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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-06-07 CPC MINNOTICE OF MEETING The next meeting of the Stillwater Planning Commission will be held: Monday, June 6, 1977 Stillwater Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes of May 2, 1977 meeting 3. Swager Brothers, Inc. concept plan for a portion of Cooper's Addition 4. Expired Special Use Permit - Case No. 194, Alan Gerber, Applicant,. 5. Special Use Permits and Variances: Case No. 222. Applicant: James Wilkin. Address of Property: 9029-2200 North Center Street (9 Lots). Permit to build three four-plexes. Case No. 278. Applicant: Q. Heimerman. Address 1103 South Everett Street. Variance to construct unattached garage 3' from property line. Case No. 280. Applicant: Craig Swager. Address of Property: South Sixth Street (2 lots). Variance to change lot lines in order to build a home. Case No. 275. Applicant: Virgil Doerfler. Location of Property: South Greeley Street. Permit to build a 40-unit apartment building. 6. Adjournment Dated: May 31, 1977 3effre . 2oller, Chairman ib STIT,Ve.ATF7R PLANNING COMMISSION MDM'ES r T.J1 C:ii 2 TIM?,: DATE: MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Chambers 7:00 P.M. June 6, 1977 Jeffrey Zoller Ann Bodlovick Russell Meister Jack Shelton Mary Lou True APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Jeffrey Zoller called the meeting to order. Ann Bodlovick moved that the minutes of the May 2, 1977 meeting be approved as submitted. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. EXPIRED SPECIAL USE PERMIT Case No. 194. Applicant: Alan Gerber. Location of Property: Church at 4th and Oak Streets. Permit to conduct a reception hall in church building expired May 20, 1977. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller informed Mr. Gerber that there had been two letters sent to the Mayor and City Council in regard to his Permit. Mr. Gerber read the letters, one from Mrs. Steven Roettger, 201 W. Olive Street, and the other from Mariam Calkins, 117 W. Olive Street. When asked when he plans to do something to the building, Mr. Gerber replied that it will be another year before advertises for bids. He stated that he has spent approximately $10,000 securing the building and doing some structural strengthen- ing. Mrs. Steven Roettger, 201 W. Olive Street, stated her concern about the future receptions to be held in the church building. She stated that she and"her neighbors were mainly concerned about how long the receptions would last. They do not want the noise of cars coming and going at midnight or 1:00 A.M. Air. Gerber pointed out that the building will be completely closed in. He stated that most of the parking will be on 4th Street. He also pointed out that no liquor will be allowed at the receptions. Mrs. Roettger stated that it would be difficult to control liquor in the cars. She stated they would like to see the property improved, but the neighborhood is a quiet one presently, and that is the way they would like to keep it. Mr. Gerber stated that he does not want to put a quarter of a million dollars into the building; and then have it closed because some of the neighbors think it is a+little too noisy. After further discussion, Russell Meister moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that Mr. Alan Gerber's Special Use Permit (Case No. 19+) be renewed on a temporary basis for two years. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 6, 1977 Page Two SPECIAL USE PERMITS AND VARIANCES Case No. 222. Applicant: James F. Wilkin. Address of Property: North Center Street. Permit to build three four-plexes on unplatted property. Mr. Wilkin presented a plat drawing to the Commissioners. The plat had not been presented to the City before this time. It was noted that the property is presently zoned single family,and it would have to be rezoned to allow four-plexes. There was some discussion as to the proper procedure involved, and it was decided that Mr. Wilkin'should-have the property platted to provide for sewer and water, ingress and egress, etc. Mr. Shelton stated that you cannot rezone unplatted land. The plat must be accepted by the City. After further discussion it was decided that the Stillwater Planning Commission table any decisions on Case No. 222 until the property has been platted and the plat has been approved by the City. Case No. 278. Applicant: Q. Heimerman. 1103 South Everett Street. Variance to construct an unattached garage 3 feet from north property line. Mr. Heimerman showed the Commissioners drawings of.his plans for the garage. Ann Bodlovick moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that a variance be.granted to Mr. Q. Heimerman to construct an unattached garage at 1103 South Everett Street 3' from the north property line. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Case No. 280. Applicant: Craig A. Swager. Address of Property: South 6th Street. Variance to change lot lines in order to construct a home. Mr. Swager showed the Commissioners a drawing of the location of the lots and how he proposes to change the lot lines. He noted that the existing three-plex, which he owns, has a porch which comes across the property line. Presently, Lot 5 is 58' and Lot 6 is 50'. Mr. Swager proposes to make Lot 5 a 50' lot and Lot 6 a 58' lot, and he would build a home on Lot 5. The home will be 24' x 32', a single family dwelling with no garage. Mr. Dean Hansen, 402 South 6th Street, pointod out that there is a parking problem with the existing three-plex now. He stated that the cars park along the street and parking is inadequate. Mr. Swager stated that he had just acquired the property and was unaware of this problem. Mrs. Dean Hansen pointed out that the homes on this block were built back in 1870 to 1890. She voiced concern that the appearance of the neighborhood would not be enhanced by a newly constructed home. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 6, 1977 Page Three Mr. Swager pointed out that he could remove the porch from the three-plex and build in the lot next to it, if that would be more desirable, but he felt this was a better alternative. Mr. Shelton expressed concern about the storm sewer and stated that he would want to make sure Tyr. Swa.ger's home won't be right over the storm sewer. Mrs. Richard Pilrain, 407 South 6th Street, stated that she has had nothing but trouble with people driving through her driveway, noisy parties, and having to clean up her yard on Sunday mornings. Also, she stated that their home keeps sink- ing to the ravine, and they have put in fill every year. Mrs. Dean Hansen stated that she and her husband had bought an old home in an old, established neighborhood with large lots. They don't wish to change the neighbor- hood. Mrs. Hansen objected to seeing a new house among the old ones. Russell Meister moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that a variance be granted to Mr. Craig Swager to change the lot lines in Lots 5 and 6, Block 2, 11ilson Addition. The motion was seconded and passed with two nay votes by Ann B&3lovick and Mary Lou True. Case No. 275. Applicant: Doerfler Construction Company, Inc. Address of Property: South Greeley Street. Permit to build a 40-unit apartment building. Mr. Stanley Fishman, architect for Mr. Doerfler, stated that he had briefly talked to Mr. Bill Schwab, County Planner, in regard to some of the items discussed at the last.Planning Commission meeting. He also noted that the surveyor had reassured him that the tennis court was not under water. Mr. Shelton concurred, saying he was at the site when the surveyor was there, and the tennis court is on dry lard. Mr. Graydon Thompson, 1316 S. Everett Street, began one of -several presentations by area residents. He pointed out that one of the garages for the proposed complex is in a remote area totally away from the apartment building because of the minimum available dry land area. He stated that there are now 42 units on 65th Street, and with these units there will be a total of 82 units for this Street. Mr. James Simpson, 1208 S. Everett, discussed the aspects of zoning. He traced the history -of the property, pointed out that the land was zoned multi -family by default. He pointed out that there is a 24-unit apartment building in Stillwater which will derive more rent in terms of dollars than.this 40-unit complex. Mr. Russell Whites, 813 Everett Drive, showed exactly where the complex and tennis court will be located in respect to Brick Pond, and in his estimation the tennis court will be under water. According to his figures, there is a shortage of .42 acres for this complex. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes ,Tune 6, 197? Page Four Mr. Graydon Thompson pointed out that the ordinance states the developer may deposit money in the City Park Fund in addition to providing recreational space. He discussed the ecological impact on Brick Pond --the effect on the wildlife, the canners, cross-country skiers, pointing out that the water area involved will be owned primarily by the developer. He noted that Grccley Street is the only street used by emergency vehicles from the highway. He pointed out that the Lily Lake recreational area is crowded as it is now. He discussed the overcrowded schools. Mr. Thompson believes that if this complex is approved, in the future this same type of construction will extend completely around the Pond. He noted that if we start building a lot of high density apartments in Stillwater, the City will be- come an undesirable place to live in and the beauty will be taken away. He pointed out that Stillwater is a bedroom community for the Twin Cities, for the most part. He recommended that the zoning be reverted to single family or that the intent of multi -family zoning be enforced. He also recommended that the Township property be zoned residential at the time of annexation. Mr. William Schwab, County Planner, read his memorandum rega.ding the proposal aloud to all present. He stated that some of the questions the citizens raised were answered in his draft of a Special Use Permit attached to the memorandum. Air. Schwab felt that by approving a 48-unit complex in 1974, the City has made a basic commitment for land use. He noted that in regard to the concern about the possibility that part of the project will be under water, the developer will have to obtain permits from the Department of Natural Resources before construction (item 7, page 7, of proposed Special Use Permit). . In regard to the ecological question, Mr. Schwab did recommend that an environmental study be made and that certain recommendations be incorporated in the Special Use Permit to insure that there would be no degradation to the water quality of Brick Pond. Mr. Schwab noted that he had recommended in the Special Use Permit (page 7, item 8) that the developer contribute $6,000 to the City Park Fund. He pointed out item 9, page 7, allowing for a scenic easement over the two acre recreational area, and the development of a walkway easement across the property near the pond. 0n page 5. item 8, of the Special Use Permit, is a provision that no boats or other water craft shall be placed in Brick Pond. Mr. Schwab stated that he did find a few deviations in the plan, such as the parkin;; stalls being undersized. He feels the appearance of air conditioning units for each apartment will be unattractive and should be screened with the sang exterior wood construction. Mr. Schwab felt the absolute minimum -footage for setba6k Stilluuter Planning Commission Minutes June 6, 1977 Page Five should be 50'. This would mean some adjustments in the building location as far as the garages are concerned. He suggested that picnic tables and barbeque pits be placed where the tennis court had been planned. Mr. Schwab agreed with the neighbors' concern about the placement of the garage behind the 'four-plex. Mr. Dwayne Nelson, 822 South 2nd Street, stated that he owns the four-plex behind which the proposed garage will be placed. He has talked with the residents of the building and also the residents of the other two buildings, and they are all opposed to the proposed location of the garages because of the traffic. He felt that this would make his property less desirable and more difficult to sell. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller then asked the Commissioners for their comments and questions. Jack Shelton stated that in reply to one of the neighbor's concern about the added traffic on Greeley Street, this Street will carry 10,000 cars. He also stated that the tennis court is definitely not under water. Mary Lou True questioned Mr. Schwab's position that the City has a commitment since'it approved a 48-unit apartment complex in 1974. Mr. Schwab stated that there would have to be factual information brought out to show that conditions have changed since that time. He noted that had development taken place -on the property further south of this, there may be a problem. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller pointed out that he was concerned about the distance of the one garage from the unit. Mr. Fishman stated that the garages could be put underground. It was pointed out that 15% to 200 of the units will be subsidized and that the one -bedroom units will rent for $246 and the two -bedroom units will rent for $286. Real estate taxes are also less for subsidized units. Mr. Simpson disagreed with Mr. Schwab's opinion that the City has a commitment to the developer because of past decisions. He stated that the original intent of • the zoning was for seven four-plexes. The Council can turn down any number of units whether they meet the requirements --or not. Mr. Joseph Nolde, 815 Everett Drive, expressed concern that with all the blacktopping there won't be any ground seepage, and' -if there is a fast rain the people to the south end will have water problems. 'Mr. Schwab stated that the City Engineer would have to evaluate that. Mr. Schwab noted that if the garages were to go underground, he would want to make a few changes in the conditions of the Permit to allow for a change in the berm screen. A resident pointed out that taxpayers would be helping to pay for the building, for some of the tenants to live there, and they won't even be fully taxed. Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 6, 1977 Pago Six Ann Bodlovick stated that she felt there has to be something better for the property than 40 units, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Ann Bodlovick moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission .'deny: a Special Use Permit to Doerfler Construction,Company to construct a 40-unit building on South Greeley Street. Mary Lou True amended the motion to state that 40 units are too many for this site. The motion and amendment were seconded and passed with two nay votes by Jack Shelton and Russell Meister. SWAGER BROTHERS' CONCEPT PLAN FOR PORTION OF COOPER'S ADDITION Mr. Gary Swager presented a drawing of the 13 lots involved in the plat. He noised that the City Attorney will prepare an agreement with whatever wording is necessary, allowing for a, tax1.tum 'of` six duplexos. " , Jerry Mechelke, 809 W. St. Croix Avenue, stated that he had a written agreement with Red Swager that only single family dwellings would be build behind his home. Mr. Richard Lee', 1216 N. Owens Street, stated that he had totalled up the number of duplexes in the area and he came up with 4 duplexes, 3 multi -family, 21 single family, a pump house and a gas station. He stated that he does not feel that more duplexes would be good planning for this area. He stated that there will be only one access for 19 units. He pointed out the number of children who had been hit by cars on Owens Street recently. He stated that this will only add to the problem. Mr. Swager stated that he seriously doubted that they would put six duplexes here, but they originally purchased the property because it was zoned dual family. He stated that he would put the lots up for sale, and if someone wanted to build a duplex, he would sell them a 50' lot. Russell Meister moved that•th®-Sti.11water­Planning Commission recommend that Swager Brothers, Inc. submit their concept plan for a portion of Cooper's Addition to the City Attorney to draw up the proper papers necessary, and,send the agreement on to the City Council for approval. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. REPLATTING OF PROPERTY AT NORTH MARTHA STREET & WEST ELM STREET Mr. Gary Swager presented a Certificate of Survey showing the replatting of property at North Martha Street -and West Elm Street. Ann Bodlovick moved that the Stillwater Planning Commission recommend that the property at North Martha Street and West Elm Street be replatted as follows: (see next page) The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. ARTHUR M. HOLM LAKE ELMO, MINNESOTA 'Minnesota Registered Land Surveyor No. 74.17 Wisconsin I4-gWered Land Surveyor No. S•845 Si;RV YTSTADEEXCLUSIVELYFOR: ",ros., 5` 0'; OMr,"IA AVO. JtIIlwator, Innvsrta r r;r)t,? DESCRIPTION: On scr.,=r ntc) Sheet., I I, 1 nIl:� _ •10 61 i o � I t 1 i"a so' 75.2/' 7S•2/' —� I hereby certify that I surveyed the p.upcity d, sc,ibc.l above and that the above is a true and Correct ;Ilut of said survey. Date.......... I_.i.y... ............. L.).............. Scale: 1 inch.........�z0.... :i LAND Tract A; All of Lot o, together with the North 25 feat of Lots 7,8,&9, All in Block 7, and Mays Addition, City of Stillwater, Minnesota. ' `tract B; Lot 7, and the Wast.eri j Half o!' Lot ? , ExouptinFr thore:'rom the North 25 ioet of' spid Lot 7, also excoptinc there.''r-)m the North 25 feet of 3sid 'vle:3tur1y half of Lot Ei, All in block 7, :staples and I..ay's Addition, City of atill- water, Minnesota. `Ira.ct C, Lot 9, and the r:asturly :half of Lot 8, Lxcept;in,� therefrom the North 25 feet of said Lot 9, also excepting therefrom th,e North 25 feet o " said Easterly :calf of Lot 8, All in Block 7, O"taples and May's Addition, City of Still: - water, Kinnesota. .1 Stillwater Planning Commission Minutes June 6, 1977 Page Seven OTHrR BUSINESS ' Mary Lou True noted that she had received a copy of a letter from Harry D. Peterson in regard to the proposal for renewal of the barge terminal lease with the Aiple Barge & Towing Company. Ann Bodlovick stated that Mr. Aiple has a 20 year lease,,ard according to the City Attorney, there is no way the City can break the lease. The City can -:put. restrictions on the lease., ­ There was some discussion as to whether the Scenic Rivers Act would have an affect on the property. LOT SIZES IN THE CITY OF STILLWATER Jerry Mechelke asked if the Planning Commission couldn't do something about changing the ordinances relating to lot sizes, perhaps increasing the lot sizes which are necessary for duplexes. Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that this will be discussed at the next Planning Commission meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Chairman Jeffrey Zoller stated that he had sent a letter to the Mayor and ` City Council asking if the Planning Commission could advertise for volunteers to -- fill future vacancies on the''Commission. He stated that perhaps a special -Planning Commission meeting would be called to interview those who may want to serve on the . Commission. The Council could then appoint a Commissioner -after receiving a list of volunteers recommended by the Planning Commission. ADJOURN,,= The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 P.M. 91 •� �''> (f�i -- L� Uz Lti � Uti r r v, 3 (' z _ tv 4 i n I- 4 l r?� ' (r'