Minutes 6/30/2006 A
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Saint Paul Planning Commission JUL 3
City Hall Conference Center L+,TYlit
I 2006
15 Kellogg Boulevard West CtFRK
Minutes June 30, 2006
A meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saint Paul was held Friday, June 30, 2006,
at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Center of City Hall.
Commissioners Mmes. Donnelly-Cohen, Lu, Morton, Smitten,
Present: and; and Messrs.Aligada,Alton, Bellus, Commers, Gordon,Johnson, Kramer, and
Mejia and Nelson
Commissioners Mmes. *Faricy, *McCall, *Porter, *Trevino, and Messrs. * Cudahy, *Dandrea,
*Goodlow, *Kong
Absent:
*Excused
Also Present: Larry Soderholm, Planning Administrator; Allan Torstenson, Patricia James, Lucy
Thompson, Jessica Rosenfeld, Merritt Clapp-Smith, Sarah Zorn(intern), and Kate
Fleming, Department of Planning and Economic Development staff.
I. Approval of minutes June 16,2006.
MOTION: Commissioner Donnelly-Cohen moved approval of the minutes of June 16, 2006.
Commissioner Bellus seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
II. Chair's Announcements
Chair Alton announced that Mark Vaught passed away.
III. Planning Administrator's Announcements
Larry Soderholm reported on planning-related business at the City Council for last week and their
agenda for next week.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING:
Item from the Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee.
(Lucy Thompson, 651/266-6578)
Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary
Lucy Thompson summarized the planning process and key recommendations of the precinct plan.
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Chair Alton read the rules of procedure for the public hearing and announced that notice of the
public hearing was published in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on June 15,2006. Hearing notices,
along with a Plan Brief,were sent to all property owners in the study area, the citywide Early
Notification System list,the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force, and other interested
parties.
The flowing people spoke:
1. Mr. Bob Spaulding, 194 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul,MN 55102. Mr. Spaulding served as co
chair of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force.Mr. Spaulding stated that what attracts
people to downtown Saint Paul is what happens in the shared space among and between
buildings.It is the interaction among downtown's many parts that make it unique.
Downtown has true diversity, from the recent immigrant who calls a PHA building home to
the students of McNally Smith College of Music; seniors at Central Towers to the small
business owners at Babani's,Vitality and Margaux. There is new and creative energy, from
the arrival of McNally Smith to new residents at the Rossmor;the Produce Exchange and
soon the Penfield.The Plan has two main things: first it creates needed common spaces for
this new neighborhood and second, it weaves them together. First, it creates green space to
serve the growing population of residents and workers who call this neighborhood home. We
need green that is easily accessible in our neighborhood,where neighbors bump into one
another,recreate together,and can casually connect. Second,the plan links together the best
urban spaces through downtown into a single, easily-navigated pedestrian loop. A green,
pedestrian oriented street would extend up St. Peter from Rice Park, over on Exchange,jog
over to 9th, and continue to Wacouta Commons Park to the east. Because of the closure of 9th
Street a couple years ago,the street grid needs repair. To make the loop effective,the plan
proposes realigning 9th Street between Cedar and Robert streets parallel to the neighboring
streets, and creating a permanent pedestrian pathway between Central Presbyterian and
Minnesota Public Radio.Lowertown once had dormant warehouses, and a park become the
heart of a vital urban village. As we lay the vision for a new urban village in downtown's
northern tier, it would be smart to learn the lessons from our own backyard. We are a true,
mixed use live-work urban community;historic, diverse, and creative.
2. Ms. Sonia Palacio,PO Box 18721, Saint Paul,MN 55118. Ms Palacio is a member of the
Senior City Council of City Passport and Senior Council for Parks and Recreation. Ms.
Palacio stated that with this plan the city is in the process of revitalizing Saint Paul. The most
important thing is creating funding for the organization and this task force will stand firm
through their help and the effort of private and public endeavors
3. Ms. Carol Gregory, 807 Lakeview, Saint Paul,MN 55117. Ms. Gregory owns the Keys Café
on Robert Street and believes green space is calming and provides a sense of peace. She
supports the park and believes that it will make for a strong neighborhood.
4. Mr.Michael Mergens, 1500 Wells Fargo Plaza, 7900 Xerxes Avenue,Bloomington,MN
55431. Mr. Mergens is an Attorney with Larkin Hoffinan Daly and Lindgren, and here on
behalf of Donerly Inc. He objects to the designation of the as a park for the property at the
intersection of Minnesota and 9th Streets. The current use of this property is as a surface
parking lot pursuant to a lease between Donerly and Keefe Co. Parking. Mr.Mergens brought
a letter from Peter Coyle.He stated there is a shortage of surface parking downtown. Ramps
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are not always affordable, and street parking is not an option if you live downtown and
underground parking is not affordable. The surface parking lots are important to residents,
and people who work downtown. A park will devalue the property and interfere with
reasonable expectations of the property owners and their investments, and will prevent them
from making any other use of their property. He contends this plan designation, if pursued by
the City, will violate Minnesota's new eminent domain law, as reflected in Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 117.
5. Mr. Peter Brown,Atlatus Partners, 6 West 5th Street, Suite# 700, Saint Paul,MN 55102.
Ataltus Partners are the developers of the Penfield,the high-rise project proposed on the site
of the Public Safety Building. On behalf of Mr. Brown's team,they support this plan and its
strong, simple, positive vision for the future of the Fitzgerald Park neighborhood,particularly
the emphasis on enhancing the pedestrian experience, improving the quality of the public
realm, creating a pedestrian loop and providing a new park in this quarter of the city. This
park will benefit the Penfield project but also will be a keystone in creating a sense of place
and identity and an asset for the City of Saint Paul. He asked the Planning Commission to
support and approve the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan.
6. Mr. Tim Griffin, 5 West 6th Street, Saint Paul,MN 55102. Mr. Griffin is Director of the Saint
Paul of Design Center and board member of Capitol River Council. He helped staff the plan.
He stated the plan has met three thresholds: an inspired vision for the area, bringing together
the nine projects into an overall vision;the plan is been well informed; and the plan involved
a large part of the community. He asked the Planning Commission to support and approve
the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan.
7. Mr. Don Keefe Jr., 81 E 7th Street, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Mr. Keefe Jr. owns Keefe
Company Parking. He also is a share holder in Donerly Inc., which is the owner of the Block
Ten property and the site of the park. He stated there is no shortage of ramp parking, but not
all people like ramp parking for various reasons. His concern is the designation of the park
and the funding to support this park. He has been told it would cost in excess of ten million
dollars, and the City does not have the money. If the park is designated now,the property
will be limited on its use it until it becomes a park,which could be ten years. He stated that
he was surprised there was a task force formed, and felt he was not properly contacted; he
does not live in Saint Paul, but should have been notified because he does own the property.
8. Mr. Bob Bierscheid, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Mr. Bierscheid spoke on behalf of all
Saint Paul residents for the present and future plans of the downtown area. The Precinct Plan
as proposed is solidly based in the Comprehensive Plan. The new park will get people active
and healthy,promote mental and social health, and provides space to come together and
interact.Not only the adjacent properties but the surrounding properties all benefit. With all
the other parks in downtown and along the Mississippi River,this would become the central
park of Saint Paul. He commends the insightfulness of the task force, addressing the need for
maintenance. He highly recommends the Planning Commission support and approve the
Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan.
9. Mr. Larry Englund, 162 College Avenue#4, Saint Paul,MN 55102. Mr. Englund is Chair of
CapitolRiver Council,the district Council for Downtown. The Task Force consisted of
residents, small business owners, and organizations such as St. Joseph's Hospital,MPR and
Fitzgerald Theatre,McNally Smith College, Public Housing Agency, as well as business
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representatives from the Capital City Partnership,Business Owners Management Association
and the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce. The task force believes the plan will be an
effective guide for future development and improvements in the neighborhood. This will
serve the City of Saint Paul and build an economically healthy, inclusive downtown.
10. Mr. Greg Horan, 20 E. Exchange, B-807, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Mr.Horan was a member
of the Precinct Planning task force. There was a lot of material available and when people
weren't aware of the task force,they were invited to the meetings and could be a part of the
process; some of the materials were brought to businesses. The information went out to low-
income residents, senior citizens, business people,the arts, churches and hospitals. It gives
the area a good plan and a vision for the future.
11. Ms.Kate Swenson, 500 N Robert#407, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Ms. Swenson is vice
president of the homeowners association at the Rossmor Building.On behalf of the
homeowners board, she stated they are in support of the project. This park will be their front
yard and they would feel more a part of the community. Having a recreational park will be
welcomed and used.
12. Mr.Rod Halvorson,66 9th Street E,#1312, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Mr.Halvorson is a
resident of City Walk in downtown Saint Paul. He is a member of the precinct plan task
force, a member of the Capitol River Council, and President of the City Walk Board of
Directors. He is in support of the results and the process of the plan. A lot of hard work was
put into this effort. The park will be a common meeting place, and recreational area. This is a
classic use of eminent domain,for the common good of the community. He is in support of
the plan and urges the support of the Planning Commission.
13. Mr.Matt Auran, Saint Paul Area of Commerce, 401 N.Robert Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101.
Mr.Auran applauded the work that has been put forth in this plan. He is concerned about
how the park will be funded.
14. Ms.Alaya Sexton, 145 E 10th Street, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Ms. Sexton is in support of the
park, she has a business and lives in downtown Saint Paul. Community is very important and
her business in the Produce Exchange gives a new way of getting to know many of the people
who work and live downtown. She sees the green space as a great gathering place so that we
can attract people who are not just empty nesters,who have grown children. It would be a
place to gather for the community. Some other parks in downtown are maintained by
volunteers and feels that getting a group of people who live here to work together to foster
that sense of community is very likely. This would be an opportunity for people to gather
and would be cost-saving. People gravitate to green spaces to recreate more than indoors.
15. Mr.Bud Kleppe, 78 East 10th Street#1504, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Mr.Kleppe is President of
the Association for The Pointe and also with Capitol River Council. The residents of the
Pointe passed a resolution in support of this plan and are very excited to have a park in their
front yard. There needs to be a common space where people mix,entwine and communicate.
This is a great opportunity for a long range-plan.
16. Mr. Don Keefe Sr., 81 E 7th Street, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Mr.Keefe Sr. is with Donerly Inc.
and had a business in Saint Paul for many years. He objected to the designation of his
property as a park at this time. Such a designation does not allow for any appreciation
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potential on the affected parcels. He questioned what is going to evolve and what activities
are going to take place. He has not seen much activity at the other downtown parks. He
stopped at the Mears Park and talked with the people,and most of them are not residents but
work at businesses in the area.
17. Ms. Mary Waldrop, 444 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul,MN 55101. Ms. Waldrop is from
Centennial Real Estate,managers of Bremer Tower and Town Square and represent those
properties. She stated there may be an alternative that would satisfy everyone that has not
been considered. Town Square Park was and sold by the City in 2000. If consideration was
given to reacquire the property and restore the park, the cost would be less than the proposed
park. Ms Waldrop stated if this would be considered the there would not be any business
relocations,the cost would be less,the neighborhood would have their park,the area would
be improved.
Commissioner Mejia,who co-chaired the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force,noted that a
lot of time and debate went into the plan, and that park options were thoroughly discussed.
MOTION: Commissioner Mejia moved to close the hearing but leave the record open for
written testimony until 4:00 p.m., today. Commissioner Morton seconded the motion. The
motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
MOTION: Commissioner Bellus moved to refer the Larkin Hoffman letter to the City Attorney
office. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
V. Zoning Committee
NEW BUSINESS
# 06-005-165 Xcel Energy Site Plan—Site plan review for a new gas fired power
plant. 155 Randolph Avenue. (Tom Beach, 651/266-9086)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve
the site plan review with conditions. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
# 06-090-144 Double Deals—Determination of Similar Use that outdoor sale of produce
is similar to an outdoor garden center. 990 Arcade Street, SE corner at Jenks.
(Merritt Clapp-Smith, 651/266-6547)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve
the determination of similar use with conditions. The motion carried on a 11-0 vote with 1
abstention (Kramer)
# 06-094-384 Lisa Proechel—Conditional Use Permit for seasonal outdoor sales of consumer
fireworks. 1271 University Avenue W,between Syndicate and Griggs.
(Patricia James, 651/266-6639)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to deny the
conditional use permit. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
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VI. Comprehensive Planning Committee
Parkland Dedication Ordinance—Initiate zoning study,release draft for public review, and set
public hearing date. (Allan Torstenson, 651/266-6579)
Allan Torstenson gave a brief report.
Mr.Bob Bierscheid gave a brief report.
MOTION: Commissioner moved the Comprehensive Planning Committee's recommendation
to iniate a zoning study and release the draft ordinance for public review and set a public
hearing for July 28,2006. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
VII. Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee
No report,the next meeting is July 5, 2006 at 8:30 a.m.
VIII. Long-range Planning Committee
No report
IX. Communications Committee
No report
X. Task force Reports
Commissioner Gordon gave an update on the STAR Grant applications and review schedule.
Commissioner Aligada gave the Central Corridor Development report;the next meeting is July
11,2006.
X. Old Business
None
XI New Business
XII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
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Recorded and prepared by
Kate Fleming,Planning Commission Secretary
Planning and Economic Development Department,
City of Saint Paul
Respectfully submitted, Approved J A r/ 6
(Dat34)
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Larry S •, olm arilyn orter
Plannin_ • .ministrator Secreta of the Planning ..ommission
PED\FlemingUune 30,2006
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