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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 07-17-2019Approved Minutes 1 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Approved Minutes Planning Commission Meeting July 17, 2019 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Marc Anderson, Commissioners Bryan Oakley, Donovan Saba, and Julie Witt MEMBERS ABSENT: Commissioners David Witte, Justin Markell and Jaspreet (Jesse) Narr STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, Senior Planner Kip Berglund, Senior Planner Lori Sommers, and Senior Engineering Technician Trevor Quast OTHERS PRESENT: 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Saba to approve the July 17, 2019 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 4Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE JUNE 19, 2019 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Saba, to approve the consent agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. MICHAEL AND MELANIE PEMRICK (2019047) Chair Anderson introduced the request by Michael and Melanie Pemrick for a conditional use permit for a home addition to exceed the maximum allowable attached garage size and setback variance from the railroad right-of-way for property located at 12115 53rd Avenue. Senior Planner Berglund gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Oakley asked if the variance request was reviewed with the fire marshal. 5A Approved Minutes 2 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Senior Planner Berglund confirmed that the city process includes a review by the fire inspector and noted that no additional comments were received. Commissioner Oakley noted that the city recommended a 50-foot setback from the rail right-of- way and asked if that is a recommendation from the railroad or whether the railroad has an op1mon. Senior Planner Berglund confirmed that to be a city standard. Planning Manager Thomson replied that the railroad would prefer to have nothing near the tracks. Chair Anderson stated that the existing deck is closer than 50 feet and asked if that required a variance. Senior Planner Berglund explained that the 50-foot setback is for the principal structure and noted that a deck would be considered an accessory structure and would not need to meet that same setback. Chair Anderson introduced Michael Pemrick, the applicant, who stated he had nothing further to add. Chair Anderson opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was no one present requesting to speak on this item. Commissioner Witt asked if there is an issue with the impervious surface, given the two driveways. Senior Planner Berglund reviewed the impervious surface hardcover calculations, noting that the application would be under the permitted maximum. MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Witt, to approve the request by Michael and Melanie Pemrick for a conditional use permit for a home addition to exceed the maximum allowable attached garage size and setback variance from the railroad right-of-way for property located at 12115 53rd Avenue. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. WOLD ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS (2019049) Chair Anderson stated that the request by Wold Architects and Engineers for a site plan amendment for parking upgrades at Sunset Hill Elementary School located at 13005 Sunset Trail has been removed from the agenda as Wayzata School District is working on revisions to the site plan. Planning Manager Thomson indicated that the request will come before the commission in September. Approved Minutes 3 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 B. CITY OF PLYMOUTH-PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT (2019054) Chair Anderson introduced the request by the City of Plymouth - Park and Recreation Department for a site plan for parking lots for the Northwest Greenway Trail Head located at Peony Lane and 54th Avenue. Senior Planner Sommers gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Oakley stated that the parking lots appear to be good-sized and asked how the number of parking spaces was determined. Senior Planner Sommers stated that the park department and its engineer reviewed the needs for that area and for the shelter. Commissioner Oakley stated that it is his understanding that the setbacks have been increased and asked if modification of the plan is needed. Senior Planner Sommers explained that the wetland buffers are currently 25 feet, but will be modified to 50 feet. Chair Anderson asked how much of the trail is constructed at this time. Senior Planner Sommers replied that the boardwalk has been completed and identified an interior portion that remains to be constructed. Chair Anderson noted that the city has then already invested funds into the boardwalks and trail system. Chair Anderson introduced Diane Evans, Director of Park and Recreation, who indicated she had no additional comments. Chair Anderson introduced Nadir Khan, 5575 Garland Lane, who stated that he is concerned that there is already a park on the opposite side of Peony Lane that connects to the trail and therefore it seems redundant. He stated that these parking lots seem very large and would unnecessarily take up space. He stated he was concerned with disruption to the wetlands and future disruption that may occur with continued development. He stated that Peony Lane is a busy roadway and increased park traffic would add additional disruption. He noted that he has heard that the parking lot could be used as overflow for high school parking and would be concerned if the lots are used for school purposes. He stated that his home was built three years ago and one of the highlights was the natural habitat and open area behind the home. He asked that builders be required to disclose city projects in the future so that buyers can be aware. Chair Anderson introduced Craig Foss, 5125 Merrimac Lane, who stated that he is also concerned with the project. He stated that he is not only a homeowner, but also the president of the Elm Creek Highlands homeowners association. He noted that the association would like more time to work through the issues of the neighborhood with the park commission and was Approved Minutes 4 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 disappointed that this was moving forward at such a late stage. He explained that he moved in with the expectation that the greenway would remain green and natural, but they have already seen development that exceeds their expectation. He stated that the boardwalk is beautiful, but is a large structure that takes up that greenspace. He noted that the shelter and parking lots would take up additional greenspace. He expressed concern with safety on Peony Lane from the mix of pedestrian traffic and vehicle traffic. Chair Anderson introduced Susanne Varecka, 5036 Merrimac Lane, who stated that they love the boardwalk, but it has had a huge impact on the wildlife in that area. She asked the commission to advise against doubling the wetland buffer, as she believed continuing to expand would be a slippery slope. She noted that the residents all have buffer zones in their yards and if the city buffer is increased, she would want the residential buffers increased as well. She referenced the proposed parking stalls and noted that she would like to see a needs assessment on whether a park is even needed in that location. She encouraged the city to improve the existing parks rather than create new ones. She also requested a noise assessment and environmental impact assessment. She stated that she is deeply routed in the community as a resident and business owner and has never heard anyone say that the city needs more parking or shelters. She stated that residents have more concern over the conditions and protection of wetlands. She said she was disappointed that this request would approve construction of a parking lot before the shelter is even constructed. She said she believed that people could use the existing boardwalks by bike or foot rather than vehicles. She commented that parking lots invite others from outside of the community rather than the residents. She asked that the $9,000,000 set aside for this project instead be used to improve existing parks. Chair Anderson introduced Gay Varecka, 12210 54th Avenue, who stated she has a passion for conservation. She stated she has had many opportunities to be a part of and enjoy the wetlands in that area and has been grateful to the city for their wisdom to protect and preserve this area. She stated she was stunned to hear about the rezoning and the size of the parking lot and shelter. She stated she is very disappointed in the city as the benefits of wetlands are irrefutable. She asked the city not to move forward with this regressive proposal. Chair Anderson introduced Hugh Van-Cao, 5215 Kimberly Lane, who stated that he would not have supported the boardwalks, if given the chance, as he does not believe building something through the wetlands increases or promotes the wetlands. He said he believes that the trails around the edges of the wetland are a better fit. He said he did not understand the need for picnic areas, parking, bathrooms or playground equipment. He stated that the wetlands are not a venue for that type of activity and instead the wetlands should simply have trails that take advantage of the view without leaving an impact. He said he hoped there would not be lighting added to the area. He stated that wetlands manage water:flow and drainage, provide wetland habitat and quiet enjoyment. He stated there is a dog park on the north end and believed that area could be enhanced rather than constructing this area. He stated if things proceed, he would ask that the earlier requested assessments be conducted. He asked that all trees remain in place and protection of the wetlands be a focus. Chair Anderson introduced Gladwin Akathoot, 5145 Kimberly Lane, who stated that he is concerned with the plan and the impacts there would be on the environment and the wildlife. He Approved Minutes 5 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 noted that this is within walking distance to the high school and he would be concerned that this would be used for high school parking. Chair Anderson introduced Monika Vadali, 5235 Jewel Lane, who stated that adjacent to her home is a trail that adjoins the greenway. She stated that this area is within the floodplain and is a wetland. She stated there are drainage issues when there are large rain events and was concerned that there would be additional issues if additional hardcover is added. She said she understood that the development she lived in was previously forest and was rezoned as residential property, noting that the area was clear cut with only two trees in each yard. She stated that two trees per yard is not enough to help with erosion and drainage and again noted that additional hardcover would increase erosion problems. She stated that the wetland is a great amenity for the community and when they purchased their property, they were assured that the area would remain natural. She said she was shocked when she learned of these plans and believed that builders should have to disclose these plans to potential homeowners. Chair Anderson introduced Amber Benesh, 5655 Garland Lane, who stated that she is concerned that many of the builders had provided reassurance that this was wetland-protected land. She stated that her neighborhood did not receive notice of this until the previous day. She stated that the builders have documentation that can be provided to the city showing that they were told this land was protected. She said she believed it would be helpful to have clarity on what can or cannot be built on, not just for this neighborhood, but for everyone in the city. She asked for full transparency in all phases of the greenway as this appears to be a long-term plan. She stated she does not think there should be any type of build on the wetland and asked to understand why this is being done. She said she did not understand why a parking lot would be approved before the open-air facility is approved and questioned the intentions of the project. She stated there is an open-air amphitheater behind her home and. requested information on the required parking for that element. She noted there are other areas that could provide shared parking rather than constructing a concrete jungle in the middle of a wetland. She stated that the city should instead spruce up existing parks and place those amenities in those locations rather than disrupting the wetland. She stated that because the wetland space is so long, proper notification is not provided to all properties that would be impacted and asked if the notification period could be expanded to include all homes along the wetland corridor. Chair Anderson introduced Karin Bertolini, 5024 Merrimac Lane, who stated she would appreciate having notice of the meeting more than one week prior to the meeting. She stated that they purchased their home with the knowledge of the wetland and the existing trail that abuts her property. She stated that the trails around the wetland are heavily used by walkers and bikers and they enjoy the wetland. She stated that the wildlife in the area has decreased as development continues to increase in that area. She commented that the additional park elements and parking lot would further decrease the wildlife activity and impact the wetland. She stated that the property owners in that area completed research and purchased their homes with the knowledge that the wetland would be protected. She said she believed that value would be lost with the addition of the parking lot. She stated there are other parks in the community that have shelters and concessions and it would not make sense to bring those elements to this wetland area. She said she had hope that the comments of the neighbors will have an impact on the decision tonight and asked the commission to deny the request. Approved Minutes 6 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Chair Anderson introduced Madhu Goduguchinta, 5051 Merrimac Court, who stated there are already parking spots available at the high school for those that want to make use of the boardwalks and trails around the wetlands. He stated that the boardwalks were built to provide access to the wetlands, but believed that the parking lots would defeat the purpose of the wetlands. He said he was not comfortable with the number of parking stalls proposed and believed that level of activity would negatively impact the wetlands and wildlife. Chair Anderson introduced Daison Jose, 5125 Kimberly Lane, who stated that the notification letter was received only one week ago and only mentioned parking and did not mention the structure. He stated the letter was not sent to the other adjacent communities that use the greenway and therefore those people cannot be here in representation. He stated this appears to be the city's attempt to make a business utilizing the greenway. He noted he would like to see a plan to protect the greenway from trash and other negative impacts. He stated that the water stream and wildlife in the area have been negatively impacted. He stated he is concerned with public safety as the police have said these types of parking lots increase criminal activities. He asked the commission to deny the request. Chair Anderson introduced Brett Robertson, 5010 Kimberly Lane, who stated that it appears the parking lots are being overbuilt based on the requirements and asked what the requirements are for parking. He asked the status and next steps for the project, as he is coming into the process late. Chair Anderson introduced Andrea Villanueva, 5124 Merrimac Lane, who stated she would like to know the necessity of the pavilions that are proposed to be built. She noted there is a pavilion in Hamel that is typically open for use. She advised that there are many parks within biking distance as well and was unsure why another park or pavilion would be needed. She asked why two parking lots would be needed and why so many parking spaces are requested. She stated it would be helpful to have additional time to review the information and for neighbors to express their concerns. Chair Anderson introduced Ana Figueroa, 5052 Merrimac Court, who stated she has seen multiple projects come through the city including greenspace removed and wildlife impacted. She stated when they first moved into their home there was a lot of wildlife in their neighborhood, but that activity has decreased. She stated her family is passionate about the preservation of wildlife. She noted she is a runner and has been able to enjoy the trail behind her home safely. She said she was concerned that the parking lot would bring people to the community that may not be safe and could increase criminal activity. She stated this is a community and they are doing the best they can to create a positive impact on this world. She said she believed that the neighbors tonight have made valid points. Chair Anderson introduced Justin Ulrich, 5365 Garland Lane, who stated that his family moved here from Colorado one month ago and chose to live in Plymouth because of the community and secluded neighborhood. He stated it was important for his family to find a place they feel safe and that is his main concern. He said he believed that large parking lots would invite people from outside of the community to access the same trails his family uses. He stated they also chose the area because of the exposed wildlife and connection to nature the wetlands provide. Approved Minutes 7 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 He stated it would be a red flag to have land that they were told was protected wetland infringed upon. Chair Anderson introduced Alicia Viera, 5096 Merrimac Lane, who stated that they moved to Plymouth seven years ago and love that the trails provide connections for walking. She stated that development has changed the environment a great deal over that time. She stated that her son is 12 and she finally feels comfortable allowing him to bike the trails with friends, but noted that the parking lot would remove that sense of safety. She said she believed the high schoolers would also park in the lot, which would increase pedestrian and vehicle accidents. She said she hoped there would be a stoplight added if this does move forward. She stated that the flow of water has changed, and a tremendous amount of water now flows through and has caused problems with erosion. Chair Anderson introduced Jo Wang, 5100 Merrimac Lane, who stated this community has been great and has been safe. She stated that the parking lot would attract people that are not local to the area. She said she believed that it would be a waste of money to build a parking lot and noted that people could utilize a pavilion and concessions in another area. She stated if the projects moves on, this would face her backyard garden and would impact her quality of life and the value of her home. Senior Planner Sommers explained the parking calculations that were used to determine the parking requirements, which equates to one parking space per capacity of the pavilion. Planning Manager Thomson noted that the specific use is not spelled out in code and therefore staff looked at other similar uses to determine the appropriate number of stalls. Amber Benesh stated that in reading the documents provided in the packet, the parking requirement specifies 38 spaces for this use and that this request exceeds that requirement. Planning Manager Thomson explained that the parking was determined based on the proposed use of the pavilion. Chair Anderson asked and received confirmation that the proposed parking lot area is upland and therefore there would be no impact or infringement on the wetland. Planning Manager Thomson noted that the only infringement would be the trail crossing the wetland and that would be accounted for. Senior Planner Sommers specified that crossing will be a box culvert. Planning Manager Thomson stated that she was a part of development of the wetland standards 25 years ago. She explained that the wetland buffers are being increased in order to help protect the wetland, and they will be kept natural. Chair Anderson noted that a bigger buffer is a benefit for the wetland. ' Approved Minutes 8 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Commissioner Oakley asked if there is potential to change the wetland buffer that is applied on single-family homes that have already been constructed. Planning Manager Thomson replied that could not be done. Diane Evans, Director of Park and Recreation, stated that the Northwest Greenway Plan was initiated by the City Council in 2000. She stated that there was always a plan for some type of shelter, noting that the parking and shelter provide uses for the entire community. She stated that the shelters in the community are in high demand, and they are overburdened with requests. She stated this is an appropriate size shelter and parking lot for a 350-acre property. She stated this would be phase one of two phases, noting that parking lot lighting would later be added that would meet the dark sky requirements. Planning Manager Thomson explained that the city has been in the forefront in terms of dark sky lighting and provided additional details. Chair Anderson stated that $9,000,000 had been mentioned earlier tonight and asked if that money is specifically for the greenway or whether those referendum funds could be used for other purposes. Director Evans replied that those funds have been expended and were used to purchase greenway property. Chair Anderson referenced the proposed shelter locations and asked if those were a part of the originally approved greenway plan and comprehensive plan. Director Evans confirmed that the greenway master plan always planned for three trailheads. Chair Anderson stated that when a developer says a wetland is going to be preserved that is a true statement and is what the community is doing. Director Evans replied that this site contain 350 acres of trees and wetlands with minimal impacts. She stated that the trails are there for the entire community to enjoy and the parking lot provides the appropriate amount of parking for all residents to enjoy that city-owned property. She stated that the high school is not a city property and has its own issues with parking. Planning Manager Thomson stated that the 350 acres is for the enjoyment of the entire city, not just the adjacent developments. Director Evans provided additional information on the amphitheater and the parking that is made available for the music event using buses and offsite parking. She stated they will work with the police department and the park patrol to ensure that the park is safe, similar to the other city parks. She noted that the lot will be signed and enforced, stating that no high school parking is allowed. She stated that two parking lots are proposed because if there is rental of the shelter that fills the main lot, the second lot would be used for other users of the park. Approved Minutes 9 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Planning Manager Thomson stated that given the total amount of space, the hardcover of the parking lots does not even come close to the allowed maximum. Senior Engineering Technician Quast provided information on how drainage is designed for each development that is created to slowly drain the water from the development to prevent sudden flooding. Chair Anderson noted that a comment had been made that park users should park at the high school to use the trail. He explained that the parking lot closest to the trail is meant for buses and when cars park in that lot it causes problems for the buses and that lot is not meant for regular vehicle parking. He asked if the parking lot is needed to be constructed before the shelter is approved. He recognized if the shelter is not approved, the parking lot would not be needed. Director Evans explained that the project is split into two stages, noting that the earth work and parking would occur prior to the architectural building. Commissioner Oakley stated that he is an avid cycler and has taken his bike from his home along the entire length of the greenway, noting it is a spectacular amenity for the community. He stated that the parks staff and vision of city councils are responsible for that great amenity. He stated that he enjoys living in Plymouth because of the appreciation of the community. He stated he enjoyed hearing the comments tonight about the love of wetlands in the community. He stated that Plymouth is doing a great job at preserving wetlands and has a more stringent ordinance than most communities in the state. He noted that there is a balance in preserving nature and providing a place to live. He stated the plan to preserve nature has been in place for almost 20 years, which occurred prior to the adjacent developments being constructed. He stated his home was built prior to the wetland preservation ordinances, and he is still able to see wildlife in his yard. He recognized that wildlife is disrupted during construction, but it will come back. He stated that it appears there are too many parking spaces proposed for the pavilion and trail use and would be interested in more details. He stated the greenway is an important amenity and will continue to be a quality amenity that will continue to support the reasons the residents in that area purchased their homes. Commissioner Witt agreed that often when talking about new developments or wetland impacts there are not people in attendance and therefore thanked those who attended tonight. She said she recognized the passion of the residents present and noted that those residents came to Plymouth because of the amenities within the community. She stated that residents from one area may use the playfield in another area and those residents may use the trails around the wetlands. She stated this is a community and not just the neighborhood that people live in. She said she believed that the park department has worked hard, and she is excited that the wetlands will be protected. She said she did agree that perhaps the parking and shelter are not needed at this time, but will defer to the experts. Commissioner Saba stated that Director Evans did a great job bringing the group back to 2000 when the original plan for the greenway was development and explaining how it has evolved over time to remove the potential horse stable. He agreed that the size of the parking lot could use additional study. He noted that this vision was established in 2000 and is going in the 10 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Approved Minutes intended direction. He noted that within his development wetlands were filled to allow construction of the homes and wildlife still returned to the area. Chair Anderson stated that this is a plan that was approved in 2000 and reiterated in the comprehensive plans that have been approved every ten years since that time. He noted that the shelter and parking have been a part of the plan throughout. He stated that he is a walker and feels uncomfortable parking his car in a neighborhood for a few hours while he walks the trails and would like a parking lot to access the trails. He noted that the lot does not have to accommodate 150 vehicles, but he would support a parking lot. He stated he would support the 38-stall parking lot but wo-qld not support building the larger parking lot without an approved shelter. MOTION by Commissioner Oakley, seconded by Commissioner Witt, to approve the request by the City of Plymouth - Park and Recreation Department for a site plan for parking lots for the Northwest Greenway Trail Head located at Peony Lane and 54th Avenue with the addition of new condition 6 to eliminate the north parking lot from the site plan. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved. Chair Anderson noted that this item will move forward to the City Council on August 13th. Several residents stated a preference for this item to go to the City Council in September rather than the first council meeting in August. Chair Anderson introduced Shreenivasa Rengarajan, 5075 Kimberley Lane, who asked if the recommended motion should include direction to reassess whether the 38-stall parking lot should be located on the north or south part of the property. Planning Manager Thomson stated that the notion of choosing the south parking lot was to delay action on the north parking until there is action on the pavilion. Chair Anderson stated that the full motion for both parking lots will move forward to the City Council. He explained that the recommendation of the planning-commission will move forward, but the council does not need to accept that recommendation. Planning Manager Thomson noted that the meeting agendas will be posted on the city website for residents to determine the date the item will move forward. Chair Anderson introduced Paula Bash who asked where the comprehensive plan can be found that includes these phases and the future phases. Planning Manager Thomson stated that the most up to date version of the 2040 comprehensive plan can be found on the city's website. Chair Anderson introduced Hugh Van-Cao, 5215 Kimberly Lane, who asked if the homeowners association could be notified of the next meeting. 11 of 11 Meeting of July 17, 2019 Approved Minutes Planning Manager Thomson noted that the city does not have information for the different homeowners associations within the city. She confirmed that someone from the homeowners association could contact city staff. Chair Anderson introduced a resident who asked if details could be obtained on the demand for park facilities and requests for shelter rentals that were denied. Director Evans stated that denied shelter rentals are not tracked. 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Anderson, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 P.M.