01-09-2007 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 January 9, 2007 --------------------------- stone columns, arts and crafts theme, trellis, etc., staff felt the changes reflect the direction given by the Planning Commission from the developer and recommends approval. Chair Lemke opened the public hearing. Paul Motin, City Council liaison to the Planning Commission -Stated his concern was the zero lot line development of the site, since this proposal only includes about one-third of the final building site. He stated that they are not able to see what the final design will be regarding driveways, loading docks, etc. He stated he would like to see a rough design of the final product. He suggested that Aldi's and the developer reconsider their application. He stated that the original developer "sold" the project to the City as an upscale project. He did not feel people would have reason to shop at Aldi's. He stated that Aldi's should consider locating their grocery store on the west side of the City, since there is no grocery store on that side of the city. He stated he would like to see what the rest of the building is going to look like. Antonio Luciano, 19757 Irving Street NW -Stated that according the Comprehensive Plan, they as residents can appeal to the Planning Commission if they are unhappy with a project. He stated that prior to the rezoning, the subject development was designed for pubic/semi public land uses, and the proposal was for urban commercial. He felt the whole area could be considered a nuisance, and this could be taken to court. He felt that having only 20 feet between a residential property and a commercial use was appropriate. John Polden, 11751 196 Avenue NW -Distributed articles from previous editions of the Star News regarding Mayor Klinzing's comments on the proposed project, references to three "junior box" retail, and two Class I restaurants. He stated that Morcon's promises regarding the way the development would be built were not happening. He referenced Leanne Brown's comments in her letter to the editor regarding the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the trees that have been planted are small and buffer nothing. Mr. Polden stated he agrees with Councilmember Motin's and Mr. Luciano's comments, and that if Aldi's is built, it will be a nuisance to the neighborhood. Mr. Polden stated that Greg Olson was unable to attend but wished his objection to the proposal be included in the record. Mr. Polden stated that there is no buffer for the neighborhood and he objected to the truck traffic. He asked that the original PUD agreement be enforced. Leanne Brown, 19737 Lowell Street NW -Stated her major concern is that the project is not consistent with the original plan which includes a Northwoods theme, the ability to wander from shop to shop, and felt the area would lose its character. She stated that a grocery store with shopping carts and loading docks does not tie with the campus. She felt that the developer was just looking for an anchor tenant. Ms. Brown concurred with the comments that the trees are too small and in a low area which has no buffering effect. She distributed copies to the Commission containing excerpts from the city ordinance regarding conditional use permits. Gary Klais, 19815 Irving Street - He stated that the thrust of the original approval was the Class I restaurants. He stated he did not feel a grocery store would attract a Class I restaurant. He expressed his concern for the truck traffic. He asked that the Planning Commission consider what is best for Elk River. Josh Kriznak of Hemple Properties -Thanked staff for their help throughout the process. He stated that he felt everyone needs to focus on the overall design of the project. He stated that Aldi's is the proposed tenant now, but that tenants change. He stated he is