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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – MAY 29, 2018 9 <br /> <br />the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the eighteen (18) <br />conditions in the May 29, 2018 Report to the City Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott asked how the reduced density would impact the affordability for these <br />homes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden indicated the Council was being asked to approve a lot split and land <br />use change. She commented the affordability factor for these homes was not under <br />consideration. <br /> <br />Blake Huffman, Journey Home representative, reported the economics of the project did change <br />when the number of homes was reduced from four to three. However, it was his hope the three <br />homes would remain affordable. <br /> <br />The motion carried (5-0). <br /> <br /> B. Planning Case 18-010 – 4061 Lexington Avenue North – Site Plan Review <br /> <br />City Planner Bachler stated Primrose Schools is a national system of accredited private <br />preschools that provide child care and early education. There are currently over 300 centers <br />nationally, including 17 locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Primrose is considering <br />purchasing the property located at 4061 Lexington Avenue North for a new daycare center and <br />has requested a Site Plan Review in order to complete site modifications. The subject property is <br />currently owned by Bremer Bank and includes an approximately 18,000 gross square foot, two- <br />story bank and office building. The site also has a teller drive-up lane on the south side of the <br />building and a drive-up ATM located on the north side of the parking lot. <br /> <br />City Planner Bachler reported Primrose would complete extensive renovations to the interior of <br />the building for the daycare center. This would include constructing seven rooms for young <br />infants, toddlers, and early preschool on the first floor and five rooms for preschool, pre- <br />kindergarten, and explorers (school-aged children) on the second. The basement floor would be <br />utilized for food preparation, staff space, a conference room, and storage. The design capacity <br />would be for up to 176 children. No additions to the existing structure are proposed at this time <br />and Primrose would only be completing minor modifications to the building’s exterior, such as <br />installing new doors. <br /> <br />City Planner Bachler commented in terms of the exterior of the site, the most significant change <br />would be the replacement of the parking stalls and drive lanes on the west and south side of the <br />building with an approximately 13,500 square foot playground area. The proposed playground <br />would include a variety of different types of equipment for different age groups, including play <br />structures, swing sets, and a basketball hoop. <br /> <br />City Planner Bachler explained the parking area on the north side of the building would be <br />modified to include two one-way drive lanes with diagonal parking stalls. Two new parking lot <br />islands would also be added to help better define the central row of parking. Six new parking