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P:\1707700\03-Data\Code-Regulatory\2018-02-02 Master plan CUP Amendment app\Bethel Univ Masterplan amendment-letter_2018-02-06 sent.docx February 6th, 2018 Planning Commission City of Arden Hills Re: Bethel University Master Plan Amendment and Conditional Use Permit BWBR Commission #3.2017077.00 Dear Planning Commission: This letter describes Bethel University’s desires regarding updating the existing campus Master Plan. It also includes a request for a variance. BWBR and Bethel met with City Planner Matthew Bachler November 13th, 2017 and BWBR’s Brian Lapham spoke with him on the phone in January and early February. The proposed Master Plan amendment includes two (2) additions to existing buildings on Bethel’s main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive. See attached presentation for illustrations. The additions are for the Aviary and the Sciences Renovation. The intent of this master plan amendment and conditional use permit (CUP) amendment is to inform the city of future planning hopes at Bethel University. There is also a request for a variance. See attached presentation for more information. Aviary Support Facility Bethel University has an existing freestanding aviary cage outside of the Brushaber Commons building for students and faculty to conduct research on birds. This amendment proposes adding an 80sf addition nearby, on the north side of the existing Brushaber Commons building, for use as storage and bird euthanasia. See attached imagery for more information. Bethel anticipates pursuing construction of this summer 2018. Sciences Renovation & Addition The design for Sciences is still in early schematic phases. The existing Master Plan approved by the City in 2015 does not include any significant new construction nor additions for sciences space. Bethel has a significant need to provide upgraded and new space for these growing programs, within the last few years Bethel has considered several options. One option considered a 96,000 gross square foot (gsf) facility at the site of the existing Seminary buildings. Bethel reconsidered how much space (square footage) is needed to meet current needs, landing somewhere closer to 66,000gsf. In lieu of new construction, renovation was considered of buildings off campus. The City indicated expansion of university space off campus was less desirable. The most cost effective option was to renovate space on campus even though this means relocating several departments.