01-27-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 27,1997 • ( #5) #2196 GENMAR INDUSTRIES, 1449 SHORELINE DRIVE - LAND ALTERATION CUPNARIANCES - DENIAL RECOMMENDATION The Applicant was represented by Mary McConnell and Jeffery Melby. Gaffron reported that the application was reviewed by the Planning Commission, who recommended denial of the proposed parking lot on the west side of CoRd 15. The 28 proposed parking spaces would mainly be located outside of the 0 -75' setback but would have a major impact on a bluff. A new access had been approved by Hennepin County but the new northerly location would cause the driveway to extend into the 0 -75' setback. This proposal would cut 15 -20' off of the bluff. The Commission felt the proposal is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The DNR also recommended denial of the application noting the hardships to be self - created. The Planning Commission's recommendation for denial is based on environmental issues and the lack of suitable hardships. Staff recommends denial and asks for conceptual direction in order to draft a denial resolution. Jabbour acknowledged the Applicant's proposed withdrawal of Application #2196 when approval was granted for Application #2195 but Jabbour preferred the draft resolution for denial to show a history of what has occurred on the property and to tie it into Application 92195. He noted that this property has been used twice in the past to gain variance approval on the property located across the street (Application #2195). Gaffron • said he would also prefer action taken and a record shown. Goetten agreed noting there is no justification found for the parking lot as proposed. Peterson questioned whether there could be more identification for the crosswalk to increase safety. Jabbour noted the recent law whereby cars must stop for pedestrians entering a crosswalk. This location does not allow for good sight distance, however. Gaffron indicated that the crosswalk had been part of the 1988 review. Peterson asked Staff to explore options, and Jabbour directed Staff to review the safety concerns of the crosswalk. Disturbance of soils in the 0 -75' setback was mentioned and the possibility of using fill on this property. Goetten moved, Peterson seconded, to conceptually denial Application 42196 and direct Staff to draft a resolution of denial for presentation at the February 10 Council Meeting. Vote: Ayes 4, Nays 0.