HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Minutes 11-21-1979PLANNING COMMISSION
City c -f Plymouth
No veatber 21., 1979
A regular meeting of the Planning Copimission of the City of Plymouth was
called to cider Z)y Chairivan Sehneider at 7.30 P..M. in the Council Chambers
of the Plynicuth City Center at 3400 Plymouth Boulevard
MEMBERS PRESENT; Chairman Virgil Schneider, Commissioners ,`hreinen, .Barron,
Steigerwaxd and Larson,.'
MEMBERS ABSENT. Commissioners Vasiliou and Wire.
STAFF PRESENT. Community Cevelopment Director Blair Tremere, community
Development Coordinator Marvin Ray, .Associate Planner Adla
Peikert, Barbara Anderson, Planning Secretary.
Year Deve o m'ent I3 oc., Grant Program Proposals
This item was introduced by staff who reviewed the November 16, 1979 memorandum
to the Planning Commission. The hearing was to review the Community Develop-
ment Block Grant Program and to consider proposals that _might qualify under the
federal regulations.
Commissioner T.hreinen commented on the $75,000 proposed for land acquisition for
hou,4ng assistance. fie inquired as to whether any options had been purchased on
any ,and in the City, and: staff responded in the negative. He stated that he
felt an option should be tied down now before any additional funding for this
proposal is granted. He stated that we are barely 'keeping up with the rate of
inflation relative to the market for a large site, and by acquiring an option on
some land, at least we will have a `"foothold" in the market. He felt that the
site should be guided LA -2 or higher density.
Chairman Schneider declared the public hearing open.
ChairmanSchneider recognized Mr. Leonard 8oche who was :present representing the
Union City Mission. They are proposing to rennovate the former, supervisor's
house ''ir use as a "shelter for battered women". }ie stated that this facility
woi">, serve persons from western Hennepin County, and not just Plymouth. He
felt that this program might qualify under the.. Community Development Block Grant
Program as a provision for emergency housing.. They feel that this would qualify
becas"se persons using the shelter would be classified as "separated from the
family income" while they were temporarily housed in the shelter, and would be
in the low and moderate income category. The program is endorsed by the State
and County and state officials suggested' local CDBG funds might be available
since the program provided "emergency housing"
Commissioner Threinen commented that he felt that since the proposed shelter
would serve more persons than .just residents of Plymouth, that perhaps some
joint arrangement could be worked out with the other communities.
Staff commented that the main question was whether or not this program qualified
under the strict guidelines of administering, the Community Development Block
Grant Program.
PLANNINGCOMMISSION MINUTFS --2- November 21, 1979
Mr: Boche stated that he was not aware of 0e specific criteria for qualifica-
tion for Community Development Plock Grant Fends, but felt tf;at since this would
be a one-time only expense (they would use the funding for remodeling only) and
their operating funding would come from other sources it would qualify under the
Flock Grant Program,
Staff inquired as to whether they had approached any other communities on this
subject, and Mr. Boche stated that this was their first presentation, since the
shelter would he located in Plymouth, and they felt it was appropriate to
approach the City of Plymouth first.
Chairman Schneider recognized Mr. Mark Eckes, who spoke representing a
group of Senior Citizens who were present. Mr. Eckes outlined the need for
a .meeting place 'for senior citizens within the City of Plymouth. At the
present tl ne there is no place Viae is designee: as a facility for senior
citizens.
Staff inquired about housing for senior citizerr in Plymouth. Mr. Eckes
responded that there is a need for 'housing for senior citizens here in Plymouth.
They are living on fixed incomes and the rate of inflation causes many to have
to leave the community where they have been living for many years because they
cannot afford it any more,
Commissioner Threinen commented that a Senior Center with "emergency" energy
housing might qualify for CDBG funding.
Chairman Schneider recognized Mr. Jim Ford from Hennepin County Community
Development Department who stated' that meeting senior citizen housing needs is
a significant element of the County CDBG strategy. He said that the Union
City Mission proposal has unique features presenting technical problems
and that the County was exploring possibilities for funding with them:
Chairman Schneider closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Threinen, seconded by Commissioner Larson to act
this evening.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
MOTION by Commissioner Threinen, seconded by Commissioner Barron to recommend
funding of $35,000 for continuation of the Housing; Rehabilitation Grant Program.
Discussion followed, and staff reported on past years' program success, noting
the federally funded program was administered in conjunction with the State
f,;~ogram which has lower eligibility income limits. Commissioner Barron
commented that the program needs to he sold to the people in the community.
Staff explained that if the allocated funds are used up -they can allocate
more money for a particular program by .folding another public hearing and
recommending through the City Council that funds from another prouram be
transferred.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
MOTION by Commissioner Threinen, seconded by Commissioner Barron to recommend
75,000 for land acquisition and writedown for assisted housing; that the
intended use should involve senior citizen housing with suitable social
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -3- November 21, 1979
amenities; that staff commence negotiations in 1980 for land acquisition and
development by private developers for such assisted housing; and, that a
similar amount be proposed for Year VII funding.
MOTION by Chairman Schneider, seconded by Commissioner Threinen to amend the
motion by increasing t'ae proposed amount from $75}000 to $95,000.
Discussion ensued, with Chairman Schneider comment -Ing that he did not feel it
was worthwhile to use thermography to help determine heat loss from roofs in
the area, since the application would be limited because of the scope of the
thermograms, and he felt that the $20,000 proposed.for this project could be
better used in the area of land acquisition.
Commissioner Barron inquired as to how the $130,000 limit was set, and could
the City of Plymouth be eligible for more funding. Jim Ford responded by
stating how funds are allocated by the County according to population
income and physical condition and it may be possible to get more funding
from another city or from the County, for a specific eligivle proposal or project.
Chairman Schneider called for a vote on the amendment.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
Chairman Schneider called for a vote on the main motion as once amended.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
MOTION by Commissioner Barron, seconded by Commissioner Threinen to recommend
that the City reqvebt total funds necessary to acquire the land to initiate
through private developers the development of assissted senior citizen housing
and to insure installation of social amenities.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
MOTION by Commissioner Threinen, seconded by Commissioner Steigerwald to
recommend support for joint community assistance to secure the Union City
Mission shelter for battered women project, for renovation of the building
only.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in Favor
Richard Bu rt (790 75) Conditional Use Permit
The staff report dated November 16, 1979 was waived and staff read two letters
which had been submitted regarding the appropriateness of this petition to
be located in an 1-1 District. Since Roby Manufacturing is no longer located
in the building, this decreases the parking demand which was one of staff's
concerns.
Chairman Schneider recognized Mr. Hlarry Ruer who was present along with the
petitioner Richard Buhrt- Mr. Ruer stated he had no further comments to add
to those already presented by staff.
MOTION by Commissioner Barron, seconded by `.--,missioner Threinen to recommend
approval of a conditional use permit for an instant printing operation to be
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4- November 21, 1979
located in the building at 14332 - 21st Avenue Horth subject to the following
conditions.
1. Permit is subject to all applicable ordinances, codes and regulations
and violation thereof shall be grounds for revocation.
2. No outside storage of materials of trash disposal facilities.
3 No :signs permitted without sign plan approval in accordance with ordinance
and plan criteria for this building.
4.. Expansion of the use beyond the space i;llown shall be subject to ordinance
plan review procedures as an amendment to the permit.
5. The permit sha?7 be for one year, at which time it shall be reviewed
by the Planning Zommission.
MOTION CARRIED 5-04 All in Favor
The meeting recessed. at 9:1.5 p.m. ind resumed at 9:20 p.m.
ity o P ymoui Rezoning
This item was introduced by staf; who reviewed the November 16, 1979 staff
report. This action has been brought by the City of Plymouth at the request
of the City Council to rezone the ;-nd located east of Zachary Lane south of
railroad right-of-way, north of 49th A!nuf`a North right--of-way to conform
with the land surrounding it.
Chairman. Schneider declared the public hearing open.
Chairman Schneider recognized Richard Beens, Attorney, representing the fee
owners of this land, Peabody Investments, Inc. Mr. Beens stated that the land
was purchased because of the zoning (I-1) and his clients had paid accordingly.
They have sold the west 20 acres on a contract for deed to another party
present) and this 'party has purchased this land on the basis of it being
zoned I-1. They are requesting some time to get back to the Planning Commission
with a proposal for the cevelopment of this land before the land is rezoned.
They would be back within four-six months.
fie explained the owners had hired a consultant and were considering a planned
unit development which might include a mix of residential and non-residential
uses. He said they realize there is no vested interest in the zoning itself,
especially since there is no use on the land.
He commented that the owners had met with staff last summer and had been
informed of the physical constraints on the property; and had since
d:".erinined approximately one third of the 70 acres is wetland.
Staff observed that the owners were informed last summer of the pending
review of the zoning and guiding of the land.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -5 November 21., 1979
Chairman Schneider recognized fir. Len Peterson, who spoke stating that he
has purchased the w ,t s_rly 20 acres. He showed the Planning Commissioners
the exact area on ax aerial map. He stated that they have economic reasons
for wanting the zoning to stay industrial. He realized that this property
has other, possibilities for development. Mr. Peterson then deferred to his
attorney.
Chairman Schneider recognized Mr. ,John A. Miller of 4530 Excelsior Boulevard,
who is a .Rea' Estate Attorney and represents Vir. Len Peterson. Mr. Miller
staved that he hadn't had a lot of time to prepare -for this hearing. They
have purchased this land according to the zoning and cannot sell the land at
the {rice they paid for it if the zoning is changed.
Mr. Miller stated that they would be ready to come in with a plan in the next few
months and if the land is rezoned they will have to come in with a plan that
takes into account the cost of the land. They request the action he deferred
to allow them time to submit a proposal to the Planning Commission for review.
Chaini,an Schneider recognized Mr. David :Morton of Peabody Investments. Mr.
Morton spoke saying that any heavy industry would be restricted to the easterly
portion of the property. He suggested that Peabody Investments and Mr. Peterson
get together and present a unified plan to the Planning Commission as soon as
possible.
Discussion ensued, with. Commissioner Threinen commenting that he was aware of
the physical restraints of the site. He also asked the Commission to consider
the neighboring residential development and the timing of construction of
49th Avenue North.
Commissioner Threinen stated concern that the owners had not checked the
guiding of the property. Mr.Morton stated he had verified the zoning,
but had not learned of the guiding conflict until after the land was
purchased and after the west 20 acres had been resold via contract -for -
deed
MOTION by Commissioner Barron, seconded by Commissioner Threinen to defer -for
no more than six (6) months to permit the owners to submit a combined develop-
ment plan.
Commissioner Threinen added the following directives to the owners:. they are
to `take into account the need for a transportation study in the northeast area
as directed by the City Council relative to two recent ;?evelopment proposals
in the area; the impact of nonresidential development upon Zachary Lane; the
arton"Aschman Physical Constraints Analysis data; the costs of development
of 49th Avenue (estimates); and PUD provisions in the zoning ordinance.
Commissioner Car -on commented that lie wished it noted in the minutes that
this is a suggestion of the owners to have a ,joint development plan.
MOTION CARRIED 5.0-0 All in Favor
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -5- November 21, 1919
MOTION by Commissioner Threinen, seconded by Umissioner Ste gerwald that
the Clay Council receive an update to keep them informed of the progress
regarding this item.
MT ION CARRIED 5-0-0 All in. Favor
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m