2006.08.14 PC Meeting Minutes (unsigned)
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
August 14, 2006
A. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 pm with
the following members present: Davis, Nystrom, Whitenack, VonRueden, Buck,
Hester, and Strand. Also present for the city were Council Liaison Joselyn, the
following staff: Matthews, Sutter and Zimmermann.
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Commissioner Strand and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to approve
the minutes of the July 10, 2006 regular meeting.
Motion carried.
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Consider Application 2006-14 for Planned Development (Preliminary Plat,
Rezoning, and Site & Building Plan Review) for a 4 story, 75-dwelling unit
senior cooperative on a portion of the property at 3420 Nevada Ave N.
Mr. Sutter summarized the staff report, and stated that while staff was reviewing the
applications they found a flaw in the Planned Development section of the city code
that staff would like to amend.
Discussion commenced among the commission members and Mr. Sutter.
Public Hearing opened.
John Paulson Jr. of 5095 Trenton Ave N in Plymouth stated he is here with his father
and his sister. They all own the Barcelona Apartments together. He stated the
concerns that he and his family members have with the proposed project. Chair Davis
asked Mr. Sutter if the city had done any traffic studies. Mr. Sutter replied that the
City Engineer had stated that this shouldn’t generate more traffic than the street can
handle.
Lisa Paulson of 2340 Cabella Ave N in Golden Valley part owner of Barcelona
Apartments expressed her concerns about the project and asked whether the City of
Crystal was subsidizing this project in any way. Mr. Sutter stated that the city is not
subsidizing this project. Ms. Paulson stated she is concerned that there will be run off
onto the property that will create problems for the Barcelona Apartments. Mr. Sutter
replied there will be a storm sewer picking up the outflow from the pond directing it
away form the Barcelona Apartment property. She stated that she also has concerns
about traffic.
John Paulson owner of Barcelona Apartments stated that he also has concerns about a
th
4 story building being built in this area and that 35 street is a narrow street that
wouldn’t be able to handle the traffic.
John Paulson Jr. of 5085 Trenton Avenue South spoke again as to the positive
aesthetics of flat roofs. He stated that he is concerned because the real estate market is
not good for condos and this type of building would never fill up.
Tony Kuechle of United Properties stated that they have been working with the city
staff to try to meet current code. He stated that this is the sixth building that they have
built like this. The company stays involved with the buildings from a property
management standpoint. Mr. Kuechle also stated that senior housing has the least
amount of a traffic impact than other types of residential building. He stated that they
have a provision in their contract for no rental units.
Commissioner Strand asked whether the outdoor parking spaces only exited onto
Nevada Avenue. Mr. Sutter clarified that yes they do.
Public Hearing closed.
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner Strand to continue
until the September 11 Planning Commission meeting Application 2006-14 for
Planned Development (Preliminary Plat, Rezoning, and Site & Building Plan) for a 4
story, 75-dwelling unit senior cooperative on a portion of the property at 3420
Nevada Avenue North.
Motion carried
2. Consider Application 2006-15 for a Variance at 4510 Brunswick Avenue
North.
Mr. Zimmerman summarized the staff report.
Discussion commenced between the commissioners and Mr. Zimmermann
regarding the need for the variance.
Public hearing opened
Joel VanRisseghem of 4510 Brunswick explained the situation to the
commissioners, and stated what he would have to go through in order to
make it conform.
Commissioner Whitenack asked a question to verify the measurements
that are actually there and what is actually required to make it lawful.
Discussion continued between the commissioners and Mr. VanRisseghem.
Commissioner Hester added that as a home owner you become the
responsible party when a plan is submitted. The plan is a legal document.
Public hearing closed
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom seconded by Commissioner Burk to
recommend to the City Council to deny Application 2006-15 for a
Variance at 4510 Brunswick Avenue North.
Findings of fact are as outlined in the staff report.
Motion carried with Nystrom, Whitenack,
VonRueden, Buck, Hester, and Strand voting
aye and Davis voting nay.
D. OLD BUSINESS
E. NEW BUSINESS
F.GENERAL INFORMATION
Mr. Sutter gave the commissioners an update on the recent Planning Commission
item that went to the City Council. Mr. Sutter also stated that there will be a full
agenda for the September meeting and briefed the commissioners on the likely items.
G. OPEN FORUM
H. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Nystrom and seconded by Commissioner VonRueden to
adjourn.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
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Chair Davis
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Secretary Strand