4C, Draft Minutes 12-17-12 Special

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 6 Staff explained that the former McGuire's restaurant and banquet facility would be converted into approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space. It was noted the existing hotel building had 155 hotel rooms that would be converted into 21 efficiency units, five (5) one-bedroom units, 18 two- bedroom units and 31 three or four bedroom units. Staff explained the applicant was not seeking a subdivision of the parcel at this time. City Planner Beekman commented that the applicant would install full kitchens consisting of a counter top, sink, refrigerator, base cabinet drawers and a range/oven in each unit. The applicant would bring the property up to building code requirements. She discussed the proposed amenities that would be added to the site, such as a fitness center, wi-fi lounge, theater room, gaming room, indoor bicycle parking, and storage for tenants on each floor. City Planner Beekman stated the applicant was proposing a number of site improvements. Included in these improvements are a complete reconstruction of the existing parking lot, inclusion of stormwater ponding, curb, gutter, and parking lot islands with landscaping as well as additional landscaping throughout the site. Staff discussed the Site Plan in detail with the Council noting the front portico would be removed which would increase the visibility from County Road E while updating the exterior of the building. City Planner Beekman explained the proposed improvements would be completed in a single phase. She discussed the layout of the proposed units in addition to the building exterior elevations. A traffic study was completed for the redevelopment and the study projected there to be 1,364 daily trips with an estimated 200 residents in the building. The traffic study concluded the proposed redevelopment would not have a significant impact on the intersection operations in the area. There were some concerns with access to the site from the east and west. The shared access layout was reviewed in detail with the Council and conditions for approval were written into the Resolution. City Planner Beekman indicated the County and the City requested easements from this project to accommodate the dual left turn lane. In addition, a sidewalk easement and gateway sign easement were requested from the City. She reported the applicant was participating in the Crime Free Multi-Family Housing Program and the lighting plan has been submitted and approved by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. City Planner Beekman stated the Planning Commission reviewed this on November 28th and recommended approval of the Master and Final PUD subject to the noted conditions. Staff recommended approval and requested the Council discuss the matter. Councilmember Holden asked if the site had enough green space for both parcels. City Planner Beekman indicated the minimum requirement was 20% and the subject property far exceeds this amount. Mayor Grant requested staff define the amenities included in a full kitchen. City Planner Beekman commented that a full kitchen included a counter top, sink, refrigerator, base cabinet drawers and a range/oven.