditions, and conditional use permit. Staff proposes those three uses plus Permitted in Limited Stories (stories above the ground floor) for the MX District. She reviewed specific use items in two categories: primary frontage allowed and secondary frontage allowed. In the Hotel/Inn category Commissioners felt lobby, retail and restaurant should be on the ground floor. There were questions and uncertainties about Retail Category 8,000 sq. ft. or larger. Ms. Monson said she will bring examples for the next discussion. Regarding Office Category, Ms. Monson said currently office is not allowed on ground floor with primary frontage. She asked if we want office on ground floor or keep it above. Commissioner Johnston -Madison said office should be allowed but on upper floors only. Ms. Monson gave examples of smaller office hybrids with a secondary frontage on ground floor. Commissioners Johnston - Madison and Person agreed ground floor office depends on the office use and need for walk-in traffic. The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Sells Office Assistant