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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-11 PC Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011 6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Clayton Larson called to order the regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Present were: Chair Clayton Larson, Commissioners Roberta Thompson, Andy Holewa, Clayton Zimmerman, and Angela Hames Absent: Commissioner Samuel Scott Also present were: City Planner Meagan Beekman; Councilmember Fran Holmes; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Recording Secretary Debbie Wolfe. Chair Larson noted the Planning Commission is looking for one additional member and an alternate. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – AUGUST 3, 2011 The Agenda was approved as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 6, 2011 – Planning Commission Regular Meeting Commissioner Holewa moved, seconded by Commissioner Thompson, to approve the July 6, 2011, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PLANNING CASES A. Planning Case 11-016; Preliminary and Final Plat, and Final PUD Amendment; Arden Plaza, LLC; 3585 Lexington Avenue – Public Hearing ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 3, 2011 2 City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the applicant has requested approval of an amendment to the Final PUD for Phase I of the Arden Plaza Master PUD, and a Preliminary and Final Plat to subdivide the property into three parcels. City Planner Meagan Beekman noted the Master PUD Concept Plan was approved in June 2009. She reviewed the three phases of the project. A final PUD for Phase I was also approved in June 2009. Since the approval, Walgreen’s has removed itself from the project and it has been replaced by a CVS pharmacy. City Planner Meagan Beekman reviewed the Phase I Site Plan with the modifications since approval. City Planner Meagan Beekman provided drawings of the building elevations and reviewed the landscaping plan. The driveway details were reviewed. Of the 46 design standards for the B-2 District, 44 are met or exceeded by Phase I of the proposal. Phases II and III will be reviewed as the applications are received. Staff offers the following eleven findings of fact for this proposal: 1. The applicant is requesting approval of an amendment to the Final PUD for Phase I and a Preliminary and Final Plat for the Arden Plaza property. 2. The PUD process allows for flexibility within the City’s regulations through a negotiated process with a developer. 3. The Arden Plaza property is located in the B2 General Business District. 4. The proposed redevelopment is a permitted use in the B2 District. 5. The City has adopted the Guiding Plan for the B2 District that outlines future development principals for the area. 6. The City has adopted design standards for the B2 district within the Zoning Code. 7. The Master PUD and Final PUD for Phase I are in substantial conformance with the requirements of the City’s Zoning Code and design standards. 8. The Master PUD and Final PUD for Phase I are in substantial conformance with the Guiding Plan for the B2 District. 9. The Master PUD and Final PUD for Phase I are in substantial conformance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. 10. Where the plan is not in conformance with the City’s Zoning Code, flexibility has been requested by the applicant and/or conditions have been placed on an approval that would mitigate the nonconformity. 11. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. Because this application would be amending the already approved Development Agreement, only those conditions that relate to the amended items are addressed in the conditions of approval. Staff is recommended approval based on the findings of fact subject to the following six conditions: 1. The applicant shall continue to abide by the conditions of all previous Master PUD and Final PUD for Phase I, permits, and reviews, except as hereinafter amended. 2. The project shall be completed in accordance with the submitted plans as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 3. The applicant shall file the Final Plat with Ramsey County within 180 days of the approval from the City. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 3, 2011 3 4. A development agreement amendment shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval. The agreement shall be executed prior to the issuance of any permits or site preparation. 5. The applicant hereby agrees to waive their right to appeal any special assessments levied against Lot 1, Lot 2, or Lot 3 for streetscape improvements, associated with the implementation of the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District, provided that, the special assessments do not exceed an amount equal to $350 per lineal foot of frontage on County Road E and further provided that the properties are specially assessed in the same manner as other similarly situated parcels. 6. The applicant shall construct parking lot and landscaping improvements previously planned for Phase I, as well as provide a plan for updating the rest of the existing retail center, as part of Phase II. Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned the gathering area that was part of the Building 1 and Building 3 plan. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated Building 2 would have a gathering area as part of the standards. With the exclusion of Building 3 there is no need for outdoor seating or outdoor gathering area. Bike racks will be part of Phase I along with a park bench. The pedestrian connection is part of Phase I. Chair Larson questioned the difference between the CVS plan and the previously approved Phase I plan. City Planner Meagan Beekman explained that with the elimination of Building 3, the pedestrian connection could be re-oriented and the stairs could be eliminated. An ADA ramp will be constructed in place of the stairs. Commissioner Holewa asked if a restaurant or coffee shop was included in Phase I. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated it is not part of Phase I. Chair Larson noted the drawings appear sparse on the interior and asked if all three rain gardens would be constructed with this phase. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the three rain gardens were part of Rice Creek Watershed District’s requirements. Mr. Steve Wellington, President Wellington Management stated all three rain gardens will be part of Phase I. Chair Larson asked if some planters could be added that could be moved as necessary. Chair Larson asked if the retaining wall would be part of the new pedestrian ramp. Mr. Wellington stated the retaining wall will be reconfigured off Lexington. Mr. Jon Lennander, Velmeir Companies showed brick samples and indicated he is familiar with the CVS building plan. Chair Larson asked what would be included in the graphics on the windows. Mr. Lennander stated they are related to the CVS brand, graphic representation of what CVS sells. The graphics have not yet been designed for this site. Chair Larson asked when the graphics would be reviewed. Mr. Lennander stated he will forward to Ms. Beekman the standard graphic package. Commissioner Hames asked if there could be Arden Hills’ specific type of graphics. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 3, 2011 4 Chair Larson asked what form the graphic takes. Mr. Lennander stated either an adhesive film that attaches to the window or a foam core. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he would also like to see some City specific type graphics. Chair Larson asked how commercial advertising signs are handled in the sign code. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the graphics they are referring to would not qualify as advertising signs. The City would have final determination over what graphics are being used on the Arden Hills CVS. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the graphics are season specific. Mr. Lennander stated he believes the graphics are changed but he is not as close to the building after it is constructed. Commissioner Hames asked which windows would be the non-transparent. Mr. Lennander stated they are the darker windows in the drawings. Mr. Lennander reviewed the modifications that have been made since the last time they appeared before the Commission. Commissioner Holewa asked why there would be windows if you could not see through them. Chair Larson stated it would be better than a brick wall, noting the windows are more to break up the brick wall rather than illuminate the inside of the store. Commissioner Hames stated she appreciates the fact they have increased the amount of glass from the last plan. She is not bothered by the non-transparent glass. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 7:07 p.m. Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Mr. Joe Commers stated he is the owner of the TCF and American Red Cross building just to the West. He stated they were very impressed when they heard the plan for CVS. Mr. Commers indicated they are in full support of the plan and invited the Commissioners to call him if they have any questions. Mr. Commers stated the entrance was also very acceptable. There being no other comments, Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Chair Larson suggested adding a condition for review of the graphics to the approval. Commissioner Zimmerman suggested it be left up to Staff and Council to approve. Chair Larson questioned Condition 6, and asked if the Commission is willing to wait for updating the landscaping improvements and parking lot until Phase II. ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 3, 2011 5 Mr. Wellington stated there are plans for the existing retail center which he would be very willing to share with the Commission. He would like to delay the implementation of that; however, until after the CVS is completed. Construction is planned for 4-6 months. Commissioner Thompson stated the plans for the existing retail center need not be made public but it should be known there are some plans for the center. City Planner Meagan Beekman suggested that that be looked at after the CVS building is completed. Chair Larson asked the Commission if they were comfortable with the wording of Condition 6. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated it would depend on what the path would be to determine the timeline. There may be some interim improvements that could be made. Commissioner Holewa stated he feels the parking lot update would be more near term than the updating of the existing retail center. Mr. Wellington stated the more realistic plan would be refacing the existing retail center. Mr. Wellington would not hesitate to engage in conversations with Staff and the Commission about the future of the existing retail center. Commissioner Hames suggested Condition 6 be divided into two separate conditions as follows: 6. The applicant shall construct parking lot and landscaping improvements previously planned for Phase I. 7. Provide a plan for updating the rest of the existing retail center as part of the Phase II plan. City Planner Meagan Beekman explained the Condition and suggested the wording remain as proposed. Commissioner Holewa asked if the condition wording needs to be changed. Chair Larson stated it is understandable as written. Commissioner Zimmerman stated his position that the City is fortunate to have CVS coming in on that corner and when the time is right and the economy has turned around the retail center will be modified. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 11-016; Preliminary and Final Plat, and Final PUD Amendment; Arden Plaza, LLC; 3585 Lexington Avenue based on the findings of fact, submitted plans, and the six conditions in the August 3, 2011 planning case report. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS REPORTS A. Report from the City Council ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 3, 2011 6 Councilmember Holmes updated the Planning Commission on City Council activities including the approval of the appointment of Angela Hames to fill Liz Modesette’s Planning Commission seat. Councilmember Holmes noted at the July 25, 2011 City Council Meeting the City Council unanimously voted to approve Planning Case 11-014 for a variance request at 1145 Amble Drive. Councilmember Holmes announced there will be a meeting August 4, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. with an Open House relating to the Stadium at the Ramsey County Public Works. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if there is any legislative action on the stadium. Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher stated the Governor may call a special session but nothing is currently happening. Councilmember Holmes noted at the July 25, 2011 City Council Meeting the City Council unanimously voted to approve Planning Case 11-015 for a site plan review at 3759 New Brighton Road. Councilmember Holmes announced last night was Night to Unite. The Council visited as many gatherings as they could. Commissioner Zimmerman stated when the Council is considering the right-of-way ordinance, it should consider some urban farming issues. Councilmember Holmes announced that on September 14, 2011 there will be a State of the City Meeting at North Heights Church from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. RSVP to City Hall for planning purposes. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Chair Larson announced Celebrate Arden Hills will be September 17, 2011. More details are on the website and it t will be held at Tony Schmidt Park on Lake Johanna. ADJOURN Commissioner Zimmerman moved, seconded by Commissioner Holewa, to adjourn the August 3, 2011, Planning Commission Meeting at 7:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).