02-04-15 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 4, 2015 6 Matt Pacyna, SRF Consulting, discussed the traffic report in detail with the Commission. He explained that SRF was hired by the City to complete the traffic study. The existing site conditions were reviewed along with the planned improvements to the area. He provided comment on the traffic count numbers and stated that he believed his numbers were on the conservative side. He then asked for questions or comments from the Commission. Commissioner Holewa believed that the intersection needed a right turn lane from southbound Lexington Avenue onto Red Fox Road. Commissioner Jones expressed concern with how truck traffic may back up leaving the site during peak traffic hours at Lexington Avenue. He feared that Red Fox Road was too narrow for the proposed truck traffic. Mr. Pacyna stated this would be a balancing act for the business owner. He noted the County was looking into enhancements for the Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue intersection in order to better accommodate truck traffic. Commissioner Holewa questioned if the Rice Creek Watershed District had reviewed the development proposal. City Planner Streff commented the applicant had met with Rice Creek Watershed District and a permit was required. He further discussed how drainage would be managed on the site. Commissioner Holewa inquired why the number of trees along I-694 had been reduced. City Planner Streff explained that an upgraded façade was being proposed along the I- 694/Snelling Avenue right-of-way and noted that the applicant did not want to block the signage and sight lines for the proposed businesses. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:11 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Commissioner Holewa stated that he supported the proposed request. Commissioner Zimmerman commended the applicant on his proposed plan and his efforts to keep these businesses in Arden Hills. He encouraged the applicant to increase the caliper inches of the trees being planted along I-694. Chair Thompson was concerned with the level of truck traffic in and around this property. She recommended that directional signage be installed in the parking lot. Commissioner Holewa moved and Commissioner Zimmerman seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 14-036 for a Master & Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Condition Use Permit (CUP) in order to construct two (2) multi-