HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/05/22 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Regular Planning commission special meeting
May 22, 2024
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 952.924.2505.
Planning commission meeting
The St. Louis Park planning commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005
Minnetonka Blvd. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person or watch the
meeting by webstream at bit.ly/watchslppc and on local cable (Comcast SD channel 14 and HD
channel 798). Recordings of the meetings are available to watch on the city’s YouTube channel
at www.youtube.com/@slpcable, usually within 24 hours of the end of the meeting or study
session.
Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the agenda and reports.
You can provide comment on agenda items in person at the meeting or by emailing your
comments to info@stlouispark.org by noon the day of the meeting. Comments must be related
to an item on the meeting agenda.
Agenda
PLANNING COMMISSION
1. Call to order – roll call
2. Approval of minutes – April 17, 2024
3. Hearing
4. Other Business
4.a. Final plat for Park Plaza 2nd addition at 5775 Wayzata Blvd.
Applicant: GW Properties
Case No: 24-13-S
5. Communications
6. Adjournment
Future scheduled meeting/event dates:
June 5, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting CANCELED
June 26, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting*
July 3, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting
July 17, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting
* Meeting on June 26 due to Juneteenth holiday on June 19.
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Planning commission
April 17, 2024
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, Mia Divecha, Matt Eckholm, Katie Merten, Tom Weber, Jan
Youngquist
Members absent: none
Staff present: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
Guests: Luke Derheim and David Benowitz, owners
1.Call to order – roll call.
2.Approval of minutes – April 3, 2024.
It was moved by Commissioner Beneke, seconded by Commissioner Weber, to approve the April
3, 2024 minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
3.Hearings – none.
4.Other Business.
3712 Quebec Ave S (Wells Roadside) – conditional use permits with variances
Applicant: Luke Derheim
Case No: 24-05 – CUP, 24-09- CUP, 24-12-VAR
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report.
Commissioner Beneke asked about the sidewalk, and if it would be easier to extend it in the
future. Mr. Morrison stated yes and added the city requires sidewalk along the street front of
all commercial properties so that is why it is a condition of requirement for a portion of the
sidewalk adjacent to the property. He added however the extension to the south cannot be
required by the city, and therefore are not requiring approval of this, but could be extended in
the future.
Commissioner Merten asked if the city could require the sidewalk, and also if technically the
property owner has a say as that is a lot of shade. Mr. Morrison stated that could be considered
as the sidewalk is in the public right of way. He added the trees are also in the public right of
way. He added if trees were removed that would impact screening on Hwy. 7 and would be
costly.
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Planning commission
April 17, 2024
Commissioner Youngquist noted at the public hearing neighbors were concerned about traffic
and walking, adding she is sensitive to that. She asked being that there is public right of way
there, would the city consider putting signage that says to watch for pedestrians if this is to be a
walkable destination. Mr. Morrison stated there is traffic committee that does review issues
like this, adding the committee has already been alerted about this, and they will help to look at
ideas to mitigate impacts.
Commissioner Eckholm asked if this sidewalk were added to Connect the Park would be a low
priority and would it be implemented in the 2030’s. Mr. Morrison stated typically sidewalk
improvements are made when street improvements are made, otherwise priority areas have
been schools and other key destinations and other areas where there needs to be safe
pedestrian connections.
Commissioner Eckholm asked if there would be any improvements to the frontage road in the
near future. Mr. Morrison stated there will not be any in the near future.
Commissioner Merten stated residents that spoke at the public hearing stated they are
interested in a sidewalk there, adding she would agree with that need.
Commissioner Eckholm asked about the applicant’s discussions with property owners to the
east about a parking arrangement, and if there could be a sidewalk extension in the direction of
where a parking lot would be. Mr. Morrison stated there are no parking agreements set up as
yet and he noted the commission would need to consider the expressed needs for the sidewalk.
He stated if there were significant parking on Rhode Island Ave. there could then be terms for a
variance adding it would have to be justified.
Commissioner Eckholm stated he is asking about this because he would hope if the applicant
would need to pay for additional sidewalk, he would want it to be where there would be the
most use.
Commissioner Weber asked about the traffic committee and if they also look at other traffic
calming or speed bumps or lower speed limits in the area. Mr. Morrison stated these can be
brought to that committee, although the speed limit was already reduced within the city limits
recently and speed bumps are not allowed in the right of way. He stated the committee will
look at signage as well as other items.
Commissioner Eckholm asked about the city restriping the road to barricade part of it off or
adding temporary bollards. Mr. Morrison stated these items can be looked at by the committee
to see if there are things that could be done in the interim and if there will be future street
improvements.
Chair Divecha asked about the downside of adding this to the variance. Mr. Morrison stated the
cost is a consideration and noted it could be as much as $70,000 with sidewalk construction,
tree removal and tree replacement fees, as well as impact to the neighboring property owner
losing screening of the trees.
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Planning commission
April 17, 2024
Commissioner Merten asked if in five years this restaurant gains great popularity and is very
busy, can the property owner come back to the city and show that there are traffic concerns,
and then ask for a solution at that time. Mr. Morrison stated yes, staff is always open to hearing
ideas and added this is the purpose of the traffic committee as well.
It was moved by Commissioner Weber, seconded by Commissioner Merten, to approve a major
amendment to operate a drive-in with conditions recommended by staff; to approve a
conditional use permit (CUP) to operate a restaurant with intoxicating liquor with conditions
recommended by staff; and to approve variances to driveway yard requirements, drive-aisle
width requirement, and minimum number of parking required with conditions recommended by
staff. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Communications.
Mr. Walther noted the next meeting is May 1, which will be a study session only. He added the
city is considering amending the tree preservation ordinance and staff would like to update the
commissioners about the Arrive and Thrive planning process. He noted tonight’s item is
scheduled for May 6 at the city council meeting.
Mr. Walther also noted there is a vacancy on the planning commission and those interested can
apply on the city website. He stated the application deadline is May 30.
6. Adjournment – 6:21 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Sean Walther, liaison Mia Divecha, chair member
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Planning commission: Special meeting
Meeting date: May 22, 2024
Agenda item: 4a
4a Final Plat of Park Plaza 2nd Addition – 5775 Wayzata Boulevard
Location: Southeast corner of 5775 Wayzata Boulevard
Case Numbers: 24-13-S
Applicant/Owner: GW Properties
Review Deadline: 60 days: July 8, 2024 120 days: September 7, 2024
Recommended
motions:
Recommend approval of the final plat to construct two buildings at 5775
Wayzata Boulevard, subject to the conditions recommended by staff.
Summary of request: GW Properties submitted a final plat for Park Plaza 2nd Addition, at 5775
Wayzata Boulevard, subdividing the property into two parcels, creating one new lot.
Site information:
Site area (acres): 11.43
5775 Wayzata Blvd.
Project
site
Interstate 394
16th Street W
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Special meeting of May 22, 2024 (Item No. 4a)
Title: Final Plat of Park Plaza 2nd Addition – 5775 Wayzata Boulevard
Current use: Surrounding land uses:
Office, seasonal garden market North: restaurant, Interstate 394
East: hotel, restaurant, conference
center
South: wholesale and retail shopping
centers
West: hotel, multi-family housing
Current 2040 land use guidance Current zoning
OFC- office O office
Background: The site currently contains a nine-story office building and two surface parking
lots. A seasonal garden center operates in the southeast corner of the parking lot. The eastern
portion of the site contains a pond and trail.
Previous approvals: Planning commission held a public hearing on the proposed project and
recommended approval to city council on November 15, 2023. City council approved the
following applications on December 18, 2023:
1.A preliminary plat subdividing the lot into two parcels, creating one new lot.
2.A special permit amendment to amend and restate the previous approvals on the site
and allow the new restaurant uses.
3.A conditional use permit to allow:
a.In-vehicle service; and
b.Two principal buildings on one parcel.
Present considerations: GW Properties proposes two new one-story buildings in the southeast
corner of the existing parking lot. No changes are proposed to the existing office building nor
the pond on the eastern portion of the site.
If the final plat is approved, construction is planned to begin in summer 2024 and the
restaurants are tentatively scheduled to be open fall 2024.
Final plat analysis: The applicant seeks final plat approval for Park Plaza 2nd Addition at 5775
Wayzata Blvd, subdividing the property into two new parcels.
Lots: The subdivision proposal splits the existing 497,753 square foot lot into two parcels. Lot 1
would be 431,701 square feet and contain the existing office building and pond. Lot 2 would be
45,168 square feet and contain two new one-story buildings along with new parking spaces,
landscaping and a relocated sidewalk access to 16th street.
Right of way: The plat would dedicate 28,495 square feet of right of way to Zarthan Avenue and
16th Street.
Easements: Both of the proposed lots will require ten-foot drainage and utility easements along
property lines adjacent to right-of-way. Section 26-154 of the city code requires five-foot
easements along all interior lot lines. New five-foot easements will be added to Lots 1 and 2. As
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Special meeting of May 22, 2024 (Item No. 4a)
Title: Final Plat of Park Plaza 2nd Addition – 5775 Wayzata Boulevard
a condition of approval, the applicant shall submit an updated final plat drawing to show these
correct easements prior to city council consideration.
Sidewalks: City code requires all new plats to include sidewalks along all street frontages. 16th
Street has existing sidewalk that meets this requirement. There is currently no sidewalk along
the east side of Zarthan Avenue adjacent to the proposed plat; in lieu of constructing new
sidewalk, the applicant will pay the city’s sidewalk fee of $13 per square foot to the city.
Staff finds the final plat is consistent with the approved preliminary plat and meets city
requirements with the conditions recommended by staff.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the final plat subject to the following
conditions:
1.The following materials need to be updated and resubmitted to the city prior to
consideration by the city council:
a. Final plat exhibit with updated drainage and utility easements and required
language on signature sheet.
b.Phase 1 erosion and sediment control plan.
c.Updates to utility plan showing correct MH pipe height at city main.
2.The site shall be developed, used and maintained in accordance with the conditions of
the city’s code of ordinances, 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.
4.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, 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, placement of iron monuments at property corners, and
the private site stormwater management system and landscaping.
iii.Shared parking agreement exhibits and documents.
iv.The applicant shall reimburse city attorney’s fees in drafting/reviewing
such documents as required in the final plat approval.
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Special meeting of May 22, 2024 (Item No. 4a)
Title: Final Plat of Park Plaza 2nd Addition – 5775 Wayzata Boulevard
v.The mayor and city manager are authorized to execute the planning
development contract.
5.Prior to starting any land disturbing activities, the following conditions shall be met:
a.Proof of recording the final plat shall be submitted to the city.
b.A preconstruction meeting shall be held with the appropriate development,
construction, private utility, and city representatives.
c.All necessary permits shall be obtained.
d.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 125% of the
cost for all public improvements and landscaping.
Supporting documents: Final plat exhibit
Prepared by: Laura Chamberlain, senior planner, Katelyn Champoux, associate planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy community development director
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