09-08-14 Special WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 2 Mayor Grant questioned how the City would go about getting high quality, sustainable jobs on TCAAP. Todd Hanson, Cushman & Wakefield, stated this would be driven by the market and economics. He believed that the TCAAP site is a unique blank slate, and it is like no other site in the metro area. He hoped that it would appeal to precision manufacturing and medical, along with research and development firms. Mr. Carlson encouraged the City to differentiate itself from the competition through setbacks, berming, landscaping, building design, trails and other amenities to attract high end corporations. Mr. Hanson recommended that the flex and office space be merged together to offer greater flexibility to future developers. It was his opinion that long-term health would require flexibility and innovation, while allowing for growth. Discussion ensued regarding spec development verses build to suit development, the height of light industrial buildings, the quality of tip up panels, the size and scale of light industrial properties, along with loading dock areas and potential screening options. Community Development Director Hutmacher summarized the comments provided this evening. B. Grading and Spine Road Design Review Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Kimley Horn Infrastructure Team was present to discuss the grading plan and spine road portions of the TCAAP infrastructure project. He noted that Jon Horn, Project Manager, and Tom Lincoln, Task Leader for Land Development, were present to answer questions. Jon Horn, Kimley-Horn, discussed the proposed design and location for the spine road in detail with the Council. He described how utilities would be brought along each side of the spine road. The alignment of the creek and surrounding drainage was also reviewed. Councilmember Holden questioned why the spine road location was being altered. City Administrator Klaers stated that the original placement on the land use map was an educated guess and that the consultants are now reevaluating the best alignment based on available information on such site elements as the access point at H and the location of wetlands. Public Works Director Maurer provided comment on how the new alignment would impact the properties surrounding the spine road. Councilmember Holden suggested that the spine road be designed for 35 miles per hour traffic. Public Works Director Mauer stated that the road would be engineered for 40 miles per hour traffic but the posted speed would be determined by the State after a speed study.