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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 3, 2019 4 pond. He explained staff would like to review this information with the neighbors, while also creating a buffer zone or improving the landscaping on the site. Chair Gehrig opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Wicklund asked when the school district was planning to begin construction. City Planner Mrosla commented the school district was hoping to begin construction on April 1st. However, this timeline has been revised to ensure all City approvals can be issued based on the new plans. Commissioner Subramnian questioned if a traffic study had been completed. City Planner Mrosla reported the applicant had completed a thorough traffic analysis report and City consultants were reviewing this information. Planning Consultant Kanzier explained the City this has been a topic of discussion since conversations began with the high school. She indicated a workable solution was in place and the details should be addressed by May 8th. Commissioner Zimmerman encouraged the applicant to have a secure crossing in place to allow pedestrians to cross from one side of the street to the other. He encouraged City staff to take a close look at the landscaping plan to ensure all requirements were being met given the fact a large number of trees were going to be removed for the new stormwater pond. Chair Gehrig opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m. Chair Gehrig invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Amelia Rogers, 1785 Lake Valentine Road, stated she lived directly across from the parking lot and requested the south side of Lake Valentine Road have a sidewalk installed for student safety. Elizabeth Garsky, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, reported she lived east of the high school across from the parking lot. She explained she saw a problem with adding 478 additional parking spaces. She feared for student safety and questioned how these students would safely cross the street. She recommended the school reconsider their permitting process to encourage ridesharing to and from the high school. She stated she was also very concerned with the loss of trees as was proposed on the new plans from the school district. She explained these trees assisted in buffering freeway noise. Judy Bourg, 1812 Janet Court, explained her husband planted a large number of fir trees to buffer her home from the adjacent bus garage. She stated she feared how the new plans and the loss of trees would impact her property. City Planner Mrosla commented the City would be holding another neighborhood meeting to discuss the new plans in greater detail with the neighbors. There being no additional comment Chair Gehrig closed the public hearing at 6:56 p.m.