2015.04.28 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 28, 2015 Motion by Councilmember Jacobsen, seconded by Councilmember Bauman to adopt a Resolution approving the request as submitted and subject to compliance with 12 conditions. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried 2. Northeast Bank requests consideration of a Resolution, approving a Site Plan and Special Use Permits to redevelop 1135 Silver Lake Road as a 3,806 SF branch bank. City Manager Lotter indicated Planning Director Gundlach would be presenting this item to the Council. Planning Director Gundlach reported Northeast Bank is requesting consideration of a Site Plan and Special Use Permits to facilitate the redevelopment of 1135 Silver Lake Road with a new 3,806 SF one - story, slab -on -grade building to be used as a new branch bank for the applicant. The request details include: Site Plan — allows new construction of commercial or industrial uses. • Special Use Permit — allows the applicant certain setback reductions under the Palmer Drive Overlay Area Ordinance, allows implementation of an Area of Special Control (also known as a Comprehensive Sign Plan) governing allowed signage for the property, and allows construction of a drive -thru facility. Planning Director Gundlach explained a full Site Plan and Special Use Permit analysis was provided in the Planning Report. In summary, all criteria have been met. In addition to the analysis within the Planning Report and based upon comments from the applicant, the applicant and the City Engineer will work together to ensure the sidewalk reconstruction along Silver Lake Road is of the appropriate width. Lastly, the applicant requested the drive -thru lane width requirement of 12' is allowed to be reduced to 9'. This is permitted under Zoning Code Section 11- 040(4) so long as the applicant provides evidence of the unique circumstance to the Council and the Council accepts the evidence. The applicant provided an email to City staff dated April 20, 2015 where the applicant indicated a lane width of 12' will result in drive -thru patrons not stopping close enough to the drawer, resulting in the drive -thru patron having to open their door. This situation is obviously not ideal given the nature of the business being a bank. Staff is supportive of allowing the 9' drive -thru lane width. She recommended the Council adopt a Resolution approving the request subject to three conditions. Mayor Jacobsen requested comment from the applicant. Mike Schoal, Vice President of Northeast Bank, introduced himself and Northeast Bank to the Council. He was looking forward to bring his institution to the community. Mayor Jacobsen commented the property in question has been blighted for some time. He inquired if the site required any remediation. Mike Kraft, architect for Northeast Bank, reported extensive environmental work has been completed for the site. He explained that the ulicicrground tanks from this site had already been drained and removed. He stated if any poor soils were found through excavation work he was prepared to respond. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned how long the long Northeast Bank had been in operation. Mr. Schoal reported that Northeast Bank had been in operation for the past 70 years and was moving to New Brighton firm Columbia Heights off of 40" and Central. Councilmember Jacobsen inquired when the bank would be open for business. Mr. Kraft anticipated that construction would take approximately seven months. Councilmember Strub asked how many employees would be working at this bank branch. Mr. Schoal indicated he would have seven employees at this location. Councilmember Stlub questioned how long this property has been undenrtilized. Planning Director Gundlach believed this site has been vacant for approximately the last five years. Councilmember Staub was pleased that Northeast Bank would be moving into the City of New Brighton. Page 4 of 11 2. Northeast Bank requests consideration ofa Rem1ution, approving a Site Plan and Special Use Pennils to nedeNclop 1135 Silver Lake Road as a 3,806 SF branch bank.