Loading...
2011.06.13 PC Meeting MinutesApproved Minutes of June 13, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 5 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\06.13\minutes.doc CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall A. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: X Commissioner (Ward 1) Sears Approved Minutes of June 13, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 5 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\06.13\minutes.doc Commissioner Johnson asked how the commission would recommend this type of action to the council. Mr. Sutter said by a motion recommending changing the ordinance related to the hours of operation in the C-1 districts. Commissioner Johnson recommended adding the recommendation that city staff suspend enforcement for this business until the ordinance is changed. Commissioner VonRueden asked Mr. Sutter if this change to the ordinance would require changing the listed uses in C-1 district. Mr. Sutter indicated one of the original purposes to the C-1 district zoning was to prevent issues such as activity of cars coming and going in areas where businesses are embedded in neighborhoods. It would be best to leave the uses the same, but if the commission wishes to, provide for more flexibility to the hours of operation on a case-by-case basis possibly through a process that allows the neighborhood to attend a public hearing regarding proposed hours of operation. Commissioner Johnson commented on the memo from the property owner that was provided to the commission. Commissioner Johnson commented that this variance request seems customer driven. Mr. Sutter added that the C-2 district is far more expansive in the city and that if this business had located in the C-2 district, it would provide them more flexibility. Commissioner Strand inquired if the Lamplighter (at 27th and Douglas Dr) was in the C-2 district. Mr. Sutter indicated that it is. Chair Heigel opened the Public Hearing and the following were heard: Belinda LeClair, co-owner of BodyBlast, addressed the commission. She stated this request is customer driven for the women who like to do the early morning workout. Eighty to ninety percent of their customers are Crystal residents and this location is a good fit for their customers. The business is still under construction and they have taken extra steps such as insulating the walls so there are no noise issues. Commissioner Strand asked how many members they have. Ms. LeClair indicated they have about 150 members from what was the Figures For Women located in Robbinsdale. Commissioner VonRueden asked what level of volume the might have at 5:00 a.m. Ms. LeClair said they have about 15 people working out at 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and noise would not be an issue. Approved Minutes of June 13, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 5 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\06.13\minutes.doc Commissioner Sears inquired about the parking lot lighting and whether it might disturb neighbors at 5 a.m. Ms. LeClair responded that there is one light in the middle of the parking lot that is not currently working, but will be working when they open for business. Commissioner Johnson asked if the lighting is downward facing. Mr. Sutter said typically parking lot lights are directed downward. Mr. Sutter informed the commission that there is an enforcement process for lighting issues. Nancy Stoneberg, former owner of Figurers For Women, addressed the commission. She stated the business was formerly located in an apartment building for 55 and over and they had no noise complaints. The 15 members that attend at 5 a.m. make a difference for their small business. She also feels it is strategic for the business to come to the area that their customers are from. Their customers are women that want a safe place to come and can actually act as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood at 5 a.m. She asked that the commission consider recommending the application for the variance. A female, that did not identify herself, stated they have had no problems, no complaints and no issues in the 55+ building where the business has been located. Karen Krussow, a Crystal resident and member, addressed the commission stating the 5 a.m. workout works for many from the neighborhood. It allows time to work out and be home to take care of children, grandchildren, etc., during the day. Anna Donato-Ghani, Crystal resident and Crystal business owner, addressed the commission. She asked when this business location received the C-1 designation and what was it designated before C-1. Mr. Sutter indicated in 2004 zoning was changed. Prior to 2004 there was no neighborhood commercial zone. Ms. Donato-Ghani asked that the commission consider changing the ordinance to allow for case-by-case consideration. Anne Hedlund, independent contractor of BodyBlast, addressed the commission. Ms. Hedlund noted that this location is ideal in that no houses are adjoining the parking lot and it is easy access on and off Douglas Dr. Two additional items were placed on the dais for each Planning Commission member: 1) An email received by the city from Susan Malbon asking the commission to recommend granting the variance to BodyBlast, 2) Memo from the Douglas Drive Partnership LLP, Phil Herman, landlord for BodyBlast, giving their support and approval to 5:00 a.m. opening and asking that the commission and council support the request also. Approved Minutes of June 13, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 5 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\06.13\minutes.doc Hearing no additional comments, the Public Hearing was closed. Planning Commission discussion: Commission Johnson asked Mr. Sutter if there were any comments from neighbors. Mr. Sutter stated that one resident had visited the counter for clarification of what the notice was about and did not object to the variance request. Hearing no further discussion from the planning commission, Chair Heigel asked for a motion. Moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Sears to recommend to the City Council to deny Application 2011-06 for a variance from limitations on hours of operation in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district at 3537 Douglas Drive per the findings in the staff report; and recommend the City Council direct city staff to introduce an ordinance amendment to the C-1 district to allow for flexibility in hours of operation; and recommends the City Council instruct city staff to suspend enforcement of the hours of operation at BodyBlast until the ordinance amendment is considered. Motion unanimously carried. 2. Consider Application 2011-07 to divide 4044 Hampshire and incorporate the rear 173 feet into the adjacent park Staff member John Sutter presented the staff report, recommending approval of the proposed lot division at 4044 Hampshire. Commissioner Strand asked if there are plans to add parking for this park. Mr. Sutter stated there is only street parking as this park is largely for passive recreation. Hearing no comments from the public and no further discussion from the planning commission, Chair Heigel asked for a motion: Moved by Commissioner VonRueden and seconded by Commissioner Strand to recommend to the City Council to approve Application 2011-07 to divide 4044 Hampshire and incorporate the rear 173 feet into the adjacent park. Motion unanimously carried. D. OLD BUSINESS A discussion regarding Cub’s choice to withdraw their application to divide off the fuel station rather than address the concerns the Council brought to them. Approved Minutes of June 13, 2011 Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 of 5 J:\PLANNING\Planning Commission\2011\06.13\minutes.doc E. NEW BUSINESS – None to discuss. F. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. City Council action on previous Planning Commission items 2. Staff preview of likely agenda items for July 11, 2011 meeting included the possible application by McDonald’s to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for the change to a two lane drive-thru. G. OPEN FORUM – None heard. H. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Sears and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn. Motion unanimously carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.