CCP 04-30-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION—APRIL 4, 2001 13 i) The proposed ramp will need connection to the storm sewer system and possibly sanitary sewer and water systems — no such connections are indicated on the submittal. Ms. Chaput presented the Commission's options for consideration of this application and advised that Staff recommended approval of Planning Case #01-02, Master Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review for a parking ramp with the five conditions as outlined in the staff report. Dave Reimer, Guidant, gave an overview of Guidant's business. He invited the Commissioners to have a tour of the facility. Representatives of Guidant presented the long-range plans. They stated Guidant anticipated an 8 percent growth rate. They presented a conceptual future campus plan for the area. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked how the buildings would be connected. Guidant representatives responded they intended on having skyways eventually connect the buildings. Mr. Reimer stated the Commission would see this conceptual campus plan officially presented to them this year. This was not a five-year future plan. Guidant wanted to get this approved this year. Commissioner Sand asked what the height of the buildings would be; would they go over the 35- foot height. Guidant representatives responded some of the buildings probably would be potentially higher than 35 feet. Commissioner Zimmerman asked what the breakout would be office versus manufacturing space. Mr. Rierman responded they did not anticipate the manufacturing portion would increase. Most of the expansion would be for research and development, marketing, and finance. Commissioner Sand asked where the main entrance would be to the campus. Guidant representatives stated there were various options for entrances, including Fernwood, Lexington Avenue, or from the North. They did not anticipate Hamline Avenue would be used as the main entrance. Commissioner Erickson asked what was the proposed setback. Guidant representatives stated it would be approximately 60 feet. Commissioner Sand expressed concern with the ramp being lit at night. He asked how many lumens would be generated and how visible the ramp would be through the trees at night. Guidant representatives stated 85 percent of that area was currently a parking lot and this was already lit. They stated they were concerned about safety and the ramp would be lit, but they had not specifically decided what type of lighting would be in place. Commissioner Sand stated his preference would be a yellow light and not the blue light. Guidant representatives pointed out that there was a mesh screen in place and it would not be an open ramp, which may help with the lighting.