The primary focus of the meeting was planning case 24-22, involving a site plan for Family Promise at 340 95th Avenue. The proposal includes constructing an eight-unit apartment building and maintaining an existing single-family home, totaling nine units on the 1.46-acre property. Family Promise aims to provide housing for families transitioning out of homelessness, offering medium-term leases typically not exceeding one year. The project features a 10,606 square foot building with various amenities such as patios, a children’s play area, and a parking lot with 13 stalls. The organization plans to use existing parking across 94th Avenue for additional needs.

Concerns about parking were discussion point, as the project requires 21 spaces but only has 13 on-site. The planner noted that the parking lot across 94th Avenue had sufficient capacity, and the applicant proposed striping this lot as a condition of approval. Landscaping plans generally met requirements, although exceptions regarding screening between the parking lot and adjacent single-family homes were noted. The applicant requested flexibility in waiving the requirement for covered parking, arguing that many residents would not have vehicles, and their housing needs did not justify such provisions.

David Fry, the executive director of Family Promise, described the project as an exciting opportunity to serve families in a dignified manner. He emphasized that the focus would be on families with minor children. Fry also highlighted the program’s case management support, which helps families transition to independent housing within 90 days, although the current housing crunch might extend this timeline.

Further discussions included unit occupancy limits, with larger families placed in bigger units. The project’s architect, Andy Madson, provided details about the amenities, including a Tot Lot equipped with playground equipment and a fenced dog area. Concerns about the accessibility provisions in the two-story building were addressed by confirming that two Type A Accessible units would be on the first floor.

The commission ultimately recommended approval of the site plan for Family Promise, subject to conditions listed in the presentation and supported the request for dimensional flexibility regarding parking.

Another discussion involved the proposed site plan for Tron Reserve, a 35-unit townhome development on a 4.56-acre site east of Hansen Boulevard on 121st Avenue. The project includes nine separate buildings with varying sizes, comprising one eight-unit building, one six-unit building, and seven three-unit buildings. The projected density for the development is between eight and nine units per acre, aligning with the moderate density residential zoning district.

Community members expressed concerns about compliance with ordinance 8-1 1216 regarding steep slopes, potential loss of wildlife, and the aesthetic impact on their properties. John Schmick highlighted that a slope measured at 20 to 22% would violate city regulations and raised health and safety issues. Additional residents, including Terry Pic and Jean Ler, lamented the potential loss of natural scenery and wildlife, and the increased traffic congestion with the addition of 35 rental units.

Despite these concerns, the commission noted that the project’s alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan, which aims to facilitate the development of new homes for individuals earning under 30% of the area median income, would benefit the community and aid in addressing homelessness. The commission recommended approval of the site plan, contingent upon the applicant addressing all engineering and sustainability comments, entering into a site security agreement, completing park dedication payments, and meeting landscaping requirements.

The meeting also addressed a conditional use permit for Alloy Wheel Repair on Rapids Boulevard Northwest. The proposed business involves repairing alloy wheels, with operations such as cleaning, straightening, welding, painting, powder coating, and polishing. The applicant emphasized the use of eco-friendly cleaning solutions and minimal paint use compared to full vehicle painting. Staff recommended several conditions for the CUP, including restrictions on the types of automobile parts to be repaired and ensuring all operations remain indoors. The commission approved the CUP with the specified conditions.

Additionally, the commission discussed a plan amendment to modify the floor of the low-density residential land use designation from three to 2.25 units per acre to facilitate the development of constrained infill lots. The amendment aims to address the Met Council’s requirements for issuing sewer permits for developments.