6.5. SR 03-17-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Planning Commission/CU 97-1 February 25, 1997 Page 2 The proposed addition will take place along the north side of the building by bumping the wall out a total of 12 feet, providing for the new seating opportunities. The existing landscaping on site that will be disturbed with the addition will be relocated accordingly. Attached is a letter from Dan Smith, general partner of Pinnacle Foods, LP. explaining in detail Perkins proposed expansion plans. As Mr. Smith points out in his letter, he is aware of a possible parking problem and would like to receive approval from the Planning Commission to purchase additional land and construction of an additional parking area immediately to the north, if a parking problem arises in the future. Staff would recommend that this new parking area, if it has to be constructed, be done in accordance with the concept plans that have been approved for Elk River Retail Center and that the parking area be improved with a bituminous surface, along with curb and gutter where appropriate. Proposed Flag In addition to the building expansion, Pinnacle Foods, LP. would like to request installing a 70 foot high flagpole to replace their existing 35 foot high flag. This is an issue that was discussed as part of the planned unit development plans for Elk River Retail Center during the early part of the project. Given the proximity of this commercial center to the residential area to the east, there were measures taken to try to mitigate the commercial impact upon this residential area. For example, the earth berming and extensive landscaping along Dodge, coupled with the future buildings being tucked into the west side of the berm helped in minimizing the commercial's appearance to the residential area. In addition, the height of the signs was also considered, both from the standpoint of the residential to the east and the site's elevation above Highway 169, which would not require excessively high signs. During that review, the flagpole was also included in the concept plans to show that it would fit within the height requirements and overall scale of the project. Staff believes the 70 ft. high flagpole would not be in scale with the proposed development and would receive opposition from the residents to the east, as the request did with the initial application by Perkins in 1995. Recommendation It is recommended the Planning Commission recommend approval of the conditional use permit for Pinnacle Foods, LP. to expand the existing Perkins Restaurant facility, adding an additional 48 seats, with the following conditions: s:\planning\pc\cu97-1.doc