Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 08-17-2011Approved Minutes City of Plymouth Planning Commission Meeting August 17, 2011 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair James Davis, Commissioners Dick Kobussen, Gordon Petrash, Scott Nelson, Bryan Oakley, Nathan Robinson and Marc Anderson MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Planning Manager Barbara Thomson, Senior Planner Joshua Doty, Senior Planner Marie Darling and Office Support Representative Janice Bergstrom 1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:02 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC FORUM 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Kobussen, to approve the August 17, 2011 Planning Commission Agenda. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 3, 2011 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the August 3, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. HIM FOLEY (2011053) MOTION by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, to approve the request by Kim Foley for side yard setback variances for an existing garage and driveway at 3380 Sycamore Lane. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. GLOBE EDUCATION NETWORK (2011050) Chair Davis introduced the request by Globe Education Network for a conditional use permit for Minnesota School of Cosmetology located at 1425 County Road 101. Senior Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 2 Commissioner Kobussen asked how parking spots are computed for this business. Senior Planner Doty said the parking requirement is based on peak demand for students and staff within the building. Commissioner Kobussen said the parking is based on 120 students, but the applicant talks about 240 students. He said he assumed the school would have customers and asked if that was figured in the calculations. Senior Planner Doty said customers were included in the calculation. He clarified that numbers in the narrative are not accurate as the original numbers included this site with the Woodbury campus. He stated the staff report reflects the numbers proposed for Plymouth. Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Jerry Kedrowski. Mr. Kedrowski said the Minnesota School of Cosmetology is one entity under the umbrella of the Globe Education Network. Commissioner Kobussen asked Mr. Kedrowski if 49 spaces would be adequate and if he sees the school outgrowing the parking. Mr. Kedrowski answered affirmatively. He explained that students have varying salon times to take care of services. Mr. Kedrowski said the cosmetology license of 120 is for the total they can fit in that space. Chair Davis opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was no one to speak on the item. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the request by Globe Education Network for a conditional use permit for Minnesota School of Cosmetology located at 1425 County Road 101 Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. B. RATIONAL ENERGIES, LLC (2011056) Chair Davis introduced the request by Rational Energies, LLC for rezoning and PUD general plan for an oil manufacturing facility at 14920 27th Avenue. Senior Planner Doty gave an overview of the staff report. Commissioner Nelson asked if there are any other oil manufacturers in the city. Senior Planner Doty said not that he is aware of. Commissioner Nelson asked if the west facing towers are the oil storage containers. Senior Planner Doty clarified these towers, which could be termed as silos, store the plastic chips. He explained plastic comes into the building in the form of bales, which are then Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 3 processed into plastic chips and then stored in these containers. Senior Planner Doty said the oil tanks are located behind the screened area. Chair Davis asked if this building is occupied. Senior Planner Doty said it is not occupied. Chair Davis stated this proposal would be a net increase in businesses in Plymouth. Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Ed Driscoll, Rational Energies HC Inc. Mr. Driscoll gave a presentation of how Rational Energies recovers plastic materials out of municipal waste sites and turns them into valuable commodities. He said this business would be a benefit to the city as it would occupy an empty building. Mr. Driscoll said this would be a flagship facility as Rational Energies would like to roll these out across the country and world, and want to make this an attractive showcase. He said there would be "green" jobs that won't be exported overseas. Mr. Driscoll said they had an open house for neighbors who had questions about zoning and the recycling process, and if there would be smells and noise. Mr. Driscoll stated noise is internal to the building and no plastic would be stored outside. He said the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency determined they do not need an air permit as emissions are minimal. Mr. Driscoll stated this would be one of the least noticeable manufacturers in Plymouth. Mr. Driscoll stated the project is fully funded and they are eager to move forward. Commissioner Nelson asked if this business would operate 5 or 7 days per week and if it is a 24- hour a day process. Mr. Driscoll said it would operate seven days per week and 24 hours per day. He said truck traffic would be primarily two trucks in and two out, and there would be car traffic from 20 full- time employees. Commissioner Petrash asked if plastics for recycling would be separated or would include all kinds such as thermoplastics, polystyrene, etc. Mr. Driscoll said there would be a separation as there are seven different types of plastic. He said the #1 plastics (water bottles) have a regular consistent market and would be sold into the recycling market. He said they prefer not to use #3 (PVC) as it contains a lot of chlorine. Mr. Driscoll said the high volume remaining is perfect for the process and includes such things as Target bags, milk jugs, and agricultural plastic. Commissioner Petrash asked if there is waste from the plant. Mr. Driscoll said there is a small amount of ash which is sent to a landfill. Chair Davis opened the public hearing and closed the public hearing as there was no one to speak on the item. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 4 Chair Davis said this is a good plan which will bring jobs to Plymouth and he likes the fact it is recycling. He said the open house was a good thing to do, and he applauded their efforts. Commissioner Nelson said the rezoning to a PUD is a great way to have flexibility in the future rather than zoning to I-3. Commissioner Nelson said he is also in favor. MOTION by Commissioner Petrash, seconded by Commissioner Robinson, to approve the request by Rational Energies, LLC for rezoning and PUD general plan for an oil manufacturing facility at 14920 27th Avenue. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved. C. DJR ARCHITECTURE, INC. (2011051) Chair Davis introduced the request by DJR Architecture, Inc. for a conditional use permit for a religious institution at the Northwest Islamic Community Center at 3300 Plymouth Boulevard. Senior Planner Darling gave an overview of the staff report and added that several letters had been received and would be added as part of the public record. Senior Planner Darling answered questions raised in David and Julie Teicher's letter (2110 Weston Lane N.). She said the community center itself does not require a conditional use permit and specific questions about who would rent and how much would be charged are not subject to public review through this process. Senior Planner Darling said the Zoning Ordinance has minimum parking requirements which would be met with this application. She said in the event of future parking issues, the city can address with the property owner through a defined process. Senior Planner Darling said the applicant has stated there would be no outdoor announcement of prayers through the use of chimes or bells. Senior Planner Darling said Mr. and Mrs. Teicher asked how the proposed would benefit all of the citizens of Plymouth, and she explained religious institutions are an important facet of the community and are permitted in a wide variety of zoning districts. Staff notes no one religious institution or conditional use is required to serve all citizens of Plymouth whether it is located in city center or elsewhere. Commissioner Nelson asked if there are any plans for changes in the structure. Senior Planner Darling said the applicant has proposed to add a vestibule entry on the Plymouth Boulevard side, and a walkway around the building so parking would be more accessible. She said the changes are minor and would be reviewed administratively. Commissioner Nelson asked if the post office would maintain a service desk. Senior Planner Darling said as part of the sale of a property from the U.S. Postal Service to the community center, the post office would continue to rent space for post office boxes and operate a front service counter. Commissioner Nelson asked if the post office parking would be separate. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 5 Senior Planner Darling said the parking requirement for both uses were combined for this application. She said there is an informal agreement between the Northwest Islamic Community Center and the post office where spaces in front would be used predominantly by the post office while open, and after hours all parking spaces would be used by the community center. Commissioner Petrash said he is thankful they found a use so quickly, considering there will be thousands of post offices vacant across the United States. Chair Davis introduced the applicant, Najam Qureshi, 2050 Black Oaks Lane, who said this organization came into existence two years ago and has a lot of young kids. Mr. Qureshi said they want a central place to meet as a community to have a safe environment for kids where parents could supervise. Mr. Qureshi said they have activities and entertainment for kids. Mr. Qureshi said they currently meet at the Hamel or Maple Grove community center. He said in Hamel they have a blood drive, and because of modesty rules for some members, they provide a separate room for women to donate blood. He said there would be daily prayers, and added that interfaith dialogue is becoming very important to them. Mr. Qureshi said in an open society such as ours, open dialog is very important. Americans of different faiths need to understand each other, be able to go forward and prosper, and build these bridges. Mr. Qureshi said their youth committee plans to adopt Plymouth Boulevard which would be great to take ownership in their city and to help keep the city clean. Other activities include a ladies bazaar, family fun night and daily dinners during Ramadan which is open to the church communities at large. Mr. Qureshi said some of the parents are not well educated, but their kids are superbly gifted. He said he would like to start a volunteer tutoring program for kids in math, science and history. He said they also plan to have holiday toy drives and hope to have lectures and seminars. He said a large sector of their members are physicians or are in technology. He said they hope to have seminars open to the community regarding benefits of taking health seriously and IT classes or seminars where the latest technology can be explained. Sunday school would be a possibility. Mr. Qureshi said annual membership barbeques would be open to the general public as their emphasis is to be more inclusive. Mr. Qureshi stated they would not be renting the site, but are open to giving it to other non -profits that would benefit the community at large, such as the Minnesota Council of Churches. Commissioner Nelson asked if future plans include a future outdoor play area. Mr. Qureshi said not at this location, and mentioned Plymouth Creek Center has weekly activities. Commissioner Kobussen asked if the post office will be keeping their garage. Mr. Qureshi said yes, and the post office will keep two docks for mail delivery. He said the post office will secure their side and the docks, but the rest of the building has shared space which includes the bathrooms and common areas. Mr. Qureshi said there will be four post office employees. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 6 Commissioner Kobussen asked if 39 spaces in the back of the building would be adequate for their needs for major prayer service days, such as Friday, since the front parking lot will not be used. Mr. Qureshi said the post office would never use more than 6-8 spaces and has agreed to share the front parking spaces on Fridays. He said the Christmastime rush doesn't really start until after work hours. He said at Hamel they needed less than 40 parking spaces. Commissioner Petrash asked if the post office has long term plans to stay. Mr. Qureshi said there is a 20 -year lease. Chair Davis introduced Scott Nelson, DJR Architecture. Mr. Nelson said they will create a new entry which will enhance the building from Plymouth Boulevard Mr. Nelson reviewed the multi-purpose building and said the three dock doors on the south side would be replaced with large windows. There would be two classrooms for tutoring and youth events. Mr. Nelson said the post office would have a secured dock area but the restrooms, break room, storage and mechanical rooms are shared. The garage addition in the back will not be used. He said it is not properly ventilated for parking but could be developed in the future if there is a parking issue. He said there are 42 parking spots in the back of the building, and there are 38 in the front. Mr. Nelson said hall can hold 150-160 people, so they feel there is enough parking on the site to take care of the uses. Chair Davis opened the public hearing. Chair Davis introduced Mateen Ali, 15475 58th Pl. N. Mr. Ali said he has a family of four and has lived in Plymouth over 30 years. He said three generations of his family live here and in Maple Grove. He said Plymouth was selected for his family because it is a great place to live and they use the bike trails, go to the farmers market, and Music in Plymouth. Mr. Ali said one thing missing is a place of our own to go on a regular basis to socialize. He said he had an opportunity to move closer to his work, but his kids forced him to stay in the number one city. Mr. Ali said he wanted to put a face with the request and welcomes the opportunity to partner with the post office and with the city. Chair Davis introduced Don Tasto, 3225 Niagara Lane N. Mr. Tasto said he has concerns about parking and said when there large events in Plymouth, his neighborhood is filled with parking. He said his concern is the April 14, 2011 article in the Sun Sailor that stated most events in this center would be for 100-200 people, and large events would be for 400-500 people. Mr. Tasto said his question is where will they park, and how often will there be large activities. He said would like to see the 87 spots for parking. Chair Davis introduced Farhana Ali, 15475 58th Pl. N., who spoke in favor and said she and her family of four enjoy the city and its offerings. She said they need a place for their family to get together with other families to meet and have recreational activities. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 7 Chair Davis introduce Connie Sambor, 1415 Oakview Lane N. She said it has been said this would be a community center for all of us. She said Plymouth has that very thing and we do not need another. She said how soon we forget the horrors of 9/11 and subsequent reminders of the shoe bomber, the underwear bomber, the Times Square bomber, the Fort Hood massacre. Ms. Sambor said this is an ideology that wants to destroy - Chair Davis interrupted and said this is a building and land use issue and is not for political opinions. Ms. Sambor said the center of Plymouth is not an appropriate place for this. She said they can find adequate land that is more appropriate than downtown Plymouth. Chair Davis introduced MD S. Ramen, 5020 Garland Lane N. He said his family of four has lived in Plymouth for five years. He said this is a great city to live in, but one thing is missing. He said we have a different background, culture and different religion and have to integrate into society. He said if the community center is built we can get together and we can share our different faith and views. Chair Davis introduced Darlene Gore, 3850 Plymouth Boulevard #121. Ms. Gore said the entrance from Plymouth Boulevard to the proposed community center is only two blocks from Highway 55. She said at certain times we are blocked as there are banks, the post office, the senior center and Plymouth Creek and now a community center. Ms. Gore asked where people are going to be dropped off as this area is used. She said there are kids on bikes and Plymouth Boulevard would not be a safe drop off site. Ms. Gore said if there is cooking at the community center, would there be room for our fire truck to get through. Ms. Gore said she has doubts about the parking because you are not going to turn away church people. She said her church grows and she hopes their church grows. Ms. Gore said to look carefully as you can't un -ring a bell if you make a mistake. Chair Davis introduced Fawaz Mahiuddin, 4125 Shorewood Tr., Medina. He said he has lived here 12 years. Mr. Mahiuddin said the adults here are engineers, doctors and chemists who contribute to the city and are not burdens on the city. All you are looking at is a disincentive if you disapprove this. If you say no to the mosque you are saying no to all these people who want to come and make Plymouth a better place. Mr. Mahiuddin agreed that 400 — 500 people would be too many, but we have only 40 members. He said people who are saying no to this building are the ranting of nonsensical lunatics who are filled with hatred. These are not people who contribute to society. These are not people who live off in some neighborhood plotting attacks on America. They are people of Plymouth and are already integrated into our society. Mr. Mahiuddin said this is why we should be approving this building. Chair Davis introduced Jeff Baumann, 10452 Mississippi Boulevard, Coon Rapids MN, who said he was raised in Saudi Arabia and is very informed about Islam. He said as an honest and fair person, he went into Little Somalia two years ago and purchased a book called, "Islam, The Perfect Religion", printed in Riyadh in 2006. Mr. Baumann read from the book, "...The speaker presented solutions for such problems in the light of the Koran and the Suna which, if the Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 8 Muslims follow will dominate this world the same way their ancestors did, this nation (Islam) cannot excel except with the means..." Chair Davis interrupted Mr. Baumann and said this has nothing to do with this meeting. Mr. Baumann continued that land use aiding the enemy is treason - Chair Davis said they are not my enemy and asked the speaker to please sit down. Others in the council chamber requested the speaker sit down. Chair Davis introduced twelve year-old Aasim Ali, 15475 58th Pl. N., who said he thinks the post office is a good place to put this mosque and does not see why it should be a problem. Chair Davis introduced Richard Shepardson, 2240 Kilmer Lane. Mr. Shepardson said he grew up in California, Belgium, England and then moved back to Minnesota. He said he is proud that Plymouth is the best city for its size in the entire country. He said he thinks this proposed community center is exactly what we need to establish, promote and enhance the good public health and moral condition of this community. He said we are an open minded people and we believe in the freedom of religion, which is part of our constitution, and this is a good use for a building that is not being used to its full potential. Mr. Shepardson said he is very saddened other people have come and spoken words of hatred which is not the Plymouth nor American way. Mr. Shepardson said it is in the standards Plymouth has had to welcome our Muslim brothers and sisters to be part of our community in participating in every aspect of our society, including a safe environment in which they can have their meetings. He said there is no reason we cannot have a synagogue, church or mosque. He said he welcomes these people openly. Chair Davis introduced Tamim Saidi, 15265 82nd Avenue N. who said we are an open community center for all neighbors to visit any time. Mr. Saidi said this benefits Plymouth and surrounding areas. Mr. Saidi said many have lived here decades and this is our home and we love our home. He said it is time to have a center where they can worship and don't have to drive to Fridley or Eden Prairie. Mr. Saidi said he concurs with Mr. Shepardson's sentiment, and said the vast majority of people have been welcoming of them. He said those who do not understand the religion are a small minority, and said he hopes they can reach out to them. Chair Davis introduced Stephen Miller, 2240 Kilmer Lane. Mr. Miller said he has lived in Plymouth 11 years and is a military veteran. Mr. Miller said he believes in everything encompassing, in being a gathering place for all of us. He said a community without this type of facility is missing a part of the community which exists underground. Mr. Miller said we want it to be an open and caring environment. He said he not only approves this facility but plans on visiting and learning from people who are there, and said he hopes to impart some good knowledge to them as well. Chair Davis introduced Bonnie Johnson, 3240 Niagara Lane, who said she supports the proposal, and hopes any logistics with parking and traffic can be worked out. Ms. Johnson said they already are our neighbors and we welcome the center. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 9 Chair Davis introduced John Christianson, 3240 Niagara Lane. Mr. Christianson said his wife, Bonnie, spoke for him also. He said they have lived here since 2005 and are happy with Plymouth and their neighborhood. Mr. Christianson said like anyone faced with a change, you may have some fears what the change means to you personally. He said he is still concerned about parking issues. Mr. Christianson said he wants the center to grow and prosper, and be a positive contributing member of the community. The organizing members already are and need and deserve a place. Mr. Christianson said this sounds like an ideal place. He said he hopes there is a mechanism employed to review any future adverse parking situation as that could affect people like him who are more than 500 feet away. He said he is in favor, wishes everyone well and hopes to participate and get to know his neighbors better. Chair Davis introduced Amin Kassen, 4430 Jewel Ct. Mr. Kassen said he has lived here 22 years and has four children. He said this is a great place to live and looks at Plymouth as a multi- faceted, diverse city. Mr. Kassen said he supports and thanked the commission for listening. Chair Davis introduced Sajjad Mir, Maple Grove, who said he is a Plymouth "wannabe". He said he is a physician at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, and 14 of his 19 colleagues choose to live in Plymouth. Dr. Mir said they are Jews, Muslims, and Christian faiths. Dr. Mir said he left for two years, but was unable to find the right location in Plymouth for his kids to get in the Wayzata Plymouth High School. He said he has known about this project for two years, which is one of the reasons he came back to Minnesota. He said this is his community and he and his wife, a physician also, are contributing members of this community. Dr. Mir said the community center is a big attraction which allows them to bring their families together. He extended a welcome to everyone to participate in their Ramadan functions. He said it gives us a sense of place rather than driving to Bloomington or Fridley. Chair Davis introduced the selling agent, Ali Giarushi, 6720 132nd St N., White Bear Lake. Mr. Giarushi said with the budget cuts, the post office would have been eliminated totally. He said this sale was structured with the agent to keep retail business here. Mr. Giarushi said there will be a post office for the next 20 years and you should appreciate this, and this is a big step for this community. Chair Davis introduced Hasan Khan, who said he lives in Minnetonka but his kids can go to Wayzata High School as we all know it is one of the best in the nation. He said he understands the primary point of parking, but that should not be the only criteria of why this is looked at negatively and does not see any other reason to not allow a community center which will help the economy. He said they have thanksgiving also and will order from local businesses, Papa John's or Cub Foods. He said the community center would not only help them to have a home here, but would help the local community as well. Chair Davis introduced Yasir Uddin, who said he is 18 years old and has lived here 12 years. Mr. Uddin said for the past 12 years he has had to go 30 minutes away to go to a mosque and pray in Fridley for Sunday school which was kind of a hassle. Mr. Uddin said he thinks this project is a great idea. He said he noticed in Hamel a bunch of kids running around and it would Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 10 be great for them to learn more about his religion. He said there were parking issues in Fridley, and it seems like parking is the only issue for this project. Mr. Uddin said daily prayers and tutoring only last one-half hour to an hour and he said he did not think traffic would be a problem as it would not be a consistent use of space. Chair Davis introduced Mary Faltesek, 15030 32nd Avenue N. who said she is a neighbor directly to the community center and post office property. She said she has lived there 25 years and shares the parking concerns with Mr. Tasto. She said she talked with the board, who invited property owners within 500 feet of the proposed community center, and they addressed concerns regarding parking in good faith. Ms. Faltesek said she looks forward to working with them if parking becomes a problem. Ms. Faltesek said she and her family join John and Bonnie in welcoming them to Plymouth. Chair Davis closed the public hearing. Planning Manager Thomson asked how often large group activities would occur. Mr. Qureshi stated larger gatherings occur one or two times a year and they do them in Maple Grove or Plymouth community center. He said there is a big hall on Medicine Lake. They will not be held at this location, and added those are members outside of our circle that join in with the gathering. Planning Manager Thomson asked about people being dropped off. Mr. Qureshi said walkways will be placed, and handicapped parking would be added. Mr. Nelson said an accessible ramp would available. He said both sidewalks would be accessible and stated there would be no drop offs on Plymouth Boulevard. Planning Manager Thomson asked where the 87 parking spaces would be located. Senior Planner Darling clarified that the site currently contains 80 striped parking spaces. She said in the city center zoning district, any use adjacent to a street is able to count the spaces directly in front of the building if it is not signed "no parking". Senior Planner Darling said there is room for seven on -street parking spaces to total 87. Planning Manager Thomson stated there is no kitchen being proposed for this facility, so food would be brought in. Chair Davis added there would be room for a fire truck to access the building. Planning Manager Thomson said there is a mechanism in the Zoning Ordinance if parking became an issue. Commissioner Petrash commented parking seems to be an issue we deal with a lot. He said he has observed at peak times many religion institutions have a problem with parking on the street. Approved Planning Commission Minutes August 17, 2011 Page 11 This happens occasionally and is tolerated. Commissioner Petrash said when Wayzata plays football there is on -street parking at his house one mile away, and he said it is something we tolerate once or twice a year. Commissioner Petrash asked if parking across the street at city hall is an option for overflow parking or are there restrictions. Senior Planner Darling responded that it is public property and as long as city hall is not open, they could use the site. She said if there is no disturbance, they can park there. Commissioner Nelson commended the applicant for working with the post office to keep the post office there which is something good for the city as well as the applicant. Commissioner Nelson said he see no issues here and has no problem supporting this conditional use permit. He added that we don't often fill this room for planning commission meetings and thanked everyone who has participated, which is part of what makes Plymouth work. Commissioner Oakley said there have been a number of interesting and uplifting presentations and he enjoyed hearing them. Commissioner Oakley said this is a different culture, different people, and different beliefs, and Mr. Qureshi read off a list of activities that would occur here and it sounded like the Church Basement Ladies, except for the technology tutoring. Commissioner Oakley said he will support the request and this is a great use for the property. MOTION by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Oakley, to approve the request by DJR Architecture, Inc. for a conditional use permit for a religious institution at the Northwest Islamic Community Center at 3300 Plymouth Boulevard. Chair Davis said he will support the proposal and said this a wonderful use for this property. He said there was consternation in the city that we would lose the post office. Chair Davis said he remembered Senator Franken weighing in on the issues and working to reverse the decision of the Postal Service to close the post office. Chair Davis said a lot of people talked about how they love living in Plymouth and something like this will work to keep people and attract even more. He said the last speaker pointed out that local businesses will benefit as they would purchase products locally. Chair Davis said he appreciated everyone coming out, as civic participation is important. Vote. 7 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously. 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. ADJOURNMENT MOTION by Chair Davis, with no objection to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.