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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 8, 2019 10 City Planner Mrosla indicated the existing eastern parking lot consists of 213 parking stalls. However, prior to 2005 the lot was larger with 295 stalls and was setback 17 feet from the property line and the Ramsey County right of way. The previous property owner reduced the eastern parking field from 295 stall to its current configuration in 2004. The intent of the removal was to create a main entrance to the campus. The main entrance concept was not implemented, as Boston Scientific purchased the former company and the property in 2006. As part of this application, the Applicant is proposing to improve upon the exiting landscaping theme at the Lexington Avenue access. The proposed landscaping will include ornamental trees, grasses and shrubs to create a welcoming environment. The image below shows how the site has changed from 2003 to the current proposal. City Planner Mrosla reported the existing Boston Scientific Lexington Avenue access drive is currently 48 feet wide. The east bound movement onto Lexington Avenue currently consists of two turn lanes. The Applicant is requesting to reduce the drive lane width to 24 feet. The reduction in the drive lane width will reduce the speeds of vehicles entering and exiting the site. In addition, the reduction in lane width will reduce the number of vehicles exiting onto Lexington Avenue and increase the efficiency of the intersection. The Applicant has discussed the proposed access modifications with Ramsey County, and they have determined that no improvements to Lexington Avenue are necessary as part of this project. City Planner Mrosla stated north of the exiting eastern parking field is an existing wooded area. The Applicant is requesting to expand the existing parking area into this area. The proposed expansion would increase the number of parking stalls by 173 for a total of 387 spaces in the eastern parking field. The intent of locating additional parking in this area as opposed to other areas of the campus is to better accommodate the majority of the employees relocating from the Minnetonka campus, most of whom will be working in the adjacent building. Site Data Land Use Plan: Light Industrial and Office Existing Land Use: Light Industrial and Office Zoning: I-1: Limited Industrial Current Lot Sizes: Lot 1 – 77.41 Acres Topography: Level City Planner Mrosla reviewed the surrounding area and the Plan Evaluation. Staff provided the following Findings of Fact for review: General Findings: 1. The Boston Scientific corporate campus is located at 4100 Hamline Avenue North. 2. The Boston Scientific corporate campus is guided as I/O, Light Industrial and Office on the Land Use Plan. 3. The Boston Scientific corporate campus and the proposed site plan is a conforming use in the I-1 Limited Industrial Zoning District and operates under an approved PUD. 4. The proposed parking lot expansion and site improvements are anticipated to be constructed in fall 2019 or spring of 2020. 5. The proposed parking lot expansion is in compliance with the lot, structure, and landscaping coverage of the underlaying zoning district and PUD.