Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-1998 MinutesCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19,1998-7 PM Call To Order:Chair Hedlund called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Commissioners Hedlund, Schultz, Vogt, and Wasescha. Dahlquist arrived at 7:20 p.m. Staff Present: City Planner Richards, Community Development Director Danielson, City Administrator Melena, Administrative Assistant Mesko, and Community Development /Recording Secretary Hultman. Visitors: Mayor Schaaf and Councilmemhers Beaudet, Turnquist, and Robert. Donna Gray, 14812 58` St. ITT., #31); Bob Braclzey, Jim McGovern and Attorney Rollie Crawford, Planning District 13; Paul Plaster, 5472 Stagecoach Trl. N.; Andrew & Diane Olson, 5464 Stagecoach Trl. N.; and Stillwater Area High School students, Annmarie Cusick, Annette Jurek, Angela Lane, Christine Larsen, Ryan Manship, Roshelle Noecker, Jessie Ries, Amanda Sok la, and Nikki Thorn. Approve Minutes: Commissioner Wasescha, seconded by Vogt, moved to approve the October 15,1998 Minutes as presented. Carried 4 -0. Commissioner Schultz abstained, as he was not present at the October 15, 1998 meeting. Comprehensive Plan Discussion Joint City Council/Planning Commission Discussion on Draft Comprehensive Plan — Chair Hedlund noted that the draft plan runs close to 300 ages and the Commission has held several meetings to pre are, review and approve sections of tie plan. The plan is designed to be used as a tool when making decisions and planning for the City's future, including stablishing future requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance. City Planner Richards displayed the City's Proposed Land Use Map and Planning District Boundaries for those in attendance at the meeting. Chair Hedlund opened the discussion for public comment at 7:10 p.m. Attorney Rollie Crawford, representing Bob Brackey's interest in vacant land located in Planning District 13 stated that they were concerned about the contemplated zoning issues in District 13. He stated that Mr. Bracket' has owned the this property for a period of time an d and that improvements, ii such as h hisunderstan7 underground ding that the prroprty a t utilities be z lned been 2, General Business. br Brac Mr. lz Crawford further stated that to place a more restrictive zoning in this area would result in a tremendous-economic impact for Mr. Brackey. Richards asked Mr. Crawford what their preference for zoning of this area would be. Mr. Crawford replied that they would prefer to see the entire area zoned B -2, General Business. Paul Plaster — 5472 Sta ecoach Trl., N., expressed his concern over the proposed land use change for his neighborhood. Planner Richards, indicated that it is the long -term plan to rezone the area to I, Industrial. Mr. Plaster announced that his home was for sale as is the home of his neighbor. Mr. Plaster noted that he has had realtors inquire about his property, l ho have ni indicated that t should be no problem to sell. He further noted that he wo like to m frame to accommodate his children in school and extended an invitation to the City to purchase his home if they would like, Andrew Olson — 5464 Stagecoach Trl. ITT., inquired as to what the time frame for rezoning the area was. Chair Hedlund explained that no specific time game has been established within the Comprehensive Plan, which establishes long -term goals that could be as far down the road as twenty years. Mayor Schaaf pointed out that the zone being changed does not imply that the existing residential neighborhood would have to move out. Rather it would mean that when the homes were sold, they could be sold for continued residential or business use, but if they were sold for business, they could not return to residential use. Councilmember Robert noted that the Council has ruled out the possibility of an Elementary School near the existing High School Environmental Learning Center, and that the Council will entertain discussion of property uses for that area, should the land become available, which would be compatible with the proposed Valley Senior Services Alliance project. Chair Hedlund noted that this area has been established as a low- density residential area. Robert expressed that she strips. would like to see buffering in high - density areas such as trails or in commercial areas, t p Planner Richards indicated the thatsfirmledr l become part of anguage on the the dedication as reasonable and that he would revise the plan to include the language. Administrator Melena noted, with respect to a St. Croix River waterway access, that MnDOT is concerned about providin access and are having difficulty cooperating with the DNR. He indicated that it is likely t at the City and MnDOT will need to work together to obtain agreement with the DNR. Commissioner Dahlquist questioned the history behind Navin a waterway access in Oak Park Heights. Councilmember Robert replied that the population of the City has made in known that a river access would be desirable and that the City would also like to have some park area along the river also. This park area would be predominately blaclztopped area and nicely landscaped, serving as a nice, comfortable area for people to visit with access from the Cit public trailways, as they are prepared. In eneral discussion of Lower Oak Park Heights, City Planner Richards noted that the Lower Oat Park Heights property is expected to be utilized by MdDOT for the Hwy. 95 intersection. The City is looking to zone n u aY nused land. as low-density esidential. Chair Hedlund expressed that he would like to see more langua e in the plan on Industrial Park as it ap ears that this is going to be a zoning pursued within the City and will have a large impact on t e Community. City Planner Richards indicated that he will amend the language for morespecifics and clarification. Chair Hedlund noted that with respect to transit, this area would be a logical location for heavy rail transit, as it would blend well with the proposed Industrial zoning. He further noted that transit does not appear to be coming to this area and that this use may also not be the best use for the property. Commissioner Vogt stated that the City simply needs more land for housing and that he felt the logical choice to be the DNR property. Administrator Melena noted that the DNR has fifteen wildlife areas and that the City will need to push the issue of attempting to acquire some of the property. The back up position with this issue is that the area could maize a very nice open space area if unattainable. Brief discussion ensued as to improving the St. Croix Mall's visibility within the community and the language in the plan addressing this area. Angela Lane, a student observer from Stillwater Area High School asked what was the issue of the St. Croix Mall's identity. She stated that she felt people knew where it was and that the reason that people weren't shopping at the mall was because there aren't shops there that people want t6 go to. She added that people from Oak Park Heights go to the malls at Woodbury or Maplewood. Community Director Danielson explained that is exactly the reason the St. Croix Mall is working to increase its visibility Melena suggested that the language in the plan be left as it is. Richards inquired as to feedback on the issue of transition between residential and commercial areas. Commissioner Wasescha indicated that she felt the B -3 zone would be overall best and not overly restrictive for office and small business use. She questioned whether Valley Senior Services Alliance (VSSA), who does not have a B -3 buffer, would have disruptive signage across 58` St. N. City Planner Richards indicated that he would loop into the si�nage issue and address language in the Comprehensive Plan. Administrator Melena announced that VSSA's best o portunity for bonding will be by December 29,1 998 and that they will need to have their Development Agreement in hand as well as a number of issue laid out prior to this. VSSA wi b e attempting to secure bonding by the 29`h and will be bringing a revised site plan to the City Council meeting on November 24 1998. Ad ministrator Melena indicated that VSSA has addressed a number of the issues that have been of concern to this point. Community identity, such as welcome signs, community communication, and community awareness were discussed. Commissioner Dahlquist noted that the visibility of the community has increased in the past nine years and that he feels that signage has played a distinct role in this. Chair Hedlund closed discussion at 9:05 p.m. General consensus is to proceed with the Comprehensive Plan draft. Revisions will be made to the draft, from this meeting, and it will be presented to the Commission at their meeting on December 10, 1998 for further discussion. Old Business: None New Business: None Informational: November 23, 1998 — 6 p.m. CUP Public Hearing for First Presbyterian Church December 3, 1998 — 7 p.m. Public Hearings: Ryder Transportation CUP Kern Ctr.: 13-3 Zoning Variance (possible) Carriage Homes CUP & Variance Comp. Plan: Implementation o Pl an December 10, 1998 — 6 p.m. V.S.S.A Public Hearing 1=` Pu Hearing on Comprehensive Plan December 17, 1998 - Meeting Cancelled January 7 and 21 - 2 Ud Public Hearing on Comprehensive Plan Adjournment: Commissioner Vogt, seconded by Wasescha, moved to adjourn. Carried 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Next Meeting: Monday, November 23, 1998 - 6:00 p.m. - Oak Park Heights City Hall Respectfully submitted, Julie A. Hultman Community Development/ Recording Secretary