HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/05/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionO FF IC IA L M IN U T E S
P L A N N IN G C O M M IS S IO N S T U D Y S E S S IO N
S T . L O U IS P A R K , M IN N E S O T A
M a y 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 - 6 :0 0 p .m .
C O U N C IL C H A M B E R S
M E M B ER S P R E S E N T : J o e T a t a lo v ic h ; C a r l R o b e r t s o n ; M a t t E c k h o lm ; L y n n e C a r p e r ;
C la u d ia J o h n s t o n -M a d is o n ; J e s s ic a K r a f t
M E M B ER S A B S E N T : Li s a P e ile n ; A la n n a F r a n k lin (y o u t h -m e m b e r )
S T A F F P R E S E N T : S e a n W a lt h e r , J e n n if e r M o n s o n , J u lie G r o v e
S T U D Y SESSION
1. Historic Walker Lake
Zakcq Lockrem, planning consultant with Asakura Robinson, presented the draft
Historic Walker Lake Revitalization Plan, including overall existing conditions,
previous planning work that has already been done, and the community's desire
to maintain the area's character and walkability while allowing for more
vibrancy.
Mr. Lockrem reviewed the plan recommendations including public realm
standards; massing, scale, and architectural recommendations for private sites;
parking regulation changes; proposed and prohibited uses; wayfinding and
public art; and placemaking items that could be implemented through a
merchant's association.
Commissioners discussed the current parking available in the area and potential
ideas for future parking; while encouraging walking and biking to the area or
future use of the light rail.
Commissioner Carper expressed a desire for additional benches throughout the
district to help facilitate walking.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked whether the plan also recommends
prohibiting drive-thru traffic. Discussion followed and the commission agreed the
plan should recommend that drive-thru businesses be prohibited.
Mr. Lockrem stated that area businesses are already looking to establish a
merchant's association for the area, which could take place in the next few
months and would be the first merchant's association in St. Louis Park. Their
first goal is to focus on marketing to promote events and special deals being
o ff e re d by th e sto re s w ith in th e m e rc h a n t's as so c ia tio n an d co o rd in a te sa le s an d
o th e r e v e n ts su c h as o p e n stre e ts. G ra n ts a re cu rre n tly b e in g ap p lie d fo r to fu n d
p u b lic art to m a k e th e are a m o re v ib ra n t.
2 . B o a rd o f Z o n in g A p p e a ls (B O Z A )
M r. W a lth e r ex p la in e d th e re a so n fo r B O Z A , w h a t to ex p e c t m o v in g fo rw a rd in
th e fu tu re in cl u d in g th e n u m b e r o f m e e tin g s ex p e c te d to ta k e p la c e .
T h e co m m issio n e rs ag re e d th a t th e cu rre n t p la n n in g co m m issio n ch a irs sh o u ld
also ch a ir B O Z A , an d m a in ta in th e 6:00 p.m. start time.
Commissioners requested that a copy of the planning commission bylaws be
emailed as well as the BOZA bylaws to compare the two documents.
Commissioners will also be provided with an updated contact form of the
commissioners address/numbers/emails as soon as they are available.
Mr. Walther reminded everyone to review and read through the by-laws and see
if there are any other changes that should be discuss at a future study session.
Mr. Walther invited commissioners to the State of the Community event that is
scheduled for May 30 from 6:00- 7.30 p.m. at the ROC. There will be a table
setup to provide information about the planning commission.
The study session ended at 7:30 p.m.