04-28-1998 BA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of Adjustments Minutes April 28, 1998 Page 3 • Staff report by Scott Harlicker. Edmund (Chip) Martin, owner of Martin Plaza, has requested a parking lot setback variance so that he may extend the paved parking area in front of his building over his property line onto property leased from MN/DOT along Highway 10. Scott reviewed three options with the Commissioners to deal with this request: 1) deny the variance request; 2) approve the alternate plan proposed by staff; and, 3) approve the variance request as proposed by the applicant. Chair Mesich opened the public hearing. Chip Martin, applicant, reviewed improvements that have been made to the property in the past 20 years. Mr. Martin expressed concern regarding staff's proposal to have parking in front of the building next to the sidewalk. He felt bumpers of vehicles may encroach over the sidewalk, thereby limiting the handicap accessibility. He expressed support for the one-way traffic through the site. Commissioner Kuester asked if Mr. Martin would consider combining the east access with the Hunt's Feed access. Mr. Martin felt the existing access is necessary for right turns into the site off of Highway 10. Chair Mesich questioned why the area to the west is not used for parking. Mr. Martin explained that a previous city commission did not feel people should be • expected to walk that far, and requested he provide parking in front of the building. Mr. Martin indicated an application will be submitted to allow a small used car sales operation in the area west of the building. There being no other public comments, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mesich questioned in the parking lot would interfere with plans for the trail corridor from the downtown. Steve Ach, City Planner, stated the Commission needs to consider the long term use of the property. He indicated a trail is proposed to go on the south side of Highway 10 to Lake Orono. Commissioner Kuester suggested plantings be placed along Highway 10 and that the dumpster be enclosed. She expressed support for the alternate plan proposed by staff. Discussion followed regarding location of the parking stalls and the affect on the sidewalk. Commissioner Cote suggested stops be placed at the parking stalls to prevent vehicles from encroaching over the sidewalk. Chair Mesich indicated he could support the variance since the situation of the parking at the site is unique and could be considered "grandfathered" in. Commissioner Morris also felt the site was unique and is designed to serve small businesses. i