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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