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2023.05.08 - MinutesApproved Planning Commission Minutes – May 8, 2023 CRYSTAL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Crystal City Hall 1. 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 [Vice Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 2) Selton [Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 4) Einfeldt-Brown [Sec. Vice Chair] X Commissioner (Ward 1) Heigel X Commissioner (Ward 3) Maristany X Commissioner (Ward 4) Johnson X Commissioner (Ward 2) Strand X Commissioner (Ward 3) Buck X Commissioner (At- Large) Scholz Other attendees: City planner Dan Olson, City Council liaison Therese Kiser, Community Development Director John Sutter, Rachel Blaseg and Jeff McMenimen from Damon Farber, Ryan Kelley from Hennepin County, and Nick Landwehr from Metro Transit. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Maristany and seconded by Sears to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2023 regular meeting. Ayes: Maristany, Heigel, Selton, Einfeldt-Brown, and Scholz. Abstain: Johnson, Strand and Buck. Nays: None Motion carried. 3. PUBLIC HEARING - None 4. OLD BUSINESS - None 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation from consultant on update of the Blue Line LRT station area plan. Planner Olson introduced Rachel Blaseg and Jeff McMenimen from Damon Farber, who gave a presentation on the LRT station area plan update. Commission member Johnson asked what a HAWK signal is. Mr. McMenimen said it’s a mid- block crossing that allows the pedestrian to push a button to make vehicles stop so they can cross the intersection. Consultant SEH will make recommendations on how this signal system may impact traffic congestion. Approved Planning Commission Minutes – May 8, 2023 Commission member Heigel asked how pedestrians will cross to the train platform. Mr. Landwehr said that pedestrians will be able to push a button so they can safely cross to the platform. With much of the traffic raised on elevated highway 81, there will be fewer pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. There will be specialized audio or video signals to assist disabled persons with the crossing. Commission member Sears wondered if pedestrians will have time to make the crossing to the platform. Mr. Landwehr said the design is only in its early stages, but there will be median refuges to assist the pedestrian, as well as audio and visual signals. Commission member Scholz asked about opposition to the LRT alignment in Robbinsdale. Mr. Landwehr said that the Robbinsdale City Council has promoted an alignment on Highway 81, but Metro Transit will continue to work with community stakeholders to resolve issues. Commission member Strand expressed concern for how the project will be funded, with so many demands for federal, state and county funds. Commission member Maristany asked if the city or other government entities encourage property owners to redevelop their properties. Mr. Sutter said most of the sites are privately owned and the city can’t force redevelopment, but the city wants to be ready to assist those property owners who are or become interested. The updated station area plan will help the city in preparing for potential redevelopment. Mr. McMenimen said that the development community is pretty active as LRT lines become more of a sure thing, and he’s seen a lot of redevelopment along LRT lines that are already built or under construction. In Crystal, Becker Park and the denser development pattern at West Broadway and Bass Lake Road are important assets to the city. Commission member Maristany asked if redevelopment is critical for the success of the line. Mr. McMenimen said that more persons living in the station area is very helpful to assist in its success. Mr. Sutter said that LRT is an accelerator for redevelopment in Crystal, similar to what has happened in Richfield, which is redeveloping in response to market forces, not in response to LRT. Mr. Sutter also said Damon Farber is looking at specific redevelopment sites because of their lower market value, or that they have other elements that make the site attractive to developers. Economic density will also provide needed property tax revenue. Crystal doesn’t have vacant properties, which represents a challenge to redevelopment. Commission member Johnson asked how the project will be funded. Mr. Landwehr discussed the percentages to be paid by the federal government (federal transit administration) and county governments (sales and use tax revenue dedicated to transportation). The City will not be providing funding, but may make infrastructure improvements during construction if it makes sense to do so. Commission member Maristany asked if there is available road capacity for traffic increases brought about by redevelopment. Mr. Sutter said that traffic volumes are down for many roadways in the station area and there is sufficient capacity to handle those increased densities. Maristany asked if the Crystal police have any concerns about the LRT. Mr. Sutter said the police have some concerns for increased calls within the area. Mr. McMenimen said site design, such as increased lighting, helps reduce criminal activity. Commission member Heigel asked about an operations and maintenance for the line. Mr. Landwehr said a new facility will be built in Brooklyn Park. Approved Planning Commission Minutes – May 8, 2023 6. GENERAL INFORMATION • City Council actions on previous Planning Commission items: – Subdivision and Rezoning request from Hampton Companies to construct new townhomes at 3401-3415 Douglas Dr N. – UDC text amendment request from Amarok LLC to amend requirements for electric fences Planner Olson stated that the Council approved the rezoning and subdivision for the new townhomes, but denied the text amendment for electric fences. • Update from Council Liaison: Council liaison Kiser said the City Council has a new member: Taji Onesirosan, and that the Council will receive an update from Damon Farber on Thursday on the station area plan update that was presented tonight. • Staff preview of likely agenda items for Monday, June 12, 2023 meeting. Planner Olson said he has not received any applications yet, but the application deadline date is not until next week. 7. OPEN FORUM Commission member Scholz asked about the status of the two-family dwelling on 36th. Mr. Sutter said that according to the building official the dwelling is nearly complete. Commission member Einfeldt-Brown asked about the status of the 5240 Apartments. Mr. Olson said he believes the permit has been issued. 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Sears and seconded by Buck to adjourn. Ayes: All. Nays: None Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.