2017.06.27 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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J une 27. 20 17 Page 6 of 9 Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development/Planning Director Gundlach reported the Planning Commission also considered the Site Plan request and noted all requirements meet minimum standards, and in fact exceed minimum standards as it relates to exterior building materials and landscaping. Lastly, since the Planning Commission meeting on June 20th, staff has received notice from the Metropolitan Council the 60 -day adjacent jurisdiction review and comment period is waived for the request. As such, that condition has been removed from the Resolution prepared for Council consideration. Staff is recommending approval of the requests, subject to 10 conditions. Councilmember Strub commented on the discussion held by the Planning Commission at their meeting on Tuesday, June 2e. He explained Provident Home Health Care was proposing to move into New Brighton and would be building a high-quality building. He indicated most ofthe concerns brought up at the Planning Commission meeting had to do with traffic concerns on Cleveland Avenue. For this reason, he recommended the Public Safety Department address the traffic issues along Cleveland Avenue. Ramona Erickson, Provident Home Health Care, thanked the Council for their consideration and explained this was a new process for her. She provided the Council with a history of her business and stated she began working in the home health care industry in 2002. She reported her niche was somewhat specialized as her focus was spinal cord injuries or individuals with ALS that required 24-hour care. She described how her staff cared for these individuals noting she had 350 staffmembers at this time. She clarified that she would only have 20 employees working out ofthe new office space. She indicated she would not be using the office space for large employee meetings. She explained she has outgrown her current office space in St. Anthony which led her to consider purchasing property in New Brighton. Councilmember Bauman asked what the tax base and cost ofthe new building would be, and wondered what other uses would be allowed in this zoning district. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development/Planning Director Gundlach stated she was uncertain ofthe value ofthe proposed improvements. She explained the City's tax base would grow based on the value added to the site. She explained this site could only be used for professional offices. Councilmember Bauman questioned how the second floor ofthe office building would be used. Ms. Erickson anticipated the second floor would house conference rooms and an eating space. Councilmember Bauman understood that 46 New Brighton residents signed a petition against this development. She stated she was tom with this request and did not want to see these homeowners' property values adversely impacted. She wondered if the City would be doing the right thing by rezoning this Property Councilmember Strub stated it was his understanding the residents signed the petition with the understanding the site would have 350 employees with "State Fair" like parking. He explained this was not the request being made by the applicant. Councilmember Burg thanked Councilmember Strub for the clarification. She asked how the old house would be used by the applicant. Ms. Erickson stated the home had a happy tenant that would be pleased to remain in place. It was her hope the home would be able to remain in place. Mayor Johnson understood this was a difficult property to develop and knew the owner has been trying for some time to redevelop the site. She stated she appreciated the work being done by Provident Home Health Care. Councilmember Jacobsen expressed concern with the rezoning and how this would impact the surrounding residential properties. He appreciated the concerns voiced by the neighbors. He also understood this was a difficult lot to develop as it abutted the freeway. City Manager Lotter explained the rezoning request would require a 4/5's vote ofthe Council. Councilmember Burg stated she had known the previous property owner for many, many years. She discussed the heavy equipment and vehicles that were brought in and out ofthis site. She believed that the new business would be less invasive and would provide a lovely building for the neighborhood. She supported the County looking into the traffic concerns along Cleveland Avenue. Mayor Johnson believed that this development would be a great addition to the community and for this side ofNew Brighton. She stated she supported the proposed building and the whole concept. She understood