CCP 08-15-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 24,2012 Page 6 of 11 heavy traffic flows on Old Highway 8 SW and three accidents have been recorded since 2011. This suggests more information needs to be collected to determine whether there are existing problems and what happens when you add school bus traffic. She explained that staff requested additional information from the applicant regarding trips per day,peak times and peak volumes. The only information provided was from the Valentine Drive site,which the applicant says is not reflective of their operations. Staff also requested the applicant prepare a traffic study. The applicant indicated their timeline does not allow them to complete the traffic study as they need to have a decision on the Special Use Permit by the end of the month so they can occupy the site by August 14. Absent the traffic study,Public Works staff cannot comment favorably on the proposal. Due to the fact the applicant is responsible for submitting information to support the existing access road is sufficient and their operation won't cause detrimental impacts to traffic,staff has determined the Special Use Permit criteria cannot be met This conclusion was based on several facts: • Inadequate information has been submitted to conclude that the proposed use will not have a detrimental impact on traffic. • Existing businesses have raised concerns about excessive wait times at Old Highway 8 SW and 14 Street SW and the railroad crossing. • The proposed use could likely increase traffic on 14 Street SW by an amount in excess of 20%. • Existing traffic on 1st Street SW consists of large truck and trailers,making it more difficult to access an already busy roadway. • Since 2011,three accidents have been recorded at the area of Old Highway 8 SW and 14 Street SW. • The major roadway in question is a Ramsey County roadway,which would need to be consulted on with the County for any possible traffic mitigation efforts that might be necessary. City Planner Gundlach addressed the non-conforming use permit stating the existing side street yard parking lot setback was less than the required 40',making this a non-conformity. The ordinance requires evaluation of certain criteria before allowing a nonconforming to be maintained. Staff provided written analysis of the criteria in Zoning Code Section 8-460(2)and finds these criteria are met in that the applicant cannot practically meet the setback. For this reason,the nonconforming use permit criteria have been met City Planner Gundlach indicated the Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding this matter on July 17t. Three business owners on 14 Street SW spoke in opposition of the request The applicant and the Mounds View schools supported the request The Planning Commission voted to deny the request based on inadequate information being submitted to demonstrate the proposal wouldn't have a detrimental impact on traffic safety and congestion. The Planning Commission would have preferred to table the request while traffic was further studied. City Planner Gundlach recommended the Council deny the request based on the findings of fact related to traffic as outlined in the denial resolution. If Council wants to recommend approval, an approval resolution has been prepared,however findings for approval should be discussed. Staff would recommend the approval resolution be delayed to the August 15'h meeting to allow staff adequate time to prepare proper approval findings for the record. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if Ramsey County was looking to place a signal at this intersection. Public Works Director Wyffels stated in 2005 Ramsey County performed a traffic analysis at this intersection and the findings suggested a signal was warranted however,the funding was not currently available. The signal would be funded three-fourths by the County and one-fourth by the City of New Brighton with a total price tag of$250,000. He commented the traffic in the evening was a concern in this area. Councilmember Jacobsen asked if staff knew the level of traffic that was generated by the current businesses along 14 Street SW. Public Works Director Wyffels reviewed the traffic numbers from the 2009 traffic study stating 2,750 trips were occurring daily on 14 Street SW. He noted the City conducted another study last week and 860 trips were generated in and out of 14 Street SW. Mayor Jacobsen asked how the site was being used at this time. City Planner Gundlach indicated Waco Scaffolding vacated the site several months ago. Mayor Jacobsen questioned the cost savings that the school district would receive through the new bus contract and asked if this hinged on the new location. City Planner Gundlach stated the school district testified that they would receive a$4 million cost savings through the new bus contract She understood the cost savings were over a four-year contract