09-25-17-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 21, 2017 4 Mayor Grant suggested that Pulte Homes consider bringing the density down to meet the zoning requirements or the Comprehensive Plan. He also reminded them it takes four votes to change the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Rausch thanked the Council for their input and said this was the input they needed at this point of the planning stage. C. CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW – HEARTLAND GUN CLUB AND RANGE Senior Planner Bachler explained that Heartland Gun Club is looking at three different properties in the city for an indoor gun range. The properties are 1155 Red Fox Road, 1235 Red Fox Road and 4444 Round Lake Road. Total facility size would be approximately 14,000 square feet including the firing range, classroom space, retail store and storage space. He reviewed photos of Heartland’s facility located in Chanhassen. He also discussed the zoning districts of the properties being considered, as well as Zoning Code Amendments that would need to be addressed and the possibility of creating a new land use category for this type of use. Councilmember Holden wondered how many members come to the facility. Heartland Gun Club and Range Partner Greg Moore responded that they were looking at two levels of memberships. There would be a VIP membership of about 150 members, and approximately 1500 “Patriot” memberships that would give patrons two weeks of range reservations, along with public walk-in shooting. Heartland Gun Club and Range Partner Pat Egan said they would also work with law enforcement to train at the facility and they would be doing outreach to youth and women shooters. Mr. Moore passed out more information that included artists renderings. He noted the facility would be top of the line. Customers would be able to come in for training, gun rental and shooting. They would also be able to purchase guns, accessories and gun safes from the retail store. They plan to market to customers requesting upscale facilities. He also mentioned MN Statues 87A which dictates range design and noise levels. EPA, OSHA, ATF, FBI also regulate gun ranges. Events could be held at the facility as well, using the break room as a warming kitchen and the classrooms and patio as gathering spaces. They would not be applying for liquor or food licenses. Councilmember Holmes asked if they could give more information on the 3 properties they are considering. Senior Planner Bachler noted that it is unusual for multiple properties to be considered but because of the possible zoning changes, Heartland wanted to get the Council’s feedback before pursuing any one of the properties. Mr. Egan said he preferred the Round Lake Road property because it is larger than the others. They would plan to update the front of the building and do more landscaping.