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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 19, 2013 7 <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Roberts <br />stated that his company did have access to that particular traffic study. <br /> <br />Mr. Roberts <br />explained that his goal is to improve the community by taking an older-looking <br />building and making it nice-looking. He stated that this would be a phased development that <br />would start with tearing down the Blue Fox. He has plans for future phases of the development, <br />which include work on the other two buildings to the west. He explained that lining up the <br />intersection directly across from Target is essential to the project, and he would like to be able to <br />add a signalized light there to improve traffic flow. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />stated that he likes the idea of redeveloping the site. He noted that with the back of <br />the building facing Lexington Avenue, it is going to be important to add architectural <br />improvements to make the building look nice. He stated that the same situation occurred with the <br />d that building did not turn out looking as good as <br />he had hoped. <br /> <br />Mr. Roberts <br />stated that the goal is to make it a higher-end development with a lot of brick and <br />better quality tenants. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />noted that he likes the proposed improvements for traffic circulation. He would <br />like to see the project done all in one phase, but understands the need for multiple phases. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br />stated that he would like to see a narrowed-down timing of the phases <br />for this project. <br /> <br />Mr. Roberts <br />explained that Phase I would begin next year. The building directly to the west has <br />tenants whose lease is coming due in three to four years. Once the lease is up, he plans to <br />decrease the size of the building and, by bringing the building back approximately 80 feet, it will <br />allow for additional parking. The tenants at 3771 Lexington Avenue have longer leases and they <br />have invested a lot of money in their space. For that reason, that phase of development will not <br />happen for approximately eight to ten years. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br />noted that the back of two of the buildings will face Lexington <br />Avenue; therefore, it is essential to use high-quality materials and get good-quality tenants in <br />those buildings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br />stated that she has an issue with the proposed location of the drive-thru <br />window, and explained that the walkability seems to be lacking. She inquired if a trail or <br />sidewalk will be proposed. <br /> <br />City Planner Beekman <br />indicated that a parking analysis has not been done yet, but the number of <br />stalls does seem tight to her. <br /> <br />Mr. Roberts <br />questioned how to move forward on obtaining a traffic analysis. <br /> <br />City Planner Beekman <br />stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) with Ramsey County could be <br />requested and the applicant can decide whether it fits with his time schedule. If not, it is possible <br /> <br />