Minutes 3/10/2006 RECEIVED
Saint Paul Planning Commission
City Hall Conference Center MAR 2 7 2006
15 Kellogg Boulevard West
CITY CLERK
Minutes March 10, 2006
A meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saint Paul was held Friday, March 10, 2006,
at 8:30 a.m. in the Conference Center of City Hall.
Commissioners Mmes. Donnelly-Cohen, Faricy, Zimmer Lonetti, Morton, and Trevino.
Present: and; and Messrs. Aligada,Alton,Anfang,Bellus, Coletta, Goodlow, Gordon,
Johnson, and Kramer.
Commissioners Mmes. *Lu, * McCall, and *Porter, and Messrs. *Dandrea,Kong, *Meija and Scott.
Absent:
*Excused
Also Present: Allan Torstenson, for the Planning Administrator; County Commissioner Rettman;
Tom Beach, and Wendy Lane from LIEP; Patricia James, Shawntera Hardy, Yang
Zhang, Casey MacCallum(intern), and Kate Fleming, Department of Planning and
Economic Development staff.
I. Approval of minutes February 24, 2006.
MOTION: Commissioner Johnson moved approval of the minutes of February 24, 2006.
Commissioner Trevino seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
II. Chair's Announcements
Chair Alton stated Mayor Coleman has requested that the Planning Commission establish
a community-based task force to prepare a Central Corridor Development Strategy.
Chair Alton reminded the Commissioners that at the next meeting, the committee
preference sheets will be available to fill out.
Chair Alton reminded everyone of the fundraiser for The Jeremiah Program,which will
take place March 19, 2006, 8:00 a.m. —4:00 p.m., at the Great Harvest Bread Co.
1
III. Planning Administrator's Announcements
Allan Torstenson announced that a panel of demographers will speak at the Planning
Commission meeting on March 24, 2006, so the meeting will start at 8:00 a.m. and
Commission members should block out time for a three-hour meeting.
Allan Torstenson reported on the planning related City Council action.
Allan Torstenson stated the Planning Commission's decision on the airport levee has been
appealed.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING: Amendment to Summary of District 6/North End-South Como
District Plan (Wheelock Bluff/Rice Street Plan
Item from the Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee.
(Yang Zhang, 651/266-6659)
Chair Alton read the rules of procedure for the public hearing and announced the notice of the
public hearing was published in the Legal Ledger on February 16, 2006, and mailed or emailed to
the citywide Early Notification System list of recipients and other interested parties.
Yang Zhang gave a staff report.
The following people spoke:
1. Kerry Antrim, 213 Front Avenue, Saint Paul,Mn 55117. District 6 Planning Council
requests that the language regarding Wheelock Bluff be incorporated into the North End-
South Como District Plan summary. Preserving and enhancing the natural environments
referenced in the District 6 Large Area Plan page 49, "Open space constitutes parks,
cemeteries,bluff lands, lakes and other underdeveloped area that provide a sense of beauty,
serenity and recreational opportunities."Because District 6 if fully developed and has a
limited and somewhat uneven distribution of open space, local citizens wish to protect and
enhance existing areas. These areas serve important roles in shaping community character
and improving the quality of life for area residents. A recommended action to preserve our
natural amenities is to buffer bluffs from development. As glaciers that once covered District
6 melted, they formed the Mississippi river,which once followed the Trout Brook Valley and
carved bluffs,ridges and valleys that characterized the District today. Citizens wish to
protect the bluffs from future development to preserve views for the public to enjoy, increase
soil stability and retain the identity of District 6.The district has few open natural areas and
the neighborhood wishes to retain what open space that is here, and not allow development
on the bluffs or with our natural lands for development. Therefore,District 6 requests that
the additional language referencing the bluff area,which discourages disturbance of
environmentally sensitive areas,the preservation and/or restoration of open areas,
cooperation with Capitol Region Watershed to shore up erosion, and the street layout design
be incorporated into the Large Area Plan Summary.
MOTION: Commissioner Trevino moved to close the hearing but leave the record open for
written testimony until 4:30 p.m.,March 13, 2006. The motion carried unanimously on a voice
vote.
2
PUBLIC HEARING: Summary of Loeb Lake Small Area and Forty-Acre Study
Item from the Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee.
(Yang Zhang, 651/266-6659)
Chair Alton read the rules of procedure for the public hearing and announced the notice of the
public hearing was published in the Pioneer Press on February 17, 24 and March 3, 2006, and
mailed or emailed to the citywide Early Notification System list of recipients and other interested
parties.
1. Mr. Jonathon Sage-Martinson, Executive Director of SPARC, 843 Rice Street, Saint Paul,
Mn, 55117. Mr. Sage-Martinson served as a representative of SPARC on the task force that
was part of the nine month planning process and is in support of adopting the plan. SPARC is
also the owner of two and three quarter acres of land, which was the former Larson Nursery,
where the plan is to build 36 town homes. This is one of the sites that are being
recommended to be rezoned and is part of the Forty-Acre Study. The plan matches the goals
set forth in the District 6 Large Area Plan Summary that was adopted a couple of years ago.
Commissioner Faricy asked Mr. Sage Martinson if SPARC would be the developers.
Mr. Sage Martinson answered that SPARC would develop some of the units but also will work
with other developers such as Habitat for Humanities. Most of the units will be developed by
SPARC.
2. Mr. David Sullivan-Nightingale, 1132 Norton, Saint Paul, Mn 55117.Mr. Sullivan-
Nightingale stated that the notices sent out in the mail did not include rental properties. He
also stated that he noticed is a lot of pollution mentioned in the area which is being
considered for development. There was an undocumented dump site from 1132 to 1136
Norton that was used by a brass making company and there is still brass on the property
today. He would like to see some clarification on the plan for the parks. The plan to put a path
in the Willow Reserve was a very good idea. Mr. Sullivan-Nightingale would like to see the
City publize that SPARC loans are available and one model that could be used is the
Neighborhoods House on the West Side of Saint Paul. He mentioned ways on how to slow
the traffic, such as the ways that were implemented on the East Side, and that the bus stops
should be maintained. The ideas from the Jefferson Smurfit site should include removing
pollution from the area. He suggested that while making the railway more attractive, it is
important to keep in mind the need to keep it safe and not appealing to children or others to
walk along the tracks. Loeb Lake has a lot of glass; it should be better maintained. He also
suggested a fence around the playground area.
Chair Alton thanked Mr. Sullivan-Nightingale and suggested that he send any comments in
writing from himself and also the people who didn't get notified by mail by 4:30 p.m., March
13, 2006.
3
3. Ms.Katherine Levin, 1125 Norton Street, Saint Paul,MN 55117. Ms.Levin is very happy that
the plans for the extension of Jessamine through to Norton have been taken out of the original
plan. Ms. Levin is interested in calming the traffic on Norton.There are no stop signs, and people
drive 40 or 50 mph and go straight through. Around her house there are fourteen children under
the age of fifteen. She is requesting some speed bumps,traffic stop signs, something to slow the
traffic down. She supports any improvements to Marydale Park because the area is deteriorating
with broken glass and illegal dumping. She said along the railway tracks,there is a stretch of
sidewalk that is not maintained and is very dangerous to walk along.
4. Lynn Belgea,445 W. Wheelock Parkway, Saint Paul,Mn 55117. Ms. Belgea is on the District 6
Planning Council Board,the District 6 Planning Council Land Use Task Force and was the
District 6 representative to the Loeb Lake Task Force. Ms.Belgea is currently chair of the
District 6 Large Area Plan Implementation Committee, and is in favor of the adoption of the Loeb
Lake Small Area Plan and Forty-Acre Study. They have three specific areas of concern. First,
housing challenges.With the opening of the Great Northern Business Center,they are trying to
get the industrial uses out of the residential areas and move them to the business center. Second,
transportation challenges, specifically related to high speeds on the roads, and the lack of a left
turn lane on the corner of Dale and Maryland. Third,the corner of Dale and Maryland changed
from commercial to traditional neighborhood. In addition,Marydale Park's water quality is in
question and the facilities need to be upgraded. Willow Reserve Park has poor access and
because it is a bird sanctuary, a boardwalk or viewing platform could be used for the enjoyment
of the wild life.
Commissioner Gordon asked if a pedestrian overpass over the railroad tracks was build, would
that create access to the Willow Reserve.
Ms. Belgea stated there is no vote as yet from District 6 for this. It is difficult to provide access to
the Reserve. On the north,there is a path to get into the wetland area,but there's no place to park;
there
are no directional signs to even locate it.
Chair Alton asked if everyone was included in the mailings and meetings.
Ms. Belgea answered yes, and that meeting notices were published in the North End News. •
5. Mr. Howard Merrill, 1872 Merrill Street, Saint Paul,MN 55113.Mr.Merrill owns properties
across the Jefferson Smurfit site and is interested in possibly having a senior condominium
building with indoor parking. He spoke to SPARC regarding this idea.Mr.Merrill also wants to
vacate that part of Cook Street and to not have a walkway through it.
6. Mr.Thomas Dunne, 1095 Jessamine Court, Saint Paul, 55117. Mr. Dunne was on the Task Force
and complemented Yang and Emily for their hard work and interest in area. He thanked the city
for the new path around Loeb Lake,but there still needs to be better lighting and better patrol. He
also suggests putting in a pedestrian cross walk light cross Maryland to provide safer access to
Willow Reserve. The sign/light alerts drivers there are pedestrians crossing.
4
7. County Commissioner Janice Rettman, 682 W. Iowa Avenue, Saint Paul, Mn 55117.
Commissioner Rettman was on the Saint Paul City Council when the Willow Reserve was bought
for a bird sanctuary and it was not intended for the public. The Audubon Society brought it to the
attention of the Council that the area was in a migratory pattern and a nesting site. The reason
there have been no paths or walkways is to protect the habitat. Please consider this when making
this decision.
8. A letter was received from Ms.Kiki Sonnen regarding the Willow Reserve and the protection of
the natural area and wildlife habitat.
9. Mr. Steve Haney, 549 Maryland Avenue, Saint Paul,Mn 55117. Mr. Heney has his business and
also lives at this residence. He has been in the area for many years and his concerns are the
proposed changes in the TN2 zoning and eminent domain. He has put esthetically pleasing
signage and made his property blend in well with the neighborhood. He has invested a lot of
money on his property and believes that with the railroad and the noise level from that, this would
not be a pleasant place for a senior citizen building. Mr. Heney hopes that any changes do not
include his property and he can continue to live and work where he is located now.
MOTION: Commissioner Faricy moved to close the hearing but leave the record open for
written testimony until 4:30 p.m.,March 13,2006. The motion carried unanimously on a voice
vote.
Recognition of Out-Going Members
Chair Alton read the Resolution Honoring Anthony"Tony" Coletta
Anthony"Tony" Coletta served as a member of the Saint Paul Planning Commission from his
appointment by Mayor Randy Kelly in October 2003 until March 2006;
Tony brought his experience as an environmental consultant to the Commission at a time when
the Planning Commission was reviewing proposals for the redevelopment of industrial
Brownfield sites, including the conversion of the Koch-Mobil tank farm site into a major
residential urban village;
Tony served on the Comprehensive Planning Committee as it worked on river issues, transit, and
preparation for the next round of citywide comprehensive planning;
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Saint Paul Planning Commission thanks
Tony Coletta for his service to the Commission and the citizens of Saint Paul and wishes him all
the best for his family,professional life,,and future volunteer community activities.
MOTION: Commissioner Alton moved approval of the resolution honoring Anthony Coletta.
Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
5
Chair Alton read the Resolution Honoring Christine Zimmer Lonetti
Christine Zimmer Lonetti served as a member of the Saint Paul Planning Commission from her
appointment by Mayor Norm Coleman in February 2000 and reappointment by Mayor Randy
Kelly in October 2003 until March 2006;
Christine brought to the Commission a record of community participation in the Macalester-
Groveland neighborhood and through her family knowledge of homegrown business;
Through her profession in public relations and lobbying, Christine was also well-informed about
the contributions that national corporations make to the local economy;
Christine served on the Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee and co-chaired the
Lexington Park Design Advisory Committee,which has resolved the big redevelopment
questions at the one-time Lexington ballpark site, so that only details remain; and
Christine is a natural social engineer who helped to start and organize an annual Planning
Commission golf outing;
THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Saint Paul Planning Commission thanks Christine
Zimmer Lonetti for her service to the Commission and the citizens of Saint Paul and wishes her
all the best for her family,professional life, and future volunteer community activities.
MOTION: Commissioner Alton moved approval of the resolution honoring Christine Zimmer
Lonetti. Commissioner Aligada seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Donnelly-Cohen read the Resolution Honoring Matt Anfang
Matt Anfang served as a member of the Saint Paul Planning Commission from his appointment
by Mayor Norm Coleman in February 2000 and reappointment by Mayor Randy Kelly in October
2003 until March 2006;
Matt brought to the Commission a record of community participation in the Highland
neighborhood and the business community,as well as being the son of a former Planning
Commission member;
Matt's employment at a major residential construction company gave him experience with land
development practices and regulations in municipalities throughout the area;
Matt played a central role in the development of the Upper Landing as an urban village on the
river, and emerged from the conflict-prone project with the respect of all sides;
Matt has served as an active member of the Zoning Committee,where his conscientious
preparation,pertinent(never impertinent)questions, and amiable advocacy of his positions have
been helpful as well as thoroughly appreciated.
6
•
Matt co-chaired the University-Snelling-Lexington Plan task force,which was the City's first
Transit-Oriented Design (TOD)plan, and serves the on Council-appointed Mississippi River
Critical Area Task Force, which has met regularly for almost two years;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Saint Paul Planning Commission thanks
Matt Anfang for his service to the Commission and the citizens of Saint Paul and wishes him all
the best for his family,professional life, and his future volunteer community service activities.
MOTION: Commissioner Donnelly-Cohen moved approval of the resolution honoring Matt
Anfang. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous
vote.
Commissioner Johnson read the Resolution Honoring Dan Scott
Dan Scott served as a member of the Saint Paul Planning Commission from his appointment by
Mayor Randy Kelly in October 2003 until March 2006;
Dan brought to the Commission his legal experience at a major law firm and his expertise in
historic preservation as an active member of the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission;
Dan served on the Comprehensive Planning Committee as it worked on river issues, transit, and
preparation for the next round of citywide comprehensive planning;
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the Saint Paul Planning Commission thanks
Dan Scott for his service to the Commission and the citizens of Saint Paul and wishes him all the
best for his family,professional life, and future volunteer community activities.
MOTION: Commissioner Johnson moved approval of the resolution honoring Dan Scott.
Commissioner Bellus seconded the motion. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
V. Zoning Committee
OLD BUSINESS
# 06-013-946 Holiday Station Stores—Conditional Use Permit for auto convenience market.
1400 Arcade Street,between Sherwood&Cottage. (Patricia James, 651/266-6639)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve
the conditional use permit without conditions 3, 4, and 5, as they were not part of the Zoning
Committee's action.
AMENDMENTS TO MOTION: Commissioner Kramer moved to restore condition numbers
3, 4, and 5 to the resolution. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a voice vote.
There was discussion about preservation of the tree on the southwest corner of the lot.
AMENDMENT TO MOTION: Commissioner Kramer moved to amend the main motion by
changing condition 7 to say that the existing mature tree at the southwest corner of the lot shall
7
be preserved if possible, and if not, in the process of site plan review, staff will designate
alternative plantings to replace it. Commissioner Trevino seconded the motion.
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT: Commissioner Bellus moved to amend Commissioner
Kramer's amendment so that if the tree cannot be saved, condition number six be changed to
permit the original twelve dispensing points. Commissioner Donnelly-Cohen seconded the
motion.After discussion, the motion failed on a voice vote.
MOTION AS AMENDED The motion as amended carried unanimously on a voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
#06-015-402 Cub Foods—SunRay—Conditional Use Permit for seasonal greenhouse. 2197 Old
Hudson Road,between McKnight Road and Pedersen.
(Patricia James, 651/266-6639)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve
the conditional use permit. Commissioner Trevino seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously on a voice vote.
#06-018-991 Emmett Booker—Conditional Use Permit for a 3-unit cluster development with
variances of side yard setback(9ft. each side required; 7 ft. each side requested)and lot area
(9,000 sq. ft.required, 8,640 sq. ft. available). (Patricia James, 651/266-6639)
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve
the conditional use permit.
Commissioner Morton stated she was opposed to the Zoning Committee's recommendation and
had voted against it. She stated her reasons for opposition were that the proposal was inconsistent
with the city attorney's letter on cluster developments,the property's reasonable use is as a
duplex or single family homes,the property is not unique, and that the request was made to
increase the income potential of the land.
Commissioners expressed concerns about cluster developments and when and where they
are appropriate. Commissioners agreed to have more general discussion about cluster
developments at a future meeting of the Neighborhoods and Current Planning
Committee.
Commissioner Gordon spoke in support of the cluster development, and stated the
proposal is consistent with city policies concerning adding housing and making it more
dense.
Chair Alton polled Commissioners who voted against the resolution, who stated their
reasons for voting to deny the application.
ROLL CALL VOTE: The motion failed on a vote of 3-10(Coletta, Johnson,Bellus, Faricy,
Morton,Kramer,Zimmer Lonetti,Donnelly-Cohen,Anfang,Alton).
MOTION: Commissioner Morton moved to deny the conditional use permit based on the
8
findings for variance not being met. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. The
motion to deny the application carried on a voice vote with 2 nay votes (Aligada,
Gordon)
Commissioner Morton announced the Zoning Committee agenda for March 16, 2006
VI. Comprehensive Planning Committee
Chair Donnelly-Cohen gave report.
VII. Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee
No report
VIII. Long-range Planning Committee
No report
IX. Task Force Reports
Commissioner Bellus gave Long-range Policy report.
Commissioner Johnson gave CM report.
Commissioner Zimmer Lonetti suggested Commissioners Goodlow and Aligada continue
planning commission representation on the Lexington-University Task Force.
Commissioner Anfang gave the Mississippi River Critical Area Task Force report.
X. Old Business
Advertising Sign Regulations—Update on City Council ordinances
(Patricia James, 651/266-6639 and Wendy Lane, 651/266-9081)
Wendy Lane reported on recent City Council action pertaining to Sign Regulations.
XI New Business
None
XII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
9
•
Recorded and prepared by
Kate Fleming, Planning Commission Secretary
Planning and Economic Development Department,
City of Saint Paul
�� �� U�
Respectfully submitted, Approved
(Date)
Allan Torste son Maril Porter
Senior Planner Secretary of the Planning ommission
PED\Fleming\March 10,2006
10