CCP 01-24-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 29, 2011 City of New Brighton Attention: Janice Gundlach, City Planner New Brighton City Council New Brighton Planning Commission RE: Bell Lumber and Pole Company Proposed Second Floor Office Addition Revised Narrative SITE NONCONFORMITIES Much attention has been given to existing Site Nonconformities during this review process and the review process undertaken for the original Office Building expansion. Bell Lumber and Pole has been a viable business in New Brighton for 102 years. When the business was established, in all probability, there were no Zoning Codes, Site Plan Reviews and other City Governmental restraints on business. As Bell's business expanded, New Brighton expanded, more and more regulation became the norm, some of it beneficial, some not so beneficial. It may seem as if the Site has an inordinate number of nonconforming issues, but if a person realizes how much things have changed in 102 years,the number of existing nonconforming uses is not that great. It is normal for projects to be built that are in compliance with all Zoning Codes at the time of approval and construction, and for a period of time after construction. As Zoning Codes are revised, those complying projects become non-compliant as land use standards are revised. A major nonconforming issue addressed with this proposal is the lack of concrete curb and gutter at parking areas. This issue is addressed with the addition of 480 linear feet of B612 concrete curb and gutter at the new parking area. Another major nonconforming issue is the lack of dustless surfaces on parking and driving areas. This issue is addressed with the re-routing of employee traffic to the new dustless parking areas on paved driving surfaces rather than the unpaved surfaces currently being used. The increased efficiency and safety of the new parking area is not an existing nonconformity, but it is certainly something that will help Bell Lumber and Pole in its day to day operations. Not adding significant amounts of impervious surfaces is also beneficial for obvious environmental reasons. It is important to realize that not all nonconforming issues can be resolved with the approval of this project. It is also important to understand that all nonconforming issues will never be resolved until either Bell Lumber and Pole totally reorganizes the existing business into something drastically different from what it currently is, or, they sell the property, move to another location, and the land becomes available for redevelopment. In the 102 year history of Bell Lumber and Pole on this Site it can be said that, in general, Bell has been a good neighbor and has provided many employment opportunities to many people in this community. Respectfully submitted, il'Oiltitifi Norm Wells