PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS

CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON

Regular Meeting 03-19-02 7:30 P.M.

Present: Commissioners Larry Baker, Jim Baker, Thomas O’Keefe, Jeff Schopf and Paul Zisla

Absent: Commissioners David Schmitz and Norm Schiferl

Also Present: Patrick Boylan, City Planner

Kim Moore-Sykes, City Council Member

Kevin Locke, Community Development Director

· Minute Approval - February 19, 2002

· Agenda Review - No additions

· Council Action - Council Member Kim Moore-Sykes

Reported Public Safety Building is moving along well.

Reported on probationary status for renewal of licenses for

some businesses.

Town Hall Meeting will be held Sat. 8:00 – 12:00 Noon.

Public Hearing – LP02-002 / SP02-001

To consider an application for site plan review and special use permit to add three antennae to an existing cellular tower. The proposed antennae would serve the existing 125 foot high, cellular tower at the former Darling Rendering Plant site, which is now owned by the City of New Brighton. The applicant is at the meeting to ask to expand the use of the cellular tower by doubling the amount of antennae on the facility and therefore a special use permit process is required. Staff believes the special use will not be detrimental to the public and that the application meets all the special use standards and meets all the standards found in the height exceptions and staff believes the proposed addition does not provide additional interference with any redevelopment efforts of the northwest quadrant.

Dave Trost of Site Acquisition Consultants. spoke representing AT & T Wireless in the request. He pointed out they are adding the antennae at the same level of the existing arrays. This will not preclude any other co-locations so if there are any other applicants who would need to get service in this area there is plenty of room on that tower for lease as well. This would take advantage of an existing structure and provide better service without having to put up another one.

Moved and seconded to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

5 Ayes, 0 Nayes, Motion Carried.

Motion by O’Brien, Seconded by Zisla to RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF SP02 –001 AND LP02-002, subject to the following conditions:

1. Issuance of a building permit.

2. Continued compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.

5 Ayes, 0 Nayes, Motion Carried.

PUBLIC HEARING – VN 02-001 AND LP 02-001 Parking Setback Variance, Donnatelle Plastics.

For consideration of an application for site plan review and front yard parking setback variance to add 55,000 square foot addition to the Donatelle Plastics facility. The proposal is to add onto the existing structure and continue the existing front yard parking area to the south which is setback 25 feet from 5^th Avenue NW right-of-way. A variance of 15 feet is needed for the proposed parking. The variance is to consider the consistency of the urban design standards of the building, being consistent with the parking and the building being in the same spot as the existing building. The site is located at 501 County Road E-2. The proposed parking area complies with the City’s parking requirements, except for a twenty-five (25) foot front yard parking setback. The City of New Brighton Zoning Ordinance requires a forty (40) foot front yard parking setback. A 15 foot front yard parking setback variance is required. The history of the 1998 variance was explained. Staff believes the variance conforms with the Comprehensive Plan and would not be detrimental to adjacent properties or the public.

Norm Wells, Project Architect spoke in favor of the project. He explained this project started the redevelopment of the MacGillis & Gibbs site. They are now ready to expand

the project. The building will be 425 feet long. It will be enclosed and a heated and cooled space. There will be a water structure of some type. There will be some plants

inside. Mr. Wells reiterated that it is the cleanest industrial building in the world.

Moved and seconded to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

5 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

Motion by Zisla, Seconded by O’Brien, to APPROVE VN 02-001 AND LP 02-001, subject to the following conditions:

1. Continued compliance with VN-317 and LP 336.

2. Continued monitoring and work with the City of New Brighton, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and United States Environmental

Protection Agency for assistance regarding groundwater contamination issues.

3. Minor Subdivision approval to combine parcels into one lot of record.

4. Approval of Rice Creek Watershed District permit.

5. Grading and drainage plan approved by City Engineer.

6. Sign plans are submitted to City Planner for approval.

5 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

PUBLIC HEARING – Minor subdivision to combine two lots into one lot of record.

PINs: 293023420028 & 293023420029

Consideration of a minor subdivision to consolidate two lots, one of which is under the ownership of the Donatelle’s. Half of the proposed building would be within the lot.

Combined site would be 8.2 acres.

At the southern portion of the site there are treatment facility buildings. The lot line does actually cross over the building. This is an industrial district which will require 15 feet from the side yard setback and 40 from the front. It does meet the 40 foot front yard setback but encroaches not only the setback but on the southern lot line of the proposed parcel that would become part of Donatelle Plastics. There would need to be an easement crafted not only to address this issue but also the storm sewer.

The Planning Commission and City Council will need to consider that this building is considered a temporary building, probably to be retired and deconstructed anywhere from 2 – 5 years from now. The larger building on the south is more or less permanent.

Moved and seconded to CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

5 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

Motion by Zisla, seconded by O’Brien to APPROVE PL02-002, subject to the following condition:

Easements for all utilities and groundwater treatment buildings are reviewed by

City Engineer prior to plat submittal.

5 Ayes, 0 Nays, Motion Carried.

General Business – New Brighton Condos residential project concept demonstration by CSS Builders.

This concerns the developing of the vacant land on the west side of Lake Jones. Specifically, combining the vacant portion of the apartment site owned by Mir Ali with the appraisal office to the south. They would then build a 72 unit condominium project. The existing apartment site would be split off from the new development.

The development team has asked for a TIF feasibility analysis. David Black has been working with the City’s consultants on this issue. This particular parcel was rezoned from R-3A to R-3B in the summer of 2001.

There was some concern about additional apartment development in the city over the last few years and there was a moratorium in the year 2000 that extended for a year placed on multi-family development. During that time staff looked at the issue and felt that there was quite a bit of affordable rental opportunities but not a lot of higher end rental opportunities in the city and not enough entry level or affordable ownership opportunities in the city. With that in mind the city drafted and the council approved design standards for multi-family housing to encourage this type of development. The city also rezoned this particular parcel in question tonight to R-3B which calls for townhome ownership occupied arrangements as opposed to R3-A which is more conducive to apartments.

Council indicated to staff they should come to the Planning Commission and discuss the zoning and the density issues. The site plan meets or exceeds all of the multi-family design standards that were drafted by staff and approved and put into the code by the City Council last year. Mr. Boylan shared some information about other similar projects the builder has done in surrounding areas.

Kevin Locke, Community Development Director and Patrick Boylan responded to some questions from the Planning Commissioners regarding the issue. Developer, Charles Schultz and his partner Wade Clicke introduced Len Lampert, their architect to present

what is proposed. Of note, there will be 57 % green space and 16 % building coverage.

The architect explained the building reflects the spirit of redevelopment in New Brighton with very traditional components. The architecht responded to questions from the commissioners. After the presentation and question and answer discussion, the concensus of the commissioners was positive for the development. The developer will next bring it before the City Council in one week.

Next General Business item was Kevin Locke, Community Development Director, presentation regarding the I-35W Corridor Coalition update. He identified the real goal of the effort is to maintain the quality of life within the corridor as we face future growth and maintain livability of our communities as well as accessibility and mobility. Mr. Locke gave the history of the project, the current information available and what might be planned for the future. Commissioners briefly discussed certain points and will continue to be updated on this as time goes on.

Announcements and Updates – None

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

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Patrick Boylan, Intermediate City Planner