08-21-2000 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 21,2000 III (#2606 Richard Bloomquist, Continued) Weinberger stated a parking variance is also required. Retail use requires one parking space for each 150 square feet of retail floor space,with a variance having been granted in 1991 to the parking requirement. The existing size of the retail use of the building would require 134 stalls, with the variance permitting 108 stalls. The total size of the building, including additions, would be 27,605 square feet,which is not entirely devoted to the retail operation of the building. Weinberger indicated the required parking under the ordinance would be 166 parking spaces, with the Applicant proposing 111 parking spaces. The Applicant has indicated he anticipates only one weekend per year where he would have a concern about parking. Weinberger stated a utility easement is located to the north of the building limiting the ability to expand the building out into the parking lot and an open space easement is located over the south 100 feet of the property. The open space area has been regarded to accommodate stormwater flows. Any addition to the rear of the building would negatively impact the ability for the site to handle and treat stormwater runoff. Weinberger stated this property has also lost over 8,000 square feet of parking area due to Hennepin County's 1988 reconstruction of the County Road 15 and County Road 19 intersection, with the City granting variances to accommodate a 0 foot setback for the existing parking lot. City Staff is recommending approval of the application based on the hardships listed in the Planner's Report. Bloomquist noted the City did accept a larger building in 1998 than what is currently being • proposed. Bloomquist stated he is not changing any of the green space and has attempted to continue to improve the appearance of the property over the years. Bloomquist stated he wishes to update the exterior of the building in order to enhance the city. Bloomquist stated due to the reconstruction of the intersection in that area,traffic flow in his opinion has been greatly improved. Hawn inquired whether a couple of the parking spaces adjacent to County Road 15 could be turned into green space. Bloomquist stated he understands what Hawn is asking, noting he is requesting a variance to the parking. Bloomquist expressed doubts about whether trees could be planted in that area due to the impact on sight lines for travelers on County Road 15. Bloomquist noted he has had problems in the past with sight lines in that area and is intending to construct planter boxes in a portion of the green space. John Kupfer, 2503 Kelly Avenue, commented the Applicant has continually upgrade this property over the years and feels the proposed project will only improve the area further. Hugh Bishop,Attorney-at-Law, indicated he represents David Delaney,the owner of the property to the south. Bishop requested the final hardcover figures be calculated and included in the preliminary plat, with approval being made contingent upon the conditions in the City Engineer's report. • PAGE 19