HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/10/06 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Regular Planning commission meeting
October 6, 2021
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther at 952.924.2574 or the
administration department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission
Th e St. Louis Park Planning Commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005
Minnetonka Blvd. in accordance with the most recent COVID-19 guidelines. Some members of
the planning commission may participate by electronic devise or telephone rather than by
being personally present at the meeting.
Me mbers of the public can attend the planning commission meeting in person or watch the
meeting by webstream at bit.ly/watchslppc and on local cable (Comcast SD channel 17 and
HD channel 859). Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the agenda and reports.
Me mbers of the public who want to address the planning commission during the hearing(s) on
the regular meeting agenda may attend the meeting in person. If you can’t attend in person,
written or emailed comments will be accepted and must be received by 3:30 p.m. the day of
the meeting. Emailed comments can be directed to jkramer@stlouispark.org. Written
comments can be mailed or dropped off at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St.
Louis Park, MN 55416, to the attention of Jacquelyn Kramer. Written and emailed comments
will be provided to the planning commission at the meeting and will be included in the official
meeting record.
Agenda
1.Call to order – roll call
2.Approval of minutes
August 18, 2021
September 1, 2021
September 22, 2021
3.Hearings
3a. Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Blvd.
Applicant: ESG Architects, on behalf of Bigos Management
Case No.: 21-33-CP, 21-34-S, 21-35-PUD
4.Other Business
5.Communications
6.Adjournment
Future scheduled meeting/event dates:
October 20, 2021 – planning commission regular meeting canceled
November 3, 2021 – planning commission regular meeting
November 17, 2021 – planning commission regular meeting
December 8, 2021 – planning commission regular meeting
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Planning commission
August 18, 2021
6:00 p.m.
Planning commission
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Jessica Kraft, Sam Tift, Joffrey Wilson
Members absent: Imran Dagane, Tom Weber
Staff present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
Guests: City residents
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes – August 4, 2021
Chair Eckholm noted three corrections in the study session minutes:
• The minutes state “Chair Eckholm stated he would like to see EV chargers at gas
stations, as well”. Chair Eckholm knows, from the previous discussion around the
EV charging ordinance , that we already have an EV level 2 requirement for gas
stations. He was hoping to see that we would update that to EV level 3.
• Regarding the comment around level 3 conduit being added for underground
and structured parking. The conversation was more in the sense of requiring
more level 2 conduit, not specifically level 3 conduit, in apartment buildings.
• There was no mention of the proposed policy targets that we were discussing.
We stated that if we wanted to go bold, we should aim for a 50% target.
It was moved by Commissioner Kraft and seconded by Commission Wilson to approve
the minutes of August 4, 2021, with corrections. The motion passed 5-0.
3. Hearings
3a. Land use and zoning changes at Minnetonka Boulevard and Highway 100
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case No: 21-29-CP, 21-30-ZA
Ms. Kramer presented the report.
Chair Eckholm asked how the traffic generated by a 30-unit apartment building
compared to a gas station. Ms. Kramer stated a gas station generally generates more
traffic daily.
Commissioner Beneke stated there was conversation at the neighborhood meeting of a
possible trail connection between Minnetonka Boulevard and Utica Ave nue or from
Utica to Vernon and asked how this work s.
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Ms. Kramer stated there is no plan for how the trail might work. She noted the question
was raised to see if there was interest in a more pedestrian connections but there are
no city plans or designs for this .
Commissioner Beneke asked if the lot size is fixed or if there is room for a trail. Ms.
Kramer stated a trail could be accommodated with an easement or right of way
dedication when a development is proposed on the site .
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
Jon Olson, 2919 Vernon Ave nue South, noted he and his wife have lived on Vernon
Avenue for 35 years ; adding it is a very busy street, to avoid traffic on Highway 100. He
stated he does want to change the zoning in this area, so that anyone coming or leaving
the property and exiting onto Vernon Ave nue will change . He stated there is a gas
station across the street and another on Lake Street and several others as well, so he is
not sure why a gas station would want to be in this location.
Marnie Lazarus, 2926 Utica Ave nue South, stated this property is in her back yard. She is
against opening Utica Avenue, and to open it would be more traffic, more crime and
cutting in and out, adding nobody on Utica wants this.
Barb Heinz, 2801 Vern on Avenue South, stated she is in full agreement that a gas station
would not be the best asset. She is concerned about having residential there also and is
worried about more construction projects. She would like to see more affordable
housing within existing apartments in St. Louis Park versus building another apartment
building. She is not interested in a walking path there either. She stated she checked
with businesses in the area also to see about their concerns. She added the old gas
station was a crime creator and she would not be interested in a gas station.
Davonna Sand, Sumter Ave nue South, noted she is an ISAIAH member and in support of
multi-family housing in St. Louis Park at the location being discussed.
Lisa Overlin, 5524 Minnetonka Boulev ard, noted she has a problem with the gas station
and the apartment as it is already very congested in that location. She stated whatever
is in there needs to be very small, due to traffic. She stated it is a bad corner as it is and
can’t imagine cars turning into the location.
Claudia Oxley, 2931 Vernon Ave nue South, noted she is an ISAIAH member and she does
agree about traffic in the area. If there is a gas station, traffic will back up on
Minnetonka Boulevard , which will disallow emergency vehicles from getting through.
She is opposed to the gas station and believes many of the pro comments are related to
convenience and that many don’t like the Marathon Station. She stated it is important
to build more affordable housing in St. Louis Park.
Ron Werner, 2148 Glenhurst Road, stated he is not in the neighborhood, but asked the
commission ers who would want to live on top of a freeway and why stick affordable
housing in this area. He asked why every open piece of land in St. Louis Park needs to be
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converted and developed. He noted many think if they see another multi-unit
apartment building, it will take folks over the brink . He stated he thinks the area should
be converted to green space, something St. Louis Park has little of, with all their
unprecedented development. He stated plant trees there and this strategy would fit in
with the city environmental plan. A gas station opens too much traffic into the
community and is unacceptable. He asked how this housing would add aesthetics or
make the city better. Green space would be attractive in the area and be an
environmental asset.
Chair Eckholm closed the public hearing.
Chair Eckholm stated he appreciated the last caller. If the city had the first right to the
property, this would be a good use to consider, but it’s out of the city’s control. He
stated regarding people living above a freeway, some people might not have a choice as
to where they live. He stated anywhere we can build in a “built -out” city, should happen
and when we see something like this, affordable housing should be included.
Mr. Walther stated there was no city contemplation of a road connection of Utica
Avenue to Minnetonka Boulevard . It was pointed out at the neighborhood meeting that
the subject property might seek a driveway access to Utica, in addition to an access on
Vernon.
Commissioner Wilson thanked everyone for their comments. He stated whenever there
is an opportunity for development in the community, the areas of discussion include the
themes that were raised during this hearing including affordable housing, sustainability,
and safety, which are all important. He stated the commission will look further into
these areas when addressing this development and future developments.
Commissioner Kraft stated she knows this area as she lives in the neighborhood. She
shares the concerns for traffic on Vernon and no matter what goes onto the site will be
a concern. She stated there are many things it could become, and it could be a smaller
development, with a shorter height, and she is in support of rezoning the property.
Commissioner Beneke also supports the rezoning for housing. He stated hopefully the
city will guide what goes in there and control the traffic issues also. He added hopefully
the driveway access will be something the city can control and works with potential
developers to provide guidance.
It was moved by Commissioner Beneke and seconded by Commission Wilson to approve
the land use and zoning changes at Minnetonka Boulevard and Highway 100 as
presented and recommend it to the city council.
The motion passed unanimously.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
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Mr. Walther noted the next meeting is September 1st and main item will be a public
hearing for a PUD for mixed use apartment building for people ages 55 and older at
3510 Beltline Boulevard . He stated a study session is planned for September 22 to tour
one or two recent developments. Mr. Walther stated City Council adopted the home
occupations ordinance, a CUP amendment for Wat Prom, and approved transferring the
contract for development at the former Olive Garden site to a new developer and that
could begin construction soon.
Mr. Walther stated City Manager Kim Keller started M onday, August 23.
Mr. Walther stated 2020 census data was released . The official count for St. Louis Park
was 50,010 which was a 10.5% increase since 2010, which was higher than recent
estimates. He thanked all that participated in the outreach efforts to encourage self-
response to the Census that helped ensure a complete and accurate count.
6. Adjournment – 6:42 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Matt Eckholm, chair member
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Planning commission
September 1, 2021
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther or the administration
department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Jessica Kraft, Sam Tift, Tom Weber,
Joffrey Wilson
Members absent: Imran Dagane
Staff present: Jennifer Monson, Sean Walther
Guests: Andy Bollig, Christine Picard
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes – none
3. Hearings
3a. Development proposal for 3510 Beltline Blvd
Applicant: Roers Companies
Case No: 21-27-S, 21-28-PUD
Ms. Monson presented the report.
Commissioner Beneke asked about the affordable units and if anyone can live in those
units. Mr. Bollig, a developer with Roers Companies, stated everyone in the building
must be 55 and older, including in the live-work units.
Commissioner Beneke asked what types of live -work businesses are allowed . Ms.
Monson stated they are similar to home occupation. Customers can also come to the
unit and is treated more like a commercial use . She noted that any change in
commercial u se would need to have a registration of land use and certificate of
occupancy .
Commissioner Wilson liked the design and stated he sees items in the design that
address the aging population. He asked about the developer’s approach to economic
inclusion, partner firms and how dollars will be spent.
Mr. Bollig stated throughout the design process they are pushing for equity through all
the facets of the development, using both minority and women owned businesses, with
equitable design and process. He stated they are committed to this as the city is also.
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The architect, Ms. Picard, also addressed these issues noting they are looking at spa
features and pickle ball courts as well for the ir target market.
Commissioner Weber asked if there is a left turn lane to get into the development. Ms.
Monson stated the re will be a center turn lane added to the street as part of the city’s
restriping project this summer which will convert the road from four to three lanes and
provide bike lanes .
Commissioner Weber asked about Beltline and the fact that staff said there was not a
need for more traffic studies here . Ms. Monson stated that is still the case .
Commissioner Weber asked if the proposed building and the recently approved building
to the north will complement each other. The architect stated they considered that
project in their design. She stated the scale and materiality will be similar to the other
building. She added they want to fit into the context of the neighborhood, especially
near the Bass Lake Preserve.
Commissioner Weber asked what the speed limit will be on Beltline Boulevard after the
city project is completed . Mr. Walther stated it will be reduced from 30 mph to 25 mph .
Commissioner Kraft commented the live -work units add interest. She asked how the
units will be managed to make sure they are doing what is required. Mr. Bollig stated
the units will have lease guidelines they will need to abide by.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
There were no callers on the line or speakers present.
Chair Eckholm closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Beneke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to
recommend approval of the preliminary and final plat and PUD, subject to
recommendations by staff. The motion was approved 6-0.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
5a. Zoning text amendment: parking requirements
Mr. Walther stated this is an update from the last study session. He noted minor
adjustments were made and noted in the staff report. Mr. Walther also stated staff
intends to explore adjustments to parking requirements for outdoor seating in the next
draft of the ordinance, as a another means of promoting outdoor seating.
Chair Eckholm asked if electric vehicle parking will go from 15% to five percent and what
the intention of this is. Mr. Walther stated he will clarify this in the next report.
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Commissioner Beneke stated he likes the balance of parking and suggested high -volume
restaurants should have a higher requirement for parking.
Commissioner Weber asked if the development that was just presented would have
been required to have different requirements for parking, if it were subject to the
proposed text amendment. Mr. Walther stated it would had to have more level 2 EV
chargers and conduit for future level 2 chargers, instead of level 1. Ms. Monson stated
the overall parking counts would remain the same as what was presented today.
Chair Eckholm stated there is a maximum on large retail centers now and asked if this
will be reduced in the future. Mr. Walther confirmed there is a maximum now, and it is
within the range expected within the market while also working to achieve city goals of
reducing areas paved over for parking lots also.
Mr. Walther stated the next meeting will be on September 22 at 6 p.m., which will be a
study session and a tour of two recently completed developments – The Quentin and
The Elmwood. He noted this has been a helpful exercise for staff and commissions to
review and look at issues to inform the review of future development proposals.
Commissioner Wilson asked for staff to prepare questions to prompt feedback from the
commission during the tour. Mr. Walther agreed to do so.
Mr. Walther stated there will be public hearings on Oct ober 6, one is a variance
application for the board of zoning appeals and the other is an apartment building
development application. He added the meeting will be held in the community room on
the first floor of City Hall.
6. Adjournment – 6:45 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Matt Eckholm, chair member
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1010
Planning commission
September 22, 2021
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther or the administration
department at 952.924.2525.
Planning commission
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Jessica Kraft, Sam Tift, Tom Weber
Members absent: Imran Dagane , Joffrey Wilson
Staff present: Jennifer Monson, Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
City staff and commissioners toured The Elmwood, 5605 36th Street West, and The Quentin,
4900 Cedar Lake Road.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Matt Eckholm, chair member
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1212
Planning commission:: Regular meeting
Meeting date: October 6, 2021
Agenda item: 3a
3a Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Blvd.
Location: 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Boulevard
Case Number: 21-33-CP, 21-34-S, 21-35-PUD
Applicant: ESG Architects, on behalf of Bigos Management
Owner: SLP Park Ventures
Review Deadline: 60 days: November 6, 2021 120 days: January 18, 2022
Recommended
motions:
Chair to open the public hearing, take testimony and close the hearing.
Motion to recommend approval of the comprehensive plan
amendment, preliminary and final plat and planned unit development
(PUD) amendment subject to the conditions recommended by staff.
Summary of request: ESG Architects, on behalf of Bigos Management, submitted land use
applications for a 233-unit, six story multi-family building of approximately 371,000 square feet
at the northwest corner of Highway 169 and Interstate 394. The application requests:
• A comprehensive plan amendment to change the future land use designation of the site
from office and right-of-way to high density residential.
• A preliminary and final plat that combines the existing parcels into one lot.
• A major amendment to a PUD ordinance to rewrite the use and dimensional
requirements to allow the proposed apartment building.
Site information:
Project site
Interstate 394 Highway 169 1313
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Site area: 3.11 acres
Current use: Surrounding land uses:
Vacant land North: parking ramp, office
East: right -of-way
South: right-of-way
West: mixed-use commercial and multi-
family residential
Current 2040 land use guidance Current & proposed zoning
OFC- office PUD planned unit development
ROW – right-of-way
Proposed 2040 land use guidance
RH - high density residential
Background: The site includes three parcels improved with two billboards (three sign faces).
The previous use of the site was the Santorini restaurant, which was demolished in 2013.
In 2018 the city council approved applications for a plat and planned unit development (PUD) to
allow redevelopment of the site. In February 2020 council granted an extension for filing the
plat with the county that expired in February 2021.The approved PUD allows a 149-unit, six
story apartment building and 100-key, six -story hotel on the site.
In January 2020, planning commission recommended approval of a comprehensive plan
amendment, preliminary and final plat, and PUD amendment for a new proposal for this site.
This second proposal was a 233-unit, seven-story multi-family development with one building.
The developer withdrew the land use applications before the project went to council, so the
originally approved PUD ordinance is still in effect. The approved plat was never recorded.
The previous city approvals included vacating right-of-way located 15 feet from the north curb
line of Wayzata Boulevard adjacent to the parcels at 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Boulevard , in
order to sell the land to the previous developer. The previously approved project included
relocating existing public water and sanitary utility lines; the current proposal does not require
public water and sanitary sewer utility line relocation. As part of the approval process, staff
recommend amending the ordinance vacating right-of-way to remove the condition of approval
requiring utility line relocation. Staff also recommend approving a petition to vacate unused
drainage and utility easement on the eastern portion of right-of -way that will be conveyed to
the property owner upon overall approval of the project. City council will hold a public hearing
on these two items on October 18, 2021.
Present considerations: The applicant requests that the city:
1. Amend the comprehensive plan 2040 land use map to change the future land use
designation from office and right-of-way to high density residential.
2. Approve a preliminary and final plat to combine the existing parcels into one lot.
3. Amend the PUD zoning ordinance to rewrite the use and dimensional requirements to
allow the proposed apartment building.
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Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Zoning analysis:
Comprehensive plan amendment: The applicant requests a change to the future land use
designation of the development site from OFC – office and ROW – right-of-way to RH – high
density residential. Below is an excerpt from the comprehensive plan future land use map.
A request for amending the city’s land use plan should be evaluated from the perspective of
land use planning principles and community goals. These reflect the community’s long-range
vision and broad goals about what kind of community it wants to be and what makes strong
neighborhoods.
This amendment request is driven by a specific proposal for development. The request is for
residential development at a density of 75 units per acre, which is considered high density (RH)
in the comprehensive plan. The amendment may be evaluated independently of the
development proposal against the goals of the comprehensive plan for the subject properties. If
approved, the amendment would allow a high-density multiple family residence to be
constructed at this site. Therefore, the amendment is required for the development as
proposed to move forward.
Project site
1515
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
General consistency with the comprehensive plan
The city’s land use plan should reflect the broad goals, policies and implementation strategies
incorporated in the comprehensive plan. Staff identified the following goals in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan that are applicable to the proposed application:
Livable communities goal 1: Provide attractive public streets, spaces and facilities that
contribute to creating connections, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for
community interaction.
• Strategy B: Create well-defined community gateways at appropriate points where major
streets cross the city’s municipal boundary, using location appropriate signage, public
art, public plazas, and architecturally significant buildings.
• Strategy I: Continue to reduce the level of obtrusive signage within the city by
promoting a balance between aesthetics, safety, and communication needs.
Livable communities goal 2: Promote building and site design that creates a connected, human
scale, multimodal, and safe environment for people who live and work here.
• Strategy A: Encourage quality design in new construction such as building orientation,
scale, massing, and pedestrian access.
• Strategy D: Require parking lots to be separated from sidewalks and roadway facilities
with appropriate landscaping, street walls or berms, and curbs.
Residential land use goal 1: Create a mix of residential land uses and housing types to increase
housing choices, including affordable housing, and increase the viability of neighborhood
services through redevelopment or infill development.
• Strategy B: Promote and support the development of medium and high-density
residential land uses near commercial centers and nodes.
Housing goal 1: The City of St. Louis Park will promote and facilitate a balanced and enduring
housing stock that offers a continuum of diverse lifecycle housing choices suitable for
households of all income levels including, but not limited to affordable, senior, multi-
generational, supportive and mixed income housing, disbursed throughout the city.
• Strategy A: Create a broad range of housing types to provide more diverse and creative
housing choices to meet the needs of current and future residents.
• Strategy E: Use infill and redevelopment opportunities to assist in meeting housing
goals.
Housing goal 3: The city is committed to promoting quality multi-family developments, both
rental and owner occupied, in appropriate locations, including near transit centers, retail and
employment centers and in commercial mixed-use districts.
• Strategy B: Promote high-quality architectural design in the construction of new multi-
family developments.
Housing goal 4: The city is committed to creating, preserving and improving the city’s rental
housing stock.
• Strategy B: Promote the inclusion of family -sized units (2 and 3 bedroom) in newly
constructed multi-family developments.
• Strategy C: Minimize the involuntary displacement of people of color, indigenous people 1616
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
and vulnerable populations, such as low-income households, the elderly and people
with disabilities from their communities as neighborhoods grow and change.
Housing goal 6: The city is committed to promoting affordable housing options for low- and
moderate -income households.
• Strategy A: Ensure affordable housing is disbursed throughout the city and not
concentrated in any one area.
• Strategy C: Promote the inclusion of affordable housing in new developments, including
those located near the Southwest Light Rail Transit Corridor and other transit nodes,
retail and employment centers and commercial mixed-use districts.
Housing goal 7: Preservation, Safety and Sustainability: The city is committed to ensuring all
housing is safe and well maintained.
• Strategy C: Encourage the use of green building practices, energy-efficient products, and
sustainable methods in both single-family and multi-family housing construction.
Climate and energy goal 1: Pursue the 2040 Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals to reduce
greenhouse gases that are either emitted within the city’s boundary (Scope 1 emissions) or
emitted directly through the purchase of electricity or other energy sources (Scope 2
emissions).
• Strategy F: Protect solar access in new developments to enable potential developments
of solar energy systems.
• Reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by encouraging residents and businesses to replace
existing vehicles with more fuel-efficient models, including electric vehicles (EVs), and by
expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Availability of infrastructure
• Water and sewer: City engineering and operations staff reviewed the proposed
development and find the public water and sewer infrastructure in the area to be
adequate to serve the proposed development.
• Traffic: Staff conducted a trip generation analysis of the proposed multi-family
development and found the current proposal generated fewer daily trips to and from
the site than the previously approved mixed-use project. No changes will be necessary
to the surrounding street network due to the proposed development, and staff
recommend no further traffic studies for the project at this time.
• Stormwater: City engineering staff find that the development complies with stormwater
requirements. The applicant will be required to obtain both city and Basset Creek
Watershed District permits prior to construction.
Impacts to surrounding properties and the physical character of the neighborhood
Redevelopment of the vacant lots will change the character of the area. The area around the
project contains high density residential, office, and parking structures to the north and west,
and right of way to the east and south. The 2040 comprehensive plan identifies the overall
Shelard Park district as already containing high-density residential land uses, and the proposed
development is similar in scale and density to other sites in the area. The district contains a mix 1717
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
of commercial, office and entertainment uses, and there is a retail complex to the north of the
area in the city of Plymouth. The presence of a variety of commercial uses complements the
proposed high-density residential development.
The 2040 comprehensive plan identifies Shelard Park as a priority redevelopment area and an
area for future housing growth. The project site has convenient access to Highway 169 and
Interstate 394. Approving the comprehensive plan 2040 land use map amendment will allow for
additional housing units, including 3-bedroom and affordable units, on a currently vacant site
and served by nearby commercial, office and entertainment uses.
Staff find the goals and policies of the 2040 comprehensive plan support guiding the site for RH
– high density residential land use .
Regional policy. Metropolitan Council review of this comprehensive plan amendment is
required. The Met Council must authorize the city to put the amendment into effect. Staff
expect that a change to allow a residential density of 75 units per acre would be viewed
favorably by Met Council.
Preliminary and final plat: The applicant seeks preliminary and final plat approval to combine
two privately owned lots and two city owned lots into one lot for the proposed redevelopment
of a 233-unit multi-family building.
Description : Lot 1, Block 1, Bereks Addition will have a lot area of 135,471 square feet or 3.11
acres. The proposed residential density for the site is 75 units per acre.
Right-of-way dedication: No right -of-way will be dedicated by the plat.
Easements : Drainage and utility easements are provided along all property lines as per the
requirements of the city’s subdivision ordinance. There are five -foot easements along interior
property lines; additional easement is provided in the southwest corner of the property over
existing utility lines; and all other easements abutting city right of way are ten fe et in width.
Access: The site currently has two driveways off Wayzata Boulevard. As part of the project,
these access points will be removed and four new driveways will be installed along Wayzata
Boulevard. The westernmost driveway serves the underground parking level in the building.
Two driveways serve a drop-off and emergency vehicle loop on the east side of the property.
The easternmost drive serves the ground level of parking in the building.
Sidewalks: The city’s subdivision ordinance requires sidewalks along all streets. New sidewalk is
provided along the south side of the property next to Wayzata Boulevard and will connect to
existing sidewalk on the west side of the site.
Park and trail dedication : No new parks are designated for this area in the comprehensive plan;
therefore , cash-in -lieu of land is recommended by staff. The 2021 fee schedule sets the
residential park dedication feet at $1,500 per dwelling unit and the trail dedication feet at $225
per dwelling unit. At 233 units the fees total $401,925. The parks and recreation advisory
commission (PRAC) will review the park and trail dedications for the proposed development on
1818
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
October 6, 2021.
Staff find the preliminary and final plat meets city requirements.
PUD amendment: The applicant requests a major PUD amendment in order to rewrite the use
and dimensional requirements to allow the proposed apartment building. Below is an excerpt
from the zoning map showing the boundaries of the existing PUD 11 zoning district. No changes
are proposed to the zoning map at this time.
Building and site design analysis: Staff find the project meets the PUD ordinance goals for
building and site design. The ordinance requires the city to find that the quality of building and
site design proposed will substantially enhance aesthetics of the site and implement relevant
goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the following criteria shall be
satisfied:
(1) The design shall consider the project as a whole and shall create a unified environment
within project boundaries by ensuring architectural compatibility of all structures, efficient
vehicular and pedestrian circulation, aesthetically pleasing landscape and site features, and
design and efficient use of utilities. Staff find the plan meets this requirement.
Project site
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Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
(2) The design of a PUD shall achieve compatibility of the project with surrounding land uses,
both existing and proposed, and shall minimize the potential adverse impacts of the PUD on
surrounding land uses and the potential adverse effects of the surrounding land uses on the
PUD. Staff find this criteria will be met.
(3) A PUD shall comply with the City’s Green Building Policy. The project will comply with the
green building policy. This criteria will be met .
(4) The use of green roofs or white roofs and on-site renewable energy is encouraged. A solar
array installation will be included as part of the development. This criteria will be met.
(5) A PUD shall comply with the city’s Inclusionary Housing Policy. The de velopment will
include 20 percent of the units available at 50 percent area median income (AMI). This is
more than double the number of affordable units required by the city’s inclusionary housing
policy. This criteria will be met.
Zoning analysis: The following table provides the development metrics. The proposed
performance and development standards, as indicated in the development plans, establish the
development requirements for this property if approved. Further details on some of the zoning
items are provided below.
Zoning compliance table
Factor Required Proposed Met?
Use Set by PUD ordinance Residential Yes
Lot Area 2.0 acres
3.11 acres Yes
Height Set by PUD ordinance
7 stories, 74.67 feet Yes
Building Materials Minimum 60% Class I materials
on all facades.
Project will meet city
requirements
Class 1 materials: brick,
stucco, glazing
Yes
Dwelling Units 20% of total units at 50% AMI 233 total units; 20% will be
affordable at 50% AMI
Yes
Density (units per acre) High Density Residential
Max allowed: 75 per acre
75 units per acre Yes
Floor Area Ratio None with PUD 2.19 Yes
Off-Street Parking 1 space per bedroom
Total required: 325
Total provided: 325
Yes
EV charging Stations 10% level 1 EVSE (26 stalls)
1 level 2 EVSE
Conduit for 10% future level 1
EVSE
Residents:
14 level 1 stations
12 level 2 stations
Conduit for 33 future level
2 EVSE
Guests: 1 level 2 station
Yes
Bicycle Parking 1 per dwelling unit plus 1 per
10 automobile spaces .
Total Provided: 280
Yes
2020
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Factor Required Proposed Met?
Total required: 266
Open Area/
DORA
No specific percentage with
PUD
30% Yes
Landscaping Replacement diameter:
346 caliper inches
New required:
Trees: 233
Shrubs: 1,758
Replacement provided:
604.5 caliper inches
Provided:
Trees: 233
Shrubs: 1,847
Yes
Setbacks Set by PUD ordinance North: 14 feet
West : 43.5 feet
South: 36.5 feet
Yes
Mechanical Equipment Full screening required Yes
Sidewalks Required along all street frontages Yes
Refuse handling Full screening required Yes
Stormwater
Management
Meet state and city requirements Yes
Use: The project is a single -phase residential development with one multi-family building. It
includes a combination of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom units. Interior amenities include
several individual and group coworking spaces for residents, community and fitness rooms, a
pet spa and lounge, maker space, and community room on the top floor of the building.
Unit Type Number of Units Number of Bedrooms
Studio 51 51
One bedroom 97 97
Two bedroom 78 156
Three bedroom 7 21
Total 233 325
Inclusionary housing policy: In 2019, city council amended the inclusionary housing policy to
require any residential development that requires a comprehensive plan amendment or a
planned unit development rezoning, adhere to the city’s inclusionary housing policy. The
required breakdown is 20 percent of units at 60 percent area median income (AMI), 10 percent
of units at 50 percent AMI, or 5 percent of units at 30 percent AMI. The applicant can choose
what percentage of affordability they would like to provide.
The applicant has also applied for city financial assistance through the utilization of a housing
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. A housing TIF district requires at least 20 percent of the
units be available at 50 percent AMI per Minnesota state statute .
The proposed development will exceed the requirements of the city’s inclusionary housing
policy and will meet the requirements for a Housing TIF district with 20 percent of the units
2121
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
available at 50 percent AMI. These units will be spread proportionally th rough the mix of unit
types.
Clim ate action plan: The development will comply with the city’s green building policy. In
addition, the development will include a solar array installation on the roof of the building. The
development team is currently finalizing the design of the solar array and the amount of solar
energy that will be generated on-site.
Architectural design: The building design is a modern aesthetic with a cool and natural-toned
color palette. Proposed class 1 building materials include brick, stucco, and glazing.
Vehicular parking: The zoning ordinance requires one off-street parking space for every
bedroom in multi-family uses. The applicant proposes 233 units with 325 bedrooms, so 325
vehicular parking spaces are required. Parking is provided in 14 stalls in two surface lots on the
east side of the property and two levels of structured parking inside the building for a total of
325 parking spaces. Staff find the project meets vehicular parking requirements.
Electric vehicle parking: The zoning ordinance requires multi-family uses with 50 or more
parking spaces to provide level 1 electric vehicle (EV) charging for 10% of the required parking
spaces ; at least 1 level 2 charging station; and conduit for an additional 10% of required parking
spaces for future level 2 EV charging stations. The proposed plans provide 14 level 1 and 12
level 2 charging stations for residents, one level 2 charging station for guests, and conduit
serving an additional 33 parking spaces. Staff find the project meets EV parking requirements.
Bicycle parking: The zoning ordinance requires one bicycle parking space per bedroom plus one
bicycle parking space for every 10 vehicular parking spaces, so the project must have a
minimum of 266 bicycle parking spaces. The proposed plans provide 280 bicycle parking spaces
in wall-mounted racks in the two structured parking levels, a dedicated bike storage room in
the underground parking level, and exterior bike racks near the main pedestrian entrance to
the building. Staff find the project meets bicycle parking requirements.
Landscaping: The zoning ordinance requires 233 trees and 1,258 shrubs on the site. The plans
propose 233 trees and 1,847 shrubs. The plans also provide tree plantings that exceed the
minimum caliper inch size required in the ordinance and native, low -irrigation, and low -
maintenance plantings throughout the site. In addition, the applicant is considering the
following green landscaping features:
•Green roofs on the first-story portion of the building.
•A raingarden on the south side of the property.
Designed outdoor recreation area (DORA ): There is no minimum DORA requirement for planned
unit developments. The proposed plans have 30% of the site area designated as DORA and
includes a rooftop deck, large ground floor amenity deck with a pool and spa, dog run,
pickleball court , and private landscaped walkway with seating areas.
Signs: A sign plan was not submitted for review. The site will be required to adhere to the sign
requirements for the R-C High Density Multiple Family Residence Zoning District. However,
pylon signs will be prohibited.
2222
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Utilities: All utilit y services to the building will be placed underground. Utility service structures,
such as a generator or transformer, will be screened completely from off-site with materials
consistent with the main building facade. Per the development agreement, buildings will
provide the necessary infrastructure to take advantage of fiber-optic service lines in the v icinity
of the development.
Neighborhood meeting and public feedback: The applicant held a virtual neighborhood
meeting on September 9, 2021. Three residents attended as well as the ward councilmember.
The applicant gave an overview of the project and answered questions regarding parking and
the design of the building units. One resident was supportive of the project and redevelopment
on the vacant lots; one resident was concerned the new building would block views from their
unit in the condo building just west of the project.
All properties within 500 feet of the proposed development were notified by mail of the
neighborhood meeting and the public hearing. A legal notice was published in the official
newspaper regarding the public hearing. Project and meeting information was shared through
city social media accounts and the city website. A “proposed development” sign with contact
information was posted on the property. Staff have received one letter of support for the
project. Please see the attached letter at the end of this report.
Next steps: Staff will bring the park and trail dedication fees recommendation to the park and
recreation advisory commission (PRAC) on October 6, 2021. City council will consider the
requested comprehensive plan amendment, preliminary and final plat, and PUD amendment on
October 18, 2021.
Recommendations:
Staff recommend approval of the 9920 Wayzata Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Staff recommend approval of the requested Comprehensive Plan Amendment changing the
land use designation of the future land use map from OFC - office and ROW – right of way to RH
– high density residential.
Staff recommend approval of the Bereks Addition Preliminary and Final Plat subject to the
following conditions:
1. City council approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to high density residential
and Metropolitan Council authorization of the comprehensive plan amendment
associated with the development applications.
2. The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in accordance with the conditions of
this ordinance, approved Official Exhibits, and City Code.
3. All utility service structures shall be buried. If any utility service structure cannot be
buried (i.e. electric transformer), it shall be integrated into the building design and 100%
screened from off-site with materials consistent with the primary façade materials.
2323
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
4. The on-site underground storm water management systems shall be privately-owned
and privately maintained. Access to the system shall be provided to the city for clean-
out and inspection purposes when warranted.
5. Prior to the City signing and releasing the final plat to the developer for filing with
Hennepin County:
a. A financial security in the form of a cash escrow or letter of credit in the amount
of $1,000 shall be submitted to the city to ensure that a signed Mylar copy of the
final plat is provided to the city.
b. A planning development contract shall be executed between the city and
developer that addresses, at a minimum:
i. The installation of all public improvements including, but not limited to:
sidewalks, boulevards, landscaping and the execution of necessary
easements related to such improvements.
ii. A performance guarantee in the form of cash escrow or irrevocable letter
of credit shall be provided to the City of St. Louis Park in the amount of
1.25 times the estimated costs for the installation of all public
improvements (sidewalks and boulevards), placement of iron
monuments at property corners, and the private site stormwater
management system and landscaping.
iii. An encroachment agreement for any private improvements in the city
utility easement.
iv. Easements related to electronic communication and fiber infrastructure.
v. The applicant shall reimburse City Attorney’s fees in drafting/reviewing
such documents as required in the final plat approval.
vi. The mayor and city manager are authorized to execute the Planning
Development Contract.
6. Prior to starting any land disturbing activities, the following conditions shall be met:
a. The developer shall pay to the city the park dedication fee of $349,500 for
residential uses and the trail dedication fee of $52,425 for residential uses.
b. Proof of recording the final plat shall be submitted to the City.
c. A preconstruction meeting shall be held with the appropriate development,
construction, private utility, and city representatives.
d. All necessary permits shall be obtained.
e. A performance guarantee in the form of cash escrow or irrevocable letter of
credit shall be provided to the City of St. Louis Park for all public improvements
(sidewalks, boulevards, etc.) and landscaping.
Staff recommend approval of the zoning code amendment to Section 36-268-PUD 11 subject
to the following conditions:
1. City council approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to high density residential
and Metropolitan Council authorization of the comprehensive plan amendment
associated with the development applications.
2424
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
2. The site shall be developed, used, and maintained in accordance with the conditions of
this ordinance, approved Official Exhibits, and City Code.
3. All utility service structures shall be buried. If any utility service structure cannot be
buried (i.e. electric transformer), it shall be inte grated into the building design and 100%
screened from off-site with materials consistent with the primary façade materials.
4. Prior to starting any land disturbing activities, the following conditions shall be met:
a. A preconstruction meeting shall be held with the appropriate development,
construction, private utility, and City representatives.
b. All necessary permits shall be obtained.
5. Prior to issuance of building permits, the following conditions shall be met:
a. A Planning Development Contract shall be executed between the Developer and
City that addresses, at a minimum:
i. The conditions of PUD approval as applicable or appropriate.
ii. The installation of all public improvements including, but not limited to:
sidewalks, boulevards, and the execution of nece ssary easements related
to such improvements.
iii. Easements related to electronic communication and fiber infrastructure.
iv. A performance guarantee in the form of cash escrow or irrevocable letter
of credit shall be provided to the City of St. Louis Park in the amount of
1.25 times of the costs of all public improvements (sidewalks and
boulevards), and the private site stormwater management system and
landscaping.
v. An encroachment agreement for any private improvements in the city
utility easement.
vi. The developer shall reimburse city attorney’s fees in drafting/reviewing
such documents as required in the final PUD approval.
vii. The mayor and city manager are authorized to execute said Planning
Development Contract.
b. Final construction plans for all public improvements and private stormwater
system shall be signed by a registered engineer and submitted to the City
Engineer for review and approval.
c. Building material samples and colors shall be submitted to the City for review
and approval.
6. The developer shall comply with the following conditions during construction:
a. All City noise ordinances shall be complied with, including that there be no
construction activity between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through
Friday, and between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
b. The site shall be kept free of dust and debris that could blow onto neighboring
properties.
c. Public streets shall be maintained free of dirt and shall be cleaned as necessary.
d. The City shall be contacted a minimum of 72 hours prior to any work in a public
street.
2525
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
e. Work in a public street shall take place only upon the determination by the City
Engineer (or designee) that appropriate safety measures have been taken to
ensure motorist and pedestrian safety.
f. The developer shall install and maintain chain link security fencing that is at least
six feet tall along the perimeter of the site. All gates and access points shall be
locked during non-working hours.
g. Temporary electric power connections shall not adversely impact surrounding
neighborhood service.
7. Prior to the issuance of any permanent certificate of occupancy permit the following
shall be completed:
a. Public improvements, private utilities, site landscaping and irrigation, and storm
water management system shall be installed in accordance with the Official
Exhibits.
8. All mechanical equipment shall be fully screened. Rooftop equipment may be located as
indicated in the Official Exhibits so as not to be visible from off -site .
9. The materials used in, and placement of, all signs shall be integrated with the building
design and architecture.
10. In addition to any other remedies, the developer or owner shall pay an administrative
fee of $750 per violation of any condition of this approval.
Supporting documents: Comprehensive plan map amendment exhibit; draft PUD amendment
ordinance; resident letter, development plans
Prepared by: Jacquelyn Kramer, associate planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager
2626
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Comprehensive plan map amendment exhibit
Project site
2727
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
Ordinance No. ___-21
Ordinance amending Section 36-268-PUD 1 1
The City of St. Louis Park does ordain:
Section 1. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Section 36-268-PUD 11 is hereby amended
by deleting strikethrough text and adding underlined text.
Section 36-268-PUD 11.
(a) Development plan.
The site shall be developed, used and maintained in conformance with the following
Final PUD signed Official Exhibits:
1. Platia Place Sheet 1
2. Platia Place Sheet 2
3. Platia Place Sheet 3
4. CJ001 Civil Title Sheet
5. CD100 Existing Conditions, Tree Inventory & Demolition Plan
6. CS100 Overall Site Plan – DORA Exhibit
7. CS101 Site Plan – Lot 1 (Multi-Family)
8. CS102 Site Plan – Lot 2 (Hotel)
9. CS501 Site Details
10. CS502 Site Details
11. CS503 Site Details
12. CG101 Grading Plan – Lot 1 (Multi-Family)
13. CG102 Grading Plan – Lot 2 (Hotel)
14. CG110 Erosion Control Plan
15. CG111 SWPPP
16. CG501 Erosion Control Details
17. CU101 Utility Plan – Lot 1 (Multi-Family)
18. CU102 Utility Plan – Lot 2 (Hotel)
19. CU111 Storm Sewer Plan Lot 1 (Multi-Family)
20. CU100 Storm Sewer Plan Lot 2 (Hotel)
21. CU501 Utility Details
22. CU502 Utility Details
23. CU503 Utility Details (Sto rmtech)
24. CK101 Site Lighting Plan
25. A0.2 Reference Views
26. A0.3 Hotel Elevations
27. A0.4 Hotel Plans
28. A0.5 Multi-Family Housing - Elevations
29. A0.6 Multi-Family Housing - Plans
30. A0.7 Multi-Family Housing - Plans
31. A6.0 Site Details
32. A6.7 Cement Plaster Details 2828
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
33. Landscape Plan
1. Shadow Studies
2. A1-0 Parking Level – P1
3. A1-1 Levels 1-2
4. A1-2 Levels 3-6
5. A3-0 Elevations
6. AP1-1 Area Plan – P1 and Level 1
7. AP1-2 Area Plan – Levels 2 & 3-5
8. AP1-6 Area Plan – Level 6
9. AS0.00 Alta Survey
10. C0.00 Cover Sheet
11. C0.01 Re movals Plan
12. C0.02 Fire Plan
13. C0.03 Site Plan
14. C0.04 Site Details
15. C0.05 Site Details
16. C0.06 Site Details
17. C0.07 Grading Plan
18. C0.08 Erosion Control Plan
19. C0.09 SWPPP
20. C0.10 Erosion Details
21. C0.11 Utility Plan
22. C0.12 Utility Service Profiles
23. C0.13 Utility Details
24. C0.14 Utility Details
25. C0.15 Utility Details
26. E0.2 Photometric Site Plan
27. E0.3 Photometric Plan Fixture Cut Sheet
28. E0.4 Photometric Plan Fixture Cut Sheet
29. L0.01 Landscape Notes and Schedules
30. L0.02 Landscape Plan
31. L0.02A Landscape Plan – Color
32. L0.03 Landscape Details
33. L0.04 DORA Plan
34. PL0.01 Preliminary Plat Sheet 1
35. PL0.02 Preliminary Plat Sheet 2
36. PL0.03 Final Plat Sheet 1
37. PL0.04 Final Plat Sheet 2
38. PL0.05 Final Plat Sheet 3
39. T1-0 Title Sheet
40. T2-1 Project Imagery
41. T2-2 Project Imagery
42. T2-3 Project Imagery
The site shall also conform to the following requirements:
(1) The property shall be developed with 233 149 residential units and 63,740 square
feet of hotel space.
2929
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
(2) At least 325 327 off-street parking spaces shall be provided.
(3) The maximum building height shall not exceed 73 71 feet and six stories.
(4) The development site shall include a minimum of 30 25% designed outdoor
recreation area based on private developable land area.
(b) Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted uses on Lot 1:
(1) Multiple -family dwellings, and uses associated with the multiple -family dwellings,
including, but not limited to, the residential management office, fitness facility, mail
room, assembly rooms and general amenity space.
The following uses are permitted uses on Lot 2:
(2) Commercial uses. Commercial uses are limited to the following:
a. Hotel
(c) Prohibited uses.
(1) Extended-stay hotels.
(2) Restaurants.
(cd) Accessory uses.
Accessory uses are as follows:
(1) Home occupations as regulated by this chapter. are permitted on Lot 1 with the
condition that they comply with all of the following conditions:
a. All material or equipment shall be stored within an enclosed structure.
b. Operation of the home occupation is not apparent from the public right-of -way.
c. The activity does not involve warehousing, distribution or retail sales of
merchandise produced off the site.
d. No person is employed at the residence who does not legally reside in the home
except that a licensed group family day care facility may have one outside
employee.
e. No light or vibration originating from the business operation is discernible at the
property line.
f. Only equipment, machinery and materials which are normally found in the home
are used in the conduct of the home occupation.
g. No more than one non-illuminated wall sign limited to two square feet in area is
used to identify the home occupation.
h. Space within the dwelling devoted to the home occupation does not exceed one
room or ten percent of the floor area, whichever is greater.
i. No portion of the home occupation is permitted within any attached or detached
accessory building.
j. The structure housing the home occupation conforms to the building code; and in
the case where the home occupation is day care or if there are any customers or
students, the home occupation has received a certificate of occupancy.
(2) Gardens.
(3) Parking lots.
3030
Regular meeting meeting of October 6, 2021 (Item No. 3a)
Title: Proposed development of 9808 and 9920 Wayzata
a. All parking requirements must be met for each use.
b. A minimum of 20 parking spaces shall be designated and signed visitor parking on
Lot 1.
(4) Public transit stops/shelters.
(5) Outdoor seating, public address (PA) systems are prohibited.
(6) Outdoor uses and outdoor storage are prohibited.
(de) Special performance standards.
(1) All general zoning requirements not specifically addressed in this ordinance shall be
met, including but not limited to: outdoor lighting, architectural design, landscaping,
parking and screening requirements.
(2) All trash, garbage, waste materials, trash containers, and recycling containers shall
be kept in the manner required by this Code. All trash handling and loading areas
shall be screened from view within a waste enclosure. Trash enclosures shall be
constructed from the same materials as the principal building.
(3) Signage shall be allowed in conformance with the following requirements found in
the following districts :
a. The apartment building signage shall be consistent with the R-C High -Density
Multiple -Family Residential zoning district.
b. The hotel building signage shall be consistent with the O - Office zoning district.
b. c. Exemptions located in the zoning ordinance for wall signage shall not apply.
c. Pylon sign s shall be prohibited.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon Metropolitan Council authorization of the
associated comprehensive plan amendment approved by City Council resolution _____ and not
sooner than 15 days after publication.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council November 1 2021
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Soren Mattick, city attorney
First reading October 18, 2021
Second reading November 1, 2021
Date of publication November 11, 2021
Date ordinance takes
effect
Upon Metropolitan Council Authorization of the associated
comprehensive plan amendment and no sooner than November
26, 2021.
3131
From:J M K
To:Jacquelyn Kramer
Subject:9920 Wayzata Blvd Proposed Project
Date:Friday, September 3, 2021 2:03:26 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello Jacquelyn:
I own one of the condominium units at the Westmarke, located at 1155 Ford Rd which is next
to the ugly lot located along the north frontage road at 9920 Wayzata Blvd.
My understanding is a new project is being considered which replaces the other few that were
proposed before.
For the record, I was in favor of constructing Platia Place but that project never transpired due
to (in my opinion) too many demands made by the Planning Committee.
So based on the difficulties in dealing with the St Louis Park Planning Committee, I Just want
to declare that I'm in favor of any development that replaces the empty, ugly lot where
Santorini's Restaurant used to be, so long as it compliments our luxury condo building and
other commercial properties along Ford Rd and Wayzata Blvd.
I would further like to point out that there are many large trees along the property line. Some
are directly in front of the billboard and others are north of the billboard along the same line. I
would NOT want those trees removed.
Thank you. I look forward to finally having a nice building next to our luxury condo, rather
than a filthy, ugly unmaintained large piece of dirt.
Sincerely,
Jerry M Kern
Condo Owner at 1155 Ford Rd
3232