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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION October 9, 201312 <br /> <br />regarding the importance of a trail connection. She expected this issue would receive a great deal <br />of attention going forward. She preferred the pedestrian route along Old Snelling and County <br />Road E. She suggested that Condition #5 read no traditional undergraduate programs be <br />implemented on this site until the trail connection was complete. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> stated Bethel had no plans for additional buildings on this property as it would take <br />10 to 15 years for the University to occupy the current buildings. She reported that the main <br />campus had no graduate students living on campus. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa <br /> asked if Bethel required freshmen and sophomores to live on campus. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> commented freshmen were required to live on campus unless living at home with a <br />parent. After that time, students could elect to stay on campus or move off campus. She <br />indicated 67% of students choose to live on campus. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa <br /> questioned when Bethel University would take ownership of the Pine <br />Tree property. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> explained Bethel University would be closing on the property by year end if the City <br />approves the conditional use permit. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman <br /> inquired how Bethel would manage the current leases on the <br />property. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> stated Bethel would honor all of the existing leases in place and would continue to <br />operate the property as a multi-tenant building. She reported the space was currently 60% <br />vacant. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel <br /> suggested the City more closely define the <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> discussed the differences between traditional undergrads and non-traditional <br />undergrads. <br /> <br />Chair Larson <br /> found this to be an operational item for Bethel that did not need to be regulated by <br />the City. He questioned if the office space design on the Pine Tree campus would properly suit <br /> <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson <br /> commented this has been considered by the leadership team and the space would fit <br />well <br /> <br />Chair Larson <br /> opened the public hearing at 8:23 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Larson <br /> invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. <br /> <br />Robert Woodburn <br />, 1220 Ingerson Court, discussed the history of the 2 Pine Tree Drive parcel <br />and the surrounding land uses. He wanted to see the surrounding residents and village protected <br />from increased traffic and noise, while still allowing the neighbors to use the private trails. Mr. <br /> <br />