Minutes- Land Use Committee
Tuesday – January 12, 2010
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. S.E. Minneapolis
5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Arvonne Fraser, Dan Lanske, Kelly Phillips, Larry Prinds, Bo Sherman, Sonny Schneiderhan, Ardes Johnson
Presenters:
Gretchen Camp BKV Group, John Stephenson, Property owner-624 University Ave, John Gould, BKV Group, Jim Lavalle, Doran Companies (Sydney Hall).
Nick Cichowicz, guest.
1. While waiting for a quorum to arrive, informal discussion before meeting was held: Arvonne asked presenters “What do you expect the MH Land Use Committee to be and do?” Gretchen Camp (BKV) commented on the lack of communication re: December information sent by BKV to Land Use when there was no scheduled committee meeting. BKV had asked for an informal meeting. Gretchen also commented on the apparent disconnect between the Land Use Committee and the MH Board particularly on the Triangle development.
II. Meeting called to order by Arvonne Fraser in absence of chair Jo Radziwill who was out of town. Ardes Johnson agreed to serve as secretary for the meeting. Introductions.
III. The Thomas Apartments, 624 University Ave. S.E.
John Stephenson, property owner introduced himself. He is also owner of apt. building at corner of 4th Street. S.E. and 8th Avenue. as well as property outside of MHNA. Mr. Stephenson says that hiring BKV demonstrates his commitment to building high-quality multi-unit housing which will have on-site management.
John Gould, BKVArchitect presented the following information re: the development plans:–8 units, with 28 bedrooms in 3 story building organized into 3-4 bedroom apartments at north/south ends of building and 2-4 bedroom townhouses between with separate entrances
– Surface parking at rear of building and tuck-in parking west side of building allowing for .5 parking spaces per bedroom. Tuck-in parking for compact size cars. Must use current curb cut off University Avenue as block has no alley. Bike racks in tuck-in parking do not meet city code requirements so bike racks will be added outside.
– Landscaping includes over-story trees and shrubs on East side, and plants at front.
– Handicapped accessible from first parking stall in tuck-in parking for first floor handicapped accessible apartment.
– Developer requested MHNA support for conditional use permit for multi-unit dwelling and the front yard variance. The planned building is set back 15 ft as required by city but there is an overhang at front entrance supported by columns by 5′4″ into front yard. Upper floor bay window projects 1′4″ into front yard setback.
The variances required by 624 University re:
– Providing 57% compact parking spaces for required vehicle parking (25% compact parking are allowed)
– 10 foot high retaining wall (6ft. is allowed)
– Bicycle parking does not meet the standards for long term bicycle parking
(16 bike racks are enclosed; 25 stalls are required to be enclosed)
Discussion: Committee members noted that placing garbage collection carts and recycling on University Avenue may not be allowed by city and that front portico needed adjustment to allow for garbage truck entrance and exit. Developer agreed to look at waste management for building. Committee members also expressed concern about the 4 bedroom units which are likely to result in undergraduate housing when affordable, graduate student housing is a greater need.
Kelly Phillips moved that LU Committee approve the development plans. Larry Prinds seconded and the committee unanimously voted to approve the BKV plans for 624 University Avenue S.E.
IV. Sydney Hall, Jim Lavalle:
– Progress report: 40 of 125 units have been leased. A model apartment is now open for viewing on 2nd floor from 11-5 p.m every day or by appointment. Property manager Tia at 612-455-7777. Retail area now projected to include Wells Fargo, Erberts and Gerberts and CVS pharmacy.
– Initial plans to place transformer on interior side of building would require boarding 2nd floor windows to meet city clearance requirement. In order to preserve the 2nd floor windows, the transformers are now moved to east side of property. Developer requests approval of new site for transformers.
– The University is now not able to lease portion of Dinky Dome as planned for office space. Doran requests support for a conditional use permit to add residential units to the original plans. Parking is adequate for additional residential units.
Dan Lanske moved that the LU Committee support the variance for the transformer placement and the permit for conditional use for residential units. Larry Prinds seconded and the committee unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned.