Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/05/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - RegularOFFICIAL MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA May 4, 2016 – 6:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Carper, Claudia Johnston-Madison, Lisa Peilen, Richard Person, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich MEMBERS ABSENT: Torrey Kanne, Ethan Rickert (youth member) STAFF PRESENT: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther, Jennifer Monson 1. Call to Order – Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes of April 20, 2016 Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the minutes of April 20, 2016. Commissioner Peilen seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 5-0. Commissioner Person arrived at 6:07 p.m. 3. Public Hearings A. Conditional Use Permit for Motor Fuel Station Location: 6405 Minnetonka Boulevard Applicant: Yousef Abumayaleh Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report. The application is made to reopen the vacant motor fuel station and operate it as a Super America Express gas station. Mr. Morrison reviewed conditions of approval. He discussed the County’s request to close the eastern access on Minnetonka Blvd. It has been noted that the entrance is necessary to facilitate the movement of the fuel truck. The County is willing to allow the access to be altered to discourage use by the customers. A surmountable curb would be installed. This would require a replacement of the sidewalk. The County recommends installation of grid grass adjacent to the sidewalk. Mr. Morrison said staff is recommending that the northerly access on Dakota Ave. be closed. Staff is asking that the landscaped island on the northwest corner of the property be expanded upon. Staff also asks that some of the pavement be removed along the west property line to increase the amount of pervious surface of the property. The remainder of the pavement could and should remain. Mr. Morrison spoke about canopy and/or ornamental trees that will need to be planted along Dakota Ave. Official Minutes Planning Commission May 4, 2016 Page 2 Mr. Morrison discussed the lighting plan, screening and fence. Chair Johnston-Madison asked about screening of rooftop equipment on the south. Mr. Morrison said screening is required however, the city doesn’t generally require compliance until the roof is scheduled to be replaced, and sufficient structural support can be installed. Mr. Morrison and Commissioner Peilen discussed access points. Commissioner Robertson and Mr. Morrison discussed whether or not the building would be sprinklered and whether or not a door exit on the west would be needed. He added if that door exit remains accessible then landscaping at that point would not be needed. Mr. Morrison said the placement of the door will depend on the final floor plan. Commissioner Tatalovich said he appreciates how the applicant and neighbor worked together on the screening on the south end. He asked about the surmountable curb and whether that design was used throughout the city. He asked if vehicles with higher clearance would also try to use that curb; in addition to the fuel trucks. Mr. Morrison responded the surmountable curb provides access and is a standard curbing used in other cities, but not often used in St. Louis Park. He said in this case the design intent is visual. It does not invite traffic or make it obvious that it can be used. Commissioner Carper asked about public sidewalks, screening and landscaping. Mr. Morrison illustrated sidewalk location. He discussed screening, shrubs and pedestrian visibility. Commissioner Robertson asked the desired permeability ratio for this zoning district. Mr. Morrison responded that there isn’t a maximum impervious requirement. In the C-1 District a conditional use permit is required to exceed 70% impervious. Commissioner Person and Mr. Morrison discussed lighting. Official Minutes Planning Commission May 4, 2016 Page 3 Yousef Abumayaleh, applicant, said his only concern is changing the southwest corner. The pavement gives him options for additional parking, a dumpster or snow removal. He said that concern is not a defining obstacle. He is in agreement with staff on all other conditions. Commissioner Peilen asked the applicant when he hopes to open the business. Mr. Abumayaleh said he is hoping to open in the fall. The Chair opened the public hearing. Terry Warner, 3020 Florida, 29 year resident, said he lives one block away from the site, said he supports the project and the improvement. He spoke about vacant and abandoned store fronts on Minnetonka Blvd. between Hwy. 100 and 169. He spoke about walkability and the desire for shops and grocery businesses on Minnetonka Blvd. to uphold property values in the neighborhoods. Commissioner Robertson said he agrees with Mr. Warner’s remarks. He said he thinks it is a great project. He said the surmountable curb is a very good solution. He said he isn’t a huge fan of grid grass in Minnesota due to upkeep. He suggested that the applicant and staff keep thinking of other ways to keep traffic from going through there. Perhaps signage indicating “not an entrance, not an exit”. He said he is a little ambivalent to changing the west side as it has been paved and especially since there isn’t a stated required impervious percentage. Perhaps a picnic table there would make it softer. That paved area would also be good for snow storage. Commissioner Robertson said it is clear there has been a lot of good discussion and compromise on how to make a tough site work and he’s excited to see it happen. Commissioner Peilen said she will support a motion in favor. She said she agreed that nothing looks worse than an abandoned building and nothing looks better than having a business there. It’s a good thing for the neighborhood and small business. Commissioner Peilen made a motion to recommend approval of a conditional use permit to allow a motor fuel station with conditions recommended by staff. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 6-0. 4. Other Business 5. Communications Official Minutes Planning Commission May 4, 2016 Page 4 6. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. A study session began at 6:55 p.m. Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor, provided background on the proposal of Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital to construct a flood wall, storm sewer modifications, and construction of compensating flood storage within the wetlands on the property. A conditional use permit and variance will be required. He noted that a neighborhood meeting is planned and a public hearing would be held by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2016. Mr. Walther provided a general update on the requirements for the Comprehensive Plan and information about the process to update the Comprehensive Plan by the end of 2018. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Sells Recording Secretary