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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION January 8, 201411 Associate Planner Bachler indicated one area of flexibility being requested by the applicant was the transparent glass on the building. In addition, the proposal does not include seating outside the main entrance to the building. Commissioner Holewa requested staff discuss previous traffic studies that have been completed for the area, especially with regard to the County Road E and Lexington Avenue intersection. Associate Planner Bachler reported that several previous traffic studies did not fully analyze the County Road E and Lexington Avenue intersection. He indicated the traffic study that was completed in 2007 for the Arden Plaza redevelopment found that the intersection operated at a Level of Service D. This study was shared with SRF Consulting Group, who completed the traffic study for the proposed retail development. The findings of the SRF study indicated that the Lexington Avenue/County Road E intersection operates at a Level of Service C. Commissioner Holewa requested staff provide information on the gateway sign easement. Associate Planner Bachler commented the City had an existing easement for a gateway sign on the property. The easement covered 350 square feet. The applicant was aware of the easement and was willing to work with the City to ensure that plantings in the easement do not conflict Commissioner Bartel discussed the requirements that were not being met within the B-2 zoning district. He noted there was also flexibility requested in terms of the required tree plantings along the right-of-way. Matt Pacyna , Senior Associate with SRF, addressed the concerns regarding the different levels of service at the County Road E and Lexington Avenue intersection. He explained he just received the 2007 study today. He explained that he reviewed the traffic volumes along Lexington Avenue as reported in the 2007 study and that those volumes have decreased since then due to changes in travel patterns. Commissioner Holewa expressed frustration with the traffic congestion at Lexington and County Road E, especially when trying to make left turns. Mr. Pacyna explained that dual left turn lanes on County Road E were being proposed by the County and this would assist with the congestion. Commissioner Holewa asked when the mid-day traffic counts were taken. Mr. Pacyna indicated the mid-day counts were taken from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chair Larson requested staff discuss how truck traffic would move through the proposed site. Mr. Pacyna reviewed how truck traffic would move through the site. He recommended truck traffic be limited during peak hours.