06-14-2011 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Hnutes June 14, 2011 Mr. Barnhart noted that institutional uses/churches are a fairlycommon use in residential districts and off-site parking (in the street) does occur during peak times. I-Ie stated that the applicant is proposing to accommodate parking on site..: Commissioner Bell asked how often meetings were held. He asked if the kitchen would be required to be inspected for health concerns. Mr: Barnhart stated that site was used daily for meditation and visitors are a common occurrence. He noted that other services or gatherings are held, as well. He stated that the condition # 1 states that all necessar5rpermits must be obtained, a~ich would include state building codes. Chair Ives opened the public hearing. Joseph Thorndal, 10928 208`h Avenue (neighbor to the west) - Mr. Thorndal stated he would not object to the use if it was occasional, but that it is not the case. He had these concerns: - Number of people visiting the site. Hundreds of people and cars on any given weekend, or at least every other weekend, and the people are outdoors in the yard - Use seems to be more of a business, R~ith very large functions being held Didn't purchase house to be next to a business - Applicant is good neighbor, but the use was being portrayed accurately - Impacts on the neighborhood - At times, there are at least 100 cars parked up and down the driveway, back to the swamp and on the street - Signage is not conducive to residential neighborhood Jim Tralle, 10825 208`'' Avenue (neighbor to the east) -expressed these concerns: - Outdoor gatherings - up to 50 cars is not unusual when open houses are held - Impacts on propertyvalues, due to nature of use and high traffic - Impacts on the well and septic system; impact on wetlands - Property cannot accommodate parking due to hill and wetlands - Objection to any tree removal to accommodate parking and widening of driveway - Festivals are every other weekend; many people outdoor,; karaoke noise - Any additional signage Mr. Tralle stated that cars have parked on the septic system, and he knew from personal experience, that damages the system He felt that it would be necessaryto clear 50 - 60 feet of trees to accommodate the proposed parking and driveway improvements. He stated that the tree removal would change the character of the neighborhood even more. Mr. Tralle stated thax he recalled Calvin Realtytelling the CityCouncilthat the propertywould be used as a retreax for the monks, and that services and celebrations would occur in the Twin Cities. He stated that there is a lot of traffic every dayto and from the site. He stated that the site is used for more than a meditatiomcenter and always has been. Mr. Tralle further discussed traffic impacts and hours of operation. He stated that the temples in Monticello and Lakeville have much larger space to accommodate this type of use. Mr. Tralle asked that the Planning Commission table this item so that the Commissioners could visit the site. He felt that further study of the parking, tree removal, wetlands, septic system, traffic and large gatherings is necessary. Page 2 • • r, ~.