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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2014 9 Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the remaining parcels designated as Parks and Open Space on the Future Land Use Map that are not included in the proposed rezoning do not meet the stated purpose of the Parks and Open Space District. These parcels are owned by several entities, including the City, Ramsey County, the State of Minnesota, and private property owners/homeowners associations. Existing uses on these properties include municipal utilities, stormwater easement ponds, private open spaces, and single family homes. Associate Planner Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The proposed amendment would create greater consistency between the City Zoning Code and the adopted Future Land Use Map. 2. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s land use goals because it assists in providing a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, and commercial land uses within the City. 3. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s parks and recreation goals because it helps to protect and maintain access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for active and passive recreation. 4. The proposed amendment advances the Comprehensive Plan’s protected resources goals because it implements regulations to protect the City’s natural resources, including trees, lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural resources. Associate Planner Bachler stated that staff recommends approval of Ordinance Number 14-004 in Planning Case 14-001 for an amendment to Section 1315.01 – Zoning Map of the Arden Hills Zoning Code as presented in the April 9, 2014, Report to the Planning Commission. Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval as Submitted 2. Recommend Approval with Changes 3. Recommend Denial 4. Table Chair Larson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Holewa indicated this was an important step for the City as it would designate parks as park land and not residential property. He thanked staff for their efforts on the zoning code amendment. Commissioner Jones commented there were a large number of parcels proposed to be park land and he requested the number be tightened up. It was his opinion that several of the parcels could be used for future development instead of park land. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the rezoning would create consistency between the official zoning map and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He reported that the City could always consider rezoning a parcel in the future if a different land use were to be proposed.