2000.09.11 PC Meeting PacketCRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA SUMMARY
September 11, 2000
7:00 PM
1. Approval of Minutes from the August 14, 2000 Meeting.
2. Public Hearing: Application 2000-14.8 for Lot Division and Combination, submitted
by Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal (applicant and owner),
for division of property located at 6403 41St Avenue North (part of P.I.D. 17-118-21-
14-0013) into two lots, one of which would be sold for construction of a new single
family house while the other would be attached to and made a part of the abutting
Hagemeister Pond park (P.I.D. 17-118-21-14-0059).
3. Discussion Item: Development Code Revisions
4. Informal discussion and announcements.
5. Adjournment.
• For additional information, contact John Sutter at 531-1142 •
F:\G ROU PCOM DEV LP\P LAN N IN G\P LANCOM M\2000\09-11 \agendasummary.doc
August 14, 2000
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the
following present: Elsen, K. Graham, Kamp, Koss, Krueger, Magnuson, Nystrom, and
VonRueden. Also present were the following: Community Development Director Peters,
Planner Sutter, and Recording Secretary Van Krevelen. Absent (excused) was T. Graham.
1. Moved by Commissioner Elsen and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to approve the
minutes of the July 10, 2000 regular meeting, with the following exception: Commissioner
Koss should have been excused for the July 10 meeting.
Motion carried.
2. Chair Magnuson declared this was the time and place as advertised for a public hearing to
consider a request for an extension until December 31, 2001 of the previously approved
Application 99-6.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes Cemetery Association
(applicant and owner), to construct a cemetery maintenance building on unaddressed property
(P.I.D. 09-118-21-23-0006) located at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 5100 Douglas Drive
North.
Planner Sutter stated this was the first of three related applications, the cemetery maintenance
building, the funeral home, and development of the 10 acre site. Crystal Lakes Cemetery
Association is only requesting an extension for an additional year, nothing else would be
changing. Planning Commission members questioned Planner Sutter whether a prior extension
had been requested and if he foresaw any problems by granting the extension. Planner Sutter
said this was their first request for an extension and didn't anticipate any negative impacts from
granting it.
No one appeared to speak.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Elsen to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner VonRueden to recommend to
the City Council to approve a request for an extension until December 31, 2001 of the
previously approved Application 99-6.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes
Cemetery Association (applicant and owner), to construct a cemetery maintenance building on
unaddressed property (P.I.D. 09-118-21-23-0006) located at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens,
5100 Douglas Drive North.
Motion carried.
3. Chair Magnuson declared this was the time and place as advertised for a public hearing to
consider Application 2000-11.4 for Conditional Use Permit, together with a request for an
1
extension until December 31, 2001 of the previously approved Application 99-3.3 for Site Plan
- Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes Cemetery Association (applicant and owner), to construct
a funeral home at 5101 West Broadway (P.I.D. 09-118-21-23-0005).
Planner Sutter said that this was very similar to the prior public hearing, except the applicant
was also requesting renewal of their Conditional Use Permit in addition to the extension. He
also stated he could see no reason not to approve this.
No one appeared to speak.
Moved by Commissioner Koss and seconded by Commissioner Kamp to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Elsen and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to recommend to the
City Council to approve Application 2000-11.4 for Conditional Use Permit, together with a
request for an extension until December 31, 2001 of the previously approved Application 99-
3.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes Cemetery Association (applicant and
owner), to construct a funeral home at 5101 West Broadway (P.I.D. 09-118-21-23-0005).
Motion carried.
4. Chair Magnuson declared this was the time and place as advertised for a public hearing to
consider Application 2000-12.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Greg A. Bichler (applicant
and owner), to construct a 3,498 sq. ft. dental office building on property located at 5231 and
5237 Douglas Drive North (P.I.D. 08-118-21-11-0003 and 08-118-21-11-0084).
Planner Sutter presented the proposal to the Planning Commission. The applicant would like
to build a rambler style dental building with a full basement for utility and storage. The sign is
not consistent with the 10' setback and will need to be relocated. It was also recommended
that, since the basement is required to be sprinklered, the whole building be sprinklered.
Parking requirement based on main floor area would be 17 stalls.
Greg Bichler, 5540 West Broadway addressed the Planning Commission. He said he's been in
the area 15 years. There would initially be only one dentist operating from the clinic, but there
could be an associate in the future. He doesn't anticipate any parking problems, there would
be only 7-8 staff members at any given time, but mentioned that staff could park on the street
or he could possibly approach the eye clinic across the street to see if they could use their
parking lot if necessary.
Some members of the Planning Commission were concerned that there would be insufficient
parking if the business expanded or if the property changed hands and the basement would no
longer be used for storage. It was discussed that because there would be no elevator, the
basement could not be used for patients because of the lack of handicapped accessibility.
Planner Sutter mentioned that two extra parking stalls could be added, but that you would lose
some aesthetics because of the loss of green space. The two additional stalls corresponds with
2
the number of stalls required for the basement storage area if it were to be counted for
calculating parking demand.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Elsen to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Elsen and seconded by Commissioner Krueger to recommend to the
City Council to adopt Application 2000-12.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Greg A.
Bichler (applicant and owner), to construct a 3,498 sq. ft. dental office building on property
located at 5231 and 5237 Douglas Drive North (P.I.D. 08-118-21-11-0003 and 08-118-21-11-
0084 subject to the following conditions:
❑ The basement shall be used only for storage and utility purposes, and shall not be used in
any way which would act to increase the demand for off-street parking, unless the
necessary additional off-street parking is provided. The applicant and the City Council are
advised that an additional two stalls could be placed on the site if the parking lot was
enlarged.
❑ The sidewalk shall be extended east approximately 10 feet so that it connects with the
existing public sidewalk along Douglas Drive.
❑ All signage shall be in compliance with Crystal City Code.
❑ All lighting shall be in compliance with Crystal City Code.
❑ All landscaping species shall be subject to review by the City's Forestry Technician prior to
installation.
❑ No building permit shall be issued until the applicant executes the required Site
Improvement Agreement.
Commissioner Nystrom stated that although she supported this project, she disagreed strongly
with the possibility of converting green space for parking.
Commissioner Kamp stated he also supported the project, but was disappointed about the
parking issue and felt storage space ought to be considered when looking at parking
requirements in the future.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Elsen to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Elsen and seconded by Commissioner Krueger to recommend to the
City Council to adopt Application 2000-12.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Greg A.
3
Bichler (applicant and owner), to construct a 3,498 sq. ft. dental office building on property
located at 5231 and 5237 Douglas Drive North (P.I.D. 08-118-21-I1-0003 and 08-118-21-11-
0084).
The findings of fact are as delineated in the staff report.
Motion carried.
5. Chair Magnuson Magnuson declared this was the time and place as advertised for a public
hearing to consider Application Application 2000-13.1,3,8 for Rezoning to Planned Unit
Development, Site Plan Review and Preliminary Plat, submitted by SVK Development
(applicant and owner), for a residential development consisting of 10 single family detached
units and 40 townhouse units, proposed for a 10 acre site located at the northwest corner of 47th
Avenue North and Zane Avenue North (P.I.D. 09-118-21-32-0031).
Planner Sutter stated that the property is currently zoned Rl- Single Family Residential. This
would be appropriate for the ten single-family units, all they would need is a preliminary plat,
but the area for the forty townhouses needs to be rezoned P.U.D. For single family properties,
the city doesn't have much control, but the city will have much more control with the P.U.D.
The layout for the townhouses is basically the same as was presented at the neighborhood
meeting on June 12th, and there would be two public streets, Adair Avenue North and Adair
Court servicing them. Snow plowing of the two public streets would be handled by the
townhouse association. Because these are public streets, they would be subject to the same
laws as all other public streets and there would be no parking allowed between 3 — 6 a.m.
There would be a pedestrian trail running along the back of the property and up the west side to
the cul-de-sac on Adair Court. The City would then be responsible for connecting the trail to
the Community Center and pool and for maintenance of the trail.
Scott Kevitt, developer of the project, appeared before the Planning Commission. He
addressed several of the Planning Commission's questions, stating that each townhouse owner
would own their individual unit, and all common areas would be owned equally. The single-
family homes will definitely not be part of the association. The average base price would be
about $170,000, but past experience has shown most buyers finish the lower level right away,
which would bring the price up to $200,000+. The association would be run by SVK until the
majority of the homeowners move in, then would be relinquished to them. The approximate
cost of the association fees would be $1174120 per month.
Virginia Cash, 4544 Adair Ave. N., spoke to the Planning Commission about her traffic
concerns if this project goes through, and suggested a speed hump might be needed. Planner
Sutter said he didn't think traffic would be a problem, but if it is, residents can bring their
concerns to the City Engineer and a speed hump may be looked at in the future. The Planning
Commission suggested that a 4 -way stop sign be looked at, and also directed staff to mention
to the City Engineer that this was brought up.
No residents appeared in opposition.
M
0
7.
Moved by Commissioner Kamp and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to close the public
hearing.
Motion carried.
Moved by Commissioner Elsen and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to recommend to the
City Council to adopt Application 2000-13.1,3.8 for Rezoning to Planned Unit Development,
Site Plan Review and Preliminary Plat, submitted by SVK Development (applicant and owner),
for a residential development consisting of 10 single family detached units and 40 townhouse
units, proposed for a 10 acre site located at the northwest corner of 47th Avenue North and
Zane Avenue North (P.I.D. 09-118-2132-003 1)
The findings of facts are as follows: The proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The development will not negatively impact the adjacent neighborhood and provides housing
options to people in need of move -up housing and/ people interested in one -level living. The
installation of trail connections to the City owned property on the west side of the development
will enhance pedestrian and bicycle access from the development and the surrounding
neighborhood to the Community Center, Municipal Pool and Little League ball fields. The
proposal meets the PUD District purpose
Code 515.52 Subds. 1, 2, and 3. It will
housing of a type which is consistent with
goals.
Informal Discussion and Announcements.
use, and development standards as set out in City
also provide an opportunity for construction of new
the City's Comprehensive Plan and redevelopment
Motion carried 7 to 1 with Elsen, K.
Graham, Kamp, Koss, Magnuson,
Nystrom and VonRueden voting aye and
Krueger voting nay.
Planner Sutter stated that at this time no Planning Commission items have been received for
the regularly scheduled September 11th meeting.
There were no informal discussions or announcements.
Moved by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Nystrom to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Secretary Nystrom
Motion carried.
Chair Magnuson
5
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: September 8, 2000
TO: f� Planning Commission (September 11th meeting — Item #2)
FROM: John Sutter, Planner
SUBJECT: Application 2000-2.8 for Lot Combination and Redivision
6403 41St Avenue North (P.I.D. 17-118-21-14-0013)
Combination of two existing parcels into a single parcel, together with
redivision to create two parcels in a different configuration, one for
construction of a new single family house and the other to be combined
with the abutting Hagemeister Pond park (P.LD. 17-118-21-14-0059).
A. BACKGROUND
The subject property, 6403 4154 Avenue North, was originally 98 feet wide and 317 feet
deep. It was divided by the Crystal City Council in January 2000 to create two parcels:
❑ The north 217 feet to be sold as a redevelopment lot as part of the City's New
Home program; and
❑ The south 100 feet to be combined with and incorporated into the abutting
Hagemeister Park.
As a result of discussions among the members of the Hagemeister Park task force, the
City Council has expressed a desire to pursue moving the common lot line between the
recently divided parcels 35 feet north, so that it would line up with the rear lot lines of
properties further west on 41 st Avenue.
The original lot sale, completed in May 2000, was not successful and the EDA ended
up repurchasing the development lot from the builder. A new Request for Proposals for
builders potentially interested in purchasing the development lot was mailed to 133
parties on August 16th. Proposals from builders were due on September 8th; three
proposals were received and the EDA will consider them on September 19th
The following informational items are attached:
❑ plat maps showing the current and proposed lot configurations; and
❑ survey from previous lot division with new park / house lot boundary indicated; and
❑ proposed legal descriptions for the revised parcels.
W
C.
►0a
STAFF COMMENTS
The proposal would move the existing lot line between two lots, one of which is being
made available for sale and construction of a new house. The other lot would be
combined with 6427 41St Avenue North (P.I.D. 17-118-21-14-0059) to become part of
Hagemeister Pond Park.
Lot requirements (Section 515.15) are a minimum width of 60', a minimum depth of 100'
and a minimum area of 7,500 sq. ft. The building lot would exceed these minimums, as
follows:
PROPERTY WIDTH WIDTH
ADDRESS AT FRONT AT BACK
6403 41St 98.35' 98.35'
DEPTH ALONG DEPTH ALONG LOT AREA
EAST SIDE WEST SIDE SQ. FT. [ACRES]
182.22' 182.22' 17,921 [0.41]
Yard requirements (Section 515.13) are a minimum front yard setback of 30', a
minimum side yard setback of F and a minimum rear yard setback of 30'. The lot would
easily accommodate construction of a new house while complying with these setbacks.
Because the property is served by existing streets, water, sanitary sewer and storm
sewer, no improvements will be required as a condition of lot division approval.
No park dedication fee will be required because the property was previously used for a
single family house, and there would be no net increase in the number of housing units.
SUGGESTED FINDINGS OF FACT
The proposal complies with the requirements for lot divisions in Crystal City Code.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Application 2000-14.8 for Lot Combination and
Redivision, submitted by Economic Development Authority of the City of Crystal
(applicant and owner) and the City of Crystal (owner), to move the common lot line 35
feet north of its present location for previously divided property located at 6403 41St
Avenue North (P.I.D. 17-118-21-14-0013).
The Planning Commission is asked to make a recommendation on the request for City
Council consideration.
The City Council will consider the request at its next regular meeting on September 19th
LOT COMBINATION & REDIVISION - 6403 41ST AVE N
2
ST
r •v I .II$ ti� �1�•� t975
20
62
y
6 Gf ! K G6
1Z'.1+--.515 cSrT— ycd.. It1.,{ — —�+1 V\
ax e: - I Iz6 .z "�K
���. •!01.73.
COUNTY
LIBRAY 0 , Q
i
h`
)
�� N M•�
J r '�
Ir rz az I vi �+cr
70 69168 63
41i
PM w e , •r. I rr.,; e1�
Al
1
1.11._
•� 4515 fa... —
AVE-
dzl.LB
N
9d POM
aza. za
s
's I
a 16. a I I
I�
GAIULKE- S 2nd,
-moo— cs�.;2-... - 1`I V �iT('7 ,;,� -•:.r
135•'3 33.18 I� �33,7s ,33.18
>o iaOG A L
IO
h 13
Q 'u IZ
M
t G � ^�
l � '7►
2 I z oc
N
a Gf K G6 Gr « 73 1 O
i
JZ7.Sj-_�sS75 c5� itic� i �T 141.73
(o" 3
�aM �i1
� N
T T
COUNTY 41
ry 0 1o�a oQ1 >, ` 1.19 RAIRY
!Aj77 31 1 .112 ; 7.35 �Q n h n
s 6 oI f.
i5 3
77. 77.171 3 4 7
r Kss: J«ds dt e=
41STPLACc74R� 45 3 /31.!69168, •SG
70 5 j 63 i
'732 T31 '133 415 54 O
3 Z ZLf
Q
w w R
111.,
it
''.TI 77.1 j . 3 6S.S4 IS.4611 40—M ie e S 11 � 1 131.1
V.. E.
LSd 5
14Z7i
!R611�.1 ia` Y1� ��.cc' of
M--
�-v -
I�� pi 711--N-ORTT�--:,
133•'•3 I 133•ld 53:7 s ! 35,i a 3:,30
I ,
1-;GAKE'S, 43rd.4 ADDS
33.71 ;1 j 1133 ;r >3•;I v
.0-k i
PP.OwsD
r r.--4
lo-
F�
PA*M 8
?8 vtco
-- N( C'OR. Of LOf 66. AU01lOR'S --- -
NORTH LINE OF LOT 66-- SUMMSION NUMBER J79
0
_
s.N,rARr- N,, 41 ST AVENUE, , N� OR
'00 ETH
--
ALINE PARALLEL TO THE NORTH
599°56
o LINE OF LOT 66- �s
m
___aRE 2NCE
LP°aR
cwanav�
� O
POKER
PIXE --
/ Pal I
6557
a
-FraMO r/} M OPEN r111
xESI � CdlA, 20 'CGRIJER
,SI1ME
�� 52P5
� ZW
G�
tOr 9'I k 0
W=
--MN1O REI. Volt
-EDGE CF CQVG
~-MXb FENCE
r
N ��V
t�
1�
�1F�.�i
��� � ^1 .• I heresy ":e ti!v lhgN�his s
N
mmm
r
EXISTING LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS
PARCEL A
Par. 1: The North '/2 of that part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota",
described as follows:
Commencing at point 65.57 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66; thence West parallel
to the North line of said Lot 65.57 feet; thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66 to the South line of said
Lot; thence East along the South line of said Lot, 65.57 feet; thence North parallel to the East line of said Lot to the
point of beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for
said Hennepin County, Minnesota.
together with:
Par. 2: That part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota" described as
follows: Commencing at a point 131.14 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66, thence
West parallel to the North line of said Lot 32.78 feet, thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66, 317.22
feet, thence East 32.78 feet to a point 317.22 feet South from the point of beginning, thence North to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in office of the Register of Deeds in and for said
Hennepin County.
except:
The south 100.00 feet thereof of said Par. 1 and 2.
PARCEL B
The south 100.00 feet of the following described parcels:
Par. 1: The North '/2 of that part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota",
described as follows:
Commencing at point 65.57 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66; thence West parallel
to the North line of said Lot 65.57 feet; thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66 to the South line of said
Lot; thence East along the South line of said Lot, 65.57 feet; thence North parallel to the East line of said Lot to the
point of beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for
said Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Par. 2: That part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota" described as
follows: Commencing at a point 131.14 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66, thence
West parallel to the North line of said Lot 32.78 feet, thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66, 317.22
feet, thence East 32.78 feet to a point 317.22 feet South from the point of beginning, thence North to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in office of the Register of Deeds in and for said
Hennepin County.
09/08/00 \\CY FS1\SYS\GROUPS\COMDEVLP\P LAN NING\Applications\2000\14(41st-6403)Megaldescription.doc
PROPOSED LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS
PARCEL A
Par. 1: The North %z of that part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota",
described as follows:
Commencing at point 65.57 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66; thence West parallel
to the North line of said Lot 65.57 feet; thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66 to the South line of said
Lot; thence East along the South line of said Lot, 65.57 feet; thence North parallel to the East line of said Lot to the
point of beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for
said Hennepin County, Minnesota.
together with:
Par. 2: That part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota" described as
follows: Commencing at a point 131.14 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66, thence
West parallel to the North line of said Lot 32.78 feet, thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66, 317.22
feet, thence East 32.78 feet to a point 317.22 feet South from the point of beginning, thence North to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in office of the Register of Deeds in and for said
Hennepin County.
except:
The south 135.00 feet thereof of said Par. 1 and 2.
PARCEL B
The south 135.00 feet of the following described parcels:
Par. 1: The North 'h of that part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota",
described as follows:
Commencing at point 65.57 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66; thence West parallel
to the North line of said Lot 65.57 feet; thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66 to the South line of said
Lot; thence East along the South line of said Lot, 65.57 feet; thence North parallel to the East line of said Lot to the
point of beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in the office of the Register of Deeds in and for
said Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Par. 2: That part of Lot 66, "Auditor's Subdivision Number 324, Hennepin County, Minnesota" described as
follows: Commencing at a point 131.14 feet West and 30 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Lot 66, thence
West parallel to the North line of said Lot 32.78 feet, thence South parallel to the East line of said Lot 66, 317.22
feet, thence East 32.78 feet to a point 317.22 feet South from the point of beginning, thence North to the point of
beginning, according to the plat thereof on file or of record in office of the Register of Deeds in and for said
Hennepin County.
09/08/00 \\CY_FS1\SYS\GROUPS\COMDEVLP\PLANNING\Applications\2000\14(41st-6403)\legaldescription.doe
CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS ON PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
(since last Planning Commission meeting on August 14, 2000)
August 15, 2000:
❑ Approved: Extension until December 31, 2001 of the previously approved Application 99-
6.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes Cemetery Association (applicant and
owner), to construct a cemetery maintenance building on unaddressed property (P.I.D. 09-
118-21-23-0006) located at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 5100 Douglas Drive North.
❑ Approved: Application 2000-11.4 for Conditional Use Permit, together with a request for
extension until December 31, 2001 of the previously approved Application 99-3.3 for Site
Plan Review, submitted by Crystal Lakes Cemetery Association (applicant and owner), to
construct a funeral home at 5101 West Broadway (P.I.D. 09-118-21-23-0005).
❑ Approved: Application 2000-12.3 for Site Plan Review, submitted by Greg A. Bichler
(applicant and owner), to construct a 3,498 sq. ft. dental office building on property located
at 5231 and 5237 Douglas Drive North (P.I.D. 08-118-21-11-0003 and 08-118-21-11-0084).
❑ Approved: Application 2000-13.1,3,8 for Rezoning to Planned Unit Development, Site Plan
Review and Preliminary Plat, submitted by SVK Development (applicant and owner), for a
residential development consisting of 10 single family detached units and 40 townhouse
units, proposed for a 10 acre site located at the northwest corner of 47th Avenue North and
Zane Avenue North (P.I.D. 09-118-21-32-0031). Note: This approval was made subject to
the subsequent approval of the final plat and the second reading and adoption of the
P. U. D. ordinance.
September 5, 2000
❑ Approved: Final Plat and Rezoning to Planned Unit Development, for Application 2000-
13.1,3,8 submitted by SVK Development (applicant and owner), for a residential
development consisting of 10 single family detached units and 40 townhouse units,
proposed for a 10 acre site located at the northwest corner of 47th Avenue North and Zane
Avenue North (P.I.D. 09-118-21-32-0031).
MEMORANDUM
TO: Crystal Planning Commission
FROM: Patrick Peters, Community Development Director
DATE: September 8, 2000
SUBJECT: Discussion of Proposed Modifications to Development Code Provisions
I would like to spend some time Monday night brainstorming some ideas about potential
changes to the City's Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance and specific site development
provisions of the Site and Building Plan Review Ordinance (e.g., architectural standards
and minimum landscaping requirements). The City's Zoning Ordinance was originally
adopted almost 25 years ago, and staff suggests that it may not provide for the protection
of the community's health, safety and general welfare today as it did in 1976. As such, it
is time to revisit its relationship to the City's updated Comprehensive Plan and other
development -related ordinances.
In preparation for this portion of the meeting I would ask that each of you jot down some
of the ordinance -related issues that have arisen during your tenure on the Commission so
that we can get these on the floor for discussion. Our goal will be to identify problems or
shortcomings with our ordinances and to propose changes that respond to contemporary
issues. For example:
• Is there a need or desire to reduce the number or modify the type of residential zoning
district designations within the city?
• Can the current ordinance effectively accommodate mixed-use development or
redevelopment?
• Does the current ordinance appropriately and effectively regulate commercial and
industrial uses?
• Is it important to formalize more stringent landscaping and architectural standards?
You also may wish to review the attached excerpt from the Crystal Comprehensive Plan
that articulates the community goals and vision. My hope is that the efforts we all put
forth on this will result in ordinances that complement each other and support the
community vision of a safe and healthy city.
\\CY_FSI\SYS\GROUPS\COMDEVLP\PLANNING\PLANCOMM\2000\OrdinanceUpdate_PCMemo 090800.doc
E. COMMUNITY VISION
1. Community Visioning Session
A community vision session was held on March 26, 1998. Residents, business owners, City
Council, Planning Commission, Park Board, EDA Advisory Commission and Environmental
Commission members were invited to attend. Approximately 60 participants were involved in
the vision exercises that were used as basis for the Crystal's vision and goals for the next 20
years. The results of the meeting are summarized in the following pages. As presented at the
beginning of the plan, the vision statement "The Crystal Vision - 2020" represents what residents
want their community to become.
The community vision session was structured to encourage discussion from residents during
three exercises. Those attending participated in small group discussions ranging in size from five
to eight persons each. All groups were provided with a general discussion guide to help focus
the discussions on the same topics. Table reports were presented verbally in open forum to
identify similarities and differences of opinion.
The first exercise posed the question, "What is this Place?" That is, which characteristics define
Crystal? What makes Crystal "Crystal"? Responses are as follows:
• Population is diversifying in ethnicity
• Hometown — Where I grew up
• Long-term residents — 30 years +
• Transitional community — people move out as income grows
• Close to downtown
• Strategically located — easy commute
• Quiet community
• Safe community
• Clean and people care for homes
• Warm and friendly feeling
• Good government
• Bargain
• Middle Income
• Signature Place:
- Crystal Shopping Center
- Community Center
- Becker Park
- Bassett Creek Park
- Airport
- City Hall
- Library
- Swimming Pool
- Water slide
• Places are divided by highways
• Irregular borders are a problem
• Some traffic congestion
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 14
• Lack of schools in the community
• Aging housing stock
• Commercial districts are deteriorating
• Crime rate is low
• Lack of senior housing
The second exercise was the visioning exercise which posed the question, "What Does Crystal
Want to Be?" Participants were asked to define the characteristics they wanted Crystal to have in
2010 - how will people relate to one another, the activities in Crystal, and how Crystal will look,
feel, and sound. The answers were grouped topically as determined by a group consensus.
Desired community characteristics are as follows:
Improve Intra- and Inter- Community Transit
• Commuter rail transit
• Rapid transit
• Innovative public transportation
• Inter -Community transit
Maintain and Improve Infrastructure
• Maintain infrastructure
• Good city maintenance at an affordable price
• Underground utility lines
Maintain and Improve Park System and Wetlands
• Improve park system
• Environmental quality
• Full utilization of parks
• Maintain wetlands
• Trees
• Biking and hiking trails
• Green space
• Preserve nature and open spaces
Make the Airport a better member of the Community
• Keep the airport
A Safe and Secure Community
• Safe community
• Safe neighborhoods
• Family oriented
• Greater sense of community
Community Youth Development
• Intergenerational interaction
• Return a local high school
• Structured youth programs
• Thriving youth center
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 15
• Strong schools and recreational programming
• Need for youth programs
• Focus on kids
Maintain and Improve Housing Quality
• Increasing property values
• Quality affordable housing
• Recondition/maintain substandard housing
• Maintain or improve housing stock
• Life cycle housing
• Senior housing
Greater Cooperation with Neighbors
• Merge Crystal and New Hope
Improve Communications
• Better communication
Strengthen and Diversify the Business Community
• Focus and fill businesses
• Limit the expansion of shopping districts/better utilization of space
• Broader tax base
• Solid business community
• Healthy business climate
The third exercise established priorities for realizing the collective vision for Crystal. That is,
which characteristics will be the most important in realizing our collective vision for Crystal?
FIGURE 2
RESULTS OF VISIONING EXERCISE - "WHAT DOES THIS PLACE WANT TO BET"
1
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 16
I w
Characteristics of the Future Community
A Community that has:
A sense of community/a place with identity and recognition
A diversity of housing types to accommodate changing lifestyles,
including senior housing
o'
Z' a'
14
5
o
a
6
5
Preserved natural resources (wildlife, vegetation, wetlands,
waters, etc.)
7
5
1
Parks and open spaces connected by trails (bikes)
3�
A great image
A good local public transit system — bus, rail
�1
2#1
1
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 16
A safe place to live
A diversity of retail and commercial
q27
q31
0
Job diversity
iE
E
I o
Z U- i
Education as a focus
5 15
1
Bike lanes on major roads
i
7
2
Places for teen gathering
2
6
2
Improve communications
3
2
5
1
Maintain and Improve Infrastructure
4
5 i
1
Community youth development
4
5
i1
Maintain and Improve the park systems and wetlands
5
4
Strengthen and Improve the business community
5
6
Make the airport a better member of the community
3
6
Maintain and improve housing quality
9
Greater cooperation with neighbors
5
5
2 i
A safe secure community
8
Improve intra- and inter- community transit
1
8
In addition to the identified issues above, there was additional discussion after the exercises on
the following topics.
Bike Trails — This appears to be an unresolved issue that will need further investigation to get
at the heart of the concerns. Comments regarding bike trails on and off roadways were
discussed with citizens expressing safety concerns.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 17
0
C
a
iE
E
I o
Z U- i
In addition to the identified issues above, there was additional discussion after the exercises on
the following topics.
Bike Trails — This appears to be an unresolved issue that will need further investigation to get
at the heart of the concerns. Comments regarding bike trails on and off roadways were
discussed with citizens expressing safety concerns.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 17
• "Improve Communications" in the visioning exercise was not really an issue. Many who
answered in the neutral felt that while communications are important, the present level of
communication between city government and residents is adequate.
• "Places for teen gathering" — The neutral comments reflects teens' inability to take advantage
of the number of opportunities in the community. The community needs to take a role in
teen activities.
• "Job Diversity" was discussed in greater length. Statements that Crystal is a bedroom
community with few jobs were made. Questions inferring the need for additional business
and industry were discussed as well.
2. Community Goals
Community goals were drawn from the results of the public vision meeting. The following are
the City's goals:
1. An enlightened, aware and involved citizenry that plays an active and continuing role in
evaluating trends and participates in future decision making.
2. Economical and efficient governance/public servicing capability based on
intergovernmental cooperation, additional service sharing, municipal boundary
adjustments and volunteerism.
3. Public services at current levels, but with increasing emphasis on senior citizens and
housing maintenance programs.
4. A safe and healthy environment that is enhanced by the responsible management of
wastes and the protection of natural resources (air quality, wetlands, surface waters and
trees).
5. An identity that establishes Crystal as having a sense of place that is distinctively
different from its surrounding neighboring cities.
6. An image that exudes stability and good housing values and portrays Crystal as a good
place to live and raise a family.
7. The conservation and protection of stable neighborhoods from disruptive nonresidential
influences.
8. Safe and well maintained neighborhoods with increasing housing values and continuing
neighborhood improvement and awareness programs.
9. A housing stock that satisfies the needs of a diverse population including people of all
socioeconomic, ethnic and educational backgrounds.
10. An improving and well maintained housing stock with expanded opportunities for seniors
and young families.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 18
11. An expanded tax base primarily through redevelopment and rehabilitation of the existing
building stock. .._
12. Compatible and functional relationships between dissimilar land uses.
13. Shopping environments that are attractive for shoppers, satisfy an appropriate level of
retail goods and services needs for residents and create a distinctive identity for Crystal.
14. Redevelopment and rehabilitation of the County Road 81 corridor for a desirable mixture
of uses, with a focus on higher wage employment and head of household jobs.
15. A balanced park system consisting of active and passive recreation, natural areas and
interconnecting local and regional trails with a minimal increase in land area that is
capable of evolving to meet the needs of a changing population.
16. A diverse transportation system with increasing emphasis on affordable public transit that
serves as a catalyst for redevelopment, tax base growth and image enhancement.
17. Pursue re -use of the Crystal Airport property for mixed use redevelopment opportunities,
in the event that the Metropolitan Airports Commission relocates the Crystal Airport. (It
is understood that such relocation, while desired by the City of Crystal, is unlikely.)
18. Maximum communication and cooperation with Minnesota Department of
Transportation, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit,
Hennepin County, Robbinsdale Area Schools (ISD 281), adjacent cities, and other
applicable local, state and federal agencies.
3. City of Crystal Vision Plan Narrative
The purpose of the vision plan is to frame a direction for the City of Crystal of the future. Many
elements play a role in the vision. "A Tour of Crystal in 2020" describes how the individual
elements represented in the vision plan look, feel and function in the city, and explains how the
elements relate to one another.
"A Tour of Crystal in 2020"
Before we begin our tour of Crystal, we must decide how we will move around the city. While
an automobile would have been the obvious choice twenty years ago, we have more options
today. With the improvement and addition of sidewalks and the establishment of a trail system,
more residents are walking and biking. Improved public transit is also available due to the
addition of a transit hub and circulator service between Crystal and surrounding cities.
Automobiles are still the most frequently used travel mode in the community, but alternatives
have become more accessible and easier to use.
The Crystal Airport is another transportation -related element that has improved, functioning
much better in the community than it once did. Improvements in and around it provide a fit that
has been beneficial to both the facility and community. Through aesthetic enhancements at the
perimeter, the airport now presents a much friendlier "face" to the surrounding neighborhoods.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 19
Our tour begins not inside Crystal, but at its edges. We see that the borders of the city haven't
changed much in the last twenty years, but learn that residents living in the neighborhoods on the
edges no longer feel the sense of isolation that they once did. Through increased cooperation
with its neighboring communities, Crystal has ensured that all of its residents feel they are part of
a community, even if that community is of a larger regional scale that extends beyond one city's
borders.
While Crystal participates as a member of a larger regional community, immediately upon our
entrance at 27`h Avenue and Douglas Drive we realize that the city is also identified and
celebrated as a unique place. At this entry point and at other key entrances around the city,
gateways with welcome signage and attractive landscaping announce one's arrival into Crystal.
As we move north on Douglas Drive to continue our tour, we see that the street has been
transformed. Human -scale street lighting, wide walkways, boulevard trees and colorful street
furnishings have made the street a much more attractive and pedestrian -friendly environment.
Douglas Drive, West Broadway and Bass Lake Road have assumed a big role in identifying
Crystal as a special place. These identity streets form corridors that connect many of the special
elements of the City.
These special elements are celebrated at the feature intersections. Each feature intersection
shares materials, such as street lights and landscaping, with the gateways and identity streets to
reinforce the overall identity of the city. Also present are special signs or banners to highlight
the unique character of the immediate area. We encounter our first feature intersection at 32nd
Avenue and Douglas Drive, which celebrates the natural preservation and recreation corridor
along Bassett Creek to the east.
As the name suggests, the natural preservation and recreation corridors have a twofold purpose.
First, these corridors permanently protect Crystal's natural resources, such as wetlands and water
bodies, as public open space. The corridors' second purpose is to provide residents with passive
and active recreational opportunities, such as trails and picnic areas, in a natural setting.
Continuing our tour, we move north on Douglas Drive to 36`h Avenue, where we encounter
another feature intersection. This intersection highlights one of Crystal's numerous
neighborhood gathering nodes. Over the years, the nodes have evolved to provide much more
than basic goods and services to nearby residents. Buildings have been brought to the street, and
attractive benches and other street furnishings make the sidewalk a friendlier, more social place.
New businesses such as coffeehouses and delis provide places to gather and socialize with
friends and neighbors. The neighborhood gathering nodes function as the "living rooms" for
Crystal's neighborhoods.
Our next stop is at the intersection of Douglas Drive and 42nd Avenue, Crystal's city center.
Much like the neighborhood gathering nodes, the city center provides convenient access to basic
goods and services for the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as places to socialize in a
welcoming setting. However, the city center also functions as the heart for city government
programs and services, which continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community.
The attractive City Hall and Hennepin County Library buildings visibly represent residents'
pride in their city, and are busy places due to a high level of citizen involvement in community
activities.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 20
The Crystal Community Center, just a short trip north on Douglas Drive from the city center, is
another active place. With a variety of programs catering to all ages, the facility presents
residents with another way to get involved in their community.
As we have driven north on Douglas Drive, we have enjoyed views into some of Crystal's
residential areas. The well-maintained homes on tree -lined streets make it clear that residents
have a lot of pride in their neighborhoods. While most of the homes are single-family dwellings,
we have also seen other types of housing tucked into the neighborhoods. Wherever multiple
family dwellings have been constructed, they have a scale and architectural quality that is
compatible with the adjacent single-family homes. It is clear that Crystal offers a wide variety of
housing options, including innovative move -up and senior housing. Strong neighborhoods and
an active, involved citizenry are also a defining characteristic of Crystal.
As we turn off Douglas Drive onto West Broadway we reach our final destination on the tour.
We see attractive new buildings lining the street, and people strolling on wide sidewalks
enhanced with ornamental street lighting and colorful plantings. We have entered Crystal's
mixed use district, the city's hub for shopping, entertainment and dining establishments. With
new office buildings and innovative housing types integrated into the district, people also have
the choice to live and work within this center of activity.
On our tour of the city, we have seen many of the positive changes Crystal has made in the last
twenty years. The gateways, feature intersections and identity streets have enhanced the city's
sense of place. The natural preservation and recreation corridors preserve the city's natural
resources for all to enjoy, and the neighborhood gathering nodes provide places for people to
come together. The city has retained its strong neighborhoods and added new housing types to
accommodate residents of all ages and income levels. Crystal's mixed use district has become an
exciting destination for dining, entertainment and shopping, as well as working and living.
Members of the Crystal community have worked hard to improve their city, and their efforts
have paid off.
City of Crystal Comprehensive Plan Page 21 - _