11-08-2017 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 6, 2017 12 Senior Planner Bachler explained the former Smith’s Medical property had approximately 165,000 square feet of building space and was located in the I-Flex zoning district. Commissioner Dixon inquired if Bethel or Northwestern had an incubator program that assisted with job creation. Senior Planner Bachler deferred this question to Bethel and Northwestern representations. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Nancy Jacobson, 3188 Asbury Avenue, stated she lived adjacent to Northwestern University. She thanked the City for thoroughly addressing this issue and for all of the thought that had gone into creating the Institutional zoning district. She believed this would greatly benefit the health of the City. She discussed the negative impacts occurring in her neighborhood (which was split between Arden Hills and Roseville) such as noise, commotion, traffic, parking and lights. She inquired how her neighborhood would be impacted by the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment. She understood that Roseville had a higher allowable building height than Arden Hills (60 feet versus 35 feet) and asked how this would work on their campus. It was her fear the use on the campus would continue to become more intense. Senior Planner Bachler explained Northwestern currently operates under a PUD and this would remain in effect. He reported the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment would not have any impact on the PUD and the requirements that have been established within the PUD. He commented that if the campus master plan was to be amended by Northwestern, the City would have to evaluate the potential noise, light and traffic impacts. He anticipated the adjacent neighbors would not see any changes or have any impacts from the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Senior Planner Bachler summarized a question from an audience member, stating that she had heard nothing about the tax ramifications of institutional uses in the City and requested further information from staff on this matter. Senior Planner Bachler explained this was a component of the Higher Education Study that was completed by staff. When the City works on land use regulations it cannot make zoning decisions based on tax exempt or non-tax exempt classifications. He stated the full details of this study was not presented this evening given the level of detail that was provided on the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. Chair Thompson asked how staff would like the Commission to proceed. Senior Planner Bachler requested the Commission make three separate motions.