HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-01-2005 MinutesA CITY OF OAK PARK I EIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MEE'T'ING MINUTES
Thursday, February 1, 2005
Call To Order Chair Dwyer reconvened the January 13, 2005 Planning Commission
meeting by calling the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Liljegren, Oswald, Runk and Waseseha. City Planner Richards, City
Administrator Johnson and Alternate Commission Liaison Doerr.
Approval of A2end.a. Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to
approve the Agenda as presented. Carried 5 -0.
Public Hearn s
A. Continued - Wal -Mart To consider requests for Zoning District Amendment from CBD,
Central. Business District to B -2, General Business District and Comprehensive Plan
Amendment allowing Wal -Mart store expansion and possible change of zoning classification
of surrounding property, located at Coal St. N. and Norell Ave. N.
Continued Planning Commission discussion ensued as to the public heating held on January 13,
2005 by the Planning Commission. Char Dwyer summarized some of his feelings as to the items of
discussion had with the City Council at a joint work session prior to reconvening of the January 13,
2005 Planning Commission meeting and public hearing discussion. Chair Dwyer expressed that he
felt there was a need for some kind of a buffer between commercial and residential areas. Discussion
was had as to various zone - ig possibilities and the implications of each.
Dave Selle ren of Fredriksen & Byron P.A. was present and reiterated that the Wal-Mart
Supercenter is typically a package concept and while there is some small variation from time to time,
typically the auto use is an included amenity. He added that Wal-Mart is attempting to provide
additional services to the community with their proposed expansion and that the development will
be at least equal to that of development to the west of the site.
Commission discussion ensued as to the automotive use for the site and the general feeling toward
automotive use as well as the degree of automotive use to the area as a whole. Chair Dwyer stated
that he believed the development could still potentially serve as a gateway to the City
Mr. Sellegren asked that the Planning Commission address Wal- Mart's request for rezoning of the
site to B -2, General Business District separate from action to possible rezoning or comprehensive
plan amendment to the entire CBD, Central Business District.
Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Oswald, moved to recommend that City Council
approve the applicant's request for rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment to have their site
rezoned from CBD, Central Business District to B -2, General Business District. Motion failed 2 -3,
Dwyer, Liljegren and Wasescha voting nay.
Chair Dwyer expressed his desire to have clear direction from the City Council as to the area and the
Central Business District. He asked for Commission comment and continued discussion wherein
Commissioner Liljegren stated that he did not see the Central Business District happening and that
he also has not heard any objection to Wal -Marts expansion proposal in the area. Chair Dwyer
questioned what bringing in more automotive use does for the community and how it would affect
smaller businesses providing similar services that are already in operation within the community.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 1, 2005
Page 2of3
Discussion continued as to the Hwy. 36 Alignment plan and its potential impact upon the area and
its viability as a Central Business District "downtown ", what kind of control would be had by the
City should a B-2, General Business District zoning be approved as to the design and what the
zoning permits in the way of minor and major automobile uses. Commissioner Lilj egren discussed
the matter of gas facilities and expressed that he did not like the idea of gas in the area recalling the
former Rainbow Foods gas facilities operation. He questioned if all the Wal-Mart Supercenters had
gasoline.
Darcy Minter spoke on behalf of Wal -Mart as to the gas facilities, stating that gas has been approved
at their Redwing location but has not been fully constructed as the gas tenant has not completed
their business to the point of the facility being completed and becoming operable. She noted that
gas is typically a 24 -hour service operation.
ComM1*ssioner Wasescha stated that he does not feel the City Council has shown interest in the
Central Business District and that in light of that support lacking, he revisited the area and has no
real problem with Wal- Mart's expansion. He stated that he believed it would be a good use of the
land and added that he feels that the gas could be done better and that perhaps this could be worked
upon.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Commissioner Lilj egren, moved that the earlier motion made
by Vice Chair Runk be reconsidered. Carried 5 -0.
Vice Chair Runk, seconded by Commissioner Wasescha, moved to recommend that City Council
approve the applicant's request for rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment to have their site
rezoned from CBD, Central Business District to B -2, General Business District. Carried 5 -0.
New Business None.
Old Business Done.
Informational:
A. Next Meets : February 10, 2005 7:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting
B. Council Representative: February — Chair Dwyer
March — Commissioner Li1j egren
Adjournment Commissioner Liljegren, seconded by Vice Chair Runk, moved to adjourn at
7:35 p.m. Carried 5--0.
Respectfully submitted,
Jude A. Hultman
Community Development
Approved by the Piatan - ig Cominission: 2 -10 -05