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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 7, 2017 5 submitted plans as amended by the eight (8) conditions in the June 7, 2017, Report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 17-006; Higher Education Moratorium Study Interim City Planner Zweber explained that at the March 8, 2017 and May 3, 2017 regular Planning Commission meetings, WSB presented the first four components of the Higher Education Moratorium Study. This information included a review of the Bethel University and University of Northwestern Campus Master Plans; an evaluation of how other cities zone for higher education; the current Arden Hills commercial and industrial zones’ purposes and uses; and a review of economic activity from commercial and industrial uses, and an evaluation of how other cities zone for higher education. This meeting will include the final component, the amount of land and the total square footage of buildings within each business or industrial zone. Staff reviewed in detail with the Commission the number of commercial and industrial parcels that were available in the City of Arden Hills by zoning district. Interim City Planner Zweber reported on June 26, the City Council will be reviewing the draft Higher Education Moratorium Study report and providing recommendations of any changes that should be made to the City Code regarding higher education uses, as well as any other changes to the business or industrial zones that should be included within the Comprehensive Plan update. On July 5, the Planning Commission will review the report and begin drafting language for any Zoning Code text amendments and provide recommendations on the items to be included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Jones discussed the Gateway Business District. He questioned how this area was different from the Corporate Campus area to the north on TCAAP. Interim City Planner Zweber discussed the differences between the Gateway Business and Corporate Campus zoning districts. Councilmember McClung understood that several of the zoning districts and parcels in the City may have to be addressed in order for the vision of the City to be realized through the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Chair Thompson agreed that there were several parcels that needed to be redefined in order to eliminate a scattered look and feel. She questioned how the City would work to maximize the use of the vacant properties in Arden Hills, while also protecting its wetlands. Commissioner Lambeth stated a while back the University of Northwestern was looking to expand into the Smiths Medical facility. He explained this site remains vacant today. He questioned if the purpose of this study was to restrict the expansion of higher education in the City.