Workshop Item - Sheila Sellman, City Planner
Title
Title
Christian Brothers Automotive Development Proposal (109th and Lexington Avenue)
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Background
Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA) is looking to enter into the Blaine market. CBA offers repair service and maintenance for every type of vehicle. There are 250 franchised partner locations in 30 states, four of which are in Minnesota located in Andover, Lakeville, Maple Grove and Inver Grove Heights. The typical store has a two-tone brick finish. Information is attached regarding typical operating procedures, etc., for the business.
CBA has looked at various sites in Blaine and generally want to be located along the Lexington Avenue corridor. After reviewing various sites with staff, CBA is specifically looking at Lot 2, Lexington Meadows 4th Addition at the corner of Austin Street and 108th Avenue adjacent to new North Memorial Health clinic currently under construction. This property is zoned Planned Business District (PBD). The intent of the Planned Business District is to accomplish the following:
a) To promote a planned environment for integrated industrial, office, commercial and multi-floor residential uses which feature design continuity. A development shall reflect a common theme using compatible architectural design and consistency in signage, landscaping, and lighting.
(b) To encourage orderly development of property through conditional uses, since proposed uses may be traditionally considered incompatible or may present special problems in an environment of mixed uses.
(c) To provide opportunity for greater flexibility in arranging land uses according to relative compatibility, convenience, and community needs.
(d) To encourage patterns of development in harmony with the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan.
(e) To encourage more attractive and enduring business neighborhoods.
(f) To encourage development compatible with the environmental values of the area and to preserve natural vegetation, wetlands, natural topography, and other such features of the District.
(g) To accommodate uses requiring access to major highways.
(h) To provide a uniform set of standards to be applied equally to all owners and developers in this District.
Automotive repair is not currently permitted in the PBD zoning district. CBA would like to discuss the feasibility of amending the zoning code to allow automotive repair or to modify the zoning for the site.
The Council shall consider whether the proposed project is in harmony with the overall Lexington Meadows project and whether it meets the vision the City Council has for development in this area. The City Council has discretion whether to allow this type of use due to the requirement of a rezoning or code amendment. If there is interest by the City Council in allowing the use, staff will determine the appropriate procedure and process moving forward. Alternatively, if the City Council is not interested in the project in this location, staff can continue to work with the business to find an alternative site that may be more conducive to the use.
Staff Recommendation
Provide necessary direction regarding a rezoning or code amendment.
Attachment List
Narrative
Site Plan