03-28-16-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Roberts Management Group, LLC 1851 Buerkle Road | White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 773 -3485 | FAX: (651) 773 -3490 March 9, 2016 RE: PUD Amendment Narrative 1235 Red Fox Road, Arden Hills We are requesting a PUD Amendment to address a change to the loading dock façade on the west side of building 1. The decision to remove the bank of windows occurred during construction as the final Xcel Energy gas and electrical meter locations were being determined. We didn’t want the meters to be located on the south end of the building as they would be visible from Red Fox Road, so the decision was made to locate them in the northwest corner where they would be most hidden. As a result, we needed to remove a bank of windows because, (i) they would be in the way of the meters, and (ii) a 6 foot high “non-combustible barrier” would need to be constructed between the transformer and the windows for safety reasons, which would negatively impact the aesthetics of the area. To improve the appearance of the façade where the windows were removed, and help screen the meters from the neighboring landowners we recommend updating the landscape plan and paint the gas lines to match the adjacent panel color. First, we will add three (3) spruce trees to the grass area by the transformers, secondly we will add wall climbing ivy where the gas meters are housed, and thirdly we will coordinate with the neighboring landowner to add eight (8) lilac trees on the property line that will be ~15’ in height when fully matured . These changes are depicted on the color renderings included. We think that making the above improvements to the landscaping is the most feasible option. Adding false windows would end up drawing attention to the area, and wouldn’t solve the issue of screening the meters. Installing windows would be extremely expensive as we would need to replace the precast panels, and install a “non-combustible barrier”. We also met with the Operations Manager of United Technologies, who occupies the neighboring building, to get his opinion on landscaping in the area. He felt that the modifications we discussed were acceptable in screening the area.