CR 97-127 Conditional Use Permit - Blake SchoolJune 27, 1997
Supporting Documents.
o Analysis of Issues
o Site Plans
o Safety Plan
o Resolution 97 -67
'IlonyOpocuA
Nancy l Anderson, AICP
Planner
O P K
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT- -BLAKE SCHOOL
Council Report 97 -127
Proposed Action
Staff recommends the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 97 -67, approving a
conditional use permit to construct an addition to the ice arena.
At the Zoning and Planning meeting, Mr. Engel moved and Mr. Blair seconded a motion to
approve Resolution RZ97 -14, recommending approval of a conditional use permit to
construct an addition to the ice arena. The motion was approved unanimously.
Overview.
The applicant, Blake School, is proposing to construct an addition to the existing ice arena.
The ice arena is located on the west side of the Blake School property. The proposed
addition will be located on the north side of the existing ice area. The addition is
approximately 92' x 45'.
The addition will be used for locker rooms, showers, restrooms, coaches' offices and a weight
room.
The applicant is required to receive a conditional use permit because the cost of construction
is over $150,000.
Primary Issues to Consider.
o What is the zoning of the property, and how has the Comprehensive Plan
designated the subject site?
o What are the specifics of the development?
o What was the discussion at the Zoning and Planning meeting?
o Does the safety plan address the concerns of the Planning Commission?
Primary Issues to Consider.
Public Works
Access
Exterior
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o What is the zoning of the property, and how has the Comprehensive Plan
designated the subject site?
The site is zoned R -1 -C, single family. A school is permitted in residential zoning districts.
The Comprehensive Plan has designated the subject site as a school.
What are the specifics of the development?
Landscaping
The site is heavily wooded in some areas and landscaped throughout. The applicant will be
adding four Scotch Pines and two Basswoods in the location of the proposed addition.
The Pubic Works department has reviewed the preliminary plan and is concerned with the use
of First Street South. The Commission discussed the use of First Street South and agreed that
Blake School would submit a safety plan for the First Street access. Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District will have to approve the development.
Fire Marshal
The Fire Marshal has reviewed the preliminary plans and found them acceptable.
Parking
The parking will remain the same. Parking for the ice arena is located on the south side of the
site.
The access will remain the same. Access to Blake School is from Blake Road and Excelsior
Boulevard. There is limited access to the ice arena from First Street South. This access is
limited to staff and service vehicles.
The exterior of the proposed addition will be rock -face concrete masonry.
Lighting
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The architect is proposing to have wall packs for lighting. The exact locations have not been
determined, but there will be lighting at the entrance/exits.
Setbacks
The Zoning Ordinance requires a 50 -foot setback for all school buildings. The ice arena is
more than 50 feet from the west property line.
Surrounding uses
The ice arena is surrounded by the school on three sides and residential to the west.
What was the discussion at the Zoning and Planning meeting?
Ms. Anderson reviewed the proposed addition to Blake School. Jay Pomeroy, the architect,
appeared before the Commission and reviewed the site plan. Pat Stockhaus, representing
Blake School, was also at the meeting. The Commission's discussion focused around First
Street South. Mr. Stockhaus stated the access to Blake School via First Street South is
supposed to be limited to staff and service vehicles. The gate is opened from 9:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. Ann Anderson of 33 Harrison Avenue appeared before the Commission. Ms.
Anderson asked how far north the addition would go. Ms. Anderson also stated that Blake
School was a good neighbor. Gerry Barland of 101 Harrison Avenue South also appeared
before the Commission. Ms. Barland was concerned with the speed of the cars using First
Street South. Ms. Barland stated that parents are using the access. There was more
discussion regarding First Street South. The Commission was concerned with the safety of
the road.
o Does the safety plan address the concerns of the Planning Commission?
Attached is the safety plan submitted by Blake School. The plan addresses the concerns of the
Planning Commission. Blake School is open to modifying the safety improvements if the
signage and speed bump do not work.
Alternatives.
1. Approve the conditional use permit to construct an addition to the ice arena. By approving
the conditional use permit to construct an addition to the ice arena, the applicant will be
able to construct the addition to the ice arena as proposed.
2. Deny the conditional use permit to construct an addition to the ice arena. By denying the
conditional use permit to construct an addition to the ice arena, the applicant will not be
able to construct the addition to the ice arena as proposed. If the City Council considers
this alternative, findings will have to be identified that support this alternative.
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3. Continue for further information. If the City Council indicates that further information is
needed, the item should be continued.