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082624 PC Minutes SignedCALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Holmvig-Johnson at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. M/Stursa, S/Kennealy, to approve the minutes of the Regular Planning Commission meeting of July 22, 2024. Motion carried: 5-0. OPEN FORUM Chair Holmvig-Johnson reviewed the options to participate in the open forum. There were no callers or speakers. ITEM #1 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA M/Kennealy, S/Kowalkowski, to approve the agenda. Motion carried: 5-0. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Regular Planning Commission Meeting August 26, 2024 Planning Commissioners Present: Eddie Holmvig-Johnson, Brett Stursa, Benjamin Surma, Stephanie Kowalkowski, and Brendan Kennealy Commissioners Excused: Cole Hooey, Matt Taraldsen Staff Present: Sam Crosby, Planner II and Kumud Verma, Finance Director Others Present: Lauren Robinson, Project Director Redevelopment, Brixmor APPROVAL OF MINUTES ITEM #2 A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AN AMENDED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, FOR A RETAIL USE OVER 50,000 SQUARE FEET OF GROSS FLOOR AREA AT 140 - 66TH STREET WEST IN ORDER TO RE- TENANT THE BUILDING WITH A NEW GROCER. Planner Crosby presented Staff Report No. 14. Lauren Robinson, representative for Brixmor Property Group, gave a brief presentation regarding the request. Commissioner Stursa asked the applicant if they could share the terms of their lease with Loma Bonita. Robinson stated that it is a 10-year lease with several options. Commissioner Surma asked the applicant to provide more detail regarding receiving Popeye’s permission for parking lot improvements and whether there is a contingency plan should that fall through. Robinson stated that the plan is contingent on Popeye’s approval; several of the landscaped islands are on their property. Brixmor also has an easement agreement with Popeye’s that states that the common area cannot be altered without their approval. Robinson also stated that while Brixmor has met with Popeye’s to introduce the project, they have not yet provided approval. If Popeye’s does not approve the project, Brixmor will have to rethink the entire project. Chair Holmvig-Johnson opened the public hearing. Michael Gormley, 6926 3rd Avenue South, asked if there are any requirements for interior improvements to the building. Planner Crosby stated that there are very extensive interior remodeling plans. Interior improvements make up the majority of renovation costs. M/Surma, S/Kennealy, to close the public hearing. Motion carried: 5-0. In response to Commissioner Stursa, Planner Crosby explained that if Brixmor was unable to provide the required EV charging stations, staff would want to see proof of the efforts they have taken to acquire the charging stations and the challenges they have run into. Planner Crosby also stated that Brixmor could put up a line of credit for incomplete items and continue to work on the charging stations after the store has opened. If they are still unable to acquire the charging stations after considerable efforts, they would have to come back to the Planning Commission to request a variance from the EV requirements. Commissioner Stursa asked staff to provide more information regarding the recommendation for an awning. Planner Crosby stated that the recommendation for an awning is both aesthetic and practical. An awning would provide shelter from the elements, but it would also help to provide visual relief from the blank wall that can be seen from 65th Street. In response to Chair Holmvig-Johnson, Planner Crosby stated that staff had not been given adequate time to consider Brixmor’s new proposal to reuse the existing metal awning but that the language of the requirement could be softened to provide some leeway. Chair Holmvig-Johnson stated that reusing the existing awning could be a sustainable option. Several Commissioners expressed their excitement for the new grocer and reuse of the space. Planner Crosby stated that the condition for an awning does not specify whether it needs to be “new”, it only states that it needs to be along the entire north side of the building. It could be revised based on the Planning Commission’s recommendation. M/Stursa, S/Surma, to recommend approval of a request, as proposed by staff, for a Conditional Use Permit, an amended Planned Unit Development and Final Development Plan, for a retail use over 50,000 square feet of gross floor area at 140 – 66th Street West. Motion carried: 5-0. ITEM #3 CONSIDER THE 2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET AND 2026-2029 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE COMPREHEHNSIVE PLAN. Finance Director Verma presented Staff Report No. 15. Commissioner Stursa questioned whether the park improvements mentioned are based on the presumption that the corresponding ballot questions are approved in November. Finance Director Verma stated that they are based on the assumption that the local sales tax will be approved by voters. Commissioner Surma asked why funding has been allocated for Penn Avenue reconstruction when it is still years away from happening. Finance Director Verma stated that she could get back to him with more details after consulting with the project manager. Chair Holmvig-Johnson questioned why replacement of the pool liner was included in this year’s budget as he specifically remembered it being included in last years presentation. Finance Director Verma stated that she did not have an immediate answer but that she would get back to him with more details. M/Stursa, S/Surma, to (1) recommend approval of the 2026-2029 Capital Improvement Program; and (2) adopt a resolution finding that the 2025 Capital Improvement Budget and 2026- 2029 Capital improvement Program are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Motion carried: 5-0.