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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 04-19-2005 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting April 19, 2005 Mayor Johnson called a Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on April 19, 2005. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Johnson, Councilmembers Willis, Slavik, Bildsoe, Hewitt, Stein, and Black. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ahrens, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Planning Manager Senness, Finance Director Hahn, Park and Recreation Director Blank, Housing Manager Barnes, and City Clerk Paulson. United Properties Proposal Representatives of United Properties discussed a number of proposals for the redevelopment of the southwest corner of I-494 and Highway 55. These proposals are very preliminary, as no formal discussions have been held with the current property owners. If the City would be interested in redeveloping this site in the future, they would ask the City's support in their efforts in contacting existing property owners, as well as designating this area a redevelopment site. They would like to create a gateway to the City which would consist of higher density uses at this site. They stated that the current value of the existing buildings on this site is only about the value of the land. Preliminary discussions were held with the Minnesota Department of Transportation on their future plans for this intersection. Access to the property would be via 27th Avenue North. There could be a variety of uses on this site ranging from office, retail, medical, and hotel. Councilmember Willis asked if they would be seeking Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance in the future. Representatives stated it's their goal to not have to use that method of assistance, especially if they could acquire the properties reasonably. Councilmember Willis stated that there would be problems with accessing this site off Fembrook. Also, the City would need to review how traffic would be handled further down on Cheshire. He stated he is concerned that the City doesn't know what the traffic capacity of the Highway 55/I-494 interchange would be in the future. Community Development Director Hurlburt stated there would be a traffic study. She noted that the Council would be reviewing the Comprehensive Plan's transportation plan in the next year. She stated the current plan was modeled with office redevelopment of Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of April 19, 2005 Page 2 of 4 this site. She added that staff would also need to review utility capacity to serve this property. Mayor Johnson asked if this site could be considered for a transit station similar to Maple Grove's. Community Development Director Hurlburt replied it could be a possibility, but funding could be an issue. Councilmember Willis commented that the area of Fernbrook and County Road 6 would be a better site for a transit facility. Councilmember Bildsoe stated he would have more of an interest in office use for this site rather than retail, as he would prefer the retail centers to be located more internal in the City and in not such a close proximity to the freeway. Councilmember Black stated regarding the traffic concerns, if TIF would be used, perhaps improvements could be made to the intersection. She agreed with Councilmember Bildsoe. that she would prefer office versus retail use at this site, as it would be a better fit for transit opportunities. Councilmember Hewitt voiced her concern on what would occur with the current dance studio on this site, as that would affect many families in the City. She stated that this would be an excellent site for a transit facility if there would be funding. Councilmember Stein stated that he likes both sketch plans that were presented this evening, and he stated the market would determine what uses would best fit this site. The Council discussed condemnation, and the developers stated that this would be a very communicated process, and if there would be that "bump in the road" after they contacted property owners, the Council would be notified, so that no additional time or energy would be spent on the project if the Council wouldn't support condemnation. Councilmember Slavik voiced her concerns on the amount of traffic on Fernbrook Lane as well as 17 -story office building and a large decked parking ramp. She requested that if a hotel would be located at this site, that it be a high quality hotel. She also stated she would be concerned about the dance studio. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that perhaps they would view this as an opportunity and would welcome relocation to a facility that would better fit their needs. Councilmember Bildsoe requested that when the developers contact the property owners, they mention the sensitivity of the Council with some of the concerns. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of April 19, 2005 Page 3 of 4 Councilmember Willis suggested that staff draft correspondence memorializing the things that the Council discussed this evening regarding redevelopment of this site. He requested that the City Attorney and the Council review the correspondence before it is sent. Welsh Companies Proposal Representatives of Welsh Companies discussed a proposal that they have received from a developer for the vacant Waterford site. The site is surrounded by existing development, which limits the visibility from either Highway 55 or Highway 169. They explained that they have been marketing this property for quite some time, and during the past three to four years, the only interest has basically been residential. They feel that a mixed use, incorporating office and residential, would be a good fit, especially with the adjacent retail area. They illustrated a very preliminary sketch plan from the developer that would consist of apartment housing and an office use. They acknowledged that access to this property is difficult, and the office market isn't there currently for office use. They requested that the Council provide feedback this evening on a mixed-use site. Councilmember Bildsoe stated that he could support a mixed use for this site, but he suggested that there be owner -occupied housing units versus rental housing. Councilmember Willis agreed and stated that his preference would be the office use. Councilmember Stein suggested that if there would be housing at this site, there be screening and/or berming from adjacent industrial uses as well as a walking trail to the retail area. Mayor Johnson stated she is very interested in doing something with this site as it has been vacant for a long time. It would be an asset to the adjacent retail area. She stated she also prefers ownership housing, and screening and berming. She would be concerned on the height of the buildings. Councilmember Hewitt stated she is hesitant with a residential use due to industrial uses being in such close proximity. However, if a housing use would be proposed, she wouldn't support rental housing. Councilmember Slaivk stated it appears it would be difficult to market any housing units due to the adjacent industrial units. She stated she isn't totally opposed to rental housing if it were done properly. She stated that it would be necessary for transition between this property and the adjacent properties. Adopted Council Minutes Special Meeting of April 19, 2005 Page 4 of 4 Councilmember Black stated due to the close proximity of loading docks, that if there would be any housing on this site, it would need to be rental rather than owner -occupied. The representatives of Welsh Companies thanked the Council for their comments this evemng. Set Future Study Sessions Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe. and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to schedule a Special Meetingon May 10 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of meeting with a representative of Senator Dayton's office to discuss median barrier funding. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Stein and seconded by Councilmember Bildsoe, to schedule a Special Meeting on June 7 at 7:00 p.m. for purpose of discussing budget priorities with Jim Rice, volunteer consultant. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Motion was made by Councilmember Bildsoe and seconded by Councilmember Slavik, to cancel the Special Meeting that was scheduled on June 28 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss street reconstruction and Special Assessment Policy, but rather add this item to the May 17 Special Meeting agenda and begin that meeting at 6:30 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Adi ournment Mayor Johnson declared the meeting adjourned t approximately :05 p.m. andra R. Paulson, City Clerk