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. . . Planning Commission Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 3 COMMISSIONER ANDERSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM C1 (CENTRAL COMMERCIAL) TO DD (DOWNTOWN DISTRICT), CASE NO. ZC 03-05. COMMISSIONER OFFERMAN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.3. Request by Scott Powell for Preliminary Plat Approval (Mississippi Highlands). Public Hearing - Case No. P 03-09 Request by Scott Powell for Conditional Use Permit for Convenience Store/Lube Facility/Car Wash. Public Hearing - Case No. CD 03-25 5.4. Staff report by Senior Planner Scott Harlicker. Scott Powell requests preliminary plat approval of Mississippi Highlands and a conditional use permit for a convenience store/auto service facility/car wash (Elk River Auto Stop). Mr. Harlicker reviewed the location of the property and existing site conditions. The applicant proposes to plat the parcel into a 2.44- acre lot and a 3.61-acre outlot. The 2.44-acre lot (Lot 1) will be developed with a convenience store/auto service facility and car wash. Mr. Harlicker noted that the outlot will be platted as part of a second phase and that the applicant is working with staff for a possible road alignment through the outlot. MnDOT will also be reviewing the project for comment. Mr. Harlicker reviewed the layout of the 8,400 square foot building. He reviewed the floor plan, access and parking, landscaping plan, building and canopy elevations and signage. Staff recommends approval of the request with the conditions listed in the staff report dated August 20, 2003. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Chair Pederson stated that he felt the proposal would be a great addition to the City and that a business of this type was needed on the east side of Elk River. He stated that he felt that the design was well planned. Chair Pederson asked the applicant, Scott Powell, how bright the canopy would be. Mr. Powell stated that the lighting would not be any brighter than the other businesses of this type in Elk River. Chair Pederson stated that he would not like to see it as bright as some of them are. He stated that he would support approval of the requests. Commissioner Offerman stated that he concurred that the building was a nice-looking design. He asked for clarification on MnDOT's review. Director of Planning Michele McPherson explained that MnDOT will be asked to review access issues to ensure that the plans are in accordance with the overall highway corridor plan. Chair Pederson asked if it was necessary to include the City Engineer's request for an additional ten feet of right-of-way along 171 st Avenue. Ms. McPherson stated that all the City Engineer's recommendations are included in Condition #1. Commissioner Anderson also felt this type of business was needed on the east side of Elk River. He stated that he had a concern regarding for the lighting of the canopy but felt that the issue is addressed by Condition #2. Discussion of the access issue followed. Mr. Powell stated that he will discuss the issue further with the City Engineer.