07-25-2005PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA
July 25, 2005
7:00 p.m.
Introductory Proceedings
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes: Planning Commission study session of June 13, 2005, special meeting of
June 13, 2005, regular meeting of June 27, 2005 and annual bike tour of July 11, 2005.
Opportunity for Citizens to Address the Commission on items not on the Agenda
Public Hearin
New Business
ITEM #1 PC Letter 17
ITEM #2 PC Letter18
ITEM #3 PC Letter 19
Old Business
Liaison Reports
Adiournment
Amend the relevant portions of Richfield Zoning Code
section 500 to update and clarify subdivision regulations
Cancellation of public hearing 7720 Wentworth Avenue
66th Street & Portland Avenue Reconstruction: Discussion
of Land Use Alternative
School Board
Community Services Advisory Commission
H RA
City Council
Human Services Planning Council
City Hall Task Force
Family Friendly Initiative Task Force
Transportation Commission
Auxiliary aid for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be
made at least 96 hours in advance to the City Clerk at 861- 9738 ".
Planning Commission Minutes
Work Session
June 13, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond; Commissioners: Gordon Hanson; Jeff
Karr; Kyle Hartnett; Maureen Scaglia, Greg Van Sickle, Kim Houle, and
David Schneider
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Walz
COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Christine Costello, Zoning Administrator
Melissa Poehlman, Asst. Coordinator
Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager
OTHERS PRESENT: Michael Schroeder, Westwood Professional Services
Dan Cornejo, Cornejo Consulting
The Planning Commission work session was called to order at approximately 7:30 p.m.
ITEM #2 Urban Design Lecture by Michael Schroeder
ZA Costello introduced Landscape Architect Michael Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder gave a brief
presentation on the basics of urban design. Discussion and questions followed.
The work session ended at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Kyle Hartnett
Secretary, Planning Commission
Planning Commission Minutes
Special Meeting
June 13, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond; Commissioners: Gordon Hanson,
Kim Houle, Jeff Karr, Maureen Scaglia, Greg Van Sickle, Kyle
Hartnett, and David Schneider
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Walz
COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Christine Costello, Zoning Administrator
Melissa Poehlman, Asst. Coordinator
Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager
OTHERS PRESENT: Dan Comejo, Comejo Consulting
Michael Schroeder, Westwood Professional Services
Chairperson Drummond called the special meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
ITEM #1 PC Report #12 — Consider whether or not the modifications to the
Redevelopment Plan for the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area
Cedar Point Project) are in conformance with the Comprehensive
Plan.
ZA Costello presented the staff report explaining that the Modified Plan is necessary to facilitate
redevelopment in the Cedar Point Development Area. The modifications to the Redevelopment
Plan for the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area are intended to facilitate the implementation
of land use and development changes in the Cedar Point Development Area and to address
blighting conditions directly associated with the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport.
Dan Comejo, who prepared the blight assessment report stated that while the homes in the Cedar
Point area are not in bad condition, the new airport runway would create blighting conditions in
the area.
In response to a question from Commissioner Van Sickle, Mr. Comejo explained that the blight
designation allows tax abatement to be used as a redevelopment tool. In addition, the
designation allows the City to continue to assemble land parcels in the area now that it has been
established as a redevelopment area, as opposed to the City being in the land business.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, Housing & Redevelopment Manager
J Nordquist stated that the blight designation would not negatively impact the property values
upon buyout.
In response to a question from Commission Drummond, Mr. Comejo explained that the City
needed to be proactive in this redevelopment. Mr. Comejo went on to say that by allowing
things to "just happen" a pattern of deferred maintenance could begin in the area. Once begun,
this pattern would not reverse itself. Therefore, rather than allowing this to happen, the HRA
began buying up land and planning for the future.
In response to a question from Commissioner Drummond, ZA Costello and Mr. Comejo
explained the difference between the Comprehensive Plan and the Redevelopment Plan. Mr.
Comejo explained that a Redevelopment Plan is necessary to allow the City to act much like a
developer would, in terms of buying, selling, and developing land. The Redevelopment Plan is a
physical plan that provides a legal basis for the redevelopment of a particular area.
M/Scaglia, S/Hanson to adpot the resolution finding that a modification to the Redevelopment
Plan for the Richfield Redevelopment Project Area conforms to the general plans for the
development and redevelopment of the City.
Motion carried: 8 -0
Chairperson Drummond adjourned the meeting.
M/Hanson, S/Harrtnett
Motion carried 8 -0.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:24 p.m.
Kyle Hartnett
Planning Commission Secretary
hAcdadmin \p &z \temp1ate \022805 Regularpcminute.dot]
2
Planning Commission Minutes
Regular Meeting
June 27, 2005
0
MEMBERS PRESENT: Commissioners: Gordon Hanson, Jeff Walz, Maureen Scaglia,
Greg Van Sickle, Kyle Hartnett, Kim Houle, Jeff Karr and David
Schneider.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond
COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Melissa Poehlman, Zoning Administrator
Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager
Patrick Smith, Redevelopment Manager
OTHERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Walz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/Houle, S /Hanson to approve the regular PC minutes for May 23, 2005.
Motion carried: 7 -0
PUBLIC HEARINGS
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM #1 PC Report 13 — Review final 2006 Capital Improvement Budget and
2007 -2010 Capital Improvement Plan
ZA Poehlman presented the staff report, highlighting the Background and Policy sections.
ZA Poehlman introduced City Finance Manager, Chris Regis, available to answer any questions.
FM Regis stated that a few minor changes have been made in this second draft of the report. FM
Regis gave a brief synopsis of these changes.
M/Hartnett, S /Scaglia to recommend approval of the 2007 -2010 Capital Improvement Program
and to adopt a resolution finding that the 2006 Capital Improvement Budget and 2007 -2010
Capital Improvement Program are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 8 -0.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM #2 PC Report #14 — Acquisition and Disposition of 6812 Emerson Lane
ZA Poehlman presented the staff report highlighting the items in the Background, Policy and
Critical Issues sections.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, ZA Poehlman stated that this is one
property with two buildings on it. The second building was used for the sale of antiques at one
time.
ZA Poehlman explained that the parcel used to be accessible from 66`h Street, however the
reconstruction of the I -35W off -ramp at 66`h Street eliminated this access.
In response to a question from Commissioner Walz, ZA Poehlman stated that staff held an open
house and took comments from the neighborhood regarding the HRA's potential purchase. In a
follow -up letter to the neighborhood, staff addressed additional questions from the open house.
Staff has not received any comments since sending the follow -up letter.
M/Hanson, S/Hartnett to approve a resolution finding that the acquisition and disposition of the
property at 6812 Emerson Lane for single - family residential purposes is consistent with the
City's Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 8 -0
In response to a question from Commissioner Walz, Bruce Nordquist, Housing and
Redevelopment Manager stated that the HRA has already taken action to authorize the purchase
however, staff cannot move forward without a finding of consistency by the Planning
Commission.
ITEM #3 PC Report #15 — 66" Street and Portland Avenue Open House
Discussion
ZA Poehlman presented the staff report highlighting the Background and Critical Issues sections
and then introduced Housing and Redevelopment Manager Bruce Nordquist to field questions
from the Commissioners.
HRM Bruce Nordquist gave a brief presentation based on a series of conceptual sketches.
In response to a question from Commissioner Karr, HRM Nordquist stated that Concept B for
the northwest corner depicts a bus pull -in area. Since the time when these drawings were
initially created, staff has received feedback from our traffic consultant stating that pockets
directly along the right -of -way are preferred. HRM Nordquist stated that staff have not directly
approached MTC, but have been told that the pocket design is more in keeping with MTC
policies, as they help to keep buses on schedule.
Commissioner Houle stated that perhaps the transit stations should be moved away from the
intersections. She suggested pullouts similar to those on the freeway be used to lessen the
congestion in the actual intersection.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, HRM Nordquist stated that these designs
incorporate crosswalks, rather than pedestrian bridges.
In response to a question from Commissioner Schneider, HRM Nordquist stated that
roundabouts are not signalized in any way. Researches from MnDOT states that the refuge
islands provide protection for pedestrians. In response to a question from Commissioner
Hanson, HRM Nordquist stated that he was unsure of the exact size of the refuge islands. HRM
Nordquist reminded Commissioners that this discussion is focused on the land -use rather than
the exact roadway design, but the next Transportation Commission meeting is on July 6`h and the
roadway design will be discussed further at that time.
In response to a question from Commissioner Walz, HRM Nordquist stated that this is very
preliminary and therefore developers have not come on board yet. Roadway construction is still
at least a year out. This is an exercise in master planning for the 66 1h Street and Portland Avenue
area.
HRM Nordquist continued with his brief introduction of conceptual sketches,
In response to a question from Commissioner Karr, HRM Nordquist stated that Concept A for
the southwest corner keeps the existing Sinclair station, however the canopy outlined in red may
not fit on the site with the redesigned intersection.
HRM continued his presentation with a discussion of the northwest and northeast corners.
Commissioner Walz stated that the water feature or central feature is an interesting approach to
focusing the grouping of public spaces in the northeast quadrant.
HRM Nordquist stated that this site has been mentioned in discussions of a new site for City
Hall.
In response to a question from Commissioner Karr, HRM Nordquist went over the labels in the
concept plans.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, FIRM Nordquist stated that the future
location of the Fire Department is not yet known. The Comprehensive Plan does call for a Fire
Station on the northeast corner of the intersection. In terms of emergency response, we do not
know whether or not this would be a good choice yet.
HRM Nordquist gave a final update regarding scheduling.
Resident Larry Woznickzka asked to address the Commission. He stated that he believed
attendees of the open house felt very strongly about not wanting housing in the northeast
quadrant.
FIRM Nordquist stated that staff is aware of these comments and will continue to keep them in
mind as this process progresses. Housing and commercial uses are in these concept -plans to
provide an option for-financing of the enhanced public facilities.
Commissioner Walz stated that he has heard estimates of $10,000- $12,000 per space to build a
parking ramp.
HRM Nordquist stated that we are on schedule to present to the City Council in September.
ITEM #4 PC Report #16 — Finding that the acquisition of property at 6608 17th
Avenue is consistent with Comprehensive Plan
ZA Poehlman presented the staff report highlighting the Background, Policy and Critical Issues
sections.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, Redevelopment Manager Patrick Smith
stated that the City has not purchased 6600 17th Avenue. RM Smith stated that the property is
intended to be used in the future redevelopment of this corner. The corner lot, 6600 17th
Avenue,
will be acquired for roadway design.
In response to a question from Commissioner Schneider, RM Smith stated that he did not believe
the purchase of this property would put the HRA a position in which they would be forced to
purchase the rest of the homes on the block.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, RM Smith stated that the property and area
surrounding it have not been rezoned. ZA Poehlman added that the properties are currently
zoned commercial and therefore would not need to be rezoned.
In response to a question from Commissioner Schneider, RM Smith stated that he did not believe
the purchase of this home would impact the marketability of other homes on the block. The
HRA is paying market value and relocation benefits for the home.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, RM Smith guessed that a ballpark figure
for the purchase price was $215,000 and stated that the owner has signed a purchase agreement.
4
Resident Larry Woznickzka asked to address the Commission. He stated that there would be a
special meeting of the HRA at noon tomorrow to decide on the purchase of this property. The
purchase price listed in the staff report is $219,000 and it states that the homeowners may be
eligible for relocation benefits. Mr. Woznickzka stated that he agreed with Commissioner
Schneider regarding the setting of a precedent for purchasing homes and believes that caution
should be exercised.
In response to a question from Commissioner Van Sickle, RM Smith stated that the advantage in
purchasing now is to help the property owner, but also the fact that three possible future
scenarios for the redesign of this intersection will necessitate the purchase of the property.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, RM Smith stated that a site for the liquor
store has not yet been determined. Commissioner Houle is concerned about locating a liquor
store across the street from a school.
Commissioner Scaglia reminded her fellow commissioners that the job of the Planning
Commission tonight is to find that this purchase is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Scaglia also stated that the City has always been proactive in acquiring property
and trying to follow a path of least resistance. The HRA is trying to avoid the possibility of
disagreements, higher asking prices and condemnation proceedings in the future.
Commissioner Walz agreed.
In response to a question from Commissioner Van Sickle, Commissioner Hartnett stated that
rather than speculating on what the Comprehensive Plan may be in the future, the Commission
must find whether or not the action is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as it is today.
In response to a question from Commissioner Houle, RM Smith stated that the HRA intends to
leave the home vacant for the time being.
M /Scaglia, S /Hartnett to approve a resolution finding that the acquisition of the property at
6608 17th Avenue is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Motion carried: 8 -0
ITEM #5 Memo — Discussion of proposed Zoning Code revisions
ZA Poehlman asked for feedback regarding the current Zoning Code. ZA Poehlman listed the
items that will be considered as staff evaluates the Code. Comments are also welcome via email
if Commissioners think of them at a later time.
Commissioner Walz mentioned addressing the issue of pavement and impervious surface,
especially in larger developments.
Commissioner Karr mentioned an issue in the past regarding signage in the SO -1 District.
Commissioner Walz also brought up the issue of mobile signage.
LIAISON REPORTS
School Board: Report from Gordon Hanson
Community Services Advisory Commission: Report from Liaison Catherine Peloquin
HRA: Report from Jeff Walz
City Council: Report from Mayor Martin Kirsch
Human Services Planning Council: No report
Transportation Committee: No report
Family Friendly Initiative Task Force: Report from Gordon Hanson
ADJOURNMENT
M /Karr, S /Hartnett to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 8 -0.
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8:00 p.m.
Kyle Hartnett
Planning Commission Secretary
Planning Commission Minutes
Study Session
July 11th, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond; Commissioners: Kim Houle, Jeff
Karr, Kyle Hartnett, and Greg Van Sickle
MEMBERS ABSENT: Gordon Hanson, David Schneider, Jeff Walz and Maureen Scaglia,
COUNCIL LIAISON: Mayor Martin Kirsch
STAFF PRESENT: Melissa Poehlman, Zoning Administrator
Bruce Nordquist, Housing and Redevelopment Manager
Patrick Smith, Redevelopment Manager
OTHERS PRESENT: David Gepner, resident
Chairperson Drummond called the Planning Commission study session to order at 7:10 p.m.
ITEM #1 Bike Tour.
Bruce Nordquist and Patrick Smith led the Planning Commission, guests
and staff on a tour of several current and proposed redevelopment projects
located along the I -494 corridor. The tour included: The Shops at
Lyndale, Meridian Crossings, the 77`
h Street garden wall, Kensington
Park, the 7500 block of Lyndale Avenue and additional sites along the I-
494 corridor. Discussion focused on the timing of study and role of
consultants, future visions, complimenting the "garden corridor,"
potential /preferred/practical uses, opportunities and challenges, and node
and corridor outcomes.
The study session ended at 8:45 p.m.
Kyle Hartnett
Planning Commission Secretary
AGENDA SECTION: NEW BUSINESS
AGENDA ITEM # 1
REPORT # 17
CASE # '
ddM PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
PC MEETING DATE: JULY 259 2005
ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
Amend the relevant portions of Richfield Zoning Code section 500 to update and clarify
subdivision regulations.
FL RECOMMENDED ACTION: II
By Motion: Approve the attached ordinance amendments to Richfield
Zoning Code Section 500.05, 500.13 and 500.25 Subdivision 1 to
update and clarifv subdivision regulations.
II. BACKGROUND
In reviewing the Plats; Subdivision Regulations section of the City Code, staff has discovered
some out -of -date references and inconsistencies with State Statutes. The proposed changes
are minor and will bring the Code into compliance with current State laws, update out -of -date
language, and clarify requirements.
III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION
A. POLICY
The recommended ordinance amendment will update and clarify plat and
subdivision regulations for properties in the R, R -1, MR, MR -1, MR -2, MR-
3, C -1, C -2, C -3, PC -2, PMR, PMR -1, and I zoning districts.
B. CRITICAL ISSUES
The City Code should be in compliance with and reference State Statutes.
Minimum lot requirements should be based on the underlying Zoning District
in which a parcel is located; additional language unnecessarily confuses the
issue.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved these proposed amendments
to the City's Code.
C. FINANCIAL
N/A
D. LEGAL
Zoning: This ordinance amendment clarifies plat and subdivision
regulations for the entire City of Richfield.
Land Use: All zoning districts
Comprehensive Plan: N/A
Notification: Notification for the City Council public hearing on this
proposed Zoning Code amendment will be provided as required by State
Statute and City requirements.
Other Actions:
Council: The recommendation of the Planning Commission will go to
the City Council for two readings and a public hearing. If the City Council
adopts the recommended changes, they will take effect 30 days after the
approved Council resolution is posted in the Sun Current newspaper.
IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
Reject the motion to amend Richfield Zoning Code Sections 500.05, 500.13 and
500.25 Subdivision 1 to update and clarify subdivision regulations.
V. ATTACHMENTS
Code References: Draft of proposed amendments to Zoning Code Sections
500.05, 500.13 and 500.25 Subdivision 1 to update and clarify subdivision
regulations.
VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
N/A
BILL NO.
AMENDMENT TO RICHFIELD CITY CODE
SECTION 500.05;
SECTION 500.13;
AND SECTION 500.25, SUBDIVISION 1
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN:
Section 1 Section 500.05 Subdivision 1 of the Richfield City Code is amended to read as
follows:
500.05. Conveyances by metes and bounds. Subdivision 1. Conveyances
prohibited. No-conveyance of land *R WhiGh the land GGRveyed is de6GFibed
deSGFffibed iR the GenveyaRGe is less than five ar.Fes in aFea and 300 feet iR width
Of RGt less than hve and ORe half aGeer, OR aFea and 150 feet 6R wedth E.
1, 4966, OF is a single paFGel of land net less than five aGFes
awl
I i _
of Ret less thaR that constitutes a subdivision within the meaning of this
section may be filed or recorded, if the land is described in the conveyance by
metes and bounds or by reference to an approved registered land survey made
after April 21, 1961 or to an unapproved plat.
Sec.2 Section 500.05 of the Richfield City Code is amended by adding a new
subdivision 1a as follows:
Subd. 1a. Subdivision 1 does not apply to a conveyance if the land described:
a. was a separate parcel of record April 1, 1945 or the date of adoption of
subdivision regulations under Laws 1945, Chapter 287, whichever is the later,
or of the adoption of subdivision regulations pursuant to a home rule charter,
or
b. was the subiect of a written agreement to convey entered into prior to such
time, or
c. was a separate parcel of not less than 2 -1/2 acres in area and 150 feet in
width on January 1, 1966, or
d. was a separate parcel of not less than five acres in area and 300 feet in width
on July 1, 1980, or
e. is a single parcel of commercial or industrial land of not less than five acres
and having a width of not less than 300 feet and its conveyance does not
result in the division of the parcel into two or more lots or parcels. anv one of
which is less than five acres in area or 300 feet in width, -or
f. is a single parcel of residential or agricultural land of not less than 20 acres
and having a width of not less than 500 feet and its conveyance does not
result in the division of the parcel into two or more lots or parcels, any one of
which is less than 20 acres in area or 500 feet in width: or
g. is an adiustment of a lot line by the relocation of a common boundary, where
the conveyance does not create an additional lot or space sufficient to
construct an additional residence thereon.
Sec. 3. Section 500.05, subdivision 5 of the Richfield City Code is repealed.
Sec. 4 Section 500.13 of the Richfield City Code is amended to read as follows:
500.13. Minimum lot area. The minimum area and minimum width of any lots in a
plat or subdivision shall be 8,000 6quaFe feet,
lot shall be at least 75 feet, exrept when any etheF standafd feF MiRiMUMIet aFea
conform to the standards of the zoning
district in which the parcel falls. Where corner lots rear upon lots facing the side
street, the corner lots shall have extra width sufficient to permit the establishment
of front building lines on both the front and side of the lots adjoining the streets.
Extra width shall be provided on all corner lots irrespective of whether they rear
upon lots facing the side streets.
Sec. 5 Section 500.25 Subdivision 1 of the Richfield City Code is amended to read as
follows:
500.25. Final approval of plats. Subdivision 1. Submission to council. The final
plan on mylar 9F tFaGiRg G and fetes two prints thereof, together with #eta two
copies of any deed restrictions when such are too lengthy to be shown on the
plat or plan, and three two prints of the certified plans showing the improvements
as built or as they are to be built within the subdivisions shall be submitted to the
council. Before approving the final plat or plan of all or part of a proposed
subdivision, the council will require proof that the improvements and revisions
thereof required have -been satisfactorily completed or their construction secured
by contract and bond. The final plat accepted shall cover only that part of the
subdivision upon which all improvements have been completed or secured.
Sec. 6. This ordinance is effective in accordance with Section 3.09 of the Richfield City
Charter.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota, this day of June, 2005.
Martin J. Kirsch, Mayor
0 ATTEST:
Nancy Gibbs, City Clerk
AGENDA SECTION: PUBLIC HEARING
AGENDA ITEM #
REPORT #
CASE #
18
dM PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
PC MEETING DATE: JULY 259 2005
ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
Cancellation of public hearing regarding consideration of a request for a Conditional Use
Permit to allow used car sales at 7720 Wentworth Avenue in the C -2 zoning district.
Ill. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 11
By Motion: Cancel public hearing on July 25, 2005 regarding
consideration of a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow used
car sales at 7730 Wentworth Avenue.
II. BACKGROUND
Mr. Hilmer Hovelson, owner of the property located at 7720 Wentworth Avenue, was
interested in leasing out a portion of his building for used car sales. In the C -2 zoning
district auto or boat sales /lease is a conditional use and therefore must meet certain
criteria to be allowed. After the Administrative Review Committee Meeting in which
Planning and Zoning, Engineering, Public Works, Building Inspections, Fire, Public
Safety and Environmental Health reviewed the site and the submitted plans, Mr.
Hovelson was provided with a list of improvements that would need to be made before
a conditional use permit could be approved. Significant investment would be required
to bring the property into compliance. For example, Mr. Hovelson would be required to
pave and install curb and gutter in the parking lot and to add additional landscaped
areas.
After considering the necessary improvements, Mr. Hovelson has decided not to pursue
a conditional use permit for auto sales on his property.
III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION
A. POLICY
N/A
B. CRITICAL ISSUES
N/A
C. FINANCIAL
N/A
D. LEGAL I .
Zoning: C -2, General Commercial
Land Use: Current: Auto - detailing shop
Proposed: Used -auto sales
Comprehensive Plan: Regional Commercial /Office
Notification: Legal notice published in Sun Current Newspaper
Other Actions:
Council: Scheduled for City Council public hearing and
consideration on July 26, 2005.
H RA: N/A
Hearing Examiner: N /A.
IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
N/A
V. ATTACHMENTS
N/A
VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
N/A
AGENDA SECTION
AGENDA ITEM #
REPORT #
CASE #
NEW BUSINESS
3
19
J PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
PC MEETING DATE: JULY 259 2005
ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION:
Examine the strengths, weakness and opportunities for each of the four quadrants at the
intersection of 66th Street and Portland Avenue. Provide feedback and guidance based on
this discussion.
I. RECOMMENDED ACTION:
By Motion: Discussion item only. No action required.
II. BACKGROUND
As discussed at the Planning Commission meeting on June 27, the City is conducting a
traffic and land use study to address safety and congestion issues at the intersection of
66th Street and Portland Avenue, The Transportation Commission will continue the
evaluation of roadway design and alignment alternatives at their next meeting on
August 3, and an open house is scheduled for August 10 to gather community
feedback. The decision on a roadway design has been lengthened to allow for
additional evaluation and community input into the matter. In the meantime, the
Community Development Department continues to work with the land use consultant
firm, Landform, to examine options for the area that will surround the redesigned
intersection.
The discussion this evening is meant to identify some of the strengths, weaknesses,
and opportunities at each of the four quadrants surrounding the intersection. The
Planning Commission has the opportunity to provide guidance on the continued
evolution of a land use vision for this area, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and
Blending Public and Private Spaces document.
III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION
A. POLICY I -
The Planning Commission plays a guiding role in land use discussion.
Land use decisions will be needed to compliment roadway design.
B. CRITICAL ISSUES
The improvement of the intersection, no matter the roadway alternative
chosen, will impact the quadrants.
072505 —66 1h & Portland land use
An appropriate mix of single family, multifamily, and commercial uses
need to be determined.
The City Council is scheduled to finalize a plan by the end of October and
the moratorium period ends in December.
C. FINANCIAL
Hennepin County is paying for the land use study.
D. LEGAL
The project area has a moratorium on improvements and changes to
buildings while the land use study is conducted.
IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S)
N/A
V. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Land Use Planning — 66th Street and Portland Avenue
Attachment B: Concept Plans
VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING
Carolyn Krall, Landform
Faith Cable, Landform
Andrew Gillett, Hennepin County
Attachment A
Land Use Planning
66th Street and Portland Avenue
July 25, 2005
Discussion of General Alignment Influences
Amount of right -of -way needed.
Impacts of right -of -way and access needed on existing adjacent property.
Commercial property impacts and opportunities.
Residential property impacts and opportunities.
Objectives:
Safety.
Eliminate cut through commercial driveways.
Provide efficient car movements; through and turning.
Prioritize transit availability and transfer.
Add functional and attractive pedestrian environments.
Utilize affected property in the highest/best way.
Determine what this "place" should be.
Connect the corner with Veteran's Park.
The intersection is a major gateway entrance into the City that requires attention to the
blending of public and private space.
Discussion of Quadrant Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
with drawings that demonstrate different options)
Northwest Quadrant
Smallest corner commercial parcel at the intersection (14,000 sq. ft.).
Any right -of -way taking reduces functional commercial alternatives:
Insufficient off - street parking.
Remainder parcel too small for right -in and right -out access.
he
No commercial /residential buffer.
Comprehensive Plan encourages community commercial, multi- family, higher
density single family uses.
Options?
What park -like features can be added that begin to introduce Veterans Park into the
intersection?
Should residential properties to the north on Portland Avenue be looked at more
closely for higher density single family uses? And how far north?
Should the character of the residential area be maintained with a home rehabilitation
program for those homes that remain?
072505 — 66" & Portland land use
What apartment improvements /additions /changes could introduce more /better
parking and new /expanded /complimentary housing options?
Southwest Quadrant
Second smallest commercial parcel (19,500 sq. ft.).
Driveway cut through, off - street parking limitations reduce present commercial
effectiveness. Right -in and right -out limited access would be required.
Any right -of -way taking reduces available off - street parking for adjacent apartments.
Comprehensive Plan encourages: community commercial, multi - family, higher density
single family uses.
Options?
Is there a way to retain fuel services here?
Can off - street parking solutions be determined for the existing apartments?
Are single family setbacks sufficient to retain this single family housing?
Are there better higher density single family options, consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan?
Southeast Quadrant
Right -of -way expansion closes commercial driveways, reduces some fuel services, and
commercial off- street parking.
Zalesky printing would have no off - street parking and anything less than the present
8,970 sq. ft. site may not make a commercial use possible.
Any right -of -way expansion further reduces the east side of Portland Avenue single
family residential setbacks; reducing desirability, viability, value.
No commercial /residential buffer presently exists.
The Comprehensive Plan encourages community commercial and higher density single
family uses along Portland Avenue and east on 66th St.
Options?
Can existing single - family homes be retained?
Will a remainder commercial parcel provide sufficient space for an expanded
commercial use? mixed housing /commercial uses?
Is there sufficient remainder residential area (property depth) for higher density
single family use with a buffer to existing single family behind?
Can a buffer to commercial property be added?
Do we want to utilize the full commercial zone that already exists and remove two
existing single family homes on Oakland? or down -zone that limits commercial use?
Northeast Quadrant
Right -of -way expansion in the BP commercial area closes driveways, reduces fuel
services by at least half, and reduces off - street parking. Right -in and right -out limited
access would be required.
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel loses valued southbound procession, ingress /egress and
front yard.
American Legion loses front yard, exit driveway, and reduced visibility at exit driveway.
Feedback from public open houses, to date, has strongly supported more public uses
along Portland Avenue and no housing.
The Comprehensive Plan encourages a public corner with community commercial and
multi - family housing north of 66th St.
Options?
Does Nilsen and the Legion benefit, long term, from new, redesigned facilities?
Can the Nilsen and Legion uses be accommodated in a mixed use configuration with
housing north of the corner.
What types of "community commercial" use are desired? City Hall? Community
Center? Structured parking?
Are public entrance /connection /transit/public facility additions preferred to
commercial /housing uses at the corner and north of the corner?
Should an internal road be added to provide access to new or existing uses?
Are proposed uses intrusive with park property?
PAS
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ATTACHMENT B
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lWI -A A: Retail Corners & Mixed -Use
LANDFORM 66TH & PORTLAND LAND USE STUDY July 6, 2005
Richfield, Minnesota HEN05002
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Concept C: Civic & Community Space
LANDFORM 66TH & PORTLAND LAND USE STUDY July 6, 2005
Richfield, Minnesota HEN05002
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LANDFORM 66TH & PORTLAND LAND USE STUDY July 6, 2005
I Richfield, Minnesota HEN05002
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LANDFORM 66TH & PORTLAND LAND USE STUDY July 6, 2005
I Richfield, Minnesota HEN05002