02-26-1991 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes February 26, 1991 Page 9 . Steve Rohlf informed the Planning Commission that he had just received a letter from the Parker Parent Association (Patty LePage, Yvonne Curran and Ken Carr) stating their concern and comments regarding this issue. Mr. Rohlf asked that the Parker Parent Association's letter be made part of the public record. Staff addressed the five comments in their letter. Some discussion was held regarding the Parker Parent Association's concerns. Commissioner Eber ley stated that the Parker Parent Association representative did attend one of the Focus Area Studies and spoke to these issues at that time. Chairman Schroeder felt these concerns should be handled through the School District. Mr. Rohlf stated that staff will consider the comments raised in Parker Parent Association's letter. Commissioner Eberley raised the questions of possibly zoning this area PUD and would like to see the Planning Commission consider a PUD. Commissioner Eberley felt this area was a highly visible spot in the City of Elk River and should be carefully planned. Tim Keane, City Attorney, stated that a PUD was discussed at staff's concept review meeting with both the developer and the school district. The developers stated that they wanted to build a gas station and convenience store on the corner. . Leo Sand (SMS Partnership) stated that he concurred with staff's comments and recommendations and was asking the Commission to grant their request for a variance and also the preliminary plat (Highland Commercial Park). Mr. Sand stated that their purchase agreement states that the School District is in favor of this project and they are selling the property knowing that there is a concern with safety. The school district indicated that if there was a problem with safety (children) they would deal with it by fencing the school property. Commissioner Spotts asked what type of commercial development was the developer planning for the plat. Mr. Sand addressed his question, stating that some type of convenience store gas station operation was planned for the school district office site; they felt the adjacent lot would be sui table to some type of restaurant, the two most northern lots of the development would have office type development and some retail. Estelle Gunkel of 808 Gates Avenue, stated that she felt that the plat was a good use of the property. Ms. Gunkel was further concerned with the traffic congestion and safety issues on School Street. Mr. Rohlf suggested that the City Engineer address the traffic concerns prior to the City Council meeting. Chairman Schroeder closed the public hearing. . After some discussion by the Planning Commission one of the main concerns was the safety issue and the additional traffic on School Street.