Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 5, 2002PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2002 7:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairperson Ramsdell. Roll Call: Commission Members present-Ramsdell, Johnson, Ericson, and Yehle. Commission Member Schmitt arrived at 7:02 pm after roll call. Council Representative Marlaine Szurek Also present were Tim Johnson (City Planner) and Shelley Hanson (Secretary). Motion by Yehle, second by Ericson, to approve the minutes from the meeting of December 4, 2001. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case//2002-0201 Conditional Use Permit Linder's Greenhouse 4300 Central Avenue NE Planner Johnson explained to the Commission members that Mr. Peter Linder of Linder's Greenhouses, Inc. is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a temporary "mini garden center" in the easterly portion of the parking lot of Central Valu Mall at 4300 Central Avenue from April 15, 2002 to July 10, 2002. This will be the 11th year Linder's has operated their greenhouse in Columbia Heights. They have provided a letter from the property owner supporting this operation, a Certificate of Insurance, and the required site plan. The new Zoning Ordinance limits this type of use to 90 days and the timeframe mentioned above, meets that restriction. The property to the north and south of the subject parcel is zoned LB and is used commercially. The property across Central Avenue to the east is zoned GB, Retail Business and is used commercially. The area west of Central Valu Mall is zoned R-2, Single and Two Family Residential and is used residentially. The Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit for seasonal agricultural sales. The site plan and configuration remains unchanged from previous years. A fence will enclose the patio area and connect to each structure. The Fire Department has reviewed the proposal and has expressed no concerns. There is adequate parking and it should be noted that the surrounding parking area proposed for use as a Rainbow Fuel Center and the proposed multi-tenant specialty retail should not impact Linder's future at this location. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING FEBRUARY 5, 2002 PAGE 2 The Land Use Plan Map designates this area of Columbia Heights for future commercial activity, including retail sales, offices, and service businesses. The proposal is consistent with the intent of the City Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit provided a $500 deposit is submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to the installation of the structures on the site to ensure their removal at the end of the approved time period. Ericson asked when construction on the new fuel center is scheduled to begin. Planner Johnson explained that construction was originally planned for last fall, however, there were some easements issues that needed to be addressed before construction could commence. The legal work is progressing and construction should begin in the next couple months. He also noted that the proposed greenhouse would not interfere with the construction plans. Schmitt asked if there is going to be a greenway between Rainbow and the new buildings. Planner Johnson stated this is still part of the plan, and the greenway would mn between the present building and the retail center. The projected date of construction for the retail center is still unknown at this time. Motion by Ramsdell, second by Yehle, to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a temporary mini-garden center in the easterly portion of the parking lot at 4300 Central Avenue from April 15, 2002 through July 10, 2002, subject to the following condition: 1. A $500 deposit shall be submitted to the License/Permit Clerk prior to installation of the structures on the site. All Ayes. MOTION PASSED. NEW BUSINESS A. Election of New Officers Chairperson Ramsdell explained that a Chairperson for 2002 must be elected. Motion by Yehle, second by Johnson, to nominate Thomas Ramsdell to be the Chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission for the year 2002. Ramsdell was elected Chair unanimously by white ballot as no other nominations were received. B Acquisition of 3722 Central Avenue The existing single family home at 3722 Central Avenue is in the process of being acquired by the City. The single family home is considered non-conforming and is dilapidated in nature. This property is intended for future commercial revitalization purposes. However, there is no specific commercial redevelopment plan at this time. This is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 2002 PAGE 3 MN Statute 462.356 requires that if a city has a Comprehensive Plan, it must notify the Planning Commission of the intent to purchase or sell land. Motion by Johnson, second by Yehle, to support the action of the Columbia Heights City Council to acquire the property at 3 722 Central Avenue NE, provided the future development of this parcel remains consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan. All ayes. MOTION PASSED. MISCELLANEOUS Ericson asked about the future of the old KFC site. Tim Johnson responded that no one has brought any plans to his attention. He has received a few inquiries regarding the zoning and the permitted uses of the site. Enclosed in the agenda packets were several seminars available to members if anyone is interested in attending. This is for informational purposes only. If any of the commission members wish to attend a session, contact the Community Development Dept. so the registration can be processed. Motion by Yehle, second by Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:15 pm. All ayes. Respectfully submitted, Shelley Hanson Secretary