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10-654Amended 7/07/2010 Council File # 10-654 Green Sheet #�/�/I. �� � RESOLUTION OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Presented by RESOLUTION ADOPTING 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 THE DISTRICT 9 PLAN SUMMARY AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN �� WHEREAS the District 9 Plan was prepared by the West 7`"/Fort Road Federation District 9 Community Council and was adopted by the District 9 Community Council in the summer of 2006; and WHEREAS, the plan details a community vision and investment agenda for the area bounded by Downtown to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and Interstate 35E to the north and west, addressing issues related to housing, jobs and economic development, community development, mix of land uses, historic preservation and aesthetics, environmental quality and transportation and circulation; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statutes Section 462.355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to recommend to the Mayor and City Council amendments to the comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS the Land Use P/an, adopted by the City Council on February 24, 2010, provides for the adoption of summaries of area plans as addenda to The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan upon findings by the Planning Commission that the plans are consistent with adopted City policies; and WHEREAS comments from relevant City departments were received and the draft Summary language was revised to address their concerns, and staff and representatives of the District 9 Community Council discussed the revised Summary; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission, on June 5, 2009, held a public hearing on the District 9 Plan Summary, notice of which was published in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on May 8, 2009; and WHEREAS testimony received at the public hearing was supportive of the plan; and WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Committee of the Planning Commission met to discuss the Summary and suggested revisions to policies in the document; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission found that the District 9 Plan Summary is consistent with the Sarnt Paul Comprehensive Plan and other relevant City policies and recommended its adoption on July 10, 2009; and 10-654 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 WHEREAS, the City Council approved a resolution on January 13, 2010, referring the District 9 Plan back to the District 9 Community Council to update the plan in light of changing circumstances in the neighborhood that occurred after the plan was initially developed; and WHEREAS, the District 9 Community Council, at its annual meeting on April 19, 2010, approved a resolution addressing these changing circumstances; and WHEREAS, as a result and in consultation with the Ward 2 office and the community council, the foilowing revisions to the plan summary were deveioped: Poiicy 3 to read as follows: "Study rezoning the area of District 9 bounded by Grand Avenue to the North, Interstate 35E to the Northwest, Smith Avenue to the East, Shepard Road to the Southeast and Grace Street fo the South to assess the impact of the conversion of single famiiy homes to multi-family residences;" and ** Policy 4 to read as follows: "Study rezoning the area of District 9 bounded by Randolph Avenue to the North, Shepard Road to the Southeast, Otto Avenue to the South and West 7th Street to the Northeast to address changing land use patterns." NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council finds that the District 9 Plan Summary is consistent with The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and other relevant City policies; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council adopts the District 9 Plan Summary as an addendum to The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan, as amended, replacing the previous district plan adopted in 1980, subject to review by the Metropoiitan Council. **consider downzoning with the intent to vacant when Requested by Department of: By: � �� Approved by the Office of Financial Services By: Adoprion Certified by By: Approved May : By: Secretary Form Approved by City Attorney By: ���v►�--- G-/`�- !o Form prove by yorf� b� ionto Council By: Adopted by Council: Date �// f��lJ//� 10-654 � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet � DepartmenUOfficelCouncil: Date Initiated: � PE _Planning&Economic p7�UN2010 Green Sheet NO: 3114556 � Development I ConWCt Person 8 Phone: Department Sent To Person InitiallDat I Kete RBIIIY y 0 Iannin & Economic Develo me Donna Dmmmond 6 / t� 266-667$ 1 lannin¢&EconomicDevelopme DeoarhnentDirector i tu Assign 2 �p•Attornev CitvAttornev 6 _{Y —[� � Must Be on CounCi� Agenda by (Date): Number 23-JUN-10 por 3 avoYsOtfice MavodAssistant I Routing 4 ouncil Ci Council Doc. Type: RESOLUTION Order 5�itv Clerk Ci Clerk E•Document Required: Y ' I Document Contact: Laura Eckert Contact Phone: 266-6633 Total # of Signature Pages � (Clip All Locations for Signature) Action Requested: City Council approval for the Dis[ric[ Plan Summary for District 9/West Seventh/Fort Road Federation. This would amend the city's ' comprehensive plan, pending approval by the Metropolitan Council. Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject (R): Personal Service Contracts Must Answer the Following Questions: f=� Planning Commission 1. Has this person/frm ever worked under a contract for this department? CIB Committee Yes No Civil Service Commission 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee? Yes No 3. Does this person/firm possess a skill not nortnally possessed by any current city employee? Yes No Explain all yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet. Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why): The West Seventh/Fort Road Federation approved the Dsitrict 9 Plan in the swtuner of 2006. This plan updates the 1980 District 9 Plan. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 5, 2009 & approved the plan on July 1Q, 2009. Ciry Council approval is needed [o approve the plan & amend the city's comp plan, pending Met Council approval. � p� b I� c hec� r� ar� ts ne'�"' J fle<esSGS� . Advantages If Approved: The comprehensive plan would be amended per District 9's Plan. Disadvantages If Approved: None. Disadvantages If No! Approved: The comprehensive plan would not be amended and Dis[rict 9 would continue to operate with the 1980 plan. Total Amount of Transaction: Cost/Revenue Budgeted: Funding Source: Activity Number: Financial Information: (Explain) June 7, 2010 2:56 PM Page 1 10-654 Area Plan Summary District 9 Area Plan Addendum to The Comprehensive Plan for Saint Paul Recommended by the Planning Commission — 7/10/2009 Adopted by the City Council - This summary appends to the Comprehensive Plan the vision and strategies of the West 7` Street/Fort Road District 9 Area P[an and replaces the District 9 Plan adopted in 1980. The plan addresses the area centered on West 7th from downtown to Homer Street. It contains an overview of the current conditions of the area, visions and goals, strategies, and implementation steps. The plan addresses several key areas offocus.• I) housing; 2) jobs and economic development; 3) community development; 4) mix of land uses; S) historic preservation and aesthetics; 6) environmental guality; and 7) transportation and circulation. Strategies are preserzted for each of these key areas. This summary highlights those strategies for which the City has primary implementation responsibilities. � Copies of the full-length plan are available for review at the Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development and the off ce of the YVest 7`"/Fort Road Federation. The study area is generally bounded by Downtown to the east, and Interstate 35E to the north and west. Mississippi River to District 9 Area Plan Summary Page i 10-654 District 9 Area Plan Area Vision Over the next 10 years, more than 4,000 new housing units will be built in District 9. The challenge in the community is to planfully integrate these new units into the existing density of the communiTy, maintain the existing housing stock, and retain the character of District 9. New housing units and households will impact adjacent land uses, social concerns and support, traffic and transit demand, retail demand, pedesirian and bicycle safety, design standazds and the mazket for diverse and afFordable housing options. Each section includes trends, key issues, and actions to realize the community envisioned for the next 20 years. Through the realization of a new District plan for District 9, the District hopes to: • Maintain a diversity of households in regazd to income, age, and race/ethnicity. . • Maintain existing housing stock while developing new housing to meet the diversity of households' needs. • Link the neighborhoods within West 7th more strongly to one another. • Link the communiry of West 7th to the amenities and opporiunities within and outside of the community. • Develop job opportuniries through retail, services, entertaimnent, and clean industrial development. • Wisely reuse industrial sites consistent with the plan. ' • Respect the Mississippi River as a community asset, lunit new building on the river and seek opportunities to connect the neighborhoods to the riverFront. • Improve environmental quality for a sustainable future. • Promote aesthetic values in rehabilitation and development efforts. Specific Action Strategies and Implementafion Steps Housing , The plan emphasizes the need to preserve and improve existing housing stock while allowing new, large housing developments in specific geographic areas. The neighborhood's housing stock spans 150 yeazs, and new construction should respect and complement the character of existing housing in the community. Housing stock, both new and refurbished, should continue to provide a mix of incomes with affordable places to live. Additions to the housing stock should take place near transit. In addition: � • Neighborhood sub-azeas such as the Jefferson School azea, Uppertown and Butternut neighborhoods, the azea north of West 7'�' bordered by I-35E and St. Clair, Nugent Street and the Kipps Glen neighborhood need to be preserved. • Key sites identified for major housing developments aze: 1) the Gateway Area; 2) Schmidt Brewery site; 3) Randolph/Shepard/West 7�'; 4) Victoria Park. • Key sites identified for redevelopment include: 1) Jefferson School area; 2) Uppertown and Butternut neighborhoods; 3) area north of West 7�' bordered by I-35E and St. Clair; District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 2 10-654 4) Nugent Street; 5) Kipps Glen neighborhood. Key strategies for Housing are: Preservation and improvement of existin housin� 1. Maintain the character of existing residential areas by keeping zoning appropriate to residential neighborhoods. 2. Encourage retention of ownership of properties through owner-occupant home loan programs, and enforce residency of owners who claim homestead property designation. 3. Study rezoning the azea of District 9 bounded by Grand Avenue to the North, Interstate 35E to the Northwest, Smith Avenue to the East, Shepazd Road to the Southeast and Grace Street to the South to assess the impact of the conversion of single family homes to multi-family residences. 4. Study rezoning the area of District 9 bounded by Randolph Avenue to the North, Shepard Road to the Southeast, Otto Avenue to the South and West 7th Street to the Northeast to address changing land use patterns. 5. Enforce current ordinances regarding accessory housing units. . 6. Enforce current ordinances or develop new housing policies to ensure the fair dispersal of residential facilities and transitional housing, and enforce ordinances regarding sober houses in St. Paul. 7. Enforce the Property Maintenance Code equitably and reasonably throughout the community to stave off deterioration of the housing stock. 8. Reinstate low interest loans and/or grants for rehabilitation (like the Houses to Homes program) and other finance programs designed to rehabilitate older homes. 9. Market existing housing through the City of Saint Paul sponsorship of the Home Tour•. Additions to the housin� sUDUlv, especially near transit: 10. Study rezoning the Chestnut/Exchange area to develop medium-density housing adjacent to Irvine Pazk. Innovative plans to screen the Xcel Energy Center parking ramp (along Eagle) should be part of the development. 11. Ensure that the new Victoria Park development is integrated and connected with the existing Randolph and View neighbarhoods. 12. Promote those stretches of West 7th between key nodes as the appropriate location for higher-density residential use, in order to add diversity to the housing stock while preserving the traditional neighborhood fabric and supporting existing and future transit investment. Housing additions and improvements to complement existine housing 13. Investigate ways to require site plan review of all housing by the City to ensure that new construction is sensitive to the context of the neighborhood in which it is developed. � 14. Enforce building codes to ensure that infill housing maintains integrity of the foundation and structure of the building, due to the geology of the area. District 9 Area Plan Suminary Page 3 10-654 Housing additions and improvements at a cost/income mix to meet mazket demand and the City's housingpolicy: 15. Idenrify strategic azeas to incorporate mixed-use and higher-density development in context with existing structures. .7obs and Economic Development The District is in favor of bringing in new "clean" industries, with the caveat that they operate to improve the environment and meet the employment needs of the community. The main artery, West 7 needs to thrive as the major commercial corridor. While there may be satellite commercial areas, e.g., the Randolph, Shepard and Chestnut intersecrion, they should not compete with businesses on West 7�'. The plan endorses effective reuse of i�sdustrial, polluted and under-used sites, and iden6fies priority redevelQpment sites. Key strategies for Jobs and Economic Development aze: Preservation of business and jobs in the area while complementin h¢ ousing objectives: 16. Support "nodes" of retail businesses at the intersections of West'7th and Kellogg, Smith, St. Clair, Jefferson, Randolph, and MontreaULexington, rather than a continuous strip. of retail throughout the length of West 7th. 17. Require site plan review by the City to ensure that new construction is sensitive to the context of the neighborhood in which it is developed. 18. Investigate ways to incorporate the Fort Road Design Guidelines for commercial azeas into city code, including as a city-wide requirement or as an overlay district. • 19. Study the potential to widen sidewalks when new structures aze built on West 7th, while maintaining street width. 20. Determine appropriate locations for permiY parking expansion in those areas impacted by Xcel Energy Center and RiverCentre event attendees and hospital complex employees. 21. Encourage fle�ble pazking strategies such as shared pazking for commercial and institutional users, and pazking behind sh�uctures. 22. Develop a pazking management plan as recommended in the Seven Corners Gateway Plan. • Effective reuse of industrial, polluted and under-used sites: 23. After demolition of the Xcel High Bridge coal power plant, maintain the site as open space, such as a soccer field. 24. Complete the full build-out of the community's plan for Victoria Park. Priorit�redevelopment sites: 25. Support the adaptive reuse for limited retaiUcommercial of the Aead House at Chestnut and Shepard, creatively plamiing for adequate pazking. Community Development District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 4 10-654 Community gathering places and access to community initiatives are important to the District 9 Council and highlighted in the plan. Opportunities for communiry gathering places must be realized in redevelopment plans of former industrial properties. Continuing to improve institutions serving families and children, particularly local schools and libraries, is important. District 9 has two community centers, St. Clair and the Salvation Army, and one small recreation center, Palace. The two public gathering places are inadequate for the needs of the community. Over the last 35 years, District 9 has fought for preservation of school options in the community. Redevelopment sites need to allow for public access to amenities in the community. District 9 has always been endowed with facilities of various faith traditions which contribute to the quality of life in the neighborhood through worship and outreach programs. District 9 is perceived as safer now than it was several years ago; however, community policing activities should be � strengthened. Quality of life in District 9 is compromised because of a lack of park space in the neighborhood. The plan endorses the National Great River Park planning effort, as well as a coordinated, integrated plan of parks development throughout the neighborhood. Key strategies for community development include: Recreation and community centers: , 26. Incorporate programming for community youth that is more diverse than only sports activifies. 27. Replace the Palace playground building, and upgrade the grounds and recreation center; work with the community to identify needed improvements. Libraries: 28. Maintain a library facility in the community to meet the expanding and evolving community needs. 29. Continue to work with the libraries to ensure that facilities meet evolving community needs. Community_ athering places and public access: 30. Incorporate green space and other public spaces in major redevelopments such as the Brewery, Randolph/Shepard/West 7th, and Victoria Park developments. 31. Maintain and improve public access to streets, parks, green areas and the river. Public safetv: 32. Provide appropriate lighting and visibility far the recreational bike trail along I-35E. 33. Develop new West 7th lighting, utilizing the historic lantern style in all of Area 1, the area of West 7th from Kellogg to Grace Street. 34. Add signage throughout the neighborhood to provide information for connecting trails. Maintain consistency with Parks signage. 35. Develop traffic calming strategies along the major arteries in the neighborhood, such as West 7th, Montreal, Victoria, Otto, Randolph, Lexington, St. Clair, and Smith. ' 36. Increase the enforcement of traffic laws, especially regarding speeding and pedestrian District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 5 10-654 , rights. Pazks: 3 7. Improve connections between pazks to create a system of greenways. 38. Identify azeas for off-leash dog pazks, particulazly because of the expansion of housing in the community. 39. Assess the Uppertown neighborhood's needs to be sure that Dousman Pazk serves the children in the azea. 40. Prioritize areas of higher-density housing and apartment units for new play pazks. 41. Identify azeas for park/green space in the lazge residential azeas on both sides of West 7th between Shepard and I-35E and Randolph. 42. Study the need for addirional pazking at the East entrance of Crosby Fann Pazk. 43. Improve access to the river by better and more vertical connections from the bluff (especially at the end of Walnut and at the High Bridge) and a pedestrian tunnel under Shepard Road. 44. If Island Station is not redeveloped preserving the original building as housing, consider reuse of the site as a public pazk properry and the building as a pazk facility. 45. After demolition of the Xcel High Bridge coal power plant, maintain the site as open � space, such as a soccer field. 46. Pursue acquisition of riverfront property for public domain easements for access. 47. Monitor and, where necessary, remove and replace dead, dying, or diseased boulevard trees. Land Use M'zx District 9 has a broad variety of land uses. It is desirable to encourage comp�atible residential and business uses in new development. The commercial land use along West 7 should be confined to the block "face" and not extend into residential neighborhoods. A mix of land uses should be integrated within the community while stressing the fact that compatibility is the keystone in maintaining this land use diversity in a dense neighborhood. Key strategies include: 48. Inventory residential character on West 7`�' and evaluate where it might be appropriate,for higher-density residenfial infill. 49. Concentrate commercial activity at key nodes along West 7`�'to improve viability of businesses. These include the intersections of West 7�' with Kellogg, Grand, St. Clair, Jefferson, Randolph, Otto, and Montreal. Historic Preservation and Aesthetics New deveTopment should complement the existing community. Specific azeas that have sustained their chazacter for more than 100 yeazs need special attention to ensure that they aza not lost to development and gentrif cation during the next decades. Urban design guidelines need to be enforced. District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 6 10-654 Strategies highlighted under historic preservation and aesthetics include: Historic chazacter of the communitv: 50. Pursue local and National Register designation for the Schmidt Brewery historic buildings. � 51. Pursue local designation of the Leech/McBoal and Butternut neighborhoods, either as individual buildings or as districts. ' 52. Pursue local and National Register designation of the original limestone residential and commercial buildings in West 7th. Urban desien: 53. Utilize Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) guidelines to guide improvements to the physical environment to reduce crime (i.e., develop defensible spaces) and improve the aesthetic environment. 54. Enforce the Victoria Park Master Plan guidelines. � Eravironmental Quality District 9 has a strong connection to the Mississippi River, a connection that must be preserved both physically and psychologically. In addition, the community has been affected by air, water, ground and noise pollution. The plan recommends that development and related activities minimize the environmental effect on residents today and in the future. In conducting new development and redevelopment activities, following the guidelines of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is important in maintaining a healthy environment. Key strategies for preserving environmental quality include: 55. Identify formerly-polluted sites for clean-up, e.g., at Randolph and Milton, James and Randolph, and at the end of Drake at Shepard, and determine appropriate mitigation. 56. Encourage the use of rain gardens and green roofs in new development. 57. Integrate transit planning into new developments. Transportation and Circulation The community is bounded by major thoroughfares providing ample vehicle access throughout the community. However, the number of trips made on these roadways increases each yeaz. The plan includes provisions for pedestrian and child safety, balancing the needs of transit users with those of drivers, and maintaining provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians. Key strategies for transpot-tation and circulation include: Vehiculaz circulation: 58. Investigate a redesign of the intersection of West 7` and Smith Avenue (including McBoal between Smith and West 7` and the alley between McBoal and Goodrich behind the tire company) to ensure enough room to make a safe turn onto Smith by large semi- trailer trucks. District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 7 10-654 . 59. Investigate an interchange at Shepazd and 35E to remove through-traffic from neighborhood streets. . 60. Investigate redesign of the intersection of West 7`� Street, Montreal Avenue and Lexington Parkway. 61. Explore the redesign of Shepard Road from Homer Street to Davem Street with a planted median and ornamental lighting. 62. Construct new sireet segments within the Brewery site to connect to neighboring streets and break up the site into urban block increments. Pedestrian and child safetv: � 63. Improve bridges to encourage pedestrian and bicy�le use, e.g., West 7`�' overpass between St. Clair and Jefferson. 64. Improve timing of lights for trains to unprove safety and access for pedestrians. 65. Promote tr�o-cahniug features to slow down traffic, e.g., bump outs, mazked crosswalks, street trees, and pedestrian lighting along the following: West 7th at key nodes; Smith Avenue between the High Bridge and West 7`�'; Osceola between West 7th and Jefferson; Otto from Shepazd to West 7�`; Jefferson, Canton and Victoria for access to West 7�'. � Public transit: 66. Promote new development that will fully utilize existing transit services, and encourage continued and improved transit facilities. Bicycle and pedestrian options: 67. Provide access between West 7�' and the Mississippi River, e.g., at the street level from Chesmut and Shepard and vertically, Irvine Park at Walnut, Uppertown at the High � Bridge. 68. Connect the bike path between West 7�' and Crosby Fann Pazk. 69. Encourage the City of Saint Paul Deparhnent of Public Warks and Division of Pazks and Recreation to provide consistent and regulaz maintenance of the bike path along I-35E. 70. Improve the condition and, where possible, widen sidewalks throughout the community. 71. Improve pedestrian access and safety at the intersection of West 7�' with Lexington. 72. Develop a bike trail on Jefferson to Schmidt Brewery and Shepard Road along Duke. 73. Establish a bike lane on Otto between West 7`�' and Shepazd. � District 9 Area Plan Suimnary Page 8 10-654 Priority Actions for City Participation The following actions have been identified as priorities of the community that require leadership ar signification participation by City govemment. Community groups and city departments should implement the projects identified in this summary by applying for City resources in competitive processes such as the Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) and Sales Tas Revitalization program (STAR), and warking though the regular operating programs of relevant Ciry departments. 1. Maintain the chazacter of existing residential areas by keeping zoning appropriate to residential neighborhoods. 9. Study rezoning the Chestnut/Exchange area to TN2 to develop medium-density housing adjacent to Irvine Park. Innovative plans to screen the Xcel Energy Center parking ramp (along Eagle) should be part of the development. 15. Support "nodes" of retail businesses at the intersections of West 7th and Kellogg, , Smith, St. Clair, Jefferson, Randolph, and Montreal/Lexington, rather than a continuous strip of retail throughout the length of West 7th. 23. Complete the full build-out of the community's plan for Victoria Park. 24. Support the adaptive reuse for limited retail/commercial of the Head House at Chestnut and Shepard, creatively planning for adequate parking. 26. Replace the Palace playground building and upgrade the grounds and recreation center; work with the community to identify needed improvements. 32. Develop new West 7th lighting, utilizing the historic lantern style in all of Area 1,-the area along West 7th between Kellogg and Grace Street. 33. Provide appropriate lighting and visibility for the recreational bike trail along I-35E. 48. Pursue acquisition of riverfront property for public domain easements for access. 60. Investigate an interchange at Shepard and I-35E to remove through traffic from neighborhood streets. 61. Investigate redesigning the intersection of West 7�' Street, Montreal Avenue and Lexington Parkway 73. Improve pedestrian access and safety at the intersection of West 7 with Lexington Pazkway. 74. Develop a bike trail on Jefferson to Schmidt Brewery and Shepard Road along Duke. 75. Establish a bike lane on Otto between West 7` and Shepard Road. Planning Commission Findings The Saint Paul Planning Commission recommended the District 9 Area Plan to the City Council on July 10, 2009. The Planning Commission made no changes to the document approved by the Neighborhood Planning Committee. Planning Process The District 9 Area Plan updates the 1983 District 9 Area Plan previously adopted by the City Council. This plan was developed by the West 7` Road Federation through a planning District 9 Area Plan Summary Page 9 10-654 committee. The committee began meeting in July 2004 and continued through the smnmer of 2005. The draft of the plan was presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the West 7�'/Fort Road Federation. The plan was adopted by the West 7`�'/Fort Road Federation in snminer 2006. District 9 Area Plan Suminary Page 10 10-654 city of saint paul planning commission resolution file number 09-43 date Julv 10, 2009 RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE DISTRICT 9 PLAN SUMMARY AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE SA/NT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the West 7 Fort Road District 9 Area Plan was prepared by the District 9 Community Council (West 7� Road Federation), assisted by PED Staff, and was adopted by the Fort Road Federation in the summer of 2006; and ' WHEREAS, the plan details a community vision and investment agenda for the area bounded by Downtown to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and Interstate 35E to the north and west, addressing issues related to housing, jobs and economic development, community development, mix of land uses, historic preservation and aesthetics, environmental quality and transportation and circulation; and WHEREAS, a District 9 A�ea Plan Summary was prepared by City Staff outlining � actions requiring city participation; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statutes Section 462.355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to recommend to the Mayor and City Council amendments to the comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS the Land Use Plan adopted by the City Council on February 6, 2002 provides for the adoption of summaries of area plans as addenda to The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan upon findings by the Planning Commission that the plans are consistent with adopted City policies; and moved by Wencl seconded by in favor Unanimous against 10-654 WHEREAS comments from relevant City departments were received and the draft Summary language was modified to address their concems, and staff and representatives of the West 7 Road Federation discussed the revised Summary and supported the language; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission on June 5, 2009, held a public hearing on the District 9 Plan Summary, the notice of which was published in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on May 8, 2009; and WHEREAS testimony received at the public hearing was supportive of the plan; and WHEREAS the Neighborhood Planning Committee of the Planning Commission met to discuss the Summary, and made clarifying changes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paui Planning Commission finds that the District 9 Area Plan Summary is consistent with The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and other relevant City policies and recommends the adoption of the plan summary by the City Council as an addendum to the comprehensive plan, replacing the previous district plan adopted in 1980. 10-654 VIII. Commnnications Committee No Report lX. Task Force Reports Commissioner Kramer announced that there will be additional tours at the 3M building site. These tours will focus on the second set of buildings that the Port Authority will acquire. The tours are on Monday June 15`� and Wednesday June 24`" from 5:00 p.m. to 630 p.m. An email will be sent out with more informafion. X. Old Business None XI. New Business None XII. Adjournment Meeting adjoumed at 9:45 a.m. Recorded and prepazed by Sonja Butler, Planning Commission Secretary Planning and Economic Development Department, City of Saint Paul Respectfully submitted, ��,��-r( Donna Drummond Planning Administrator Approved � 7 ZOO (Date) Maril Porter' Secretary of the Plann' Commission Bvtlerlplanning commissioaVune 5, 2009 10-654 #09-067-959 Chai Lee — Variances of lot azea (6,500 sq. ft. required, 5,062.5 sq. ft. proposed) and off-street pazlang (7 spaces required, 6 spaces proposed) for a 5-unit residential building. 1024 Ross Avenue between G�press and Earl. (Luis Pereirq 651/266-6591) , MOTION: Commissioner Mortom m�ved the Zoning Committee's recor�emendation to deny the variances. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote #09-071-025 Kevin and Bazbara Henrv — Rezoning from OS Offic�Service to RM2 Medium- density Residential. 1528 Grand Avenue between Saratoga and Snelling. (Scmah Zorn, 651/266-6570) MOTTON: Cammissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's reeommendation to approve the reznning. The motian carried unanimousLy on a voice vote VI. Comprehensive Planning Committee Commissioner Morton attended the meeting saying that they discussed the plans for the decertification and recertification of small azea plans and the comments from the public hearing. VII. Neighborhood Planning Committee , Grand Avenue Special Sign District Amendments — Resolution to approve amendments to the Grand Avenue Special Sign District (Emily Goodmme, 651/266-6551) •Emily Goodman reviewed the public hearing testimony. There were substantive comments about rivo things: dynamic display signs and portable signs. She explained the changes recommended by staff and the committee pertaining to portable signs based on the testimony. In order to allow portable signs in the public right-of-way there would need to be an amendment to Chapter 106 of the City Legislative Code, which is outside the purview of the Grand Avenue Special District "' Sign Plan. Staff anticipates moving forwazd with such an amendment in the neaz future. MOTTON: Cammissionu Wencl moved the Neighborhood Planning Committee's recmnmendation to approve the resolrition. The motion canied unanimously on a voice vote. District 2 Pian Update Summary — Resolution recommending adoption of the District 2 Plan Summary as an addendum to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. (Penelope Simison, 651l266-6554) , Penelope Simison said that the resolution clarifies the three issues that the committee discussed. Changes to the draft summary are incorporated into the committee recommendations. MOTION: Commissioner Wencl moved the Neighborhood Planning Cammittee's recommendation to apprave the resoiWion for the District 2 Plan Srmrmary recommending that the City Council adopt it as an addendusn tn the Co�rehensive Plan. The motion cmTied unanimously on a voice vote. Commissioner Wencl announced thzt the ne�rt meeling will be on Wednesday June 10, 2009. 10-654 District 9 Plan Summarv - Item from the Neighborhood Planning Committee. (Kate ReiZZy, 651/266-6618) Chair Alton announced that the Saint Paul Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the District 9 Plan Summary. Notice of the public hearing was published in the Legal Ledger on May ll 2009, and was mailed to the citywide Eazly Notificafion System list and other interested parties. Chair Alton read the rules of procedure for the public hearing. The following people spoke. Ms. Becky Yust, 256 Goodrich Avenue, Saint Paul, was the District 9 committee chair for their plan. Work on the plan started in 2004. It was adopted by the District Council in 2006. The previous District 9 plan was completed in 1983. Ms. Yust e�cplained that West 7�' is the main artery through the neighborhood. Instead of using West 7 as a divider as in the previous plan, the new plan uses it to pull the neighborhood together as a seam. T'he new • plan has recommendafions for housing, economic and community development, the miz of land uses, historic preservation, environmental quality and circulation improvements. The main recommendations for housing include preserving and improving the e�sting housing stock, adding new units to mazimize access to transit, and providing a mix of affordable housing opfions. Jobs and economic development aze dependent on improving employment opportunities through environmentally friendly establishments along West 7� Street. Ms. Yust said that meeting the needs of residents and employees, community centers, schools, places of faith and safety in pazks were addressed. Their competitive advantage as a community is their history and geographic proximity to the Mississippi River, historic Fort Snelling and downtown Saint Paul. Developing mixed land uses while preserving the historic chazacter aze important in future planning. Planning for vehicles, pedestrians, public transit and bicycles must be integrated to encourage safe and energy efficient transportation. MOTION: Cammissioner Wencl moved to clnse the public hearing, leave the record open for written testimony unti14:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009, and to refer the matter back to the Neighborhood Planning Comminee for review and recnmmendation. Commissioner N'ard • seconded the motian. The mntinn carried unanimously on a voice vote V. Zoning Committee NEW BUSINESS #09-067-951 Chai Lee — Rezoning from B3 General Business to TN2 Traditional Neighborhood. 1024 Ross Avenue between Cypress and Eazl. (Luis Pereira, 65I/266-6591) MOTION: Commissioner Mortam m�ved the Zoning Cammittee's recammendation to deny the rezoning. - Chair Alton requested a roll call vote. The reasons for denial aze incorporated into the resolution. ROLL CALL VOTE: The mofion to deny the rezoning carried on a roll call vote of II-3 (%ramer, Smitten, Thao) with 2 abstentions (Barrerq Margulies). 10-654 design standards. They aze particulaziy concemed about infill houses with no windows or doors that face the street. 5. Mr. Kevin Flynn, AIA, LEED AP, EcoDEEP Architects, 2199 Pinehurst Avenue, Saint Paul. Mr. Flynn is President of the US Green Building Council, Mississippi Headwaters Chapter. He submitted a written copy of his testimony, which was distributed to Planning Commissioner and is on file. Paragraph (b) is puticularly problematic. What do the words "lraditional" and "relate to" mean•? Who decides? These seem to issues of slyle rather than of quality and performance in our design. There aze plenty of examples of poorly desigded "tcaditional" buildings in the city. Pazagraph (b) could take away opportunities to make houses more energy efficient and environmentally responsible, and reduce potefftial for sustainable, high quality design. It could reduce ability to properly orient buildings for • passive and active solaz design. It could lead to increased building footprints and less permeable surface, contributing to more stormwater discharge. We need to promote creativity in addressing these issues rather than stifling it. He thanked the commi'ssion in advance for all the time they would spend reviewing their nonconforming projects.• Commissioner Wazd asked how to use design shandards to ensure design quality. Mr. Flynn responded that we can't get quality design by blindly following a checklist about roof type or size of windows. Rather, this is a question about how to review, evaluate, and � judge each project in light of its unique circumstances and needs. But there is limited staff time and eapertise for holistic review of every building for aesthetics and quality ofdesign, and tastes differ. Commissioner Nelson asked questions regarding access to simlight and the screening of mechanical equipment. Mr. Flynn said that access to solaz radiation is very important in achieving sustainability and that some cities provide protection of solar access. He also stated that screening of some types of inechanical equipment and hash azeas is desirable, hut that he believed other portions of the zoning ordinance cover such screening. 6. Mr. Mict�ael Roehr, 2146 Juliet Avenue, Saint Paul, read and submitted a written copy of his testimony, which was distributed to Commissioners and is on file. He objected to ambiguity and lack of objective metrics for assessing compliance, and skewed priorities, particularly with respect to pazagraph (b), which he characterized as worse than useless. It is an "I know- it when I see iY' standard that will result in unpredictable, azbitrary, "because I say so" enforcement, with obvious problems. Rather, we need clear, concise, objeetive, measurable, easy to understand and administer requirements. We should steer clear of fruifless aesthetic debates. Our neigfiborhoods should not be treated as a quaint and statia museum of house styles, but rather as a living and evolving reflection of our changing needs and the way we live. MOTION: Conrmissianer Wend moved to close the public hearing, leave the record open for written testimo�ry uniil4:30 p.m. on Moxday, June 8, 2009, and to refer ihe maiter back to the Neighborhood Planning Committee for review and recammendation Commissioner Ward seconded ihe motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote 10-654 IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Residential Desien Standazds Zonine Study — A continuation from May 22, 2009, Planning Commission meeting. (Luis Pereirq 651/266-6591 and Allan Torstenson, 651/266-6579) Chair Alton announced that the Saint Paul Planning Commission is continuing a public hearing from the May 22, 2009, Planning Commission meeting on the Residential Design Standards Zoning Study. Notice of the public hearing was published in the Legal Ledger on May 11, 2009, and was mailed to the citywide Eazly Notification System list and other interested parties. Chair Alton read the mles of procedure for the public hearing. The following people spoke. 1. Mr. Eric Lagerquist, 2016 Palace Avenue, Saint Paul, President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), St. Paul Chapter. Mr. Lagerquist submitted a letter from AIA St. Paul summarizing comments they have received from their members. He noted that good design is very subjective, and people have varied tastes. Ambiguity m the proposed design standards leaves a lot to interpretation, which will be a challenge for the Planning Commission in enforcement of the standazds. Their greatest concern is about how the proposed standazds will be interpreted and enforced, which could be a cumbersome, costly, time-consuming and adversarial process. They are also concerned about the potenfial impact of the proposed ' design standards on sustainabiliry and "green" design. Creativity and innovation in design needs to be OK. 2. Ms. Kerry Antrim, District 6 Plauuiug Council, 213 Front Ave., Saint Paul. The District 6 Planning Council supports the design standards. A few years ago the Eastside and North End had the "beige houses" with only one or two windows. About a month ago the Eastside Review ran the headline, "Dude, Where's My Door?" about a house across the street from North End Elementary. They are concemed about all the vacant housas being torn down, , leaving small vacant lots where new houses could be built. They want to retain neighborhood individuality. New houses need to compliment the individualiTy of the neighborhood. District 6 has design guidelines they worked out with SPARC that were adopted as addendum to their area plan summary in 2005, which should not be superseded. Ms. Linda Jungwirth, 1111 Abell Street, Saint Paul. Ms. Jungwirth is a member of the Tri Area Block Club, which has submitted written comments. She noted that the North End, Eastside and Frogtown aze the neighborhoads with the highest number of vacant lots due to teaz downs, and most vulnerable to quick, cheap infill housing. They need good, right design standards to protect them. She expressed concem about use of the word "should." Nothing should be left to interpretation. Not everyfliiug has to look the same, but deviation can be addressed with variances. The standazds would allow a sideway house if it is connected with a walkway. The staadards should be revised so that nothing is open to interpretation, so that they can't be interpreted differendy from one case to another. 4, Mr. Chuck Repke, Dishict 2 Community Council, 1961 Sherwood Ave, Saint Paul. Mr. Repke read and submitted a letter from the District 2 Community Council, which supports the Saint Paul Planning Commission City Hall Conference Center 15 Kellogg Bonlevard FVest Minutes Jnne 5, 2009 A meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saint Paul was held Friday, 7une 5, 20o9, at 8:30 am. in the Conference Center of City Hall. 10-654 Commissioners Mmes. Donnelly-Cohen, Morton; Smitten, Thao, Wencl; and Present: Messrs. Alton, Barrera, Bellus, Commers, Gordon, Johnson, Kramer, Mazgulies, Nelson, Spaulding, and Wazd. Commissioners Mmes. *Faricy, *Lu, *Porter and Messrs. *Goodlow, and *Schertler Absent: � *Excused Also Present: Donna Drummond, Planning Administrator; Wendy I.ane, Department of Safety and Inspections; Allan Torstenson, Lucy Thompson, Patricia 7ames, Penelope � Simison, Emily Goodman, Tia Anderson, and Sonja Bufler, Department of Planning and Economic Development staff. L Approval of minntes May 22, 2009. MOTION: Commissinner ponnelly-Cohen moved approval of the minutes of May 22, 2009. Commissioner Ward seconded the motion. The mofion carried unananously'ox a voice vote. II. Chair's Announcements Chair Alton announced tbat Sunday is tfie Grand Old Day celebration and if you need a place to rest stop by 951 Grand Avenue, Chair Alton's place of business. Chair Alton aLso announced that Sholom Home on Seventh Street is opening and there will be an ogen house on Sunday, hme 28`�. On Sunday, 7une 23, Thomas L. Friedman, a Saint Paul native and world-renowned New York Times columnist, is coming to the Sholom Green fundraiser for the Sholom Foundation sponsored by Lindquist and Vennum. Flyers were dishibuted. � III. PlanningAdmin',.ct,�tor'sAnnoancements Donna Drummond introduced Tia Anderson, a new intem from the Humphrey Institute. She will be with PED ttuough the summer and the next school year. At the City Coimcil on May 27`� there was a resolution requesting that the Planning Commission and Heritage Freservation Commission prepaze a report and make a recommendation to the City Council within suc months on neighborhood conservation districts. PED requested this be laid over to June 17'� so there could be further discussion with Councilmembers about staff resources needed for such a study and the requested timeline. On June 3` the City Council approved the Summit-University District 8 Plan Summary.