HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-23-1998 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 23,1998
Call To Order: Chair Hedlund called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present:
Commissioners Dahlquist, Schultz, Vogt, and Wasescha. Staff Present:
City Planner Richards, Community Development Director Danielson,
and Community Development /Recording Secretary Hultman.
Visitors: Paul G. May, Architect for First Presbyterian Church; Student observer,
Stillwater Area Sr. High School.
Public Hearings:
A. To Consider A Request For A Conditional Use Permit(C.U.P.) For An Expansion of
First Presbyterian Church, 6201 Osgood Ave. N. City Planner Richards provided a
brief history of the project, noting that a landscape and grading and drainage plan had
not been received for the project. He stated that the Church is requesting a C.U.P. to
allow an addition with approximately 8,400 sq. ft. of floor area. He further indicated that
the church is located within a R -3, Multiple Family Residential District, where churches
are a conditional use.
Chair Hedlund opened the Public Hearing for discussion at 6:05 p.m.
Paul May of Rafferty, Rafferty & Tollefson Architects introduced himself to the
Commission as the architect for the project. He noted that he has been working with the
church congregation for the past six months or longer on this project and that the church
has carefully considered their options and have established their priorities. Their main
concern is to increase the church's space. The project as presented will be completed in
two phases, with the first phase expected to begin as soon as possible and the second
possibly the Summer of 1999 as fundraising efforts are planned to fund the second
phase of construction.
Phase I will include an addition to the building, which will result in removal and
relocation of the existing church library and creating a new entrance into the sanctuary.
Phase II will include expansion of the fellowship hall , doubling the dining area size and
placement of a concrete sidewalk and steps at the East side of the church for those who
use the overflow parking at the Washington County Government Center. Mr. May noted
that the cantilevered north entrance will being re- designed so that it will comply with the
setback requirements or a variance will be applied for at the time of Phase II
implementation.
Chair Hedlund inquired about various requirements of a C.U.P. request, including the
time frame for construction to take place once a C.U.P. is approved and the need for a
landscape plan. Richards advised that generally construction should tape place within one
year of approval and that the City Attorney will send a letter, for the record, the extended
time element. With respect to the landscape plan, Mr. May stated that the congregation
has dug up the original vegetation from the project site and intends to replant it on the
property. It is anticipated that one tree will need to be removed as a result placement of
the air conditioning system unit screen. It is the intention of the congregation to preserve
all the landscaping that they can and replace what they cannot. The congregation feels
that the present landscaping is adequate for the neighborhood but would like to enhance
Where possible. Planner Richards indicated that he would life to have a landscape plan
and that something very simple, stating what the plans are, is all that really should be
needed.
General discussion ensued about lighting of the church parking lot. Mr. May explained
that the lighting will be addressed when the electrical contractor come on board the
project. He further stated that it is not the intention of the congregation to change the
lighting but to determine if they can increase the wattage of their existing lamps.
Richards noted that if the lamp fixtures themselves are to change, the lighting will be
required to brought up to code. If they do not, they are grand - fathered in.
Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Schultz, moved to close the Public Hearing.
Carried 5 -0. The Public Hearing closed at 6:20 p.m.
Commissioner Schultz, seconded by Wasescha, moved to recommend that the City
Council approve First Presbyterian Church's request for a C.U.P. with the following
conditions as established by the City Planner.
Either the building design should be revised so that the building is 30 feet from
the North property line with the eave encroaching no more than two feet into the
required front yard or an application for a variance should be submitted.
2. The grading and drainage plan shall be subject to City Engineer review and
approval.
3. A landscape plan must be submitted, subject to City Arborist review and
approval, indicating trees to be removed and proposed plantings. It would be
appropriate to plant a shade tree at the Northwestern edge of the block in an
existing gap and landscape the north side of the driveway along 62nd St. N.
4. A plan showing proposed exterior lighting is required if any changes are to occur.
Said changes would be subject to review and approval of City Staff.
5. The one -year construction time game is to be extended, not to exceed three years
to a ll ow for funding and implementation of both Phase I and II.
Carried 5 -0.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
Informationa /Update: City Planner Richards updated the Commission of upcoming
Public Hearings and issues.
Adjournment: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Schultz, moved to adjourn.
Motion carried 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_L" A ���
Julie A. Hultman
Community Development/
Recording Secretary