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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 3, 2016 7 City Planner Streff reviewed the location of the B-4 District in the City noting it was south of Red Fox Road, north of Grey Fox Road, and west of Lexington Avenue North. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Commissioner Jones did not support the recommendation given the fact the B-4 Zoning District was so small. He did not support the idea of calling all businesses that sell used goods “thrift stores.” Commissioner Neururer agreed. Commissioner Jones discussed the location of thrift stores within other communities and believed that the sale of used goods should be allowed in other areas of the City. Commissioner Holewa did not like the proposed Zoning Code amendment at all. He stated that in 2012, Salvation Army approached the City regarding a proposed location and the Council was not supportive at that time. He was uncertain as to why this Code amendment was being proposed. He believed this was a City Council issue and they were trying to protect the community from the sale of used goods. He did not agree with this mindset. He stated he would be recommending denial of the proposed Zoning Code amendment. Commissioner Bartel was supportive of the additional regulations for thrift stores. He saw the proposed Zoning Code amendment as a proactive step in the right direction. He supported the City having some sort of standards in place. Commissioner Holewa believed that stores such as Goodwill offer a good service for Arden Hills as they provided a location for residents to drop off used items in addition to offering a new store to shop at. He understood that Arden Hills has a high-end persona; however, there are residents in the City that are in need. He welcomed secondhand goods and thrift stores in the community. Commissioner Bartel understood and appreciated Commissioner Holewa’s comments. He knew there was a growing need in the community given the increase in free and reduced lunches at Valentine Hills Elementary. He expressed concerns about the design of the Goodwill store. Chair Thompson encouraged the Commission to not name specific businesses but understood the concerns with the design of the existing thrift store building. She believed the proposed Zoning Code amendment was limited. She liked the idea of having requirements that would regulate thrift stores; however, it was her opinion that the proposed location was too limited in size. Commissioner Holewa discussed the concerns that were raised when Walgreens and CVS approached the City. He encouraged the City to let the market drive demand.