Planning Commission - 04/24/1995 APPROVED MINUTES
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
April 24, 1995
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner
Elinda Bahley, Recording Secretary
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-Chair Tim Bauer.
Absent were Katherine Kardell; all other members present.
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Foote moved, seconded by Schlampp, to approve the Agenda as
published. Motion carried 6-0-0.
III. MINUTES
MOTION: Schlampp moved, seconded by Foote, to approve the Minutes of
April 10, 1995 as amended: page 5, third paragraph, the first sentence should
read: Wissner asked where the previous development of single story homes
with an association were located. Motion carried 5-0-1 with one abstention
by Bauer.
IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BOSTON MARKET by Northstar Restaurants. Request for PUD Concept
Review on 14 acres, Request for PUD District Review on 0.8 acres, Zoning.
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 0.8 acres, Site
Plan Review on 0.8 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.1 acres in two lots.
Location: Tower Square Shopping Center south of McDonalds.
Vincent Driessen, representing Boston Market, reviewed his project with the
Planning Commission. He handed out photographs of the new Boston Market
prototype and referred the Planning Commission to the most recent restaurant
in St. Louis Park. He noted that they are matching the brick and the signage
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requirement of the PUD.
Pete Hilger, builder, reviewed the site plan. He noted that there are no
changes being made to the site circulation. He pointed out the location of
where the pylon sign will be situated.
The building is 100% brick. They are proposing brick detailing that is
substantially similar to the existing Tower Square building. They are
introducing a red deglazed block that will go around the building, which will
pick up the signature red band that is part of the trademark for Boston Market.
They are proposing that the trademark canopy encircle the entire building.
The awning is internally illuminated to provide illumination at the sidewalk
level. They are proposing to use opaque awning material that would not
create an illuminated canopy. All they are proposing is the down lights of the
sidewalk level which is important for pedestrian safety, and it provides an
excellent level of illumination.
They are in concurrence with the recommendations of the Staff Report and
welcome any questions.
Clinton expressed concern about the drive-thru window regarding the amount
• of time it takes after placing an order and receiving it; and what kind of stack
up of cars is anticipated. The timing at the drive-thru is about 2 1/2 to 3
minutes from the time the order is communicated from the menu board, to the
time the order is picked up. They are experiencing stacking in the order of 3,
4, or 5, and are comfortable at 6 or 7.
Ismail asked if there would be a counter for small beverage items. Driessen
replied that there is just a display on the inside that shows the different bottles.
They are not for sale.
Ismail asked about the cash equivalent contribution for storm water. Franzen
said that it's a dollar amount determined by the City Engineer based on the
value of the land area needed to construct the pond, plus the construction costs
for the pond. This money goes into the storm water utility fund which helps
build other ponds, and maintain existing ones.
Foote asked how many parking spaces will there be. Driessen replied that
there are 60 in the immediate lot, plus shared parking with Tower Square.
Wissner expressed concern if there will be two exits and entrances, unlike the
one in St. Louis Park. Hilger replied that the building in St. Louis Park was
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not the Boston Market prototype. The building was already existing. The
new building will have two exits and entrances.
Wissner expressed concern about Boston Market having trouble getting help,
and what their hours will be. Driessen replied that they will be open from
11:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M Sunday through Wednesday, and Thursday
through Saturday until 10:00 P.M. He noted that unemployment is very low
in the upper Midwest, and they face that as a challenge more so than in other
parts of the country.
Schlampp asked if any of the Boston Markets serve alcoholic beverages.
Driessen replied that to his knowledge, they do not.
Clinton noted that he visited the St. Louis Park Boston Market and expressed
concern that it seats 65 people, but there is only 60 parking spaces and it's
very tight. He was also concerned about the feeling that someone is standing
over you waiting for your table while you are eating. Driessen replied that
they do not see this as a problem in the new store since it is larger than the St.
Louis Park location. He noted that in the restaurant industry there is a high
demand with slower service for the first three to six weeks. After it calms
down, and these problems go away.
Ismail expressed concern about whether or not Eden Prairie needs another fast
. food restaurant. Driessen replied that they would like to differentiate
themselves from fast food restaurants. There are no microwaves. All the
food is made fresh daily on site. A majority of the food is typical of
homemade. The quality of it is consistent with home kitchens.
Franzen noted that the Staff Report recommends approval.
MOTION 1: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton, to close the public
hearing. Motion carried 6-0-0.
MOTION 2: Wissner moved, seconded by Clinton, to recommend to the City
Council approval of the request of Northstar Restaurants for PUD Concept
Review on 14 acres, Request for PUD District Review on 0.8 acres, Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 0.8 acres, Site
Plan Review on 0.8 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.1 acres in two lots based
on plans dated April 18, 1995, and subject to the recommendations of the Staff
Report dated April 21, 1995. Motion carried 6-0-0.
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V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
Sampson Office Studio
Foote noted that at the last meeting the Sampson Office Studio project was
approved. He is concerned that office space was approved without a specific use
or tenant. In many other projects, the use of the building or tenants have been
identified by the developer.
Franzen stated that the owner is a retired engineer that sold a $50,000,000
company. He is currently a part-time financial advisor. The office would be
used for finances, and the studio would be used for art work and gallery work.
Bauer commented that the Planning Commission has approved many office
buildings without tenants, and that since the code allows office as general
permitted use, the project should be approved provided the performance
standards are met.
Letters
Wissner thanked Staff for following up on her requests regarding mechanical
equipment screening.
Target Garden Outdoor Display
Wissner expressed concern about Target putting up a garden outdoor display.
She said it takes up more than the allotted space._
Franzen noted that to the best of his knowledge, Target is meeting their
ordinance code, but would report back if they are not.
Summary Memos
Ismail commented that he would like to see what information is forwarded to
the City Council after the Planning Commission makes recommendations.
Franzen answered that a packet to the Council includes; the Staff Report,
Summary Memo of Commission recommendations, ordinances, resolutions and
Commission Minutes.
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
None.
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VH. NEW BUSINESS
A. Cable Broadcast of Planning Commission
Terry Kucera, Cable Communications Coordinator, stated that the
Planning Commission meetings will soon be televised on cable television.
He said they will do a rehearsal of the meetings and he will be a staff
liaison to help the members with things such as, what to wear, what
colors to wear, how to speak, etc. He wants to make them feel as
comfortable as possible. The rehearsal will be televised internally so the
members can see themselves. That will take place sometime by mid-
summer. They hope to be on live by the end of the summer.
B. Airport Expansion
Scott Kipp reviewed the eight year history regarding the airport expansion
plans with the Planning Commission. He noted that the proposal MAC
has put forward since 1988 is called the Long-Term Comprehensive Plan.
The plan identifies a number of options to expand the airport, including
a 4,500 foot runway and a 5,000 foot runway and various new hangar
locations. The review process involved a public hearing back in 1992.
He noted another part of the process involved the development of Draft
• Scoping Decision Document to identify the issues to be covered in the
Environmental Impact Statement. Through that process, MAC identified
an additional shift in the runway extension. The proposal since 1988 was
to extend the southerly parallel east/west runway 1100 feet. The scoping
process indicated and extension of 1600 feet. MAC has since gone back
to the original 1100 foot proposal.
The City has been vocal with MAC on a number of points which include
MAC being unable to identify a need for this expansion. The City has
been meeting with MAC at the request of the Met Council to try to
mediate the issues. A report will be drafted regarding these meetings and
will go back to the MAC Commission before it returns to the Met
Council. The Met Council has made it clear that they intend to approve
this plan, and they want an opportunity for the City and MAC to discuss
the issues.
C. MUSA Line Expansion
Dave Lindahl gave a brief update of the MUSA Line Expansion. He
noted that they submitted an application in August of 1994. It wasn't until
February 22, 1995 that they got a response back, and there is a 90 day
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review process that began on February 22nd. The information needed for
• the Council to start reviewing has to do with traffic. They are concerned
that the 853 acre expansion may cause significant traffic congestion, or
add to what they already see as congestion, primarily Highway 169. They
are currently having the traffic analyzed.
The Council's two primary concerns are the intersection of Prairie Center
Drive and Highway 169. The other concern they have is the traffic on
County Road 1 east of Highway 169. These issues need to be worked out
before Met Council approval.
Another item is that Eden Prairie has not updated it's transportation plan
since 1981, and Council would like to see that done. At this point, the
City has asked for a 60 day extension. This will give the City and Met
Council more time to review, and more time to prepare the transportation
plan.
VIII. PLANNERS' REPORTS
Franzen noted that the City Council is starting a focus group session. They are
asking for two members from the Planning Commission. The first meeting is
scheduled for May 16th and there is a session at 6:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.
Wissner volunteered to attend the sessions.
• Franzen noted that there are no projects scheduled for the May 8th meeting, but
there will probably be three development proposals for the May 22nd meeting.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Clinton moved, seconded by Ismail, to adjourn the meeting. Motion
carried 6-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
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AGENDA
EDEN PRAIRIE PLANNING COMMISSION
Monday, April 24, 1995
7:00 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Tim Bauer, Kenneth E. Clinton, Randy Foote,
Ismail Ismail, Katherine Kardell, Edward
Schlampp, Mary Jane Wissner
STAFF MEMBERS: Michael D. Franzen, City Planner
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE: Matthew Mahoney
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -- ROLL CALL
H. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. MINUTES
IV. PUBLIC HEARING
A. BOSTON MARKET by Northstar Restaurants. Request for PUD Concept
Review on 14 acres, Request for PUD District Review on 0.8 acres, Zoning
District Amendment within the C-Reg-Ser Zoning District on 0.8 acres, Site Plan
Review on 0.8 acres and Preliminary Plat of 7.1 acres in two lots. Location:
• Tower Square Shopping Center south of McDonalds.
V. MEMBERS' REPORTS
VI. CONTINUING BUSINESS
VH. NEW BUSINESS
A. Cable Broadcast of Planning Commission
B. Airport Expansion
C. MUSA Line Expansion
VHI. PLANNERS' REPORTS
IX. ADJOURNMENT
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