2021.05.10 - MinutesApproved Planning Commission Minutes – May 10, 2021
CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Monday, May 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall and Zoom Video
Conference
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Crystal Planning Commission convened at 7:00 p.m. with the
following members present:
Commissioner (Ward 1)
Sears [Vice Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Selton [Chair]
Commissioner (Ward 4)
Einfeldt-Brown
X Commissioner (Ward 1)
Heigel
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Maristany [Sec. Vice Chair]
X Commissioner (Ward 4)
Johnson
X Commissioner (Ward 2)
Strand
X Commissioner (Ward 3)
Buck
X Commissioner (At-
Large) Seffren
Other attendees: City planner Dan Olson and Sam Edelstein, Jonathan Shaver and Harold
Berman, representing Adath Cheseth Shel Emes cemetery
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Moved by Heigel and seconded by Maristany to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2021
regular meeting. Ayes: Heigel, Buck, Selton, Strand, Maristany, and Johnson. Abstain:
Seffren. Nays: None
Motion carried.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Conditional use permit request from Adath Jeshurun Congregation for a cemetery pavilion
building at 3700 Winnetka Avenue North (Application 2021-02).
Olson presented a summary of the staff report and stated he is recommending approval of
the CUP.
Planning Commission member Maristany asked staff why the property was not rezoned to
Planned Development (PD) for this construction project. Olson stated that there was not a
compelling reason for a rezoning and the CUP application approval timeline was quicker
than a rezoning. Maristany asked how often the pavilion will be lit by the ground-mounted
lighting. Mr. Edelstein said that the east side of the pavilion will be lit nightly, but the
lighting is aimed directly at the pavilion and will not impact the homes across Winnetka.
Chair Selton opened the public hearing.
Approved Planning Commission Minutes – May 10, 2021
Hearing no one from the public who wished to speak, Selton closed the public hearing.
Moved by Seffren and seconded by Heigel to recommend approval to the City Council of
the conditional use permit for the cemetery, including the proposed pavilion, at 3700
Winnetka Avenue North.
Ayes: Seffren, Selton, Strand, Maristany, Buck, Johnson, and Heigel. Nays: None
Motion carried.
b. Miscellaneous amendments to the Unified Development Code (Application number 2021-03).
Olson presented a summary of the staff report and stated he is recommending approval of
the amendments.
Chair Selton opened the public hearing.
Hearing no one from the public who wished to speak, Selton closed the public hearing.
Moved by Strand and seconded by Buck to recommend approval to the City Council of the
UDC amendments.
Ayes: Seffren, Selton, Strand, Maristany, Buck, Johnson, and Heigel. Nays: None
Motion carried.
4. OLD BUSINESS - None
5. NEW BUSINESS - None
6. GENERAL INFORMATION
• City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: Olson stated that the
Council approved the CUP for the event center at 351 Willow Bend at the Crystal
Shopping Center.
• Update from Council Liaison: City Council liaison Brendan Banks was not present at the
meeting.
• Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, June 14, 2021 meeting.
Olson said he is expecting a variance application for the June meeting.
7. OPEN FORUM
Commission member Selton congratulated Commission member Strand on recently receiving
the “Neighbors Recognizing Neighbors” award.
Approved Planning Commission Minutes – May 10, 2021
Commission member Strand said that there is a plant sale on May 22nd to benefit Crystal
parks.
Olson stated that Sand Companies, a Twin Cities developer, has a purchase agreement for
5240 West Broadway and is proposing to construct a 58-unit apartment building on the
property. Staff is expecting zoning approvals to be requested later this year.
Commission member Maristany asked if anything is proposed for the Burger King property.
Olson said he was not aware of any new use for the property. Commission member Heigel
asked if anyone was moving into the former Pizza Ranch. Olson said he was not aware of
any proposed use for that space.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Buck and seconded by Heigel to adjourn. Ayes: Johnson, Strand, Selton, Buck,
Heigel, Maristany, and Seffren. Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.