Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/03/2020

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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Date: 09/03/2020 Submitted For: Chloe McGuire Brigl, Community Development By: Chloe McGuire Brigl, Community Development 5.3. Information Title: Review Proposed Site Plan for Storyteller Cafe, Case of Stories Foundation (Project 20-120) Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to review a proposed cafe within The COR. The Storyteller Cafe would serve breakfast and lunch as well as serving to provide office space to the nonprofit that runs the cafe along with retail and event space. The nonprofit currently employs two ful time staff and two part time staff. The nonprofit would hire at least one more full time manager and 2-3 part time employees to run the cafe/retail space. The nonprofit goal is to begin to use the space to offer job training in year two of operation. Job training would be provided in a variety of industries and to vulnerable people and those who have been exploited. The Application is incomplete at this time, but the Applicant is working on a purchase agreement for the land from the City of Ramsey, and the City is excited about this possible development. Staff wanted to update the Planning Commission on this potential project. Staff wanted to provide the Applicant feedback prior to developing a full site plan for the property. Notification: Notification is not required at this step of the process. Observations/Alternatives: The proposed project is located in the "COR2 Commercial" subdistrict of the City's COR development plan. Site Development Requirements The majority of buildings should front on the primary through street, with parking and service areas on the side or in the back, away from view. A mix of uses including retail, restaurant and residential is permitted in a mixed use setting. This mix of uses is intended to improve character/aesthetics of the building while also promoting activity throughout much of the day and evening hours. The first floor of the proposed project would include a coffee shop, training room and co -working space. The second floor would consist of three apartments and additional co -working spaces and restroom. The elevation shows a rooftop terrace as well. Parking The submitted site plan has 20 parking spaces 2 of which are handicap spaces. The parking lot also includes a drive-thru lane. All of the parking is shown in the back of the site. Retail uses require a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 stalls per 1,000 sq ft. Office uses require a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 stalls per 1,000 sq ft. Restaurants require a minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 stalls per 1,000 sq ft. The proposed structure is about 14,000 sq ft. Based on the retail and office minimums that would require a minimum of 28 parking spaces. Based on the restaurant maximum that would require 70 parking spaces. Based on the proposed mix of uses Staff believes the proposed 20 parking stalls to be sufficient and that the business could utilize the municipal parking ramp for overflow parking when that need arises. Architecture