06-06-12 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 6, 2012 5 appointed a Corridor Advisory Committee, consisting of area business and property owners to provide recommendations to the Council. Bolton and Menk are scheduled to submit their final implementation plan this fall. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District envisions a walkable downtown area in Arden Hills that is distinct, with a sense of arrival and destination that is unique in the community. The Guiding Plan identifies principals for the B-2 District that include allowing greater intensity of land uses in order to create a sense of place. As part of the process of developing the Guiding Plan the City had a traffic study done to identify how much development was possible along County Road E, and what traffic management improvements would be necessary to accommodate additional intensity of use. The traffic study found that current left turns onto County Road E could function, though with extended wait times, in the short-term, but that as traffic increased in the area the left turn waits could become an impediment to development and negatively impact property values. The traffic study indicated that some traffic management improvements would be necessary in order to accommodate additional intensity of land uses, and recommended the addition of a traffic signal halfway between Lexington Avenue and Pine Tree Drive on County Road E. The traffic signal would allow multiple accesses to be consolidated at one controlled intersection, which would greatly improve the left turn movements onto County Road E. The Guiding Plan identified land uses, including multi-family dwellings, as well as densities that were predicated on the assumption that a traffic light, or other traffic management solution that improves left turns onto County Road E, would be implemented in order to accommodate the additional traffic in this area. Commissioner Holewa stated he has concerns about traffic in this area. He was in favor of a stoplight in the area. He stated he does not see the amendment would solve any of the traffic issues. He does not know if he can prohibit property owners in this area from having multi-family housing. He stated a moratorium may make more sense. City Planner Beekman stated a moratorium would be possible as well. The City Council stated concern that a traffic light may not be possible. Ms. Beekman stated some traffic management solutions need to be implemented. Commissioner Holewa stated a plan came before the Planning Commission for multi- family housing, which was denied. He feels property owners should be allowed to present plans for Planning Commission consideration. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the City has no jurisdiction on County Road E. Ramsey County will deal with County Road E as they see fit. Commissioner Zimmerman would be in favor of a moratorium. Chair Larson stated during his commute there are many signal lights. He stated he is not in favor of another traffic light. He stated there needs to be a solution. Traffic is very heavy due to the construction. The traffic light is not an issue for him. Commissioner Stodola stated neighboring cities have multi-use buildings with housing on the upper floors. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.