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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION –NOVEMBER 18, 20132 <br />a functioning banquet facility, the catering activities would have to cease as the Zoning Code does <br />not allow accessory uses to operate as principle uses. <br />City Planner Streff <br />commented that staff had concerns regarding parking and access to the site. <br />He noted the existing parking lot on the premises has a total of 35 parking spaces, which is not <br />adequate for the proposed use. Of these 35 parking spaces, 17 spaces are likely to be removed if <br />the City constructs a sidewalk in the existing easement. He reviewed the parking requirements as <br />stated within City Code for restaurant and banquet uses. Based on the information provided to <br />staff approximately 262 parking spaces would be required for the proposed use. The applicant is <br />proposing to mitigate the parkingdeficiencies by securing shared parking agreements with <br />surrounding property owners. Staff noted that the Zoning Code requires parking to be within 800 <br />feet of the main entrance to the principal building. <br />City Planner Streff <br />reported that staff has discussed the sidewalk construction and easement <br />along the southern side of the property, the possible driveway closure on the west side of the <br />parking lot and the improvement of the shared driveway along the east side of the property line. <br />The applicant stated that she was willing to work with the City to address these items. <br />Councilmember Holden <br />asked where additional parking would be gained for the proposed site. <br />City Planner Streff <br />stated that EStreet Flats would be thepreferred location. However,the <br />applicant could have parking agreements with surrounding properties up to 800 feet to any side of <br />the property.He noted Staples would be another option. <br />Councilmember Holden <br />stated she loved Creative Catering, but supported staff’s <br />recommendation;noting there would be parking issues at the proposed site. <br />Molly Behymer <br />, Creative Catering, explained she had spoken with Staples, Arden Plazaand <br />Frattelone’s regarding parking. She commented her parking needs would be mostly after business <br />hours and on weekends. She stated that several of the local hotels provide shuttle services. <br />Councilmember McClung <br />did not object to the proposed use for the facility. However, he did <br />have concernswith the parking. He did not see how the site would be competitive if the property <br />did not have enough parking to meet the needs of her customers. <br />Ms. Behymer <br />proposed having valet parking and shuttleserviceavailable. <br />Mayor Grant <br />questioned how many catering events would be held at the banquet facility on a <br />yearly basis. <br />Ms. Behymer <br />stated that events would be held on Friday and Saturday evenings. She explained <br />her reason for the proposal was that the banquet facility would allow her to operate her business <br />from a single location. She stated that banquet space was needed in this area of the metro. <br />Mayor Grant <br />asked what vision the applicant had for the retail bays. <br />