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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 25, 2017 14
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<br />8. Based on the findings of the Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study, the City
<br />determined that certain amendments to the Zoning Code were necessary in order to
<br />maintain the existing mix of employment and consumer uses in the community.
<br />9. The proposed Zoning Code amendment regarding “Schools, higher education” is
<br />consistent with the land use goal within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to, “Develop and
<br />maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality, and character of our
<br />residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial areas while protecting the
<br />community’s natural resources and developing a sustainable pattern for future
<br />development” (Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan, at 3-1).
<br />10. The proposed Zoning Code amendment regarding “Schools, higher education” is
<br />consistent with the economic development goal within the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to,
<br />“Promote the development, redevelopment, and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and
<br />diverse business environment serving Arden Hills and the metropolitan area” (Arden Hills
<br />2030 Comprehensive Plan, at 8-1).
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<br />Senior Planner Bachler explained the Planning Commission voted to recommend adoption (6-0)
<br />of the Commercial, Industrial, and Higher Education Study report prepared by WSB & Associates
<br />and dated August 30, 2017.
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<br />Senior Planner Bachler stated the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval (5-1,
<br />Jones) of Resolution 2017-032 adopting Ordinance 2017-005 for the Zoning Ordinance text
<br />amendments regarding the Higher Education, Campus definition, the Higher Education,
<br />Classroom/Office definition, the Higher Education, Classroom/Office Additional Conditional Use
<br />Criteria, and the INST – Institutional Zoning District, based on the Commercial, Industrial, and
<br />Higher Education Study report prepared by WSB & Associates and dated August 30, 2017, and
<br />the findings of fact in the September 25, 2017, Report to the City Council.
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<br />Senior Planner Bachler indicated the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval (6-0)
<br />of Resolution 2017-033 adopting Ordinance 2017-006 to rezone the Bethel University Campus,
<br />comprised of 3900 Bethel Drive, 3800 Bethel Drive, 3801 Bethel Drive, 4404 Bethel Drive, 4040
<br />Old Highway 10, 4080 Snelling Avenue North, 4140 Snelling Avenue North, and 4120 Snelling
<br />Avenue North, from B-1 Limited Business District to INST – Institutional District, and to rezone
<br />the University of Northwestern Campus at 3003 Snelling Ave N from R-1 Single Family
<br />Residential District to INST – Institutional District, based on the Commercial, Industrial, and
<br />Higher Education Study report prepared by WSB & Associates and dated August 30, 2017, and
<br />the findings of fact in the September 25, 2017, Report to the City Council.
<br />Councilmember Holden commented on the change in the student population within the report.
<br />She asked where the change came from and questioned if staff had a copy of Bethel’s Annual
<br />Report in order to verify the numbers.
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<br />Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the numbers within the draft report and noted changes had
<br />been made since August after receiving updated numbers from Bethel.
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<br />Councilmember Holden stated she was struggling with the report. She commented on the
<br />number of college students living within Arden Hills and noted this brings traffic and rental
<br />housing concerns. She expressed concern with the fact Bethel has provided different numbers for
<br />their enrollment. She explained Bethel had 249 acres, while the B-2, B-3 and B-4 districts had
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