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Planning Commission Minutes November 8, 1995 6. (c) Plannini: File 2794: Khuyen Nguyen/Vietnamese Buddhist Association request for a variance to the zoning ordinance to allow the expansion of the existing facility at 475 Minnesota Avenue. Chairman Keith Wietecki opened the public hearing and asked Michael Falk to provide a background report regarding the variance request and illustrate the location. Michael Falk provided a video tape explanation of the site and surroundings. He noted the site is zoned R -1 and the church is a permitted use with setbacks of 30 feet from any residential property. The current building is located 10 feet from the west property line, 82 feet from the north property line. The proposal would allow for a 15 foot setback from the north property line and a 10 foot setback from the west property line. The proposed use of the building would be for a educational wing and living quarters for visiting monks with an enclosed courtyard for meditation. Construction would occur in the spring of 1996. There are engineering issues that will need to be resolved with the building permit. Michael Falk read a letter from the Concordia Meadows regarding issues adjacent to the site, including the request by the Concordia Meadows Homeowners Association to have fencing and landscaping and to protect a pond which is considered a potential safety hazard from the Vietnamese children who visit the site during the weekend. The pond was not supposed to hold water. City Engineers have noted that by regrading, no water would stand in the pond. Falk also noted that there has been support from the neighbors to the north (Westby). The staff recommended approval of this variance request. Member Cunningham asked for clarification regarding the service road for the garage. Michael Falk explained that the Vietnamese Buddhist Association hopes to retain the access road for materials and service vehicles. There will be an access door on the west side of the building. Chairman Wietecki asked who owned the service road. Falk explained that the Temple has a 12 foot easement over Concordia property for this purpose. Chairman Wietecki asked if the mess and materials behind the Temple, seen in the video tape, would be stored within the new structure. He asked if the building would be brick. Member Wall entered the meeting. Member Thein asked ifthe Buddhist's have been on this site before the Concordia Meadows townhouse project. (Yes) He also asked if children had been on the site prior to the townhome association. (Yes). Member Rhody explained that the pond was supposed to be a dry pond, emptying out its stormwater within 6 hours. 4