Minutes - Planning Commission - 01/31/2013 - Special

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Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson reviewed the second proposal, which is for a metal /clothing recycling center /warehouse with a small retail component. He explained Triangle Recycling was an existing business operating in the City of Nowthen. The business recycles clothing through a network of clothing collection boxes strategically placed throughout the state. The applicant has expressed an interest in expanding the recycling program to accept electronics, small metals, mattresses and plastics, which would be implemented as Phase II of its operation. This process may be subject to permitting by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and possibly a conditional use permit through the City. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson indicated the proposed use most closely matches warehousing, which is an allowed use in both E -1 and E -2 Employment Districts, but is not allowed in the B -1 Business District. The applicant, upon understanding the current zoning, did state a small retail portion could be added, however, this would not be the primary use. In order for the use to be considered as proposed, either the B -1 Business District would have to be amended to allow warehousing, either as a permitted, conditional or interim use, or the site would need to be rezoned to either E -1 or E -2 Employment District. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated concerns at this time were if the use were compatible with the surrounding uses along with the amount of truck traffic and potential outside storage. He requested the Commission discuss the matter in further detail and provide direction to staff. Chair Levine expressed concern with outside storage in this area. Bill Erhart, 4740 154 Lane, representative of Triangle Recycling, commented that the site had enough square footage to ensure that all storage would be conducted inside. He stated the traffic flow to this site would be no more than the grocery store and the proposed use would benefit the residential neighborhood as a recycling facility. He encouraged the Commission to consider the request to bring life back into this commercial area. Commissioner Schiller asked how much truck traffic was anticipated to be flowing in and out of this site. Jerry Bauer, 21226 Highway 47 in Zimmerman, indicated he had six box trucks, which would be leaving the site in the morning and returning in the evening. He noted the site would also have one semi -truck visit per week. This could increase over time as his business expands. Commissioner Field questioned how many drop -off boxes were associated with Triangle Recycling at this time. Mr. Bauer stated he had approximately 400 boxes throughout Minnesota that he was responsible for. This number would be increasing by another 100 boxes in the near future. Development Services Manager Gladhill asked if any clothing containers would be stored outside. Special Planning Commission /January 31, 2013 Page 8 of 12