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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 31, 20145 <br /> <br />City Administrator Klaers <br /> stated that because of the proposed use and parking limitation the <br />matter has been brought back to the Council for additional discussion. The site can only be used <br />by the applicant if an ordinance amendment is considered to allow this use in the B-2 District. <br />Without direction from Council, staff cannot recommend approval as an accessory use. <br /> <br />Kevin Peck <br />, Keller Williams Commercial Broker, discussed the issues he has had with trying to <br />sell the property. He noted that the large size and minimal parking is making it difficult to <br />repurpose. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> explained that she is torn on this request because she loves the <br />applicant if this is the right fit for the B-2 District. However, she <br />questioned what else this site could be used for. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> stated that he would not support this request. He stated that the <br />Council did not support the ambulance facility because it was deemed to not be the right fit for the <br />B-2 District. He indicated that the building should have never been built to its <br />current size given its location. He wanted to support this new business in Arden Hills, but at this <br />location it may create too many issues in the future. <br /> <br />Ms. Behymer <br /> reported that the proposed use would have a retail/café component which would <br />align nicely with the businesses along County Road E and for the tenants in the E Street Flats. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> stated that part of him supported the request if the front façade was improved to <br />more closely align with the B-2 District guidelines. The other part of him questioned if this use <br />would fit into the B-2 District long-term. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> commented that if the Council did not move forward with this request, <br />the property would continue to sit vacant. She believed that this is a great idea and supported the <br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> stated that the retail/restaurant portion of the use fits into the B-2 <br />District while the food assembly/industrial portion of the business does not. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> wanted to see the sidewalk go through this site properly and not have it moved to <br />abut the curb. <br /> <br />Ms. Behymer <br /> indicated that if the sidewalk is completed, she has additional parking options from <br />adjacent properties. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with this item. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> stated that she would support a conditional use permit. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> did not support an amendment change. <br /> <br />