3B, Arden Plaza Concept PUD Discussion

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Pedestrian access to the site and parking layout has been modified to accommodate the revised building orientation. The existing parking area would be redone during Phase 1 and landscaping over the entire site installed. The existing retail building itself is not proposed to be altered as part of this development plan; however, it does appear to be in need of updating. Additional discussion to identify a timeline for façade improvements to the existing building would be appropriate at this time. Discussion At this time, the Council is being asked to review and provide feedback on the proposed site plan revisions. As the applicant moves forward with a formal application for a PUD Amendment certain aspects of the project will be reviewed in more detail, such as landscaping and signage; however, those items have not yet been finalized for the purpose of this meeting. Staff has met with the developer and CVS Pharmacy several times over the last few months. The proposed site plan has been altered since our earliest meetings to be more in line with the City’s Guiding Plan for the B2 District. There are aspects of this plan that are improvements over the original Master Plan. The reorientation of the building to the south is a positive change that allows for better pedestrian movements into and through the site, and creates an improved relationship between the buildings and the parking on site. The drive-thru and loading areas have remained on the west side of the building and are screened by Building 2, which will be constructed as part of Phase 1, rather than at a later unknown date, as was the case with the original Master Plan. The movement of the building towards Lexington Avenue and the subsequent removal of one row of parking is also an improvement to the overall look of the project from the street. The height of the building has also been increased, which was a concern with the original plan because the grade of the site is below County Road E. The proposed plan also has some drawbacks that have been identified by Staff. The drive-aisle between Building 1 and County Road E has been widened, increasing the amount of pavement visible from County Road E. Additional landscaping may be necessary to properly soften this edge of the site and improve the appearance from County Road E. Similar to the PUD Amendment proposal the Council reviewed and tabled last summer, this proposal does not include the 4,700 square foot retail building, which was to be attached to the pharmacy. According to the developer, there is concern about their ability to fill these spaces if they are City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for May 16, 2011 \\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\Planning\Planning Cases\2011\11-008 - Arden Plaza Concept Review (Pending)\05-16-11 - Arden Plaza Concept Review - Memo.doc Page 3 of 4