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<br />PH. <br />Motion by Baker, seconded by Livingston, 7 Ayes - 0 Nays. Motion <br />TO CLOSE THE UBLIC EARING <br />Carried. <br /> <br />LP-336VN-317. <br />Motion by Livingston, seconded by Knuth, <br />TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AND <br /> <br />Baker stated he does not feel the contamination problem warrants the parking variance. Baker said, he would, <br />however, allow the variance because the landscape design on the corner takes away from parking space on the <br />site and the landscape will enhance the site. Baker said, therefore, what the City is giving up on one hand is <br />more than compensated in the overall design of the site. Wells said the landscape would not only enhance the <br />site, but will be very special when combined with the City’s proposed streetscape. <br /> <br />Mattila said in addition to the contamination on site which is restricting the buildable area, the Soo Line <br />Company owns 40 feet of railroad right-of-way that they could have vacated and added to the Donatelle site. <br />However, the right-of-way could not be vacated because there is an underground pipeline in the right-of-way <br />that cannot be relocated which further adds to the site constraints. <br /> <br />Zisla stated he would vote for the variance for the reasons stated in the resolution. Zisla commented the fact <br />that the City was getting additional landscaping on the front corner does not meet the hardship criteria. The <br />fact the railroad right-of-way cannot be vacated is significant. Zisla said he is making clear his reasons for <br />recommending approval, because he does not want the Planning Commission to set a precedent in granting a <br />variance based on landscape improvements. Zisla stated Super Fund sites are unique in terms of land <br />development and provides adequate grounds on which to approve a variance. <br /> <br />Knuth said, for the record, she drives by the present Donatelle plant almost daily and it is an extraordinarily <br />handsome sight. Donatelle has taken extra measures to present beautiful landscaping and a well-maintained <br />site. Wells commented Donatelle cannot have a fountain as on their present site because the EPA will not <br />allow a pond on the site. However, we will do something just as effective. <br /> <br />Baker called for a vote on the motion. 7 Ayes - 0 Nays. Motion Carried. <br /> <br />GB <br />ENERAL USINESS <br />LP-331, PRD-59 and PL-258 G & P Properties <br />Mattila reviewed the case report concerning an application for site plan review, PRD, a minor subdivision to <br />construct a 20-unit Alzheimer’s addition onto the Brightondale senior housing facility and replace a portion <br />of the Rice Creek Shopping Center with a 97-unit senior independent living facility. <br /> <br />Mike Gould of G & P Properties stated that talking about changes we made since our proposal was last <br />before the Planning Commission seems appropriate. Steve Larson of the City Council provided G & P <br />Properties with a list of sixteen issues on which we needed to focus. We met with Mr. Larson, the Mayor and <br />Ron Olson of the neighbors’ group on 28th Avenue and covered the sixteen points. Gould said he would <br />address some of the issues for the Planning Commission. <br /> <br />Gould referred to the item dealing with the use of the setback on the west side of the site to be used as a walk <br />area. Gould said their new plan reflected that requirement. The item requiring a signed legal agreement that <br />the Alzheimer’s wing would never exceed one story is no problem and G & P will comply. Regarding the <br />item dealing with installing underground parking under the Alzheimer’s wing, we are going to have to go <br />underground with the parking because we have moved the building as far east as possible. On the item about <br />using all underground parking slots for guests, we have at least twenty-two slots that we will designate for <br />guests. If we find, as time goes on, that we can add to that number, we will do so. We discussed the item <br /> <br />I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1998\01-20-98.WPD <br />3 <br /> <br />