01-8-14-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION –December 4, 20139 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A.Report from the City Council Councilmember McClung reportedthat at the November 12,City Council WorkSession meeting, Charles Carlson (Senior Manager, BRT Small Starts –Metro Transit) presented information on the Snelling Avenue Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, which has been approved by Metro Transit. Ramsey County and the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce have been meeting with Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council to discuss the possible extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line from its proposed terminus at the Rosedale Mall to serve the TCAAP site. The extension would run north on Snelling and Hamline Avenues, and could serve University of Northwestern, Bethel University, the County Road E business district, Land O’Lakes and Boston Scientific. Councilmember McClung reportedthat at the November 18, City Council Work Session, staff presented two concept reviews for projects that have been proposed on County Road E in the B-2 District. The first is a proposed PUD Amendment at 1201 County Road E for a retail building at the corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue. The property owner has been working closely with Goodwill on the building design and site layout. Staff is expecting to receive an application for the proposal by the deadline date for the January 2014, Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember McClung explained that the second project wasa proposed reuse of the Carroll’s Furniture property at 1203 County Road E by Creative Catering for a banquet, catering, and retail center. The applicant plans to make improvements to the building’s exterior and update the existing signage on the property. A concern raised by the Council was the limited number of parking spaces that would be provided for the anticipated uses of the building. Creative Catering has proposed mitigating the parking deficiency by securing shared parking agreements with adjacent properties and others located in the area. Staff has determined that a Site Plan Review application will be required for theproposed reuse of the property. At this time, Creative Catering has not indicated whether they will be submitting an application. Councilmember McClung reportedthatat the November 25, City Council meeting, the Council approved (5-0) three Ordinances to amend the Zoning Code: Ordinance 2013-010 establishes a new Conservation District, Ordinance 2013-011 establishes a new Parks and Open Space District, and Ordinance 2013-012 amends the existing design standards for the B-2 and B-3 Districts. The Planning Commission reviewed the ordinances at the October 9 and November 6, 2013, meetings and unanimously recommended approval of each. Councilmember McClung stated that the Council reviewed two Site Plan Review applications for the Gradient Financial building at 4105 Lexington Avenue North. The request for a sign standard adjustment allowing for a 126 square foot sign on the northeast wall of the building was approved (5-0). The Council voted to table (5-0) the proposal for an accessory structure that would be located in the northwest corner of the lot. Staff was instructed to work with the