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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 27, 2014 16 <br /> Associate Planner Bachler 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 building and that these trees would provide screening between the <br /> roadway and the parking lot. <br /> Councilmember Holmes asked if any trees could be planted in front of the building on County <br /> Road E. <br /> Associate Planner Bachler 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 /> 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 /> Councilmember Holden 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 /> Councilmember Werner also had concerns with the proposed size of the building. <br /> Mayor Grant 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 /> Councilmember McClung 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 /> Councilmember Werner 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 /> Mayor Grant 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 /> Mayor Grant asked the applicant if he would like to address the Council. <br /> Rob Davidson, 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 />