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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 3, 2016 4 <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel understood and appreciated Commissioner Holewa’s comments. He <br />knew there was a growing need in the community given the increase in free and reduced lunches <br />at Valentine Hills Elementary. He expressed concerns about the design of the Goodwill store. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson encouraged the Commission to not name specific businesses but understood <br />the concerns with the design of the existing thrift store building. She believed the proposed <br />Zoning Code amendment was limited. She liked the idea of having requirements that would <br />regulate thrift stores; however, it was her opinion that the proposed location was too limited in <br />size. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa discussed the concerns that were raised when Walgreens and CVS <br />approached the City. He encouraged the City to let the market drive demand. <br />Commissioner Neururer recommended thrift stores be allowed in areas beyond the B-4 Zoning <br />District. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel did not believe the City’s current thrift store was in the correct location. <br />For this reason, he supported the City further regulating where this use can be located. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones commented the location of the existing thrift store was on an odd lot given <br />the location of the railroad tracks. He explained this was a high traffic area of the City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa stated he was ready to make a recommendation for denial. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson asked if a motion had to cover all aspects of the proposed zoning code <br />amendments, or if it could be altered. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff indicated that the Planning Commission can alter the motion language as <br />needed. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson stated from the perspective of the discussion, the Commission’s primary <br />concern was with the Land Use Chart in Section 1320 of the Zoning Code. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa was concerned with this section in addition to the restrictions regarding <br />trucks and outdoor storage. <br /> <br />Chair Thompson supported staff’s proposed requirements for regulating thrift stores, just not <br />the limited location of where thrift stores could locate. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones believed the City was being too restrictive by requiring thrift stores to be <br />located only within the B-4 Zoning District. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa moved a motion to recommend denial of Planning Case 15- 020 for <br />an amendment to Section 1305, Section 1320, and Section 1325 of the Zoning Code <br />Ordinance, as presented in the February 3, 2016, Report to the Planning Commission <br />based on the fact the recommendation was overly restrictive and there was no need to <br />further regulate this retail business. The motion failed for lack of a second. <br />