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10-24-2005w9A PLANNING COMMISSION Mr*t i %-, ri ri E L U October 24, 2005 7:00 P.M. Introductory Proceedings Roll Call Approval of Minutes: Planning Commission regular meeting of August 22, 2005 and Planning Commission Work Session of September 12, 2005. Opportunity for Citizens to Address the Commission on items not on the Agenda Public Hearing New Business ITEM #1 P:C Letter #21 Approve Resolution finding that the acquisition of the property at 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639 and 6645 17th Avenue are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan ITEM #2 PC Letter #22 Review land use guiding principles at 66th Street and Portland Avenue give the Transportation Commission's recommendation of the roundabout intersection design Old Business Liaison Reports School Board Community Services Advisory Commission H RA City Council Human Services Planning Council Welcoming Initiative Task Force Transportation Commission Adiournment 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 Regular Meeting August 22, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond, Commissioners: Gordon Hanson, Maureen Scaglia, Greg Van Sickle, Kyle Hartnett, Kim Houle, Jeff Karr, Jeff Walz and David Schneider. MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioner Kyle Hartnett COUNCIL LIAISON: Martin Kirsch, Mayor STAFF PRESENT: Melissa Poehlman, Zoning Administrator Bruce Nordquist, Housing & Redevelopment Manager OTHERS PRESENT: Tony Heppelmann, WSB & Associates, Inc. Chairperson Drummond called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES M/Hanson, S/Van Sickle to approve the Planning Commission regular meeting minutes of July 25, 2005. Motion carried: 7 -0 PUBLIC HEARINGS NEW BUSINESS ITEM #1 PC Letter #20 — Review and authorize sending a list of land use guiding principals to the Transportation Commission. ZA' Poehlman presented the staff report highlighting the Background section. Housing and Redevelopment Manager Bruce Nordquist and WSB Vice - President, Tony Heppelmann were then introduced to carry on with the presentation. HRM Nordquist presented land- use concepts A -F, highlighting the two new concepts E and F. As requested by the Planning Commission, concept E depicts the minimum required change for the intersection, while concept F depicts the ideas advanced by the Comprehensive Plan. Tony Heppelmann continued with a discussion of the intersection options that the Transportation Commission is examining and the criteria being used for evaluation. Mr. Heppelmann stated that a frequent question at the public open house on August 10`h, was what difference changes in signalization would make at the intersection. The addition of left turn signals on the two legs of the intersection that do not currenity have them would temporarily improve the function of the intersection, however increased volumes will soon.negate any gains. Mr. Heppelmann also stated that WSB is continuing to examine the issue of pedestrian safety. Initial data suggests that two -lane roundabouts are as safe or safer than traditional intersections. As the Transportation Commission moves closer to choosing an alternative, members are seeking alignment input from the Planning Commission. Mr. Heppelmann fielded questions from Commissioners regarding emergency vehicle access, roundabout sizes, educational campaigns, and more. Chairperson Drummond stated that although this meeting was not intended as a pubilc hearing, people with questions could come forward and address the Commission or presenters. Councilman Fred Wroge requested traffic counts from Mr. Heppelmann. In response to a question from Councilman Wroge, HRM Nordquist explained that all alternatives have been examined for shifting the alignment of the intersection. Doris Lattery of 66015 1h Avenue stated that she did not believe businesses would remain throughout the construction period. Ms. Lattery suggested signs be posted stating "congestion ahead." Chairperson Drummond reminded everyone that both 66`h Street and Portland Avenue are County roads and Hennepin County is requiring that the roadway be improved. Kathy Murphy of 6601 5th Avenue stated her belief that the City favors the apartment building at 500 -66`h Street over her building. Ms. Murphy believes all of the necessary right -of -way should be taken from the park, rather than the homes and businesses in the area. Chairperson Drummond suggested that stronger language recommending civic uses and potentially a new City Hall in the Northeast corner be added to the guiding principals. Councilman Wroge, a member of the City Hall Task Force, requested that this language be left out so as to not inadvertantly influence Task Force members. The Commission agreed to comply with his request. M /Walz, Shan Sickle to authorize sending the attached list of land use guiding principals to the Transportation Commission. Motion carried: 8 -0 OLD BUSINESS LIAISON REPORTS School Board: Report from Gordon Hanson Community Services Advisory Commission: No Report HRA: No Report City Council: Report from Mayor Martin Kirsch Human Services Planning Council: No report Transportation Committee: Report from Maureen Scaglia Welcoming Initiative Task Force: Report from Gordon Hanson City Hall Task Force: Report from Councilman Fred Wroge ZA Poehlman reminded Commissioners of the I -494 Joint meetings and open houses that will be coming up and that suggestions regarding the revising of the Zoning Ordinance can be submitted to her at any time. ADJOURNMENT M/Karr, S/Houle to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 8 -0. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:15 p.m. Kyle Hartnett Planning Commission Secretary Planning Commission Minutes Work Session September 12, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Donna Drummond, Commissioners: Kim Houle, Dave Schneider, Gordon Hanson, Jeff Karr, Kyle Hartnett, Maureen Scaglia, and Greg Van Sickle MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chairperson Jeff Walz COUNCIL LIAISON: Mayor Martin Kirsch STAFF PRESENT: Melissa Poehlman, Zoning Administrator Patrick Smith, Community Development Manager OTHERS PRESENT: Chairperson Drummond called the Planning Commission special study session to order at 7:04 p.m. ITEM #1 Discussion: Comprehensive Plan Review ZA Poehlman opened the discussion with a brief overview of the timeline for the comprehensive plan review, the required elements of a comprehensive plan, and plans currently underway that will be incorporated into this revision. Feedback from the Planning Commission included the following: Incorporate work already done for the Richfield 2020 Plan, provide consultant with a copy. In the past, draft plans were brought before various organizational groups for feedback— Optimist Club, Chamber of Commerce, sports boosters, etc. Possible community survey as part of the process — possibility of posting the survey on website (note possibility of skewed results if only this method is used), publication via cable channel Post process updates on website Look into which consulting firms helped Bloomington and St. Louis Park put together their current plans. Look at plans for the Lyndale /Crosstown gateway area, 66`h Street & Penn Avenue, the area near 72nd Street and Chicago Avenue, and potential changes due to the Crosstown reconstruction. Planning Commission Study Session September 12, 2005 Page 2 ITEM #1 Discussion: Public Works Update ZA Poehlman presented a summary of Public Works projects prepared by City Transportation Engineer, Tom Foley. The study session ended at 8:00 p.m. Kyle Hartnett Planning Commission Secretary J AGENDA SECTION AGENDA ITEM # REPORT # CASE # NEW BUSINESS 21 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PC MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2005 ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Consideration of resolution regarding the finding that the acquisition of the properties at 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue are consistent with the Richfield Comprehensive Plan. U. RECOMMENDED ACTION: II By Motion: Approve the attached resolution finding that the acquisition of the property at 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue are consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. II. BACKGROUND On August 15, 2005 the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) approved the expenditure of funds to acquire four residential properties along 17th Avenue; 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue). The City of Richfield (City) would purchase the four properties at 6601, 6609, 6615 and 6621 17th Avenue. All eight properties are located within the 2007 DNL 65 contour as approved by MAC and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the FAA Part 150 Program, MAC has the option either to soundproof or acquire property to mitigate for airport noise impacts. MAC has decided to purchase. The City would purchase for street purposes. The purchase of the properties makes it possible for the homeowners to proceed with their plans and minimizes the negative impacts of an uncertain future for them. This portion of 17th Avenue will be the southern leg of the roadway coming off of the new intersection at 66th Street and 17th Avenue. The Comprehensive Plan identifies 6601, 6609, and 6615 17th Avenue properties as Community Commercial /Office. The properties at 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue are identified as Single Family Residential. Currently all the properties are being used as single - family residences. The properties at 6601, 6609, and 6615 17th Avenue are inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The three properties are used as single - family residences since at least 1950; they have never been used as a commercial or office building. It is common in Richfield to have a land use that does not correspond to the Comprehensive Plan designation. At the time of acquisition the Comprehensive Plan designation does not affect the purchase of the properties. Before the properties go through disposition the 102405_17thAven ue Properties_F i nd i ngofConsistency Comprehensive Plan will be amended so that the land is reflective of what will be developed besides what is taken for roadway. Therefore, at the time of disposition the Comprehensive Plan will reflect the appropriate designation for the area. III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION A. POLICY The properties at 6601, 6609, and 6615 17th Avenue are currently zoned C -2 (General Commercial). The properties are being used for single - family residential uses. The properties at 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue are currently zoned R (Single - Family Residential), and all of the properties are being used for single - family residential uses. The Comprehensive Plan map currently identifies the first three northern properties (6601, 6609, and 6615 17th Avenue) parcels for Community Commercial /Office use. The remaining five (6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue) parcels are identified as Single - Family Residential. This property is needed for road purposes and to mitigate noise for people living in impacted areas. In order to prevent degradation of the Airport Impact zone (which the eight properties are located in) from occurring, the Governor's Task Force Report recommended the City buy out the residential and business properties within the Airport Impact zone to redevelop the area into commercial and residential uses that would be more compatible with the neighboring airport. B. CRITICAL ISSUES The acquisition of these properties is necessary in order for the intersection and roadway work for the Cedar Avenue Corridor. C. FINANCIAL MAC is acquiring the southern four (6627, 6633, 6639, 6645 17th Avenue) homes, and the City is acquiring the northern four (6601, 6609, 6615, 6621 17th Avenue) homes, with funds to be determined at the October 25th City Council meeting. D. LEGAL Chapter 462 of the Minnesota State Statutes requires that whenever any public agency buys or sells property within the City, the Planning Commission must review the proposed use of the site for consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and the resolution. IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) Reject the resolution, finding that the acquisition of 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, and 6645 17th Avenue by the City.for roadway purposes is not consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. V. ATTACHMENTS Resolution Map showing the location of 17th Avenue properties VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING N/A 0 RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION OF THE RICHFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION FINDING THAT A PROPOSED PUBLIC ACQUISITION OF LAND CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL PLAN 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, 6645 17TH AVENUE SOUTH) WHEREAS, the City of Richfield, Minnesota, has proposed to purchase the parcels of land having a street address of 6601, 6609, 6615, 6621, 6627, 6633, 6639, 6645 17th Avenue South, (the "Property ") and located on land legally described as Lots 9 -16, Block 2, Wexlers Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota; and WHEREAS, the City is proposing changes in use of the Property, and has plans to demolish the single family structures presently located on the site for the 66th Avenue and 17th Avenue roadway work; and WHEREAS, the City has requested that the City Planning Commission (the "Commission ") review the proposed acquisition pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 462.356, Subd. 2; and WHEREAS, the Commission has reviewed the proposed acquisition to determine its relationship to the general plans for the development and redevelopment of the City as described in the Comprehensive Plan for the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Commission that the proposed acquisition is not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan in that it has no relationship to said plan. Adopted this 24th day of October, 2005 by the Planning Commission of the City of Richfield, Minnesota. CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Donna Drummond, Chairperson ATTEST: Kyle Hartnett, Secretary LOCATION OF 17TH AVENUE PROPERTIES FOR A FINDING OF CONSISTENCY OCTOBER 24, 2005 I F- 66TH ST. j 6601 6609 6615 j j 6621 W W a a a a 6627 6633 W 6639 V 6645 67TH ST. 100 0 100 200 300 400 Feet N 10 -12 -05 Ugis /com dev /staff /bilUprojects/17th ave props consistency.apr AGENDA SECTION: AGENDA ITEM # REPORT # CASE # NEW BUSINESS 2 22 o mwM PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PC MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 249 2005 ITEM FOR PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Review land use guiding principles at 66th Street and Portland Avenue given the Transportation Commission's recommendation of the roundabout intersection design. F. RECOMMENDED ACTION: 11 By Motion: It is recommended that a north and east alignment best facilitates land use planning and accommodates pedestrian, transit, and streetscaDe elements. II. BACKGROUND At the October 24 Planning Commission meeting the City Transportation and Land Use Consultants will review their work as it relates to a roundabout design. New exhibits are being prepared the week of October 17 and will be brought to the meeting. The Planning Commission met on August 22, 2005 and approved a "Guiding Land Use Principles for Intersection Alignment Options at 66th Street and Portland Avenue ". A north and east alignment was recommended. On October 5, the Transportation Commission recommended the roundabout intersection design. The Transportation Commission requested the Planning Commission consider alignment more specifically and report these findings on Tuesday, October 25 to the City Council. On October 25, the City Council is considering: Approval of a two -lane roundabout as the preferred design for 66th Street and Portland Avenue. Approval of a preferred alignment that provides roadway, pedestrian, transit and streetscape elements. III. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION A. POLICY The Planning Commission plays a guiding role in land use discussion. The Planning Commission leads discussion on the City policies related to Blending Public Spaces and Private Development ". Transit, pedestrian pathways, and streetscape improvements are part of that discussion. - The Planning Commission is studying land use options to compliment roadway design. B. CRITICAL ISSUES The improvement of the intersection impacts land uses in each quadrant. An appropriate mix of single family, multifamily, and commercial uses can be better determined once the roadway and alignment decision is made. The City Council benefits from the Planning Commission recommendation as a preferred alignment offers the best response to retaining existing uses where possible and the best opportunities for new uses in the future where existing uses are impacted. C. FINANCIAL Hennepin County is paying for the land use study and contributing funding that emphasizes transit oriented design. D. LEGAL The project area has a moratorium on improvements and changes to buildings while the land use study is conducted. The moratorium period ends in December. IV. ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION(S) The Planning Commission can reconsider the August 22 principles. Alternative alignment options can be recommended. V. ATTACHMENTS Guiding Land Use Principles VI. PRINCIPAL PARTIES EXPECTED AT MEETING Tony Heppelman, WSB, (Transportation Consultant) Carolyn Krall, Landform, (Land Use Consultant) Planning Commission Guiding Land Use Principles for Intersection Alignment Options at 66th Street and Portland Avenue August 22, 2005 The City Council established a moratorium on major building and land use changes at the referenced intersection in December 2004. Primarily the Transportation Commission and Planning Commission have been studying roadway and land use impacts and alternatives. Community leader visioning, neighborhood and community open houses, and ongoing comment, feedback and analysis have occurred. The following guiding principles are both a summation and a framework for roadway and land use decisions throughout the rest of 2005. Strategic Roadway design is scheduled to be reviewed and approved by the City Council in October 2005. Final land use considerations and market analysis can follow in response to the approved design. Plan approval secures necessary funding and allows property acquisition to proceed for impacted property. A construction start of spring 2008 is anticipated (date pending). Remainder parcels are available to modify land uses and redevelop starting in spring 2009. Visioning The intersection is an identifiable gateway and transportation route. The intersection is unsafe, visually unappealing, congested, and devoid of greenery and attractive, coordinated pathways and lighting that have become a community standard at other gateways. The intersection is a focal point and connection to Veteran's Park. The intersection is part of a neighborhood of commercial, multi -unit housing and single family housing uses. A community campus is envisioned. A complementary and improved mix of commercial multi -unit housing and single family housing is envisioned. Comprehensive Plan /Zoning and Land Use Considerations While the intersection design continues to be evaluated, the roadway alignment of the selected design is influenced by existing and future land uses. A northern and eastern alignment is proposed. This offers the best response to retaining existing uses where possible and the best opportunities for new uses in the future where existing uses are impacted. The following information summarizes that position, quadrant by a quadrant. The Northwest Quadrant Make the quadrant more. park like with a coordinated effort with the existing adjacent apartment owner. Parking, green space and property access and circulation must be improved. The existing commercial area is not adequate in terms of size, off - street parking space, and buffering to adjacent multi unit residential after roadway improvements are installed. The commercial property Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designation at the corner should be modified to allow for medium density multi residential or mixed use. Near term, single family homes along Portland Avenue and north of 66th street should be rehabilitated, resources need to be identified. Long term, higher density single family housing should continue to be designated in the Comprehensive Plan. 08220566th Street & Portland Ave The Southwest Quadrant The commercial property and multi -unit housing has the potential to remain or be converted to new commercial and medium density housing uses long term. The commercial and higher density single family property Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designation should continue with a new mixed -use configuration also possible. Near term, single family homes along Portland Avenue and south of 66th street should be rehabilitated; resources need to be identified. The Southeast Quadrant A north and east alignment affects both the commercial and residential property uses. The existing T &T service commercial property is reduced in size and may require adjacent, commercially zoned property that presently has residential uses to remain viable. The printing shop is removed. Single family homes between 66th Street and 67th Street are removed. The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning designation allows commercial uses to be retained and /or reconfigured; including consideration of a mixed -use option. The Comprehensive Plan calls for higher density single family uses along Portland Avenue. The roadway project allows the planned uses to be implemented. Redevelopment resources need to be identified. The Northeast Quadrant The BP commercial property is removed by roadway improvement; the size reduction does not allow independent commercial uses. As a first step, the remaining parcel at BP introduces a new, sought public realm. However, the corner parcel remains disconnected from Veteran's Park as the Funeral Chapel surrounds the remainder. The Funeral Chapel has expressed concern about the viability of their commercial property with the roadway improvement. The Zoning (commercial) is in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan (Public and multi -unit housing). The American Legion and Funeral Chapel need to be redesigned to match roadway improvements. Additional resources need to be identified long term to expand the desire for a greater public realm. Miscellaneous Guiding Principles: All changes /removal of existing uses should coincide with the planned addition of properly design buffering next to adjacent single family property. Marketing experts have insufficient information to determine if roundabouts offer viable commercial locations. Streetscape elements (lighting, plantings, pedestrian walkways) need to be introduced throughout the roadway improvement area. Additional resources need to be identified to fund these improvements.