06-01-1988 Planning Commission Agenda-Minutes

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Minutes of the Regular Planning Commission Meeting, June 1, 1988 Page 3 CASE #88-14 & 15 Bergly recommended a slight enhancement of the (Continued) landscaping in lieu of fencing as required around fast food restaurants; the applicant preferred the landscaping rather than the fence. The Planner noted there should be no problem with the use of landscaping for screening provided the plantings are dense. He explained the screening was required to provide a buffer for residential neighbors; the area is abutted primarily by industrial uses. Commission questioned what type of tenant would be using the retail space; Bergly advised the retail tenant has not been identified at this time. Member McGraw questioned the front setback for the parking area; he preferred the proposed parking be setback further so as to conform with other buildings along Lexington Avenue. Bergly advised the parking setback requirement is 20 ft. , however, some other business establishments along Lexington have their buildings setback further than 20 ft. He explained the applicant could provide berming or maybe some additional separation for appearance of conformance with adjacent buildings. William Sikora, C.G. Rein Company, and Mr. Riccard, Traffic Consultant, were present to discuss the applications. Sikora confirmed he had agreed to the enhanced landscaping for screening purposes, rather than fencing, as explained by the Planner. He advised it was the intent of the proposed site plan to create a pleasant atmosphere within and to screen the area from the adjacent industrial buildings. Sikora explained he would prefer to discuss the signage plan for the site at a future meeting after consultation with the prospective tenants. Member McGraw questioned if the proposed parking for the front of the building could be setback further from Lexington Avenue; suggested the possibility of eliminating the first row of parking spaces. Sikora agreed to consider realignment of the buildings to gain 5 or 10 ft. ; he noted there is approximately 60 ft. of green area from Lexington Avenue to the line of this property and the building setback would be approximately 100 ft. from Lexington Avenue. Member Piotrowski questioned where the trash enclosures would be located. Sikora advised Burger King trash enclosure would be toward the rear of the building and would be the standard type utilized by the franchise. The retail store would have a screened dumpster toward the north side of the building and the Goodyear Service Center would have an interior storage area for the used tires and interior storage for used oil which is later pumped out and recycled. Member Probst expressed concern relative to the site organization; he stated the entry sequence is similar to Shannon Square and seems to cause difficulty for traffic. He anticipates high frequency of interior movement near the Burger King site; he questioned if alternatives had been considered. • Sikora advised the basic configuration was dictated by Ramsey County, as they control the access along Lexington Avenue. He noted the interior site plan slows traffic, eliminates the need for speed bumps and promotes safety. Mr. Riccard, Traffic Consultant, reviewed the traffic study for the site. He noted there would be no problem with traffic "stacking" and explained the signing and markings can control interior movement on the site. Riccard stated the parking provided is adequate.