05-14-12-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 14, 2012 9 Public Works Director Maurer explained there was not enough factual information provided to evaluate the traffic plan. He understood a 120-unit apartment complex was proposed, however the plans for Lot 2 and McGuire's were uncertain. The County was concerned with the number of vehicles that would be using the right-in, right-out access point. He commented the traffic study completed in 2008 did find that traffic may have to wait several minutes to properly ingress and egress from the site. Mayor Grant inquired if the County had concerns with the right-in, right-out access point. Public Works Director Maurer indicated the access point was approved with the understanding a 2,500 square foot building would be built on Lot 2. Councilmember Holden questioned if the site had adequate parking to meet the needs of the 120-unit apartment complex and the future redevelopment of McGuire's. City Planner Beekman stated a specialty retail space would require 78 parking stalls based on the size of McGuire's and the banquet facilities. This would mean the site is 59 parking spaces short. She indicated it was hard to determine the parking needs for this area until a retail use was determined and further evaluated. Shared parking could be an option with Lot 2. Councilmember Tamble understood the need for adequate parking spaces but asked if the apartment use could generate less of a need given the fact the applicant was proposing one- bedroom and efficiency units. City Planner Beekman indicated this may be the case, that the 120-unit complex would require less parking spaces than was required by City Code. She commented visitor and staff parking would also be needed. Councilmember Tamble commented on the letters provided by local businesses interested in occupying the McGuire's space. Councilmember Holmes stated the submission by Now Bike and Fitness was proposing to occupy 9,000 square feet of the 13,000 square feet of space available. She expressed concern with how traffic would flow internally on the site. Mayor Grant noted the proposed complex may attract college students and young professionals. However, he indicated this could not be limited to students. City Planner Beekman stated this was the case, unless the property was to be leased or owned by a college or university. Mayor Grant questioned if the applicant would be accepting Section 8 vouchers. City Planner Beekman commented the applicant has not made this determination. Staff asked the question of the applicant and she understood this would be determined by the rent levels.