HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/10/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Regular Meeting: City council
Meeting date: December 6, 2021
Consent agenda item: 4q
Official minutes
Planning commission
October 6, 2021 – 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Sam Tift, Tom Weber, Joffrey Wilson
Members absent: Jessica Kraft
Staff present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes
2a. August 18, 2021, September 1, 2021, and September 22, 2021
Commissioner Beneke made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve
the August 18, 2021, September 1, 2021, and September 22, 2021 minutes as
presented. The motion passed.
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
Ms. Kramer presented the report.
Commissioner Wilson asked if there is anything that can be done to mitigate challenges
of views for those already living in the area. Ms. Kramer stated any building on the site
would potentially impact views. She noted the site plan has a large western setback to
accommodate a driveway, which would mitigate some of the concern regarding lost
views.
Commissioner Weber asked if there are two levels of parking but there is no ramp. Ms.
Kramer stated one portion of the parking goes underground and the other is on the
ground floor of the building. The two parking levels are not connected and each has one
access point.
Commissioner Weber asked if the current developers are those that worked on the
previous project. Ms. Kramer stated the property owner is the same and the civil
engineer is the same, however, there is a new developer and architect.
Commissioner Weber asked what is just north of the lot. Ms. Kramer stated currently
there are parking ramps and commercial offices. She added there is no public pedestrian
connection.
City council meeting of December 6, 2021 (Item No. 4q) Page 2
Title: Planning commission meeting minutes October 6, 2021
Commissioner Weber asked about the bus route on Shelard Parkway and if there is
sidewalk accessibility to get to that bus line. Ms. Kramer stated it is not a complete
sidewalk connection at this time. Mr. Walther added that bike lanes had been added
there recently.
Chair Eckholm asked about the changes in massing vs. the previous proposal. Ms.
Kramer stated there is much less surface parking, the building is a story shorter, and
most of the parking is now underground. She added it is the same proposed use to the
previous proposal.
Chair Eckholm added he appreciates the hidden parking included in the development.
Commissioner Beneke asked about the affordability mix between one-, two- and three-
bedroom units and if there is any parkland in that part of the city. Ms. Kramer stated for
the city policy requires the affordable unit mix must be similar to the unit mix in the
building overall. She added she does not have the precise unit mix of affordable units.
She noted that the area is served by Shelard Park. No additional parks are are planned
or proposed in the area in the comprehensive plan, so that is why staff recommends
park and trail dedication fees instead of land dedication.
Adam Newman, Bigos Development, stated the development team really likes this
location, noting their offices are nearby. He stated collaborating with the owner and
building on the past design will make for a successful project in this area.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
There were no speakers.
Chair Eckholm closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Tift stated he is impressed with the design of the project and seems to
exceed the city’s standards for affordable units.
Commissioner Wilson agreed and encouraged the developers, as the project advances
that they consider economic impacts to others, as well as who is hired and training and
development of workforce. He added he likes what he has seen here.
Chair Eckholm thanked the team, adding the proposal reflects the city’s values of
affordable housing, the parking and best uses of the area. He stated he will s upport this.
Commissioner Weber made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wilson, to approve
the comprehensive plan amendment, the preliminary and final plat, and the PUD
amendment ordinance subject to conditions recommended by staff. The motion passed.
4. Other Business - none
5. Communications
City council meeting of December 6, 2021 (Item No. 4q) Page 3
Title: Planning commission meeting minutes October 6, 2021
Mr. Walther stated Commissioner Dagane has resigned his position and his role will be
filled as soon as possible by city council.
The October 20 meeting is cancelled. The next meeting is November 3, where the
parking ordinance revisions the commission has reviewed in study sessions will be
discussed.
Mr. Walther stated last week the 10 West End office tower held a grand opening and
they are 60% leased. They are already looking ahead to the next phase, 20 West End.
6. Adjournment – 6:30 p.m.
Sean Walther Matt Eckholm
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Sean Walther, liaison Matt Eckholm, chair member