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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 9, 2016 8 Commissioner Neururer agreed with Commissioner Jones that the proposal was premature given the study of higher education school uses that the City Council has ordered. Commissioner Lambeth understood the space was currently vacant and available. He questioned the capacity of the building for the University. Mr. Zweber reported Phase I of Northwestern’s plan would have 389 students and 43 faculty members and Phase II would have 646 students and 66 faculty members. Commissioner Jones expressed concern with Northwestern’s timeline and additional information on how additional space would be leased. Commissioner Neururer asked if the site had adequate parking. Mr. Zweber stated staff did not evaluate the parking on the site due to the fact it was determined the use did not fit the site. Commissioner Gehrig shared the same concerns that have been expressed. He is uncomfortable with a zoning text amendment for a specific project that would have implications for the City and for other projects down the road. He hopes that the school could still explore setting up a business incubator that would meet the demands of the workforce. He encouraged the City to work with the school and the business community on the business incubator concept at another more suitable site or revisit this site after the completion of the study. Chair Thompson moved and Commissioner Bartel seconded a motion to recommend denial of Planning Case 16-028 for a Zoning Code Amendment and Conditional Use Permit at 1265 Grey Fox Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in the November 9, 2016, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried 5-1 (Lambath opposed). C. Planning Case 16-029 – Bremer Bank – Preliminary & Final Plat, Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, and Conditional Use Permit – 4061 Lexington Avenue North – Public Hearing Mr. Zweber stated Bremer Bank presently occupies the approximately 18,000 square feet two story bank/office building upon the 4.8-acre subject site, located at the southwest intersection of County Road F and Lexington Avenue. The majority of the parcel (approximately three acres) is undeveloped, and is forested and partially covered by wetlands. The existing Bremer Bank building has a footprint of approximately 6,000 square feet. The site includes a teller drive-up lane on the south side of the building and an ATM with a drive-up lane on the north side of the parking lot. There are two access points to the property: one on County Road F and the second on Lexington Avenue. The Lexington Avenue access is a limited, right in, right out access. Mr. Zweber reported Bremer Bank has owned and operated at this location since 2001. According to the applicant, the building design and functions have become obsolete by today’s operational standards. Bremer Bank indicates it would like to remain in Arden Hills as one of the community’s long term employers and corporate citizens, and re-energize the site with a new bank branch and complementary commercial development.