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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 4 Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the site information for the fire station and stated given that the Council has expressed preliminary support for the closure of Lake Johanna Fire Station No. 1, staff is requesting further direction on the potential reuse of the site. 1) What is the Council’s preferred use of the Fire Station site? 2) Does the Council envision that the existing building would be part of the reuse or would the site be fully redeveloped and the existing building demolished? 3) If residential use is preferred, would the Council support smaller lot sizes or higher density than what is allowed in the R2 Zoning District? Councilmember McClung indicated that he discussed with the Fire Board comments made by the City Council at a previous worksession. He reported the Fire Board understands Fire Station No. 1 is in Arden Hills and the City has interest in how the site will be used. The Fire Chief was directed to work with City staff on creating a plan to decommission the building/site by 2016/2017 and to report back to the Board and City Council. Councilmember Holmes discussed the Ramsey County library site and noted the building was demolished. She was in favor of keeping the Fire Station site zoned R-2. Councilmember McClung agreed that the site should be zoned residential as this would be the best fit for the surrounding neighborhood. Mayor Grant agreed. C. Old City Hall Site Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that in 2011, the City Council considered disposition of the Old City Hall site and decided to wait to until the real estate market had improved and TCAAP was closer to development. The Council recently asked that this topic be brought forward for discussion. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the site located at 1450 Highway 96 West is the former location of City Hall and the Public Works Facility. In 2006, an office condominium use was proposed. The adjacent townhome association opposed the redevelopment proposal, and the City Council considered several conditions for development to mitigate community concerns. Ultimately, the proposal did not move forward. In 2009, the building was demolished and the site has remained vacant. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the site is zoned and guided NB Neighborhood Business. The townhome development to the south is zoned R-3 Townhouse & Low Density Multiple Dwelling District. The Neighborhood Business district allows the following as permitted uses: Clinics and medical offices, daycare facilities, financial institutions, offices, state-licensed residential facilities (1-6), and retail. The following are allowed as conditional uses: dry cleaning, multiple family residential, two-family residential, live-work units, houses of worship, multiple occupancy buildings, personal services, public uses, research and development facilities, state-licensed residential facilities (7-16), restaurants, and studios.