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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/09/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission September 20, 2023 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 Study session Members present: Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Michael Salzer, Tom Weber Members absent: Jan Youngquist, Jim Beneke, Katie Merten Staff present: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther 1. Discussion of zoning code update Mr. Morrison presented the report including two draft options up for review and discussion. Commissioner Divecha asked about N2 vs. N3 zoning in the three district approach. Mr. Morrison stated that N2 is similar to the current R4 district and N3 is similar to the current RC district. Commissioner Salzer asked about N2 zoning criteria. Mr. Morrison noted in the in the three district approach, the N2 district allows 3-4 stories, while in the four district approach the N2 district allows up to 3 stories. Commissioner Divecha asked for clarification on areas of apartments, and commercial areas. Mr. Morrison noted on the map that the commercial, industrial, office, and PUD areas are left blank on the map as we are only discussing residential zoning districts. Commissioner Eckholm asked if the city anticipates any vacated right-of-way resulting from the split of Minnetonka Blvd and Hwy. 7 that could be developed. Mr. Walther stated no, that had been reviewed in early stages of the project. With the possible exception land around the Starbucks site where there might be opportunities in the future to vacate right of way, most of the land will be retained as right of way for the foreseeable future. Commissioner Eckholm noted development at Walker Lake and stated the city will not try to build another West End there. He added perhaps the Walker Lake area could allow 2-plexes. Mr. Walther stated historically that is what is already allowed there. Commissioner Weber asked if anyone has expressed interest in the area of the Bremer Building near Knollwood Target. Mr. Walther stated there is interest, but the area has some soil and a flooding issues that would need to be handled thoughtfully. Commissioner Weber asked about the areas around public schools, and if smaller residential development would be allowed there. Morrison noted that the land uses around DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AC6B08D-C9B8-4C05-908B-02D8A63A77BC Planning commission Sept. 20, 2023 2 the schools are well established. Some schools already have higher density developments adjacent to them, other schools are surrounded by single-family that may afford for house or low-rise scale housing types. Commissioner Divecha noted the discussion around the N1 district seems to be whether to allow three and/or four-unit housing types. Commissioner Weber added there are further choices in different areas of the city. Commissioner Eckholm also noted the amount of development that has been added since Minneapolis approved 4-unit development has been low. He added this seems more like a long-term vision, noting Minneapolis has seen most of its expansion on its major arteries. He added the smartest investments and the best chance for more affordable housing will not come in new construction 3-4 plex’s. He stated he is more willing to look at 2-3 level, 9-unit buildings, on corridors, where there is transit. Commissioner Divecha agreed, and added the housing changes along the corridors will evolve over a long period of time. Commissioner Eckholm noted in both options, most land will be in N1. He stated the two different versions are not contingent on 3 or 4 plex. He added there is more potential for change in housing types with the corridor approach. Commissioner Weber added these maps give good options for the future. He added our neighborhoods already have a mix of housing types, so these maps acknowledge that and would allow the mix of housing types to continue in other areas of the city. Commissioner Salzer stated the first option did not show as much change, but the four district-corridor approach better illustrated the expanded housing options along the corridors. All commissioners agreed. The commissioners discussed possibly having a joint meeting with the city council, however Mr. Morrison stated we were unable to get that scheduled with the council due to their full calendar. He stated however staff will present this to council at a study session meeting in the future. It will be a public meeting and as such, people can attend to listen to the discussion. People in the audience, however, may not be able to provide input to the discussion. Mr. Morrison stated he will inform the commission when the city council study session to discuss this issue is scheduled. He added there will be a public input process, prior to any public hearings. 2. Communications Mr. Walther stated the 2023 State of the Community will be held Wed, Oct. 11, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at 10 West End office building – 1601 Utica Ave S., St. Louis Park. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AC6B08D-C9B8-4C05-908B-02D8A63A77BC Planning commission Sept. 20, 2023 3 3. Adjournment – 7:15 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Sean Walther, liaison Tom Weber, chair member DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AC6B08D-C9B8-4C05-908B-02D8A63A77BC