06-08-2016 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 6, 2016 12 Commissioner Zimmerman expressed concern with the reduction in landscape coverage. He feared the B-2 District vision was not being followed for this property. Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the landscaping plan in further detail and believed the new stormwater management system would be more effective. He understood the pervious area was being reduced, however this was being mitigated by the new trees and perennial plantings proposed for the site. He explained the applicant was requesting flexibility on this point within the PUD and staff found the improved stormwater management system to be a positive for the property. Commissioner Gehrig discussed the drive-thru window and asked if the City had specific definitions for fast food establishments. He questioned if this included coffee shops. Senior Planner Bachler responded that the Zoning Code includes a definition for fast food restaurants and that most coffee shops would be classified as a fast food establishment. Commissioner Jones questioned where the drive-thru would be located. Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the location of the proposed drive-thru window. He provided further comment on how vehicles would stack at this location. It was noted the proposed site plan could not accommodate the required number of vehicle stacking spaces for a fast food restaurant drive-thru. He added that staff recommended a condition of approval that an amendment to the PUD be required if Arden Square leases or sells the space to a fast food restaurant establishment that would use the drive-thru. Chair Thompson requested the applicant come forward to address questions from the Planning Commission. Andrew Commers, Commers Company, introduced himself to the Commission noting that his father owned the building. Kathy Anderson, President of Architectural Consortium, explained she was the architect for the project. Chair Thompson requested further information from the applicants regarding the proposed stormwater system. Ms. Anderson explained that the stormwater runoff was currently running through the parking lot without treatment. She indicated the new plan for the site would be to have the runoff treated underground before it is released into the City’s system. She provided further comment on how the underground chamber treatment system would work. She discussed how traffic would circulate through the site. She commented that the improvements being made to the site were being done to attract high quality tenants. Ms. Anderson believed the monument sign should be located on the east end of the property at the requested height in order to properly meet the needs of the future tenants and to have visibility from Lexington Avenue. Commissioner Lambeth asked if the sign would be illuminated.