2016.10.11 CC Combined - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 27, 2016 Page 6 of 7 including a major renovation to the existing building and various exterior material, parking, and landscaping improvements at 575 Old Highway 8 NW:  Site Plan: Required to ensure minimum industrial district development standards are met and is necessary in order to secure a building permit.  Nonconforming Use Permit: To resolve existing conditions that do not meet current zoning district standards. Assistant Community Assets and Development/Planning Director Gundlach stated the property is currently being used for service retail uses, namely a hair salon (McCready’s). The applicant intends to change use to an office and showroom in support of his construction build and remodeling business. While the proposed addition is 1,400 SF, the applicant intends to remove the existing southerly portion of the building that measures 30’ x 20.5’, making room for the 30’ x 48’ addition. The interior of the remaining concrete block structure measuring 50’ x 26’ would be renovated. She reported the Planning Commission reviewed the Site Plan and Nonconforming Use Permit criteria. The Commission determined all Site Plan criteria have been met. The Commission discussed the nonconformities on the property and the level of reductions and nonconformities the applicant has committed to making. The Commission determined the nonconforming use permit criteria were met and recommended approval. Mayor Johnson asked if the property currently had two entry points. Assistant Community Assets and Development/Planning Director Gundlach reported this was the case. Councilmember Strub requested to hear from Becker Building and Remodeling. Kerry Becker, 755 4th Street NW, explained Becker Building and Remodeling was a family owned firm. He stated he worked primarily on remodeling projects and specialized in kitchens. His goal for the new property was to construct office space for his staff, along with a showroom. A long term goal would be to attract high end talent in order to grow his business. He indicated the building was in dire need of improvements and he appreciated this fact. He described how the building façade and landscaping would be improved. He appreciated the Council’s consideration and noted if his request was approved, construction would begin in March of 2017. Councilmember Strub thanked Mr. Becker for the information. He questioned how many employees Becker Building and Remodeling had currently. Mr. Becker reported he had five employees at this time. He anticipated he would have two or three more employees in the coming years. Councilmember Jacobsen appreciated the investment Mr. Becker would be making in the community. He also hoped that McCready’s would be able to find another location for their business in New Brighton. Councilmember Bauman stated this was a bittersweet decision for the Council. She believed this building was in need of updates and was pleased Mr. Becker would be working to enhance the property. She appreciated Mr. Becker’s efforts and wished him well at his new location. Mayor Johnson agreed this was a bittersweet dilemma. She was excited to have Mr. Becker building his business in New Brighton. However, she was concerned with the fact that McCready’s was being displaced. She placed no blame on Mr. Becker but asked if he would be willing to consider allowing McCready’s to remain in the building for the next month or two until they can find another location. Mr. Becker stated his original plan was to begin construction November 1st, however these plans have changed, which would give McCready’s more time in the building. Mayor Johnson thanked Mr. Becker for his generosity and appreciated the fact that he was willing to work together with McCready’s. Councilmember Burg encouraged McCready’s to contact Open to Business for assistance with finding a new location in New Brighton.