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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 27, 201416 <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler <br /> reviewed the landscaping plan in further detail noting that the site had <br />three existing trees along County Road E. He reported that one additional tree would be planted <br />at the southwest corner of the buildingand that these trees would provide screening between the <br /> <br />roadway and the parking lot. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> asked if any trees could be planted in front of the building on County <br />Road E. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler <br />stated that this would be difficult as the building was set at the front <br />setback line along County Road E and there would be a sidewalk and utility easement in the area <br />between the building and road right-of-way. He reported that the County typically did not allow <br />for tree plantings in their right-of-way. <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a <br />motion to deny Planning Case 13-017 for a Planned Unit Development <br />Amendment at 1201 County Road E, due to the proposed size of the building, <br />the traffic circulation, congestion and parking issues. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> expressed concern with the size of the building proposed for this site <br />along with the truck traffic coming to and from the property. She felt this was not the right use for <br />this parcel. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner <br /> also had concerns with the proposed size of the building. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> stated that the overall size of the building and the location on the lot was also a <br />concern for him. He explained that the parcel was unique, as it was surrounded by roadways and <br />the railroad. In addition, the Goodwill is anticipated to generate a large number of trips per day. <br />He was in favor of a less intensive use locating on this site. He had concern with the traffic <br />entering and exiting the property. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> reported that this corner was currently vacant and he agreed with the <br />comments made thus far. He found the use to be too intense and the building too large given the <br />constraints of the location. He also had concerns with the proposed semi-truck traffic. For these <br />reasons, he could not support the proposal. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner <br /> supported the conversion of the Holiday Inn, but would not be <br />supporting a building of this size on the corner of this property. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> wanted to see this corner developed and noted there were uses that would better <br />suit the site. He found the Goodwill building and intensity to be too much for the corner of this <br />lot. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />asked the applicant if he would like to address the Council. <br /> <br />Rob Davidson <br />, TAT Properties,approached the podium and thanked the Mayor and <br />Councilmembers. He indicated that he was surprised at the reaction he was getting tonight. He <br />stated that he and his associates have worked really hard with City staff to design a building that <br />