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Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
Minutes—Land Use Committee
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. SE, Minneapolis
5:30 p.m.

Members Present: Arvonne Fraser, Bill Huntzicker, Ardes Johnson, Dan Lanske, Kelly Phillips, Larry Prinds and Jo Radzwill

Guests /Presenters:
· Marnie Loven-Bell, board member
· Haila Maze, CPED (Item 1)
· Mark Freud, 1013 University Ave SE
· William Wells
· Councilmember Diane Hofstede

1. University District Overlay and Discussion of recommendations of Zoning Planning and Regulatory Review Task Force: Haila Maze reviewed the zoning code changes regarding the University District Overlay. Other code changes affecting the neighborhood include code changes defining “porches” and “bedrooms.” She also handed out copies of the recommendations made by the ZPRR task force. There was considerable discussion and all members were glad to have this educational opportunity. Haila and other members of CPED have done an excellent job of steering this task force and have done a great job of researching the issues studied by the task force.

2. Re-convening the A-Mill Task Force (now called the East Bank Mills Task Force) – Announce of meeting on August 20, 5:30 p.m., Winslow House meeting room.

3. 1013 University Ave SE and 1019 University Ave SE: 1013 University Avenue SE was approved for demolition and has been demolished. The HPC found that 1019 had historic value and was not approved for demolition. Mr. Freund presented preliminary plans for his alternative project at 1013 University Ave SE.

This will be a 2.5 story building of wood frame construction with a gabled roof. It will consist of 26 bedrooms (2 3-bedroom units, 2 2-bedroom units and 4 4-bedroom units) with 13 underground parking spaces. City traffic control did not approve a curb cut on University Avenue so developer will use the easement to the rear of the three adjoining properties to access the parking from 11th Ave SE.

Developer presented a site plan depicting the revised development. Also included was a wide-angle photo of the entire block between 10th and 11th Avenues SE along with photos of four street facades that are commonly seen in that part of the neighborhood. Some members of the land use committee commented on their preference for street facades with doors facing the street and many windows as being more “friendly” and with “eyes on the street.”

There are no variances to city codes required for this project. Developer is allowed an increased floor area ratio of 20% for providing underground parking. Mr. Freund was asked to keep the committee appraised of his progress on the project.

4. Ballard/Chrenka porch proposal. The homeowners sent drawings of their proposal electronically to the committee, but were out of town and were unable to attend the meeting in person. The project requires a variance to reduce the front yard setback along 6th Ave SE to allow for this addition to an existing single-family dwelling on a reverse corner lot in an R2B Two-Family District. The public hearing on this matter will be held before the Minneapolis Board of Adjustment on Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. The committee felt it did not know enough about the project to submit comments to the Board of Adjustment. The land use committee has arranged for a special meeting with the homeowner to discuss this item prior to the MHNA Board Meeting – Tuesday, August 20, 2009, 5:45 p.m. (duration will be 15 minutes), in the University Lutheran Church of Hope Fellowship Hall.

5. BIXI bike sharing kiosk at 528 University Ave SE (Dunn Brothers) on the 6th Ave side: This item was discussed and all agreed that the concept was a good one and that it might support the neighborhood transportation policy. However, we had no information as to how Dunn Brothers felt about taking away two parking spaces from the limited number in the area.

ACTION: The MHNA Land Use Committee recommends the MHNA Board oppose this proposal due to lack of information. While the concept may have merits, the committee suggests there might be a better location than on such a busy corner with such high volumes of motor vehicles.

6. 600 Main Street SE (update): Several citizens presented a petition to require an environmental assessment worksheet before allowing this project to proceed. A hearing on whether an EAW will be required will be held September 3, 9:30 a.m. at the meeting of the zoning and planning committee). The developer and the Park Board are reported to be in negotiations regarding the sale of the property for parkland.

The committee would like to spend all or at least part of the September meeting reviewing the Marcy-Holmes Master Plan (including all updates). Ted Tucker will be invited to help educate the committee.

Meeting adjourned.