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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/02/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Regular Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 7, 2022 Consent agenda item: 4i Official minutes Planning commission February 2, 2022 – 6:00 p.m. Members present: Jim Beneke, Jessica Kraft, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber, Joffrey Wilson Members absent: Matt Eckholm Staff present: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther Guests: Patrick Sutter, Stephanie Drews, Erika Bennet, Kjell Bergh 1. Call to order – roll call 2. Approval of minutes – Jan. 19, 2022 Commissioner Weber moved, seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve the January 19, 2022, Planning Commission minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioner Eckholm absent). 3. Hearings 3a. Shops at West End PUD Major Amendment Applicant: Ericka Bennett on behalf of ARC WEMPSMN001. LLC Case No: 21-39-PUD Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Commissioner Weber asked for clarification on the parking study. Mr. Morrison stated the parking study looked at all uses and concluded the amount of restaurant space could be increased as proposed. He added history at the development indicates available parking can accommodate more restaurant space. Commissioner Weber asked what would be done administratively and what action would be taken. Mr. Morrison stated if the amendment is approved and if the Shops at West End wants to increase space in the future, they would need to update the parking study which could be approved administratively. If staff has concerns about the study, then under the proposed amendment, it could be brought to the commission or council for consideration. Commissioner Weber asked the applicant to explain if this is for a car company or a dealership. Ms. Drews stated this is a display showroom only, allowing the public to view cars only, and no sales will be taking place. She noted this is Volvo’s new concept e-car that will be presented. City council meeting of March 7, 2022 (Item No. 4i) Page 2 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes February 2, 2022 Commissioner Salzer asked if the parking study came through as it had, what total percentage of the square footage could potentially be restaurant space, based on parking. Ms. Drews stated the study explored 150,000 square feet of restaurant and not even half of the 380,000 square feet of the shop space would be used as restaurant space. Commissioner Salzar asked if the medical and dental will be street level or second floor space. Ms. Drews stated the second floor is completely leased to Regis and Taco John’s corporate. She added the medical and dental has recently been set up in retail space, so this will be ground level, well-built out with glass storefront dental and medical uses. Commissioner Salzar asked why building 32 was set as a separate use. Mr. Morrison stated staff looked at the records but could not find details. However, staff speculated it may be related to exiting or sewer capacity. He noted these would need to be reviewed for each new use in more detail to ensure the infrastructure meets the building and fire code requirements. Chair Beneke asked if the parking ramp is city owned. Mr. Morrison stated that is a privately owned parking ramp owned by the two office buildings to the east. There are, however, cross access and parking agreements over the ramps so the retail and theater uses can use them. Mr. Walther added when the West End was developed it was owned by one owner and at that time the center did not have enough parking as required. He noted this was intentional to share parking and for the office parking structure to be well-used and efficient, adding the parking arrangement is permanent. Chair Beneke opened the public hearing. There were no callers or comments from the public. Chair Beneke closed the public hearing. Commissioner Salzer stated when West End was built, he perceived the original intent was to be more upscale shops. He asked if putting the dentist and medical spaces may alter the purpose of the space. Commissioner Wilson appreciated this comment, adding a lot has changed since the development started in terms of the pandemic and how people shop. He stated whatever we can do to protect the development and retailers and businesses that are there is important to do. He stated he is in favor of supporting any businesses there and having flexibility. Commissioner Kraft agreed with Commissioner Wilson’s statement, adding since the West End development was built, a lot of housing has appeared nearby. She noted with all the added housing now in the area, the dental and medical will be helpful for those living nearby and add to daytime activity and she is in favor of the PUD amendment. Commissioner Weber stated he also support this PUD amendment as well. City council meeting of March 7, 2022 (Item No. 4i) Page 3 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes February 2, 2022 Commissioner Weber moved, seconded by Commissioner Wilson to approve the major amendment to the Shops at West End PUD as presented by staff. The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioner Eckholm absent). Mr. Walther stated this item is scheduled to go to council on February 22 for review. 4. Other Business 5. Communications Mr. Walther stated the annual appointment process for boards and commissions is underway and the information is on the city website, and applications are accepted until the end of February. He added positions are open until filled in several boards and commissions and new members will be in place May 31. He stated the planning commission has two open positions plus if any current members’ terms are expiring, they need to re-apply if they wish to continue serving on the commission. Mr. Walther added the Metropolitan Council announced the Southwest Light Rail (Green Line Extension) Project is not expected to be open for fare service / open for riders until 2027. Mr. Walther stated the next meeting is February 16 with one public hearing related to the Belt Line Station redevelopment project and the comprehensive plan future land use map amendments needed to move the project forward. He added in March, one meeting will be moved due to a holiday and there may be other adjustments to agendas and meeting times to be announced. 6. Adjournment – 6:27 p.m. Sean Walther Jim Beneke ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison Jim Beneke, chair member