11-05-2009 Planning Commission Minutes - Special Meeting

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Mr. Tucci explained that they have control of the 3 lots. They do not need a Variance for �.. the impervious coverage. The parking ratio is as approved previously. They have included the retention pond. The Variance discussion is an alternative. Mr. Andersen stated the project was approved by the City Council with a north connection that the Council paraphrased as an essential element. Mr. Tucci stated they are including a walking path. The approval was for a connection. Public comment closed. Chairman Woog stated he shares the sentiment that it is difficult being here tonight. Something outside the City's control is driving this. This has been a little bit more than anybody anticipated. Mr. Adams stated that someone earlier has commented that a couple of months ago we approved a package that could be done. Because the land could not be negotiated, we are back here tonight. A month ago the applicant came to us and asked what he could do. The best advice was to see if they could find additional land to meet the requirements. We ought to just keep this simple and deal with what we asked for. We asked him to meet the 50% impervious coverage limit. The applicant meets that by acquiring a piece of land which is a lot that we approved. They have the connection down to Pillsbury. The more he thinks about that idea the more he likes it. We should not drop the parsonage or the road and would say we should look at the proposal before us and not a Variance and debate whether or not we can approve that. Our packet frankly complicated our discussion or thinking and we should keep this simple. Mr. Habein stated he agrees with Mr. Adams. The parsonage parcel should be included; we don't have any problems with Variances and they meet the requirements. We think we are giving up the roadway; maybe we can work that out in the future. We are getting a walking path. We should approve this with the parsonage as the plan stands without any more complications or Variances. Mr. Derksen stated that he was very clear with this body that there should be a road to the north, not just a path. He would like a road with sidewalk, curb and gutter. He was very clear about that. He feels like he is being deceived. The road to the south does not serve the majority of the town. The majority of town is to the north. This does not fit our Comp Plan and vision for the future. Mr. Pederson stated the Planning Commission doesn't zone competition. He is trying to remove the grocery store moniker from this. We have permitted salons to fitness centers; it is not about competition. It is also not specifically about a big box store. He found a study and the smallest big box is 50,000 sq. ft. A grocery big box is 70,000 to 100,000 sq. ft. This is not a big box store. It is about retail mix which we allow,the ordinances and intent of those ordinances and what is best for Pequot Lakes, for its citizens, and the growth of the corridor. That may take a mix of zoning rules,plans and a whole lot of Minutes 5 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission Special Meeting November 5, 2009