02-20-1996 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 1996 • ( #1 - #2017 John O'Sullivan - Continued) Schroeder read a letter from Dave Zetterstrom, who is the Entrance Permit Coordinator for Hennepin County Public Works Department. The letter noted problems with ingress and egress with the car wash, runoff from the site, the right of way, easements, the extension of traffic lanes, and the need for a right turn lane. Thompson said the same points were brought up by Cook. He said the runoff will be contained and easements will be required for a right turn lane and for a sidewalk. Thompson said they were not asking to bypass the issues and noted the many hoops yet to go through to forward the project. He asked that the Planning Commission not circumvent the concerns but make them conditions of an approval. He asked, if the safety concerns could be satisfied, if the Planning Commission could move forward. Schroeder agreed it could proceed that way but the Planning Commission recommendation was the first step in the process. Coen said Cook told him he could tell the Planning Commission that he supported the project. Schroeder said the Commission does not operate on verbal agreement but would require a written confirmation. The applicant asked that it be made a condition of the approval. • Hawn said, with the County also addressing concerns with egress and ingress and the appeal to the site from families, she asked if the traffic flow could be redirected or a barrier used. Hawn said she saw room for persuasion but is not satisfied at this point. Schroeder asked if the car wash could not be moved, along with the other buildings, toward the church property to alleviate the need for the variance. O'Sullivan said it had been considered but would not work. The applicant noted that the entrance to the restaurant on the car wash side was required by codes and for other reasons. Thompson suggested a railing barrier be placed down the sidewalk area to force the restaurant patrons away from the car wash and drive in window traffic flow. Hawn noted the plan resulted in patrons crossing over the parking area, over the drive in window area, and then over the car wash traffic area, and asked if there were any other alternatives. O'Sullivan said he did not know of any other alternatives. He believes that the traffic would be slowed down by the intentional forcing of traffic in different directions. Hawn suggested moving a door. Schroeder summed up the motion and noted that the application could be tabled if the applicant preferred. He noted if the motion was denied, the application would go forward to the Council. O'Sullivan asked that the application continue and noted his approval of conditions placed on the motion if need be. is